How to Have an Awesome Thrift Store Date Night
You love thrift shopping, treasure hunts, and challenges, and maybe your partner does too, so what better way to spend time together than on a thrift store date night? Not only will you bond over a shared activity, you get the chance to try new things and experience a unique event together. So skip dinner and a movie on your next date together and plan for a thrift store date night!
In this post, I’ll cover what a thrift store date night is, how to plan a good one, and give some ideas on different twists you can do to make it even more exciting.
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What is a thrift store date night?
A thrift store date night is exactly how it sounds. You go on a date spending time with your partner at the thrift store.
This idea may sound strange and unappealing to some people. But to the reseller who enjoys shopping or needs to source for his or her inventory, this is the perfect way activity.
Many resellers don’t have enough time to take care of their family or themselves and do everything they want for their business. This is the perfect opportunity to do two things at once - enjoy your partner’s company and grow your business.
Benefits of a thrift store date night
The benefits of a thrift store date night are going to be a little different depending on whether you’re doing it with someone new you’re dating or someone who knows you well. Both are covered below.
Do two things at once - shop and spend quality time with a loved one
See how receptive someone is to being frugal and using second-hand finds
He or she gets to learn more about your interests and your business
Learn if this person can keep up with you shopping for hours!
Does the person get hangry (hungry and angry)?
Can this person be supportive of your reselling business or even one day join in?
There’s no shortage of things to talk about because your finds can be conversational pieces.
How do you do a thrift store date night?
There are a few things you’ll want to consider as you plan your thrift store date night.
1) Find the right thrift store
First, if you want to have a thrift store date night, you’ll have to find a store that’s open in the evening.
Thrift stores often have regular store hours like other retail stores, which means they’re not open late. The ones around me close at 6 or 7 PM.
You might not get to have a thrift night unless you start in the afternoon or early evening, finish by closing time, and go eat dinner afterward. Check out the thrift stores in your area to see what time they close.
Your date night might actually turn into a date day. A weekend thrift shopping adventure can be just as fun too.
Besides researching store hours, you’ll also want to pick a thrift store that has lots of options for what you might want to buy. Not all thrift stores are the same. Consider:
Store size - smaller stores don’t carry as much as larger stores can which means less inventory
Store location - stores in nicer neighborhoods or cities may have better brands to pick from
Departments - some stores may have small men’s departments and no children’s sections. Some may be tailored to higher end or vintage items.
2) Let your partner know the plan
Let your date know the plan ahead of time, or give your date a heads up on what to wear. .
As I mentioned above, some people are squeamish about thrift stores and wouldn’t step foot in one even if paid a pretty penny. Even if your date would go to a thrift store, he or she might want to dress a certain way.
No one wants to be on their feet for a long time browsing racks while in heels and unable to try on anything because their clothes are too difficult to get in and out of.
Thrift stores in my area have closed their dressing rooms. So if you’re going to be trying on clothes, you might want to wear clothes and shoes that are easy to take on and off.
A form fitting shirt or bodysuit and leggings are great options for trying on clothes over your clothes.
3) Decide on a budget
If you plan to purchase your finds, decide on a budget with your partner. Take note of the prices in your area. In some places, you can put together an outfit for less than $10.
At the thrift stores near me, you’d probably pay closer to $20 for a top and pants. Costumes and any special clothing costs more.
Your budget can be as little as a few dollars or as much as you feel comfortable spending, but be realistic about what you will be able to buy if you’re on a tight budget.
4) Start shopping!
Start sifting through the racks and see what you find. Pick something modern, funky, ugly, or comical. Have fun and if the budget allows, don’t forget shoes and accessories.
You can take turns shopping and have your partner try on each item to see how everything goes together. Or split up to shop and surprise each other after with your choices.
If you love to shop and could shop forever or just need to make it to dinner on time, implement a time limit to keep things on track.
Once you’ve purchased your items, step out on the town in your new outfits. Whether you’re having drinks and dinner, going dancing, or catching a show, your new outfits will remind you of the fun you had thrift shopping together.
Thrift store date night challenges
Here is a list of ideas to add new and fun challenges to thrift store date nights.
1) Decade night
Pick a decade and find clothing that fits that era. Whether it’s 70’s disco, 80’s neon, 90’s grunge, or even something from the Y2K era, find something from that decade and wear it like you own it.
2) Formal night
Add a formal element to your shopping challenge for a classy and sophisticated twist without the price of high-end stores. Wouldn’t you like to see your partner dressed up?
It’s especially fun if the formal wear is from another decade such as the 80s. Puffy sleeves, shiny satin fabric, layers of ruffles and lace! Who wouldn’t have fun wearing that?
3) Home date night
You don’t have to go out on the town after shopping together. It’s okay to have a date night at home. Pick something comfortable and cozy like pajamas or a plush robe.
Find a movie in the DVD section or a board game or puzzle in the games section. Then enjoy the rest of your evening with a nice meal at home.
4) Sports night
Many thrift stores carry sports clothes and equipment so you can put an athletic spin on your challenge. Try playing basketball in the jersey of whatever player you picked up.
Or a few rounds of tennis at the park with rackets you found. The loser can even pay for the winner’s items.
5) Best & worst outfits
Instead of sticking to a theme like sports or formal wear, try finding the best and worst outfits possible. The best might be a shirt in your favorite color or a dress that still has its tags on it.
Then search for the worst outfits possible - things you couldn’t believe anyone would wear. Find a mix of animal prints, polka dots, raggedy clothes, and out-of-date frocks. Then put it on and see how it looks on you.
6) DIY challenge
Many people love thrift stores for the projects they provide. Your date night doesn’t have to be about shopping for clothes.
Try finding hardware, houseware, and other goods that can be restored or upcycled. Then spend your afternoon, weekend, or even longer doing those DIY and other craft projects together.
You might be amazed at what you create! This is a great way to decorate your home for upcoming holidays like Halloween or Christmas on a budget and spend time together.
7) Friends and family challenge
These thrift shopping challenges don't even have to be with a romantic partner. They can be fun with friends and other family members, even children. Or go on a double date at the thrift store because the more, the merrier.
Use the same guidelines as above: pick the best store, let everyone know the plan, set a budget, then start shopping. Pick outfits for yourselves or each other, then head off to other activities together.
You can even make a goal of going to multiple thrift stores in one outing. Call it a thrift shopping marathon!
With so many twists on a thrift store date night, how can you not have fun?
Wrap up
The next time you're thinking of date ideas or even fun ideas for an outing with a best friend, suggest having a thrift store date night. Enliven ordinary dates with the challenges above. You might find your creativity or even another side of yourself while spending quality time together.
Have you been on a thrift store shopping date? What did you find? What tips do you have for others?
