Like everything else in the past year, Valentine’s Day may not look exactly like the ones you’re used to. Unless, like me, your Valentine’s Days past have mostly consisted of eating a jar of icing with a spoon.

Still, I know that a lot of you more romantically inclined people will be missing a nice night out, so I’ve surveyed the Who Gives A Crap team for some super fun date nights that work no matter your level of lockdown. That’s right, sometimes we do more than talk about toilet paper – can you believe?

1. Drive-in movie

Paige (from our People & Culture Team) and her husband projected a movie from their apartment window onto the back laneway and watched it from the car with loads of snacks and their baby in the backseat.

2. Sleep under the stars 

Put that ol’ sleeping bag to good use by snuggling up outside with a cup of hot chocolate. One of our co-founders, Danny, has taken to balcony camping with his wife in on warm nights.

3. Try a projector 

There is just something about a projector that makes a movie nights feel like an event. Add a blanket fort and you’re living. Jenna from our Growth Team has some rules for a good movie night – no phones, lots of popcorn and walk out of your house so you can walk into the “theatre” together. How sweet!

4. Live comedy show 

Ryan from our Customer Happiness Team started hosting a comedy show on Instagram live with his partner (he’s also suggested virtual couples therapy). If you’re not a performer, there are plenty of live shows that you can stream. Check your local clubs’ Facebook for schedules!

5. Music video marathon

One of our packaging designers, Sarah, throws epic living room dance parties with her boyfriend. They play music videos from every decade until they’re exhausted.

6. DIY art gallery 

Kerri from Finance and her husband were missing going to art galleries so she hung all the art her son made during quarantine up and held gallery opening (including fancy finger foods).

7. Double date 

Our Copy Lead, Bryne, and his wife challenge another couple to Mario Kart on their Nintendo Switch and FaceTime while they race.

8. Iron Chef challenge 

Lori, from our Content Team, hosts very intense cooking challenges to avoid the grocery store (and for fun). She and her partner have to make a 3-course meal with only what they can find in the house. Then they rate their success on a scale of 1 to 5 flamenco lady emojis.

9. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! 

When in doubt, Charlotte from our Customer Happiness Team suggests just setting some mood lighting. Candlelight is classic, but she also recommends making paper lanterns to create a special outdoor ambience. Here’s a tutorial Charlotte’s used before. 

What have your date nights looked like since lockdown? Any winning ideas that you plan to take with you when all of this is over?