A year of dates

My husband’s birthday was coming up and I was going back and forth about what to get/do for him. You see, he isn’t the kind of guy who wants lots of gifts, I, however, and a gift giver. I didn’t want to just get him something for the sake of getting him something, but I didn’t want to just not get him something too. Do you see my predicament? One of his main love languages is quality time, and as new parents we are noticing it is harder to plan date nights, especially since school and football have started back up. Here comes the gift idea. A year of pre-planned dates.

12 dates, one for each month, already planned. Originally my plan was to have them 100% planned (day, time, dinner location, etc.), but realistically speaking I know I need to be more flexible, so I planned them with specific dates coinciding with specific months, but I did not put dates on most of them so we can switch up as needed. I made a pdf with little flyers for each date and I will put them in a large envelope so that he has something to open.The ones I am giving to him are more specific to us, but I did also create a very broad set of flyers that you can download and add what you need/want. Scroll down to the bottom to download the generic flyers

Date ideas:

1. Hot air balloon glow

One of the local universities has this as a homecoming event each year and it is free to the public. Check out different homecoming activities or festivals and see if there is anything like this near you.

2. Pumpkin Patch

We will hit up a local pumpkin patch and bring home a few to carve/paint. This is a fun two part date, the pumpkin patch and then at home. I love pumpkin seeds, so I will bake those (salty & sweet of course) and then we can paint/carve while watching a fall or halloween movie (Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown, that is the question)

3. Zoo

We live in Missouri, so we have access to the (free) St. Louis zoo. We can spend the day at the zoo and bring food for a picnic (that way we don’t have to leave the zoo or spend $$$ on lunch)

4. Holiday Date

All the fun Christmas things in one day? Sounds good to me! Putting up the tree & all the other decorations, Christmas movie while decorating gingerbread houses, and then driving around, drinking hot chocolate, and looking at Christmas lights.

5. Ice Skating

Ice skating & dinner. This is a fun way to have an active date (normally we like to go hiking and things like that) in the winter without having to be outside. Depending on where you live, you may have an outdoor rink near you or there may be indoor rinks.

6. Recreating your first date

I feel like this one does not need much explanation

7. Bob Ross painting night

Grab your paint brushes, paint, and canvases (get it all from Walmart if you want to not spend a ton) , turn on netflix and just have fun! Don’t worry about how it looks (if you are a perfectionist like me that may be hard) and just go for it. You do not have to be an artist for this date.

8. Drive-In Movie

You may or may not have a drive-in movie theater near you. If you do not, you can make one yourself! All you need is a projector and a plain wall or garage door.

9. Weekend away

This is a little bigger of a date and may need more planning (childcare, lodging, activities, etc.), but it is great for your anniversary. It doesn’t have to be big, but it is great to have more than just a few hours with your spouse, especially after having kids.

10. Beach Day

We do not live near an actual beach, but we do live near a lake. There are little areas that are considered a mid-west beach with sand and the lake has areas roped off for swimming. Pack a picnic and you’re good for the whole day. Just don’t forget sunscreen!

11. Mini-golf & Paddle Boat

There are lots of places with mini-golf around and it is just a fun way to be a little competitive. We have a place about an hour from us that has batting cages, mini-golf, and paddle boats. Even just one of those things makes for a great date!

12. Baseball game

Little league, college teams, or professional, it’s all fun!

What are some of your favorite date day/night ideas?

A year of dates general.pdf

Download PDF • 6.19MB