With the darker nights now very much upon us, it’s natural to want to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy. If you’ve got a significant other and still want to indulge in date nights, this can be a bit of a roadblock. However, date nights can happen in glorious form without ever leaving the house.
There is a diverse range of card games out there that are designed for two players, and some that are specifically intended for couples to foster conversation and a deepening connection. Whether you’re on the first date or years down the line, here are 12 of my personal favorite couples card games to liven up your winter date nights. Or any other date night, for that matter. These aren’t affected by the weather, after all.
12. Uno
While it might not be the first thing you think of pulling out of the gaming cupboard when you’re trying to get romantic, a little bit of friendly competition never harmed anybody, and you can always add some forfeits and challenges to the loser of each round.
Not all date night games need to be romantic in nature, just use your imagination and add your own spicy rules. Besides, Uno is a classic, so you can’t really go wrong.
11. Date Deck
Date Deck is filled with prompt cards to encourage discussion about things that wouldn’t ordinarily come up in everyday conversation, especially if you’re long past the “getting to know you” stage of a relationship.
When you’ve been together for years, it can sometimes be all too easy to fall into comfortable mutual silence while you enjoy each other’s company, but Date Deck can spark conversations about things that you wouldn’t normally think of.
10. The Couple’s Game That’s Actually Fun
This one is designed to play like an old-fashioned game of Mr. and Mrs., but it inevitably leads to revelations and discussions over the choices made by each person. There are different kinds of cards, including “Match”, “Most Likely To”, and “Best”, and each partner gets a whiteboard to write down their answers.
How well do you really know each other? The Couples Game That’s Actually Fun is also ripe with opportunities for self-imposed forfeits and challenges if you think outside the box.
9. I Should Have Known That!
Not all date night games need to be about deep philosophical discussion. Sometimes it can be just as nice to test each other’s general knowledge on subjects that don’t usually appear in daily discussion. I Should Have Known That will test your expertise on topics from pop culture to basic color theory, and who’s to tell what the loser has to do? Regardless, you’ll definitely learn a thing or two while playing.
8. Do or Drink: Date Night
What could be a better bonding experience than waking up the morning after date night with a raging hangover and a newfound appreciation for mutual silence? Do or Drink: Date Night will definitely get you there, and you’ll have a lot of fun on the journey.
Are you willing to tell your partner a secret that you’ve been keeping from them, or would you rather take two shots? The choice is yours. Maybe try to pick a spirit with as little alcohol content as possible. There’s also a “naughty” version if you want to get really spicy.
7. Date Night Adventure
Disclaimer: You’ll probably end up venturing outside if you play this one.
Okay so I perhaps wouldn’t describe this as a ‘card game’, but it is card-based, designed for couples, and incredibly cute. Date Night Adventure comes as a pack of 40 scratch-off cards that can offer inspiration if you want to get out and do something, but just don’t know what — or can’t agree on an idea.
You pick a budget, time frame, and vibe, then scratch off the panel to reveal what you’re going to do. After you’ve done it, you can attach a photo to the back of the card, so this entire pack ends up being a scrapbook-esque keepsake filled with memories.
6. The Ultimate Date Night Game (by Zeitgeist)
Heading back to the philosophical discussion, this version of The Ultimate Date Night Game is a boxed-up offering of “Would you rather?” There are five different types of cards, “Cute Couple Stuff” for the romantic side of things, “It’s Getting Hot In Here” for more bedroom-based discussions, and “Thinking Cap Time” for when you really want to get deep and meaningful.
I’ll shout it from the rooftops, communication is key in any relationship, and sometimes having a question posed to you can really help with that.
5. The Ultimate Date Night Game (by What Do You Meme?)
Not to be confused with the previous offering of the same name, this version of The Ultimate Date Night Game comes with 300 cards of five different types and a spinner to dictate which topic you end up getting into, but you need to collect cards. The first person to have 25 cards in their possession is the winner, but you’ll be talking and laughing for hours before you reach that point. It’s very easy to get distracted when you’re in good company.
4. Dirty Minds
Dirty Minds is a game where you’re given the most filthy-sounding hints to try and figure out the clean answer. Imagine “you can put your wood inside me” and “when you play with my knobs, you really light my fire”, but the answer you’re looking for is “stove.”
This really simple card game will test how dirty your mind actually is, and whether you can think logically instead of letting your mind fall into the gutter. It’s unbelievably fun, but maybe not the best for those who are more reserved.
3. Get the Picture
Get the Picture is a card game where you have to look at pictures and say what you see to figure out the hidden name of a famous person. This one might be better with a steady supply of alcohol to muddle the mind of the person guessing the name, but it’s guaranteed to get you both thinking and laughing.
Studies have shown that laughter and humor shared between a couple can increase both their bond and the longevity of the relationship, so it’s always good to laugh together.
2. Why Don’t We Laugh Together?
On that note, and let’s just take a second to appreciate that perfect segue, Why Don’t We Laugh Together? is the perfect kickstarter to an evening spent crying tears of joy together.
Whether you’re acting out your partner’s best friend (be nice!), or firing off quickfire options for a first date, it’s easy to get carried away with this one. Again, the experience can only be improved with the influence of intoxicating beverages, but it’s not strictly necessary.
1. Incohearent
Incohearent gives you a card with what looks like a bunch of nonsense words that need to be sounded out until they sound like a well-known phrase or saying. This can take a while and you’ll both feel and sound like an idiot while you’re trying to figure out what you’re actually saying.
There’s something about willingly making a fool of yourself that muddles the mind, but it’s always hilarious for the person who knows what you’re trying to say. I love Incohearant, and have spent many hours cry-laughing over both my own and my partners’ attempts.
Published: Nov 26, 2024 05:01 am