Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you are looking for a date idea that is easy, affordable, creative, and thoughtful, then thrifting is a great way to impress. With some minor planning, you can have a memorable date at your local Deseret Industries. Here are five ideas on how you can turn thrifting at DI into the perfect date.  

Idea #1: Your Date’s Personality in a Bag 

Step 1: Set a Time Limit 

Determine how long each of you has to shop. If you want the activity to be simpler, set a short time limit. If you want it to be more elaborate, set a long time limit.  

Step 2: Get a Bag 

Grab a bag to hold the items you will select, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Consider trendy purses, reusable totes, or quirky backpacks. 

Step 3: Select Items That Represent Your Date 

When gathering items, think of thoughtful and creative options. For example, grab a book that covers a topic your date knows a lot about, or snag something that speaks of an inside joke you share. 

Step 4: Buy the Items...Secretly 

Make sure your date doesn’t see you at the register—you want to preserve the element of surprise! 

Step 5: Present the Bag 

After you have both purchased the items, take turns presenting the bags. Explain how each item represents your date’s personality. 

Choose a container to hold the items you will gather. DI often has nice baskets or large organizing containers that you could use.  

Step 3: Fill the Basket 

Search the store for things your friend would love or appreciate.  If your friend loves to read, get some books. If they are competitive, grab a game. If they enjoy gardening, snag some garden tools or pots. 

Step 4: Drop Off the Basket 

After cleaning and organizing the items in the basket, leave the basket on their doorstep. You might want to leave it with a kind note, either anonymously or signed with your names. 

Idea #3: Nostalgic Activity Night 

Step 1: Thrift for Nostalgic Items 

Visit your local Deseret Industries to find items that were part of your childhood, such as toys, books, and games. 

Step 2: Do the activities together 

Now, the best part—purchase the items and put them to use! You can learn a lot about your date by doing activities that they enjoyed as a kid.  

Step 3: Assign Points  

Increase the strategic element by assigning points to each item and adding up a score at the end. 

Idea #5: DIY Project  

Step 1: Look Up a DIY Project  

Decide on a DIY Project that you can prepare for by thrifting. For some fun DIY craft ideas, check out our article “20 Ways to Repurpose Thrift Store Items.” 

Step 2: Thrift the Items at DI 

Now it’s time to hit the aisles! Deseret Industries has an ever-changing retail floor, so you will have plenty of unique options for creating your DIY masterpiece. 

Step 3: Make the project 

Once you have everything you need, complete the project together. If you post your project to social media be sure to tag us on social media or use the hashtag #DIDateIdea. We love to see all of the creative things you do with your purchases. 

Thrifting with Purpose  

Did you know that all sales at Deseret Industries directly support our job training program? Purchases give others an opportunity to develop important workplace skills, allowing them to create better lives for themselves. So next time you are looking for a fun, inexpensive, creative date idea, consider taking your date to thrift at Deseret Industries. Not only will it be a memorable experience—it will also help others in need.