How to Plan a Date Night Around Shopping and Retail Therapy

You're not alone if you're running out of date ideas. The good news is an obvious win hiding in plain sight. It's shopping! Get ready to see why.

Shopping with your sweetheart is one of the most romantic date ideas! After all, everyone loves getting dressed, heading out, and seeing the latest trends. You also get to walk, talk, and laugh instead of being stuck at a restaurant table or in front of a movie screen. If you're looking for a unique date idea that offers bonding and fun, consider planning a "retail therapy" date night. There's no need to worry if you prefer date nights in rather than out. There are still ways to enjoy some retail therapy without leaving the house! Here are four tips to sweep your love off their feet with a bit of shopping!

1. Plan a Shopping Challenge

Nothing stirs up feelings of excitement like some friendly competition! A shopping challenge can be done at a shopping mall or a big-box store offering lots of variety. The concept is pretty simple. Surprise your sweetie with a "game card" with five to 10 items. Here's a sample:

1. A game we can play together.
2. A food that reminds you of our first date.
3. The craziest piece of home décor.
4. Something that symbolizes our favorite song.
5. A sweet treat we can enjoy together.

Next, split up to do some separate shopping. Add a time limit! Whoever shows up back at the meeting point with the best items wins.

2. Go Bakery Hopping

List five or six bakeries within 30 minutes of where you live. Next, spend an afternoon hopping from bakery to bakery to shop for amazing desserts. Finally, bring the goodies home for a dessert party for two. You can pair your dessert party with a movie marathon of films based around desserts. Some suggestions include "Chocolat," starring Johnny Depp, and "Julie and Julia," starring Meryl Streep.

3. Stay Comfy at Home With an Online Shopping Date

If you prefer to stay cozy on the couch, plan a date night spent browsing online for soaps, body washes, and other products that pamper the body! Let your sweetie know that you're treating them to any of the products they want to purchase. While it might require trips to several stores to buy high-quality health and beauty care products in person, using a single wholesaler online can save you time and money.

4. Shop for Matching Items

What's sweeter than matching with your special person? Plan a shopping date focused on finding matching gear you can wear out in public. There's no need to go gimmicky with this one! For some couples, simply getting matching sneakers that can be worn on dates and trips offers a great way to show off your "pair" status. Other couples may want to look for matching baseball caps or shirts that ensure everyone can tell that they belong together when they're in the crowd. Consider matching robes if you're looking for something a little more luxurious.