30 Date Night Jar Ideas That Will
Strengthen Your Relationship

30 Date Night Jar Ideas That Will Strengthen Your Relationship

Written by Danielle Cait • March 31, 2024

Ever heard of a date night jar? It’s a game-changer for keeping things fresh and exciting with your partner, especially when you feel like you’re stuck in a bit of a dating rut. 


Here’s the deal: grab a jar, fill it with ideas for dates, and whenever you’re out of plans, let the jar decide. It’s a no-brainer solution for those "So, what should we do tonight?" moments.

Ever heard of a date night jar? It’s a game-changer for keeping things fresh and exciting with your partner, especially when you feel like you’re stuck in a bit of a dating rut. 


Here’s the deal: grab a jar, fill it with ideas for dates, and whenever you’re out of plans, let the jar decide. It’s a no-brainer solution for those "So, what should we do tonight?" moments.

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Why You Need a Date Night Jar in Your Life

Why You Need a Date Night Jar in Your Life

In the hustle of everyday life, carving out time for your partner can slip through the cracks. To make a habit of anything - including date nights - it’s helpful to have a visual reminder and something that makes it easy (a tip I got from reading Atomic Habits!). In the relationship advice world, it’s recommended to try and have a planned date every week. 


While that seems like a lot, there are proven benefits to having regular dates in your long term relationship, including deeper intimacy and more satisfying bedroom time. Studies have shown that dates that include an activity where both partners learn a skill or are able to grow are even more likely to add to your overall satisfaction in the relationship! 


So, we know that having regular dates is beneficial and that to start any type of habit, you need an obvious visual reminder. Enter the date night jar - a cute way to pre-plan some date ideas and keep them top of mind because you’ll literally have a jar of dates to grab from when you need. 

In the hustle of everyday life, carving out time for your partner can slip through the cracks. To make a habit of anything - including date nights - it’s helpful to have a visual reminder and something that makes it easy (a tip I got from reading Atomic Habits!). In the relationship advice world, it’s recommended to try and have a planned date every week. 


While that seems like a lot, there are proven benefits to having regular dates in your long term relationship, including deeper intimacy and more satisfying bedroom time. Studies have shown that dates that include an activity where both partners learn a skill or are able to grow are even more likely to add to your overall satisfaction in the relationship! 


So, we know that having regular dates is beneficial and that to start any type of habit, you need an obvious visual reminder. Enter the date night jar - a cute way to pre-plan some date ideas and keep them top of mind because you’ll literally have a jar of dates to grab from when you need. 

Crafting Your Perfect Date Night Jar

Crafting Your Perfect Date Night Jar

Making one is easy. You need a jar (obviously), something to write your date ideas for a jar down on, and a bit of creativity. You can make it easy with folded pieces of paper or go fancy DIY with some color-coded popsicle sticks. Write down everything from fancy dinner plans to silly, off-the-wall activities. The goal? To make each other smile and to try things you wouldn’t usually think of. Decorate your jar if you’re feeling artsy, or keep it simple if that’s more your style. The point is to create something that makes both of you excited to pick the next adventure.


Need some date jar ideas? Here are 30 of our favorites. Some date night jar guides have 52 ideas - one for each week of the year. But we know that sometimes life gets in the way and it’s tricky to dedicate one day or night a week for this type of connection. 30 ideas should be a good way to kick start your date night jar ideas - feel free to re-use your favorites or come up with your own! We’ve even organized them so if you do go the fancy route, you could always color-code your ideas to suit your needs. 

Making one is easy. You need a jar (obviously), something to write your date ideas for a jar down on, and a bit of creativity. You can make it easy with folded pieces of paper or go fancy DIY with some color-coded popsicle sticks. Write down everything from fancy dinner plans to silly, off-the-wall activities. The goal? To make each other smile and to try things you wouldn’t usually think of. Decorate your jar if you’re feeling artsy, or keep it simple if that’s more your style. The point is to create something that makes both of you excited to pick the next adventure.


Need some date jar ideas? Here are 30 of our favorites. Some date night jar guides have 52 ideas - one for each week of the year. But we know that sometimes life gets in the way and it’s tricky to dedicate one day or night a week for this type of connection. 30 ideas should be a good way to kick start your date night jar ideas - feel free to re-use your favorites or come up with your own! We’ve even organized them so if you do go the fancy route, you could always color-code your ideas to suit your needs. 

30 Date Jar Ideas:

30 Date Jar Ideas:

1. Cook a New Cuisine Together: Even if you cook regularly together, mix things up by picking a new recipe or new type of cuisine to cook together. You could even pick a country and explore its flavors in your kitchen, making a whole themed date night out of it! Don’t cook together regularly? Adjust this one and commit to one cooking together session. 

2. Dance Class: Moving and grooving together is a surefire way to build intimacy, have fun and even squeeze in a little workout! Adjust this one to your budget and comfort level - you could sign up for a couples salsa class or find an at-home tutorial on YouTube. Heck, you could even learn a cringey TikTok dance together - up to you whether you post it or not! 

3. DIY Craft Night: Choose a craft project and create something together. Not to get meta on you, but making the date ideas in a jar could easily be one of your date nights!

4. Stargazing: Drive to a spot with minimal light pollution and marvel at the stars. Plus, there’s nothing like gazing into the expansive universe that will make you feel even more grateful amongst the billions of humans on this planet, you found your soulmate. 

5. Book Club for Two: Read the same book and have your own discussion night. Not big readers? Throw on an audiobook while driving somewhere (maybe on the way to a restaurant or to that little stargazing adventure?) or use an app like Blinkist to get the short and sweet version. 

6. Board Game Battle: Games aren’t just for kids! Bring out your inner child and possibly your competitive side and dust off one of those board games that’s been sitting on the shelf for far too long. Just remember it should be friendly competition - not something that will lead to a “I’m better than you at this” kind of argument. 

7. Blindfolded Taste Test: Our personal favorite! Choose some random things from the grocery store and take turns feeding each other while blindfolded. This activity can be a huge test of trust and is only fun if both partners respect each other - so no giant mouthfuls of gross things. Think more Hell’s Kitchen - like trying to distinguish between a mango and a peach. 

8. Movie Marathon: Pick a series or theme and binge-watch together.

9. Outdoor Adventure: Go hiking, biking, or kayaking if weather permits. Is the weather blah? If so, even a few minutes outside has a lot of benefits. Think: a cozy tea on the front covered patio if it’s raining or building a snowman in the winter. If you can deal with any weather, you can “weather the storm” in your relationship… okay, I’ll stop. 

10. DIY Spa Day or Night: Even if you don’t want to go all out and create a spa-like experience at home - this idea is more about pampering self care. Take a bath, give each other hand massages or simply sit together with facemasks on. If you’re feeling splurge-y, make it a date at an actual spa. 

11. Art Night: Try your hand at painting, drawing or whatever other artistic medium speaks to you! This isn’t about being the next Picasso, so keep it light and about artistic expression rather than expertise. You could even try this TikTok inspired idea where you take turns adding to each other’s painting. 

12. Home Improvement Project: Who says you can’t make a date out of something on your to-do list? Tackle a small project at home together - even something as mundane as plastering the walls can be an opportunity to bond if you both come into it with intention. 

13. Cook-off Challenge: Who else is a big fan of cooking competition shows? See who can make the best dish with a set of ingredients, as if you’re competing for Gordon Ramsey’s approval. Oh - and maybe have a back up plan like ordering pizza if both creations turn out to be less than dinner-worthy. 

14. Night at the Museum: Or day… either check out a local museum or explore museums around the world from your living room. There’s lists online that you can find of free virtual museum tours - my personal fave is The British Museum in London.

15. Yoga Session: There are so many health benefits to yoga and by doing a session together, you give yourselves the opportunity to unwind after a hectic day and breathe peacefully in each other’s presence. You can either book a class to get out of the house or check out one of the many free yoga videos on YouTube.

16. Karaoke Night: Belt out your favorite songs together, at a karaoke bar or in the comfort of your own home. Not big on singing? You can still have fun with music by playing the first few chords of a song and guessing which one it is! 

17. Memory Lane: Learning about your partner’s past can be a great way to understand them on a deeper level. And who doesn’t love laughing at each other’s cringey highschool photos? Look through old photos or share stories from your past. 

18. Sunrise or Sunset Watching: Drive out to a beautiful location and enjoy the view, or do it from the comfort of your own neighborhood or backyard if you can. This one might seem a bit cliché, but enjoying the beauty of nature helps you feel grounded, calm and like your day to day problems aren’t that big of a deal. Doing this with your partner can lead to even more of a beautiful moment. 

19. Plan Your Dream Vacation: Whether it’s happening in a couple of months or years down the road, making exciting future plans together can help bring you together and have something fun to look forward to. Make it fun by putting together a vision board or watching videos on your dream destinations. 

20. Picnic in the Park: This is another one that seems like it’s only done in the movies but I promise you it’s such a cute and enjoyable date. Not to mention it’s cheap and easy! Pack a bag full of easy foods like sandwiches, crackers, fruit, etc. and head to a spot at a local park.

21. Write a Love Letter: You can adjust this one to your liking! Whether you want to write out a full blown letter so romantic that poets of the past would envy or just some cute little notes you can leave around the house - this activity will be sure to get you in a romantic and appreciative mood towards your partner. 

22. Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure hunt for each other at home. The treasure is completely up to you - hide some love notes around the house, appeal to your inner child by hiding some chocolates or leave clues that lead to one big surprise at the end! 

23. Learn a New Language: As we mentioned earlier, learning a new skill together boosts intimacy big time. Learning a new language is not only beneficial professionally but a great challenging activity to take on together. And who wouldn’t love to be able to speak sweet nothings to their partner in French or Italian? 

24. Pottery or Sculpting: Get your hands dirty and create something unique. You could sign up for a local class or keep it simple at home with a little Play-Doh - no one is judging. 

25. Puzzle Night: When is the last time you busted out a puzzle? This activity can heal both of your inner children while providing a challenge that is good for the brain. Oh, and it’s a great opportunity for someone to use this corny line: “We fit together just like these puzzle pieces”. D’awwww.

26. DIY Cocktail/Mocktail Night: Whether you’re a certified mixologist or not, invent new drinks and name them after your inside jokes. 

27. The Great Date Bakeoff: Try your hand at making the exact same baked good recipe, as if you’re on a competition show. Not only is following baking instructions a brain-boosting activity, this will also give you a fun sense of competition and double the amount of a sweet little treat to enjoy together - after cleaning up the kitchen of course. 

28. Volunteer Together: Find a cause you both care about and volunteer. Volunteering is not only a rewarding thing to do individually - but when done together, can help you connect on your core values. 

29. Fitness Challenge: Take a class or try something at home or outdoors - the point is to get physical! By getting those endorphins flowing, you’ll not only feel great, but will feel more connected to your partner. Bonus if you can try something where you learn a skill like Karate or a dance class. 

30. Photography Day: Take a camera (or more realistically, your phone) and capture moments around your city or nature. To make it even more aesthetic and throw in the element of learning - look up a few tutorials on how to take professional level photos with your phone. 

The bottom line? Date nights matter, and a date night jar can make sure they happen. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about making consistent efforts to spend quality time together, trying new things, and keeping the connection alive and well. Whether it’s exploring new eateries or just staying in and doing something out of your ordinary routine, the key is to keep things fun and maintain that adventurous spirit.

Remember, every couple is different, so tailor your date night jar ideas to suit your interests and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the goal is progress, not perfection. If a weekly date night seems out of reach, aim for making it more regular than it currently is (or start doing them if you’re not already!) The most important part is that you’re making the effort to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Here’s to never running out of things to do together!
1. Cook a New Cuisine Together: Even if you cook regularly together, mix things up by picking a new recipe or new type of cuisine to cook together. You could even pick a country and explore its flavors in your kitchen, making a whole themed date night out of it! Don’t cook together regularly? Adjust this one and commit to one cooking together session. 

2. Dance Class: Moving and grooving together is a surefire way to build intimacy, have fun and even squeeze in a little workout! Adjust this one to your budget and comfort level - you could sign up for a couples salsa class or find an at-home tutorial on YouTube. Heck, you could even learn a cringey TikTok dance together - up to you whether you post it or not! 

3. DIY Craft Night: Choose a craft project and create something together. Not to get meta on you, but making the date ideas in a jar could easily be one of your date nights!

4. Stargazing: Drive to a spot with minimal light pollution and marvel at the stars. Plus, there’s nothing like gazing into the expansive universe that will make you feel even more grateful amongst the billions of humans on this planet, you found your soulmate. 

5. Book Club for Two: Read the same book and have your own discussion night. Not big readers? Throw on an audiobook while driving somewhere (maybe on the way to a restaurant or to that little stargazing adventure?) or use an app like Blinkist to get the short and sweet version. 

6. Board Game Battle: Games aren’t just for kids! Bring out your inner child and possibly your competitive side and dust off one of those board games that’s been sitting on the shelf for far too long. Just remember it should be friendly competition - not something that will lead to a “I’m better than you at this” kind of argument. 

7. Blindfolded Taste Test: Our personal favorite! Choose some random things from the grocery store and take turns feeding each other while blindfolded. This activity can be a huge test of trust and is only fun if both partners respect each other - so no giant mouthfuls of gross things. Think more Hell’s Kitchen - like trying to distinguish between a mango and a peach. 

8. Movie Marathon: Pick a series or theme and binge-watch together.

9. Outdoor Adventure: Go hiking, biking, or kayaking if weather permits. Is the weather blah? If so, even a few minutes outside has a lot of benefits. Think: a cozy tea on the front covered patio if it’s raining or building a snowman in the winter. If you can deal with any weather, you can “weather the storm” in your relationship… okay, I’ll stop. 

10. DIY Spa Day or Night: Even if you don’t want to go all out and create a spa-like experience at home - this idea is more about pampering self care. Take a bath, give each other hand massages or simply sit together with facemasks on. If you’re feeling splurge-y, make it a date at an actual spa. 

11. Art Night: Try your hand at painting, drawing or whatever other artistic medium speaks to you! This isn’t about being the next Picasso, so keep it light and about artistic expression rather than expertise. You could even try this TikTok inspired idea where you take turns adding to each other’s painting. 

12. Home Improvement Project: Who says you can’t make a date out of something on your to-do list? Tackle a small project at home together - even something as mundane as plastering the walls can be an opportunity to bond if you both come into it with intention. 

13. Cook-off Challenge: Who else is a big fan of cooking competition shows? See who can make the best dish with a set of ingredients, as if you’re competing for Gordon Ramsey’s approval. Oh - and maybe have a back up plan like ordering pizza if both creations turn out to be less than dinner-worthy. 

14. Night at the Museum: Or day… either check out a local museum or explore museums around the world from your living room. There’s lists online that you can find of free virtual museum tours - my personal fave is The British Museum in London.

15. Yoga Session: There are so many health benefits to yoga and by doing a session together, you give yourselves the opportunity to unwind after a hectic day and breathe peacefully in each other’s presence. You can either book a class to get out of the house or check out one of the many free yoga videos on YouTube.

16. Karaoke Night: Belt out your favorite songs together, at a karaoke bar or in the comfort of your own home. Not big on singing? You can still have fun with music by playing the first few chords of a song and guessing which one it is! 

17. Memory Lane: Learning about your partner’s past can be a great way to understand them on a deeper level. And who doesn’t love laughing at each other’s cringey highschool photos? Look through old photos or share stories from your past. 

18. Sunrise or Sunset Watching: Drive out to a beautiful location and enjoy the view, or do it from the comfort of your own neighborhood or backyard if you can. This one might seem a bit cliché, but enjoying the beauty of nature helps you feel grounded, calm and like your day to day problems aren’t that big of a deal. Doing this with your partner can lead to even more of a beautiful moment. 

19. Plan Your Dream Vacation: Whether it’s happening in a couple of months or years down the road, making exciting future plans together can help bring you together and have something fun to look forward to. Make it fun by putting together a vision board or watching videos on your dream destinations. 

20. Picnic in the Park: This is another one that seems like it’s only done in the movies but I promise you it’s such a cute and enjoyable date. Not to mention it’s cheap and easy! Pack a bag full of easy foods like sandwiches, crackers, fruit, etc. and head to a spot at a local park.

21. Write a Love Letter: You can adjust this one to your liking! Whether you want to write out a full blown letter so romantic that poets of the past would envy or just some cute little notes you can leave around the house - this activity will be sure to get you in a romantic and appreciative mood towards your partner. 

22. Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure hunt for each other at home. The treasure is completely up to you - hide some love notes around the house, appeal to your inner child by hiding some chocolates or leave clues that lead to one big surprise at the end! 

23. Learn a New Language: As we mentioned earlier, learning a new skill together boosts intimacy big time. Learning a new language is not only beneficial professionally but a great challenging activity to take on together. And who wouldn’t love to be able to speak sweet nothings to their partner in French or Italian? 

24. Pottery or Sculpting: Get your hands dirty and create something unique. You could sign up for a local class or keep it simple at home with a little Play-Doh - no one is judging. 

25. Puzzle Night: When is the last time you busted out a puzzle? This activity can heal both of your inner children while providing a challenge that is good for the brain. Oh, and it’s a great opportunity for someone to use this corny line: “We fit together just like these puzzle pieces”. D’awwww.

26. DIY Cocktail/Mocktail Night: Whether you’re a certified mixologist or not, invent new drinks and name them after your inside jokes. 

27. The Great Date Bakeoff: Try your hand at making the exact same baked good recipe, as if you’re on a competition show. Not only is following baking instructions a brain-boosting activity, this will also give you a fun sense of competition and double the amount of a sweet little treat to enjoy together - after cleaning up the kitchen of course. 

28. Volunteer Together: Find a cause you both care about and volunteer. Volunteering is not only a rewarding thing to do individually - but when done together, can help you connect on your core values. 

29. Fitness Challenge: Take a class or try something at home or outdoors - the point is to get physical! By getting those endorphins flowing, you’ll not only feel great, but will feel more connected to your partner. Bonus if you can try something where you learn a skill like Karate or a dance class. 

30. Photography Day: Take a camera (or more realistically, your phone) and capture moments around your city or nature. To make it even more aesthetic and throw in the element of learning - look up a few tutorials on how to take professional level photos with your phone. 

The bottom line? Date nights matter, and a date night jar can make sure they happen. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about making consistent efforts to spend quality time together, trying new things, and keeping the connection alive and well. Whether it’s exploring new eateries or just staying in and doing something out of your ordinary routine, the key is to keep things fun and maintain that adventurous spirit.

Remember, every couple is different, so tailor your date night jar ideas to suit your interests and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the goal is progress, not perfection. If a weekly date night seems out of reach, aim for making it more regular than it currently is (or start doing them if you’re not already!) The most important part is that you’re making the effort to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Here’s to never running out of things to do together!

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