Date Night Idea Jar DIY + Free Printable | Easy Valentine Day Gift Idea

Whether you are married, planning a wedding, or just looking for ways to add the spark back to your relationship, here are some simple but fun ideas to show you that you don’t need a bunch of money to plan a date night with your honey. Heck, you don't even need to plan anything with the idea jar. You can just pick out a random activity and go on a spontaneous adventure! It’s all about reconnecting with that special someone, it doesn't really even matter what you do.

I know that putting a “date night” on the calendar sounds unsexy, but this should be a priority even if it's only once a month. Put it on the schedule and keep it as a non-negotiable day to connect in some way with your partner—just the two of you—even if you can’t leave the house. Seriously. This is all about making time for what matters most.

I know that money can get in the way of doing this regularly, which is why the ideas I’m sharing for the DIY Date Night Idea Jar are free or under $20. Got babysitter woes? Trade date nights with another couple that has kiddos so you can support one another and strengthen your relationships with your partners at the same time. Sounds like a win/win to me!

DATE NIGHT IDEAS THAT ARE FREE OR UNDER $20

• Take a Hike - Find a trail and get outside

• Visit a Donut Shop - Try something new

• Picnic in the Park - Pack a meal and bring a blanket

• Go Thrifting - See who finds the best treasures

• Yoga Class - Stretch together and connect

• Go Skating - Roller skate or ice skate, your choice

• Dollar Movies - Try a matinee or indie theater

• Wine Tasting - Find a local winery

• Museum Exhibit - Free or donation-based

• Spontaneous Road Trip - Take a drive and see where it leads

• Go Bowling - During disco night

I also included a sheet of blank cards with the printable so you can write in your own date night ideas if the ones I shared aren't up your alley. These are all things that Cody and I do together as well as things that I want us to do soon! There are so many different activities you can do as a couple to have fun and reconnect. What ideas would you add to the list?! I'd love to hear your date night ideas in the comments! 

Directions for DIY Date Night Idea Jar:

» Print out Date Night Ideas Printable (in color or black and white)

» Cut out idea cards and fill in the blank ones with date nights that you want to do.

» Fold the cards and put in a mason jar.

» Decorate however you like! I kept it simple and just tied a piece of twine around the top and then added some stickers with phrases that focused on feelings I hope that we conjure on our date nights.

To download the FREE Date Night Idea Printable, click here.

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

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DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex | Boone, North Carolina Photographer

Emma’s dreamed of getting married at her childhood home her entire life. The memories she holds of the homestead where she grew up are magical and it was her wish to share the beauty of this secluded sanctuary with her friends and family from near and far.

This down-to-earth couple also had a desire to get married in an intimate, alfresco setting because they both have an extremely close relationship with nature as environmental scientists. They were looking to incorporate that deep appreciation and connection to the outdoors into their ceremony and wedding photos.

The delicate, handmade crown Emma is wearing was decorated with aromatic rosemary. Isn't it lovely?! She didn't seem to think it was too weird when I asked to take a whiff of her head! I could have sniffed her scalp endlessly! hahaha

Emma & Alex's first look took place in the surrounding woods where she spent many summer days having barefoot adventures in the forest. 

Emma and Alex were married on the back deck of her parents’ home surrounded by sunshine and people who love them. Since the couple now lives in Colorado, they don’t get to see many of the people that they hold close to their hearts very often. 

At the end of their heartfelt ceremony, folks gleefully blew bubbles to celebrate the newlyweds as they walked around basking in the effervescent love. 

Having the reception at the family home would have caused too much stress on the property so they took the second half of the wedding festivities to the Apple Barn in Valle Crucis. It’s also a special place because Emma grew up going to contra dances there with her parents. 

The bride had a team of family and friends to help make the whole thing come together. There were a ton of awesome DIY decorations that the bride and mother made collectively. The various signs they had scattered throughout were thoughtful, and, of course, you can’t go wrong with fabric-topped mason jars for a rustic touch!

Seed to Plate Catering was there feeding everyone yummy farm-to-table food using locally sourced organic ingredients. The chicken was incredibly juicy and so flavorful! I also loved the garlic-lemon asparagus! Mmmmmmmm! They did a wonderful job catering this event. Working with Seed to Plate was a special treat, indeed! 

The main concern for Emma and Alex was to have fun and enjoy themselves in the most laid-back environment possible. From what I experienced, everyone seemed to be having a grand ol’ time fooling around while also facilitating when needed. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a friendly and festive bunch! 

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Emma & Alex! You're officially HITCHED! YAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two lovebirds the most epic adventures that life has to offer and I truly hope that your union will endure the test of time! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your down-home DIY backyard wedding, it was a blast! 

Family & Friends: to be notified when all of Emma & Alex's wedding photos are ready to be viewed, please sign up here » http://bit.ly/emma-alex-wedding 

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

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