The “What Should We Do?” Killer
It’s Friday night. You look at your partner. You ask, “What do you want to do?” They say, “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” Three hours later, you are just scrolling on your phones.
The solution for 2026 is the DIY date night jar. It is a cute, thoughtful gift that automates the decision-making process. Whether for Valentine’s Day or a New Year’s resolution to spend more quality time together, this simple craft keeps the romance alive.
Phase 1: The Supplies
You don’t need much to build a DIY date night jar.
- The Container: A clean Wide Mouth Mason works best.
- The Sticks: A pack of Jumbo Craft Sticks
- The Color: You need 3 or 4 different colors of paint or Washi tape to “code” the dates.
Phase 2: The Color Code System
This is the secret sauce. You don’t want to pull an “Expensive Dinner” stick when you are broke, or a “Hiking” stick when it’s raining. Color-code your DIY date night jar sticks:
- 💛 Yellow Sticks: “Stay at Home / Free” (Movie night, Board games, Cook together).
- 💚 Green Sticks: “Outdoor / Active” (Hiking, Bike ride, Picnic).
- ❤️ Red Sticks: “Romance / Expensive” (Fancy dinner, Concert, Hotel night).
- 💙 Blue Sticks: “Wildcard / New” (Try a new restaurant, Take a class).
Phase 3: Writing the Ideas (30 Examples)
Write one idea on each stick using a fine-tip Permanent Marker.
Here are some ideas to fill your DIY date night jar:
- Build a blanket fort.
- Recreate our first date.
- Go to a thrift store with $10 each.
- Cook a meal from a different country.
- Stargazing in the backyard.
- No-tech evening (Phones in a box).
Phase 4: Decorating the Jar
Make it display-worthy.
- The Label: Use a chalkboard label or a paint marker to write “2026 Adventures” or “Our Dates” on the glass.
- The Lid: Spray paint the lid gold or wrap it with jute twine/ribbon.
- The Rules: Tie a small tag to the neck of the jar explaining the color code rules (e.g., “Pick a Yellow stick on weeknights!”).
PRO TIP: The “Add-On” Gift
If you are giving this as a gift, don’t just give the jar.
Attach a Gift Card to the jar for the first “Red” date (e.g., a restaurant card or movie theater card). It gives the DIY date night jar instant value and excitement.
FAQ: Date Night Ideas
Q: How many sticks should I put in?
A: Aim for 52 sticks. That’s one date for every week of the year. If that’s too many, aim for 12 (one per month) but make them bigger, more elaborate dates.
Q: What if we pick a stick we don’t like?
A: Establish the “Veto Rule.” Each person gets one “Veto” per month. If you pull a stick and really don’t feel like it, you can put it back, but you must do the next one you pull.
Q: Can I use paper instead of sticks?
A: Yes! Folded colorful paper works great. It looks like confetti inside the DIY date night jar. However, wood sticks are more durable and easier to read without unfolding.
