5 date ideas for when you don’t have a babysitter – #NationalBoyfriendDay

October 3, 2018

 

 

When was the last time you went on a date with your other half? It’s a tough one isn’t it? Because if, by stroke of luck you manage to get a babysitter, there’s that whole guilty feeling hanging over your head for going somewhere without them (which really shouldn’t be there) plus the big cost involved. Unless, you have been lucky enough to lasso a family member in to help that is. #LuckBeABabySitterTonight

 

I remember going out to The Ritz for a family gathering without Little Button on the very rare occasion we go anywhere without her. Both Mr Button and I spent the whole time pondering over the Ritz delights wondering which would have been her favourite LOL! It cost an absolute fortune for both The Ritz and the babysitter. It almost didn’t feel worth it.

 

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether it’s the money, the guilt or the big fat zero chance of getting a babysitter… have a go at some of our favourite easy going date ideas for #NationalBoyfriendDay.

 

 

 

 

 

5 date ideas for when you don’t have a babysitter

 

 

Takeaway for 2

For one night only, make a special treat dinner for just the littles. Mine loves the novelty of a packed lunchbox (not packed by the Beta though!) so this is what I would make for her. Once everyone’s in bed, get that takeaway ordered. Nope, NOT from the local chip shop, but rather a favourite posh restaurant (or one you’ve been wanting to try for ages). Many restaurants can now deliver pretty much everything on the menu.

 

While you are waiting, set the mood with music and a favourite tipple or 2. Switch off ALL devices and enjoy! Think amazing food (which you didn’t have to cook yourself), no need to wolf through your dinner quicker than you can say ‘mummy, I need the toilet’, and peace at last. Bliss.

 

This one’s best enjoyed by parents who typically eat as a family every day. The novelty is that good.  

 

date ideas

 

 

 

Game on

A little while ago we discovered that playing games as a family in the evening was a great way to let off steam before the little ones bedtime, as well as helping to encourage teamwork all round. But how about a late night sesh all of your own?

 

Once the little ones bedtimes are out of the way, grab a cuppa and dig out some of your favourite childhood board games for a date night that will have you both in hysterics. Our favourites are hungry hippo and monopoly, which bring out our inner child and also our very competitive streaks in equal measure. You can up the steaks by adding in brilliant prizes… who’s doing tomorrows bedtime, making the next round of tea, whatever takes your fancy.

Best played sat on the floor in the front room, just like the good old days (haha!).

 

date ideas

 

 

 

Indulgent movie night

It probably sounds like the most obvious one, but you will be surprised how many people are glued to their mobiles instead of being in the moment, which kind of ruins this treat. So take note. Once the little ones are in bed, ditch the mobiles, close the blinds and get yourself ready for an indulgent movie night in.

 

We usually have treats ready to go, like popcorn, crisps or a chocolate share bag and unusual drinks we wouldn’t normally have in the cupboard, but bought especially for movie night. My favourite is hot cheesy topped nachos – which are so easy to make yourself.

 

Best enjoyed with the surround sound off… because you do not want to be waking the littles up to the sound of a scary movie. Or worse, the sight of all those goodies that they are not allowed to eat!

 

 

 

Pamper evening for 2

Everyone loves a bit of pampering right? So stock up on some lovely beauty treatments for you both to enjoy *new fluffy dressing gowns and slippers optional (but also a necessity – or that’s what I tell Mr Button). Once the littles are in bed, turn your front room into a mini spa and don’t forget to take turns in dishing out can’t go wrong treatments such as facials, mini massages and mani and pedis. Relax, then have a giggle over your cucumber face masks, because they look hilarious!

 

 

 

Get your bake on

I don’t know what it is about baking, but it always leaves me feeling super relaxed. If your partner feels the same, try getting your Mary Berry on once the littles are in bed and either join forces to whip up a baking storm together. Or perhaps make it a competition to see who can come up with the tastiest dessert of the evening. Yum!

 

 

via GIPHY

 

 

 

Happy dating!

Let me know if you have any other date ideas to share.

 

 

This post is part of #Blogtober18.

 

#Blogtober18

 

20 responses to “5 date ideas for when you don’t have a babysitter – #NationalBoyfriendDay”

  1. Kim Carberry says:

    Fab ideas. We struggle to get babysitters.
    Now we make a point of going out for breakfast at least once a week while the kids are at school. No babysitter needed. hehehe

  2. Karen says:

    My husband and I used to enjoy games nights a lot pre mini ones. We’ll have to get them down from the shelf again on a rare occasion they go to bed smoothly.

  3. Naomi Hassan says:

    These are great ideas, I wrote a similar post around Valentine’s day earlier this year! #Blogtober18

  4. Talya says:

    We love a pamper evening. We have an amazing lady that comes to our home and gives the best massage…it feels seriously indulgent!

  5. Emma says:

    Oh I LOVE a cosy night in and all of these are right up my street. A board game followed by a takeaway followed by a movie night would be heaven.

  6. Melanie says:

    These are fab date night in ideas. Nothing better than a good quality take away x

  7. Jenni says:

    For our wedding anniversary last month, I gave my husband a small hamper full of goodies (cider, posh crisps, dips etc). We used it for an indulgent movie night once the kids were in bed.

  8. Rachael says:

    I really love the idea of having a mini games night date. On mine and my boyfriend’s first date we went to the arcades and played loads of air hockey and basketball against each other; we’re really competitive! So a games night would be right up our street. Also, I had no idea that restaurants do take aways – this is something I will have to look into!

  9. Great ideas. Might have an indulgent movie night very soon #Blogtober18

  10. Steph says:

    We love a take away night, but even just having our dinner without the kids is a lovely thing to do too and cheaper

  11. Steph says:

    We love having our dinner without the kids, a good cheap way to spend some time together

  12. Anosa says:

    These are such awesome ideas even for those of us without kids. I love game on

  13. Debbie says:

    Great ideas and I love a good movie and take away night x

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