Here are some of the best date ideas for 2021:

1.    The “Ultimate Stay-In” Date

If you and your partner like to keep things low-key and enjoy spending time at home, this is the date for you!

• Dinner: Cook up your favorite dinner together, or conduct a friendly cookoff competition!
• Dessert: Think chocolate fondue or s’mores by the fire.

• Stargaze: Bundle up and stargaze outside, or cuddle up by a window and appreciate the night sky. You might try a stargazing app like Night Sky to help you figure out what you’re looking for.
• Play a Fun Couples’ Game: Couples’ games seem like such a good idea, but many of us don’t make the time to play a game with our significant other. Today is the day to connect, have fun together, and remember why you chose each other.

2.    The “Well… What’s Open?” Date

Let’s use whatever is open to create a memorable date night.

Thrift Shop: Dive into this treasure trove of old goodies with your partner. There are all kinds of games you could play, like The Thrift Store Game or a Thrift Store Scavenger Hunt.

Relationship Stocking: Bring or buy a small gift bag or Christmas stocking. Split up at your local grocery store and find little gifts – things that remind your partner, their favorite treats and goodies, etc., and fill the bag or stocking. Present your gifts to one another and explain the meaning behind the gifts you chose.

Finish off your fun night of shopping with some takeout at your favorite local place, or take a long drive together, chat, and try out a new restaurant!

3.    The “Get Smart” Date

What have you dreamed about doing with your spouse? Have you always talked about renovating your home, or do you envision traveling the world someday? Take a virtual class together! There are so many new skills you can explore through virtual classes, including:

• Virtual cooking classes
• Virtual dance classes
• Virtual cocktail classes
• Virtual language classes
• Virtual home improvement classes
• Virtual exercise and yoga classes

4.    The “Hot and Cold” Date (Friends Optional)

Well, let’s get cold first, and then hot. That makes more sense. For couples who prefer to have another couple come along with them, this particular date is a fun double date option.

First, go ice skating. If the weather isn’t allotting many outdoor activities, an outdoor skating rink near you may be a romantic choice.

Naturally, you’ll have to grab a hot chocolate next. Go through the Starbucks drive-thru, stop by the local gas station, or brew up your own at home.

Finally, it’s hot tubbing time. Hot tubs are heavenly this time of year. You can chat or set up a projector and watch a movie together. If you don’t have access to a hot tub anywhere, maybe draw a regular tub just for the two of you. How often do you do that?! Time to go home, friends!

5.    The “Moment in Time” Date

With everything going on in the world right now, it seems like a good time to make a time capsule. Plan to open it in anywhere from 3-10 years from now, on a future Valentine’s Day, when you’re still a happy and thriving couple. Here are some ideas for what you might put in your special time capsule:

• Pictures of you two
• Notes or cards you’ve written to one another
• Recent memories or quotes
• Mementos from anywhere you’ve been together – airplane tickets, receipts etc.
• Your couples’ bucket list