Want to try a fun thrift store date night? You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great date night! In fact, you can plan an entire night at your local thrift store.
Plus, thrift store dates are extremely creative – we can almost guarantee that none of your friends have been on such a simple and unique date!
Why Choose the Thrift Store for a Date Night?
Save Money
The cost of living today is crazy! Groceries, clothes, rent – it all adds up and sometimes it leaves little left for date night.
But here’s the good news – you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time!
The thrift store is the perfect place to find new things on a budget and to have fun while doing it. A perfect cheap date night!
Something for Everyone
If you’ve been to the thrift store before, you know that there’s something for everyone there. If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat!
The thrift store literally has so many unique finds. Regardless of whether you like secondhand items or not, we guarantee you’ll find something you love – and you’ll save money too.
This couple be a great date for introverts too!
Unique Ideas
Movie dates, bowling, dining – these are all common date ideas. But a date at the thrift store? Now that’s something unique!
Add a thrift store date as your letter “t” date in your alphabet dates challenge.
Fun Thrift Store Date Ideas
So without further ado, here are some of our favorite thrift store date night ideas:
Dress Up Date
Ever wished that you could choose the way your partner dressed? Well, now’s your chance!
Head to your local thrift store and pick out each other’s outfits. Before you go, decide where you want to go for dinner or even a lunch date.
Will you go to a classy dining establishment? Or perhaps something more casual? Maybe you’ll just stay home for dinner?
Match the clothing you choose to where you will dine. If you’re going out to a nice restaurant, pick out something more dressy.
If you’re going to a casual restaurant, something more casual.
Check out these casual Friday outfits with sneakers for some ideas.
And if you’re staying home for date night, maybe pick out some comfy pajamas for one another!
The “what are they wearing?” Date
Okay, this date isn’t for everyone – you have to be brave!
Be prepared to get some strange looks because for this date you’re going to head to your local thrift store and find the most eccentric clothes that you can find – and then you’re going to go out in public!
We don’t care what you do in your new fashion statements, as long as you rock them. Go out for ice cream, go to a fancy restaurant, have a picnic date, or even just walk down the streets to see the reactions that you get.
Then, take some fancy photos together and put them on your Facebook or Instagram and host a contest.
Whoever chooses the most horrific outfit wins!
While you’re running around shopping, try some of our fun couples question games.
The “What on Earth did you buy?” Date
It’s no secret that the thrift store has some unique and strange finds. So why not make a date out of it?
If you’re looking for a last minute date idea, head to the thrift store, set your timer, and see who can find the strangest or most unique buy.
It doesn’t have to be cute or even usable, it just has to make you say, “what the heck is that?”
Of course, you have to take it home with you and find a way to use it. Or, post it on instagram and see what others have to say.
Whoever picks the strangest, grossest, or most unique item wins and gets to choose the next date night.
The Gifting Date
Think you’re better at picking out gifts than your partner? It’s time to find out.
Head to your local secondhand store, set yourselves a budget, and see who can pick out the best gift for each other.
Your gift can be anything at all – just make sure it’s something your partner loves!
There’s no losers in this game – just a fun date where you get to treat your partner to something special.
If you want, you can also theme this date. Who can find the best vintage gift? The coolest gift? The weirdest gift? Or the gift that most reminds you of your partner?
Game Night Date
There are some things that people don’t like to buy at the second hand store – clothing, stuffed animals, etc – and we can understand that.
But there’s absolutely no reason you can’t pick up a good game there!
And let’s be honest, games are expensive. Buying two to three new games can cost you upwards of $100.
At the secondhand store, you’ll probably only pay upwards of $5 per game, so you can load up for a great night of fun for your next game night date night.
Make this a double date and play some double date night games together!
Clean up Date
Okay we’re talking thrift store dates here, but no one said you have to buy from the thrift store. Maybe you’d prefer to donate instead?
This is a great creative at home date night idea if you have a house full of things that you need to get rid of.
Grab some good snacks and drinks, and save the night for sorting through your belongings together.
Then, drop them off at the thrift store on your morning date so someone else can enjoy them when you’re all done.
Scavenger Hunt
No matter where you host them, scavenger hunts are always a great date idea! And may we suggest them for a fun first date idea as well!
Make a list ahead of time of things that you need to find.
Something red, something blue, something floral, something antique – the choice is yours! When you get to the thrift store, set a time limit and see who can bring back the most items off the list!
Whoever gathers the most items wins – and set bonus points for items that you want to keep!
This is also a fun date idea for teens!
Hide and Seek
Getting bored of hide and seek at home? Know all of your partners’ best hiding spots? Well, time to head to the thrift store for a good ol’ kids game.
Where will your partner be hiding? In the clothes rack? Behind the costumes? Who will find the best hiding spot?
The best part about these dates, is it can be a great spring date idea, winter date idea, or even rainy day date idea!
There are so many date ideas you can do in the thrift store, you just have to get a little creative. This is such a fun idea for those who want to add more fun and adventure to your date nights.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.