Baby, it’s cold outside. Okay, we live in San Luis Obispo, so it’s really not that cold. But technically, it’s winter and therefore tis the season to cuddle and find ways to stay warm. Here’s a few cute date ideas to try this winter.
Make a Blanket Fort
Remember making blanket forts when you were a kid? Bring back those good old days by building a giant, cozy one in your bedroom or living room. Keep the childhood fun, but add some romance by stringing up lights, setting up candles, and playing music or putting on a movie. Add extra blankets and pillows to create an optimal snuggle environment
Leave Notes for Strangers
Go to your local bookstore and slip notes between the pages of your favorite books. They could be random sketches, quotes or well-wishes, or specific messages meant for the future readers of your favorites books. Alternatively, find a crowded parking lot and wander around, sticking nice notes on unsuspecting cars. Who knows, you could just make someone’s day.
Brew Hot Cocoa
Make your own cocoa from scratch. Add your own unique twist by adding dash of cayenne, or flavors like peppermint, almond or vanilla.
Draw Chalk Murals
Under the veil of nighttime, visit a residential area and bring an array of colored chalks with you. Let your inner-child free and go wild drawing funny or elaborate murals on people’s driveways.
Make Candles
Not only is it fun, but it’s useful too! Everyone could use another candle or two. They’re easy to make not very expensive, they smell delicious and make great gifts.
Shop
Now I don’t mean shop-shop— a date is no time to peruse the oversize sweater department, no matter how desperately you “need” another one. I’m talking about going to a clothing store and seeking out the most horrid, ugly and outrageous clothes, hats, shoes and accessories, trying them on and laughing uncontrollably. It’s a competition: whoever creates the most ridiculous outfit, wins. Photo evidence is required.
Make a Mixed Tape
It may be a little cheesy, but it’s definitely not outdated. Make your partner a mixed tape, stick it in the car, and drive. You don’t need a destination, just drive until the CD ends.
Stargaze
Recipe for deep conversations: Bundle up and drive to a quiet, empty place with little light pollution. Roll out blankets, pillows and maybe even a midnight picnic. Lie down, stare at the stars and let personal stories and secret-telling ensue.
Watch Movies… On Mute
Movie-watching is an easy go-to date night for most people. Shake things up a bit by putting the film on mute and making up your own dialogue for the characters—the funnier, the better. What beats laughing and eating popcorn all night?
Book Exchange
Words connect us, so get closer to your partner by sharing your favorite novel, short story or poem with them. Have a book exchange, give each other some time to read and process, then intelligently discuss or frantically fangirl over the literature together. You’ll both get a better idea of what resonates with the other.