Creative DATE Nights

An hour or so before dinner or the movie your about to see go to a bookstore or music store together, then
split up. Your mission: Buy something you know they'll love. Set a budget like $10. Its fun to see
what the other can come up with. Then wrap (put it in a gift bag)and exchange. Plus the gift can also be
a fun memento from the night.
As a couple, think of a family that is struggling, either financially or emotionally. buy a nice gift for that
family/person in need (gifts, food, poems, baskets, etc) . Wrap and Deliver it together. Keep your
giving a secret!
Get your camera out! Take turns taking pictures of places that bring back good memories of times
together. Or take pictures of places that describe qualities of the other person. For example, if the
person is sweet, take a picture of your local candy store. Once you've had the pictures developed,
compare them over dinner, while recalling fond memories you've had together.
Make candles. Wax, molds, and instructions can be purchased at a hobby store. Use the finished products
for gifts or for a centerpiece on your dinner table or around a bath and/or hot tub.
For more spontaneity… Make four sets of note cards on the computer. Have each set of note cards have a
choice of a activity. The next set have a choice of restaurant, the next have movies, and the next have
desserts. I would separate them into the categories in little envelopes and let my spouse choose an
envelope at the time that each was suppose to happen. Whatever they choose, unknowing what the
choices were, do it.
Puzzle Surprise. First enlarge a portrait of you and your date and make it into a puzzle. (a great place to
make these is at http://www.walmart.com they have great prices and its easy to just load up the photo
you want)
Second-set up your picnic area at a trusty park, your house or your own backyard. Make a path with
the puzzle pieces that lead to a special spot where a rose is awaiting your date with a special little
love note to go with it. Finally have a nice picnic meal together with your date, When your
finished eating go for a walk to "discover" surprises at stops along the way. It is romantic and a
great way to surprise your date.
Duo Poem Writing- Each of you get a piece of paper and a pen. You then begin a poem, write the first line
and then swap papers. You now write the second line of your lover's poem and swap again. Continue
this until you feel like your poems are complete. Now read them and see what you've come up with.
Who knows maybe is publishable? Have a great time with this one! And get creative
Soap Carving-when the kids are all being watched by mom or the neighbors pull out the soap and
announce that your staying in for the night. Explain that you want each of you to carve soap into
something that you want out of your marriage. Take the time to communicate with each other and the
ending soap product can bring up some interesting thoughts and questions. Have fun with this one and
grow a little closer.
Take the time to make a CD of favorite love songs together. Than Go dancing down by the riverfront, lake,
or up in the mountains with a CD player (or play the CD in your car) and slow dance until the sun
goes down. Bring along some sweet treats or beverages. Watch the stars come out, and talk about your
dreams for the future.
Scavenger Hunt- The general idea of this date is to have your spouse or significant other try to find you.
When I did this one we ended up at a local hotel with a dinner by candlelight. You could do any
number of things though depending on your budget and significant other's interests. Start by collecting
some of your spouse's favorite items (Candy Bar, Flower, etc.). Next write a little note to go with each
item that also explains where they need to go to find the next clue. You want to place the first clue and
item at home where it is easily seen. Then let your imagination take over. Use relatives, friends, special
places from the two of your’s past. Ultimately they need to end up with you. This can be fun and
exciting for both people involved. Give it a try.
Movie With A View-If you have a DVD player in your vehicle rent a romantic movie and drive up into the
mountains with some movie snacks. Once you find a great spot watch the movie with a view just the
two of you.