Checklist · 13 picks · 6 categories
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A date night in hits different when it feels planned, not just another night on the couch scrolling.
The fix is a few things that turn your place into the plan: a fondue pot so dinner is something you do together, a candle so the room smells like effort, and a two-player game that makes you a team instead of rivals. Add a heated blanket big enough for both of you, a shaker for cocktails or mocktails, and a mini projector if you want the movie on a whole wall. The fondue pick is America's Test Kitchen's winner, the candles and the softest throw come from PureWow, the blankets from NBC Select, the game from GamesRadar+ and the projectors from What Hi-Fi?. Each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out, so nothing ruins the mood.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you're shopping for a present; our Valentine's Day gifts list covers gifts for her, him and both of you.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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Best fondue setmid pick · 3 qt
Best for cheese, chocolate or both in one night
America's Test Kitchen's winning fondue set: once the dial is set correctly, the heat flows steadily.
Heads up. The magnetic power cord sometimes knocked off during dipping, and the nonstick got lightly scratched after a few washes
1 outlet. America's Test Kitchen winning fondue set.
$50-100
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budget pick · 6 cups
Best for a first fondue night for two
Reviewed lists it among its favorite fondue sets: a retro electric pot that's perfect for a fun fondue night.
Heads up. Reviewed says the edges might be sharp and the cord may be short
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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Best candlemid pick · 6.5 oz
Best for fall and winter nights in
PureWow's editor's pick candle: a warm, cozy scent in a 6.5-ounce glass jar with a 50-hour burn.
Heads up. Expensive, and better in colder months
1 outlet. PureWow editor's pick candle.
$50-100
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budget pick · Jar candle
Best for a soft, calm scent for the whole apartment
PureWow's best spa candle: a serene, sweet scent that burns evenly and can fill a large room.
Heads up. Expensive for a smaller-sized vessel
1 outlet. PureWow best spa candle.
$25-50
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Best two-player gamebudget pick · 2 players
Best for couples and roommates
GamesRadar+'s top pick for two players: you co-pilot a plane with limited talking, and new scenarios keep it fresh.
Heads up. Limited communication can be stressful, and bad rolls hurt
1 outlet. GamesRadar+ best for 2 players.
$25-50
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budget pick · 2 players
Best for couples who like word games
The two-player, co-op version of Codenames: you trade one-word clues to find all your agents on a shared board.
Heads up. No outlet has reviewed this one yet, so it carries no badge
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$15-25
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tefici Electric Throw Blanket | budget | $25-50 | a heated throw for the couch | 1 outlet |
| Brookstone Coziest Oversized Throw | mid | $50-100 | sharing one heated blanket on the couch | 1 outlet |
| Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw | splurge | $150-200 | the coziest non-electric option | 1 outlet |
Best throw blanketbudget pick · Throw to king
Best for a heated throw for the couch
NBC Select's best budget heated blanket: three heat settings, five sizes and an auto shutoff after four hours.
Heads up. Only select colors are available, per NBC Select
1 outlet. NBC Select best budget heated blanket.
$25-50
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mid pick · Oversized
Best for sharing one heated blanket on the couch
NBC Select's most stylish heated blanket: a bit bigger than a regular throw, machine washable, with a 4-hour auto shutoff.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select most stylish heated blanket.
$50-100
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splurge pick · Big box
Best for the coziest non-electric option
The famously soft throw. PureWow says it comes out of the washer and dryer good as new. Arrives beautifully wrapped.
Heads up. Expensive for a throw
1 outlet. PureWow 96/100 editor score.
$150-200
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Best cocktail shakerbudget pick · Compact
Best for learning to shake like a bartender
America's Test Kitchen's top Boston-style shaker: inexpensive and easy to clean.
Heads up. Takes some practice, and your hands get cold while shaking
1 outlet. America's Test Kitchen best Boston shaker.
$15-25
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mid pick · Compact
Best for first-time cocktail and mocktail makers
America's Test Kitchen's easiest shaker for a beginner bartender.
Heads up. Not the best-looking, and the silicone top faded a little after 10 washes
1 outlet. America's Test Kitchen easiest-to-use cocktail shaker.
$25-50
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Best projectorbudget pick · Portable
Best for bedroom-wall movie nights
What Hi-Fi?'s best cheap portable projector: a detailed, natural-looking picture for the money in a compact body.
Heads up. Tinny sound and short battery life
1 outlet. What Hi-Fi? best cheap portable projector.
$300-500
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splurge pick · Portable
Best for a brighter picture and fuller sound
What Hi-Fi?'s best portable projector overall: well built, with good picture and sound, and easy to set up.
Heads up. Inconsistent streaming app support and HDR that lacks punch
1 outlet. What Hi-Fi? best portable projector overall.
$500+
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Something to eat together (fondue is easy and interactive), a candle for the mood, a game or movie, and a blanket you can share. A cocktail shaker and a mini projector are nice extras, not must-haves.
A small electric pot is plenty for two and makes dinner the activity. America's Test Kitchen's winning Cuisinart holds 3 quarts with 8 forks if you want room for friends later; the Nostalgia is a smaller 6-cup pot.
Pick a co-op game so you're on the same side. Sky Team has you co-piloting a plane with limited talking, and Codenames: Duet is a quick word puzzle you solve together.