Everyone who carries a purse with them daily will vouch that their purse is their livelihood. So much so that picking up said purse is integrated into our routine when we prepare to leave the house. Coats, shoes, car keys, and purses are the items we subconsciously know we need before stepping across our front door, so it sends us when we don’t have them into a panic.
Whether running errands, meeting with friends, or commuting daily to work, we rely on our handbags daily. But there are times when we need our bags more than ever, date night. Whether you’re meeting your long-term partner for your annual date night or going on a first date with someone new, you never know what could happen, and it’s comforting knowing you could have the solution in your handbag!
Whether you need a top-up of antiperspirant, your elf bar runs out of puffs, or a couple of banknotes just in case your bank card fails, there are several things you know you might need and some you might have never thought you’d need. So, whether you’re meeting your long-term partner or the potential Mr/Mrs Right, we’ve put together this date night survival kit, including all the things you should have in your handbag below.
Cash
It’s 2023; we don’t believe that many singletons leave their house for a date with the full expectation that their date will pay for everything. Ultimately, we’d like to think that chivalry still exists, but it’s very dated to expect someone to foot the bill for food, drinks, transport and entertainment, in our modern dating age.
But regardless of whether you’re expecting to pay for your meal or both meals on your date night, it is essential that you bring physical cash in your handbag with you just in case your go-to payment method fails. Although we’re sure your companion would help you in the worst-case scenario, it doesn’t make an ideal situation if you don’t want to see them again once the date concludes.
On the other hand, your card payment might go through at the restaurant. But suppose later you’ve grown tired, but your date picked you up? Having some cash on you means you can call a taxi instead. Putting around fifty to one hundred pounds of money into your handbag can give you a backup plan, which you might be grateful for come date night!
Cigarettes Or Vaporiser
Going out for a smoke break might be considered up there on the dating faux pas list with checking your phone, talking about your ex, and being late being close behind. One of the things you’ll want to include in your date night survival kit is a packet of cigarettes or a vaporiser if you’re a smoker.
We’re not suggesting that you light up during every moment that you can, but providing that you arrive early, there is no harm in calming your pre-date nerves with a nicotine hit. On the other hand, if you’re headed out with someone who is also a smoker, bringing a spare lighter, rolling papers, an elf bar, or other smoking paraphernalia can be helpful, as they might have forgotten something.
Alternatively, if you’re on a date with an ex-smoker, you could leave your cigarettes behind for the evening and use a disposable vape instead. Consider an elf bar if you want something light, easy to find in your handbag that doesn’t emit the same volume of smoke or smell as a traditional cigarette, which you can purchase through independent vape stores like Grey Haze UK.
Whether you’re looking for a vaping starter kit, disposable vapes like elf bars, or refillable vape pens, consider visiting their site to browse their entire catalogue of vaping paraphernalia. You can also take advantage of their latest deals or follow their blog to stay up-to-date with the latest vaping news; consider contacting them to find out more today.
Female/Male Condoms
Although this rule is more applicable to those meeting someone new for date night, taking protection in your handbag is always a good idea when going out with someone for the first (or thirtieth!) time. Whether you believe in the third-date rule or the ninety-day rule, there are always exceptions, and the last thing you want to deal with are consequences ruining your fun!
According to a poll by the sexual wellness brand Lovehoney, nearly half of the respondents said they’d engaged in sexual activity after the first date, which is why it always pays to be prepared. Even if you’re on birth control, you cannot rely on it as it is not a reliable form of contraception since it cannot protect you against STDs or HIV – so don’t be sorry, be safe and tuck some protection in your wallet before heading out to meet the lucky guy/girl!
Makeup Bag
So, you’ve arrived, met your date, had a few drinks, food, and maybe even a cheeky kiss or two? And now you need to go to the toilet. You swing open the bathroom door, and the person staring back at you in the mirror is not the same person you spent several hours getting ready previously.
Is lipstick bleeding into the corners of your mouth? Is your left false eyelash hanging on by a thread? Does your hair look like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards? We’ve all been there. But, if you want to avoid doing a quick job with your fingers and anything else you can find in the bathroom, including a makeup bag in your survival kit, that is your answer.
Now we’re not suggesting that you try and cram the whole BeautyBay HQ into your clutch bag; just a few top-up essentials like lipstick, eyelash glue, and powder will do. Armed with these products, you can continue touching up your face all night, so you won’t have to sit across from your date worrying if you’ve got a wonky eyelash, oily t-zone, or smudged lips!