Whether you’ve been dating for a few months or you’ve been married for years, there will come a time when you need new activities for date night especially a night like Valentine's day. Luckily, romantic date night ideas don’t have to be extravagant — you can have a perfect stay-at-home date night that are even better than any fancy dinner at a restaurant or night out on the town.

These at home date night ideas are perfect for couples looking for fresh, casual (and affordable!) date inspiration that can take place in the comfort of their own house. Simple touches can speak volumes, especially since you don’t need any grand, sweeping gestures to have a special night together. Just cuddle up under a blanket and go outside to stargaze, watch a romantic television show or film or set up a projector in the living room to feel like you’re at the movies.

Our recommendations here may bring you and your loved one new experiences.

1. Cook a meal

A recent survey asked about 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older how they think cooking influences their relationships. 87 percent of those surveyed believe that cooking is one of the top activities couples can do to strengthen their relationship.

Almost all Americans — 98 percent, to be exact — think that communication is an essential component of a happy marriage, and they believe that cooking together is a great way to foster that communication.

They also think that cooking with or for your partner is a way to show your partner you love him or her. 92 percent of the survey respondents believe that home cooked meals help connect partners. And 78 percent of the respondents believe that couples who cook together stay together.

So, this Valentine's day, you and your partner can cook a meal together instead of eating out or ordering take-outs. If you and your partner are both beginners, you can try following some simple recipes on the internet. For the first time is may not be good but you and your other half will gain new dating experience and get closer to each other.

2. Watch something together

You and your date might tell each other about everything on daily life and because of that, you might need a new topic to talk on this stay-at-home date. So, how about you and your partner watch something together? It doesn't matter wether it's moive, gameshow or TV series,... it's just need to be something you guys both have interest in. You can start the conversation by discussing about the characters or the plot twist at the end of the movie.

There are actually many benefits for watching TV together on a date. For example, if you and he/she watch your favorite childhood movies, you can let them learn a little bit about your past, like how was your movie taste in the past or how you were a sweet kid.

Or, you and they can go on an emotional journey together. For example, if you’ve been watching Game of Thrones since the show started, then you are completely invested in the outcome. More important, you are invested in the show together so that you can experience the emotional payoff when everything is settled. This will make it better for the two of you to watch together so you share in the journey and the outcome.

3. Play a game

Do a custom photo puzzle

If you are not the type of person who says much and prefers action but still want to be romantic. We have this PERFECT idea! You don't have to say anything but this activity will speak your heart's words "This is why I can't live without you!" 

Just spend time together playing with this 12 Reasons why I Love you Valentine puzzles , each puzzle is filled with a simple reason why you fall for them hard: their messy hair in the morning, the way she/he looks when they are mad at you,... Playing a special puzzle with each other can create more intimacy between the two of you and help keep your bond solid.

Make a custom scrapbook

You and your other half have a whole history together, so why don't spend this Valentine stay-at-home date night writing down that journey. It may be long or short but will forever hold a very special memories in your heart.

Take this as a chance to recall all those sweet memories, it may even bring laughter and then tears just like how you feel about each other before.

All you have to do is to fill in this Reason why I love you scrapbook . It already has every pages you need to write about your love journey. I bet you and your loved one will have a good time with this idea.

4. Exchanging Valentine gifts

You don’t think that people should be pressured to do grand gestures or spend a ton of money. However, that doesn't mean you and bae can't gift each other something special on V-Day. After all, it's about you and your relationship, so do whatever you feel is best. The important thing is not to feel pressure to give your significant other something extravagant if you don't want to or can't afford to right now.

Here is our 6 affordable ways to say "I Love You" (affordable gifts for under $30 recommendations). These gifts might not be high on the price but the quality and the meaning behind it sure will make your special half emotional.

However, we still have one more gift that will be perfect for a soon-to-be dad/mom this Valentine's day. V-Day is all about love, which makes it the perfect time to announce your newest main squeeze: Your baby-to-be! Let's grab this chance to suprise him with a valentines day pregnancy announcement and also a special gift.

Engraved the outside of this valentine photo frame with an announcement such as "Congrats on becoming a dad!" or "Welcome to the parents world!",... then next to the quote you can put in your ultrasound image of your baby. This gift will definitely bring out the tears of happiness.

5. Exchanging Valentine cards/letters

Nowadays, we literally live with technology: phones, laptops and social media. But there’s an impact that can only be made through a handwritten note, not with digital. A handwritten letter/card is an excellent way to show someone you care about them. The process of writing something down in cursive. Also, the feelings you convey through handwritten letter are more authentic.

While message or emails can easily be deleted with a click but letters/cards are not. They will last longer, can be kept as a keepsake and you will always feel nostalgia everytime you read it.

So, you and your loved one can have a valentine card exchange, even a Valentine's day pre-printed mass-produced card with a simple handwritten message like "Happy valentine's day my husband" will do. Or if you want to heat up your love for a little bit, you can try something naughtier like this naughty valentines day card . I'm sure it will bring a smile to your other half.