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

{ Featured LINKS }

» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» BIG LIST of Boone Wedding Vendors + FREE Printable
» Leslie + Wes' Grandfather Mountain Engagement Adventure
» Kim + Dennis' Linville Falls Engagement Adventure
» Casey + Sarah's Valle Crucis Anniversary Adventure

How Spontaneous Adventures Can Strengthen Your Relationship

“If it was sanitary, I’d give you a high five right now because that was the best freakin’ meal I’ve eaten in a while!” I was not quiet about it either because the fella who had just walked up with his family interjected with, “I’m glad to hear that!”

Good food makes me happy, simple as that. So, when I stumble upon a roadside taco and slider stand with five star food during a spontaneous adventure, you better believe that this gal gets giddy!

Apparently, The Roost, located in Linville, NC, has been opened for two months but we are just now finding out about this gem. That happens when we get stuck in our “boone bubble” sometimes.

The only reason we happened upon it was because Cody and I thought that it might be a good idea to get snacks before we set out on a waterfall hike. It was 2 o'clock and we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, so we took a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our plan was to hit up the gas station for trail mix or some granola bars, but we couldn't resist the beacon of this banana yellow stand.

Mulling over their menu was tough because there were so many luscious looking options! We decided to get one of each to make it a little easier. I’d pick the tacos and Cody would choose the sliders so we could sample both!

They whipped up our meal fairly quickly and I squealed with delight when I saw the presentation. Of course, I immediately whipped out my iPhone to document the deliciousness, but I had to go get my “real camera” so that I could take some proper pics because I had a feeling it was going to be a memorable meal.

I almost didn't want to share with Cody because I was enjoying the Smoked Brisket Slider with green apple slaw and Cheerwine BBQ sauce so much, but I was excited to try the Short Rib Taco, too! It was topped with Asian slaw, cilantro, and sour cream. Everything tasted so fresh and the flavor combinations were spot on. We probably could have ordered something else to taste-test but I didn’t want to be too full before our hike!

This was the most impressive meal I’ve had the pleasure of putting in my belly in quite sometime! I’m excited to make a special trip back out that way just so I can have lunch there again because they know how to make good food. It was one of those meals I can’t get out of my head!

We only set out to grab a few snacks but we discovered something better and that was because we were open to whatever unfolded that day. I live for finding places like this that are off the beaten path!

It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday challenges that I (we) must overcome and endure, so this was a fun way to spice things up by unplugging and allowing life to surprise us.

I had to remind myself many times throughout the day that I didn’t need to check my phone incessantly, and that we had no obligations or time commitments that day. We were free to do whatever we wanted and could take as much time as we needed to just be with each other and enjoy ourselves.

It was an incredible day and I want to make “Spontaneous Adventures” a regular occurrence—or required even—to help strengthen and support our relationship! What do you do to rekindle the romance with your partner? And..

When is the last time you went somewhere on a whim and what did you discover?! Please share in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

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

{ Featured VENDORS }
» The Roost in Linville, NC (A Taco & Slider Food Stand)

{ Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle
» FREE Wedding Magazine When You Subscribe for the Weekly Wander