Wondering how to make this Valentine's Day a good one? It seems this topic is on many people's minds – including ours! – so we've done some shopping for date night must-haves to make the 14th February special this year, even though we are confined to our homes. All of this shopping can be done online, too, so you needn't leave your sofa – get it done early to ensure you're well prepared. Here's how to bring the cinema, the bar, your favourite restaurant (and more) to your living room...
Head to our shopping page for more great buys for January and February 2021.
1. Cook up a storm with some Valentine's-themed cookware
You will, of course, be spending Valentine's Day cooking at home instead of heading out to a restaurant – let's look on the bright side as it's a great excuse to buy new cookware. Try out one of our recipes – from fish pie to chicken casserole and beef bourguinon.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Heart Casserole | £169 at John Lewis & Partners
We're big lovers of anything Le Creuset, so much so that our kitchen is bursting with the Volcanic Orange collection. For Valentine's Day, why not buy a special casserole dish for a hearty meal? You'll use it year-round and it's so cute for when you (are allowed to) have guests over! Love! View Deal
2. Set up your own home cinema just like this Instagrammer has!
As you can see from Kelly's (@kellyprincewright) setup above, you just need a home projector and add some fairy lights to the mix for an oh-so Instagrammable evening. Gives another meaning to date night at home, eh?
APEMAN Mini Video projector | £79.99 at Amazon
Tried, tested and loved by us, this wireless projector is a total bargain. Connect it to a smartphone, tablet or laptop and plug it into a power source to use. It's lightweight, has speakers built-in – though you might want to connect it to your own. We use it with an to watch Netflix, Disney Plus and more. Just face it towards a plain white wall and you're set.View Deal
3. Set the mood with this neon love light
Who says this cute neon wall light is just for Valentine's Day? We think it would look lovely squeezed onto a gallery wall, around photos of you and your favourite people.
Love Neon Wall Light | £69.99 at Lights4Fun
With a five-metre lead cable and a six-hour timer option, this neon wall light will illuminate your evening.View Deal
4. Buy some dried flowers from Bloom & Wild to bring the outside in
Instead of buying flowers for a Valentine's gift, use them to decorate your home and bring the outside in, or to go on your Valentine's Day table this year.
The Jo | £42 at Bloom & Wild
You heard it from us first: dried flowers are going to be so in this year. Why? They can't die, they look nice and they're much better for the purse strings.View Deal
5. Treat yourself to a cocktail making kit and get busy in the kitchen (with your other half, of course)
Grey Goose Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit | £39.99 at Amazon
This Espresso Martini kit comes complete with Grey Goose vodka, Patron XO Café and cold brew coffee. Oh, and a Grey Goose Martini glass! Not only does it make this caffeine-fuelled cocktail easy to make, but it's also a great at-home date night idea. Especially if you used to spend date night at your favourite local bar. All you need is some coffee beans and a pinch of salt for garnish. We've tried it ourselves and we obviously loved it.
6. Get competitive over a game of Cluedo, Monopoly or a virtual escape room
We all love a board game come Christmas, but whose to say that you can't play one on Valentine's Day? Just don't get too competitive...
Cluedo The Classic Mystery Game | £23.99 at Amazon
This classic game of whodunit can be enjoyed by two to six players. This version has an all-new character – Dr. Orchid.
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Puzzle Post UK Escape Room In An Envelope, Personalised Puzzle Gift | £14 at Not on the High Street
There's no need to leave your home to do an escape room anymore – this virtual one is just as fun. A great gift, you can personalise this game by writing a secret message to the recipient. And, once they have completed their puzzles, the secret message will be revealed to them...View Deal
Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Classic Game | £22.99 £14.99 (save £8) at Amazon
Not just for kids, a good old fashioned game of Monopoly is a great date night idea. It's something different than sitting in front of the TV, it will get you off your phones and it can be played by more than two of you, once date night is over.View Deal
7. Transform your home into a spa and give each other massages – buy an essential oil diffuser for the full effect
We love the idea of this one – especially if it's always our turn to be given the massage. Since spas are currently shut so a spa day is off the cards, why not bring it home? We suggest buying an essential oil diffuser for the full effect.
Ellia Adore Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser | £59.99 at Homedics
This diffuser doubles as a lamp and it even plays calming music, and it looks nice, too! I have one and use it all of the time for all of the spa vibes. Only thing is, it doesn't come with any oils. I bought these ones from Amazon for just over a tenner and they work a treat.View Deal
8. Get messy and sculpt some clay with this home pottery kit
Roll up your sleeves because it's time to get your pottery on and do something very different this date night. Make each other a mug, bowl, plant pot – whatever, they'll love it and it's handmade. Make an event out of showing each other your creations once they are set.
JackLaverickCeramics Home Pottery Kit For 1-2 People - DIY Craft At Home | £38.69 at Etsy
This kit comes with everything you (and your partner) need to get crafty. From tools to instructions, paint and more.View Deal
