We know making time for date night is hard. In fact, we did a study recently and asked our Crated with Love couples what the hardest part about planning date night was. The number one answer? Finding the time (over 40%). If we can’t find the time, we run the risk of slowly letting date night slip away altogether. But, date night is super important to building strong relationships, so whether the Crated with Love boxes are stacking up or you just are in dire need of some couple time, we’re here to help! Here’s our list of 5 easy ways for you to make time for date night, no matter how busy your schedule may be!
1. Add date night to the calendar
It may seem oversimplified, but even just planning for date night ahead of time can help keep you both accountable. The more prepared you can be, the easier it can be to follow through.
If it’s Friday night and you have nothing planned, the temptation of couch surfing and Hulu lounging can be way too powerful. Instead, what if you had everything already planned out? All you need to do is grab the keys and go!
Grab the calendar, pick a date, and stick to it! Plan out what you will do and where you will go in advance. If you need a babysitter, lock them up then so you don’t run the risk of trying to find someone last minute (maybe even have a backup).
If you’re a Crated with Love member and the boxes seem to be stacking up because you can’t find the time, mark a special CwL day on the calendar. Carve out an hour or so to do your box and commit! Date night is too important!
2. Break it up into “Mini Dates”
Who said you have to spend 2 or 3 hours on a date? Why not break it up into 15 or 20 minute “mini dates”?
One of the most important aspects of date night is the quality time you create together. And guess what? You can do that in just a few minutes! Break a movie into segments or start a board game and play a few minutes every night. Buy a 5,000 piece puzzle and conquer it in chunks. The goal is that quality time together and a few dedicated minutes a couple of times a week can go a long way!
If you’re a CwL subscriber, try doing one activity each week. We try and craft each date so that they are as fluid as possible. Each activity can be done within 15 or 30 minutes, and sometimes that’s all it takes to create a little romance!
3. Save the date night for right before bed
So, you don’t have time for date night? You’re telling me you can’t make just a little time before bed? Riddle me this: how much time do you spend on your phone right before bed? We know, it’s a lot! What if you took 30 minutes a night and dedicated it toward creating some quality time with your partner? You’d probably strengthen your relationship (and you would probably get better sleep).
Pair this option up with number two and date night can be a snap! Play a relationship card game or have a themed movie night. Better yet, have a special dessert in bed! Delicioso!
Similar to number two, our Crated with Love boxes can be broken down and done in segments right before bed. What better way to end the day then with some special couple time with your one and only!
4. Intertwine date night with your chores or errands
Going grocery shopping? Stop off and get a little fro-yo before. Gotta do the laundry? Play a quick game of Would You Rather while you fold.
All the boring adult stuff you have to do on a daily basis can be an opportunity to grow closer together. Turning mundane tasks into relationship builders can be fun and is a good way to take the sting out of doing them.
You can also apply this concept to your Crated with Love boxes! Making dinner and waiting for it to finish baking? Bust out a CwL activity! Waiting for the dryer to finish drying? Boom! Perfect time for a Crated with Love game!
5. Try weekday date nights
A lot of us associate date night with the weekend. But who says you have to have your dates on a Friday or Saturday night? The movies on the weekdays are less busy. Many restaurants have weekday deals or happy hours and are less crowded. Why not!
Sure, you may be beat from work and the babysitter may be a little harder to get on a school night, but a weekday evening date can be the perfect option if you can plan it out right.
The great thing about our boxes is that they don’t require any planning at all! Just open up the box and you’re ready to go! So, with that in mind, if you are in need of some quality time, a weekday evening may be the perfect time for a Crated with Love date! Plus, you can save the weekend for even MORE date nights!
Bonus: Keep each other accountable
At the end of the day, one of the most important ingredients to date night is commitment. You have to fit it in to your schedule and you must keep each other accountable! We’ve preached on how important date night is to building strong relationships, so never let them go! Whether that is with Crated with Love, or planning a date on your own, commit to that couple time!
Want an even easier way to plan date night?
Let us take care of it for you! Here at Crated with Love, we design and send you a fun and unique date night every month. No need to worry about coming up with ideas or buying anything. Just wait for your date night to be delivered!