Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make date night a success. In fact, staying in makes it that much easier to transition to the bedroom. Even better, you can plan an unforgettable date night with stuff you can find on the cheap at Walmart or your local big-box store of choice. Ready to hit date night out of the park? Here are 25 stay-at-home date night ideas that won’t break your bank account.

1. Cook a Gourmet Dinner

You don’t need a sommelier or a maitre d’ to enjoy fine cuisine. With store-bought ingredients, a nice tablecloth, and some candles, you can create a romantic evening in your own dining room. Of course, don’t forget that certain foods can increase your sex drive. As you plan your meal, stock up on ingredients that can rev up your libido. Not only is cooking at home better for your health, according to Harvard Medical School, it’s also much easier on your budget. According to Dr. Jess, ASTROGLIDE’s resident sexologist, the following ingredients might help you feel more amorous during dinners for two:

• Saffron - Dr. Jess says, “A Canadian report that reviewed literature from 150 research studies found that saffron enhances sexual performance and satisfaction. One of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is linked to improved blood flow (to the genital region and beyond) and lower rates of depression, which are good for both libido and sexual performance.”You can read more about the study here.
• Oysters - According to Dr. Jess, “Oysters aren’t simply aphrodisiacs because of their indulgent symbolism and the sensual manner in which they’re consumed. They also contain nutrients that have the potential to enhance sexual performance: zinc and amino acids are associated with the production of testosterone and other sex hormones that boost libido.”
• Watermelon - Dr. Jess says, “Watermelon has been hailed as nature’s Viagra, as it’s high in lycopene and citrulline, which are believed to promote cardiovascular health and aid in blood flow to the genitals. This blood flow supports the sexual response cycle (e.g. erections of both the clitoris and penis) and can enhance sexual pleasure.”
• Cherries - According to Dr. Jess, “Cherries are a good source of melatonin, the hormone that helps to regulate your circadian rhythm and promote a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to a happy, healthy sex life. When you are well-rested, your energy levels, mood, and libido are bolstered. Sleep also regenerates cells, beautifies your skin and reduces anxiety — all of which support sexual performance.”

2. Plan a Game Night

Who says board games are boring? Think back to your childhood. We bet you spent more than a few hours schooling your siblings or friends at Monopoly. Or maybe you have fond memories of completing puzzles with your grandpa or favorite relative. For an easy stay at home date night idea, go grab a few board games at your local Walmart. You don’t have to stick to the classics, either. There’s been something of a board game renaissance recently — so grab something new! You might be surprised just how much fun you have — and we won’t tell if you decide to add a little strip poker to the mix.

3. Make a Sex Tape

Sex tapes aren’t just for celebrities. These days, anyone with a smartphone and a sense of adventure can put their night moves on film — or at least the digital equivalent. Of course, it’s important to make sure your partner is up for it, and that you both trust each other to keep it private. Making a sex tape should be fun, not stressful. If you do it right, your efforts will produce a sex tape that’s so good you kinda hope it leaks. Dr. Jess also has some tips for making the process an incredibly sexy experience: “As someone who works on camera, I strongly believe that lighting is everything. If you take a few minutes to invest in lowering the lights or lighting some candles, you’ll likely find that your mood becomes elevated and more sensual. You’ll likely also relax and feel more comfortable if you feel the light is flattering against your skin.”

4. Have a Movie Night

Netflix and chill, anyone? There’s a good reason movie night tops the list of stay-at-home date night ideas. What could be better than snuggling up with your partner and watching your favorite movies over a bucket of popcorn? Ideally, you should pick movies that are romantic or steamy. If your date night falls around the holidays, consider stocking up on sexy seasonal favorites. If you’re looking for an, ahem, different kind of movie night, you can set the mood by watching porn together.

5. Give Each Other a Sexy Massage

Massage is a great way to get closer to someone you care about. As a bonus, it’s also really great for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of massage include reduced anxiety, fewer headaches, and better digestion. And, as far as stay-at-home date night ideas go, this is one you won’t really have to convince your partner of — who doesn’t like a massage? Not sure how to get started? Check out our post on How to Give the World’s Sexiest Massage. 

6. Become a Sommelier For a Stay-at-Home Date Night

These days, places like Walmart offer an impressive selection of wines and other adult beverages. Whether you’re a self-described wine snob or a novice drinker, you can find a decent number of vintages to try at home. Jayme Henderson at the Kitchn has some great tips for hosting a wine tasting party at your place. She recommends creating a theme, such as purchasing wines from the same region or selecting wines that are all the same style, like rich reds or dessert wines. Henderson also suggests stocking up on the right supplies, including glassware, palate cleansers (think crackers and cheese) and a pen and paper so you can write down how you felt about each wine.

7. Try a Bubble Bath for Two

Bubble baths aren’t just for kids. We have it on good authority that grown-ups like them, too. Cruise your local Walmart for some scented bubbles and bath bombs. For extra romance, sprinkle some petals on the surface of the water, and sip champagne while you soak. If you play your cards right, you can even turn bath time into an evening of steamy shower sex, which is a perfect time to use a silicone-based lube like ASTROGLIDE X Silicone Liquid. It keeps everything moisturized when you need it and washes off clean when you’re done.

8. Do Some Stargazing

There’s something about looking up at the stars at night that can fill you with awe and a sense of peace. If you love the great outdoors, you can make the most of stargazing by turning it into a fun and sexy date night. In warm weather, buy an inexpensive tent and a couple sleeping back and snuggle next to your sweetie. If it’s cold, purchase an affordable fire pit and enjoy what nature has to offer. You’ll probably want to have these outdoor sex tips handy, too. And if you need a stay-at-home date night idea that is even cheaper, we suggest simply going out for a walk at midnight on a clear night. Even if it’s cold, that’s just an excuse to get closer to your partner.

9. Scoop Your Own Sundaes

For a truly sweet stay-at-home date night, buy a few gallons of ice cream, load up on toppings and make the biggest, most extravagant sundaes you can imagine. Is this the healthiest stay-at-home date night idea? No — but seriously, don’t be worried about calories. We’re sure you’ll find a way to work them off.

10. Have a Book Club for Two

As far as stay-at-home date night ideas go, this one is easy to do — you just need your partner and a book that you love. Before television or even radio, lots of couples used to spend evenings reading out loud to each other. It can be very soothing (and romantic) to listen to another person read to you. For a fun and entertaining date night, take turns reading out loud to each other and then discuss how you feel about each chapter. You can also read in advance and then spend time talking about the book. Get creative about the books you’re reading to each other — though you might want to pass on the James Joyce (unless that’s your thing).

11. Do Dessert in Bed

Not a fan of crackers in bed? Maybe you’ll bend the rules for brownies. Dessert in bed can be a sweet way to set the stage for nocturnal adventures. Finger foods like small chocolates and bite-size cakes will make it easier to sample without worrying about messing up your sheets (plus, chocolate may be a natural aphrodisiac!).

12. Get Artistic Together

You don’t have to be crafty to enjoy creating art. In fact, wine and canvas parties have become a popular way for anyone to make a project they can be proud of. If you’re not particularly artsy, find a simple shape or design online and then gather the supplies you need to recreate it. You can find affordable canvases and paints at Walmart or any other retailer.

13. Plan Your Next Home Improvement Project

Got big plans for your kitchen makeover? Ready to make your home office a reality? Don’t let your ideas languish on Pinterest. Bring your partner on board by devoting a stay-at-home date night to brainstorming. Buy a bunch of home improvement magazines and some poster board, then cut out photos and cluster them together for future inspiration.

14. Make a Blanket Fort

It may sound a little childish, but that’s the point. Remember how cool and cozy it was to hide in your very own fort? Why not recreate that same feeling as an adult — only now you get to share it with a partner. Make it fun by pretending the electricity is out, and you have to use flashlights. Play slumber party games like “two truths and a lie” or “truth or dare.” You can probably see where this is going.

15. Have a Dance Party

Clear out the living room furniture and turn up the music. A dance party can be a fun and healthy way to get your exercise fix and have an awesome date night all in one package. Once you’ve shown off your best moves, slow it down by switching to dances designed for couples. Watch some sexy tango videos on YouTube and then see if you can pull them off. While you might think that this stay-at-home date night idea takes a little bit more skill to pull off, even a dancer with clumsy moves will likely turn on their partner. Trust us, confidence is sexy! Just own it!

16. Dress Up and Try BDSM

If your partner’s on board, bondage can make for a date night so steamy you’ll have to de-fog your bedroom windows. Just make sure you don’t forget the lube. Believe it or not, you can find a wide variety of sex lube at Walmart, including enough varieties of ASTROGLIDE to cover all your bases, including:

• ASTROGLIDE Liquid
• ASTROGLIDE Gel
• ASTROGLIDE X Silicone Liquid
• ASTROGLIDE Ultra Gentle Gel
• ASTROGLIDE Glycerin & Paraben Free

New to more adventurous types of play? You’ve got shopping to do! Here are 7 must-haves for your S&M toy box. Also, don’t miss The Beginner's Guide to Kink — tips from ASTROGLIDE’s resident sexologist, Dr. Jess. 

17. Plan Your Next Getaway

If you’re stuck at home, why not spend time planning your next vacation or mini getaway? Make romance your theme by researching a bed and breakfast that caters to couples, or book an Airbnb with a hot tub or a pool perfect for skinny dipping.

18. Have an Indoor Picnic

Picnics are fun, but they can also attract bugs. For a sexy date night idea that won’t get you bit (unless, of course, that’s your goal), we suggest taking your picnic inside. Buy a bunch of traditional picnic foods, spread a blanket on the living room floor and then have fun feeding each other potato salad, watermelon, and barbeque.

19. Make a Time Capsule

Part of being a couple is making memories together. Why not make them last by creating a time capsule? Buy a sturdy container like a steel box or safe, and then fill it with things like photos, letters and small items that mean something special to both of you. Set a date in the future when you plan to open it — you might be surprised how much you look forward to breaking it open and rediscovering an earlier time in your relationship.

20. Wash the Car

Washing the car can be a chore, so why not make it fun — and even a little sexy. Buy some soap, sponges and upholstery cleaner, and then strip down to your favorite bikini or swimming trunks.

21. Do a Scavenger Hunt

Spice things up with a sexy scavenger hunt that leads to the bedroom. Leave clues for your partner and then have fun watching them unravel the riddles and mysteries.

22. Make Fireplace S’mores

You don’t need a campfire to enjoy s’mores. For a perfect winter stay-at-home date night, build a cozy fire and gather the supplies you need to make s’mores. Roast your treats right next to the fireplace, then feed each other melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows and yummy graham crackers.

23. Have a Fondue Party

There are few things in life more pleasurable than melted cheese. Fondue pots were all the rage in the 70s. Fortunately, modern foodies have ensured they’ve made something of a comeback. If you don’t want to invest in a fondue pot, you can still enjoy melted cheese and chocolate with a regular saucepan on medium heat. Pour a little wine and play some romantic music, then sample all the goodies you’ve created.

24. Binge Watch Your Favorite Show

Do you have a special spot in your heart for a 90s sitcom? Or maybe you and your partner haven’t had time to watch the latest streaming series your friends have told you about. Set aside an evening and spend hours on the sofa enjoying the whole thing at once. Splurge on your favorite pizza delivery place or some amazing takeout, then sit back and relax while you take it all in.

25. Spend All Night in Bed

Sometimes the best-planned date night involves having no plans at all. Get in the mood with some sexy foreplay tips, then explore the 12 ways to enjoy the magic of lube.

What are your fun and frugal ideas for sexy stay-at-home date nights?

Fill us in by tweeting us @ASTROGLIDE.