So, there’s this magical place that has everything you could ever need and some things you didn’t even know you wanted. It’s a colorful, exciting place that brings so many people joy. No, I’m not talking about Disney World or Santa’s Workshop. I’m referring to a place that you probably have not far from your own backyard. I’m referring to the Swedish masterpiece that is known as IKEA.

IKEA, for those of you who haven’t yet experienced the wonder yet, is a Swedish furniture and home store. Many people know that going to IKEA is an unbelievably fun shopping experience, but what I’m here to argue today, is that going to IKEA is also an incredibly fun date idea! Granted, maybe it isn’t the best idea for couples who are just starting out, but long-term couples hear me out.

Ethan and I love going to IKEA together - even when we don’t have anything, in particular, to shop for. It’s probably one of the most “couply” things that we do together. Here are some of the reasons that we love it so much and maybe we can inspire you and your significant other to give it a go on your afternoon out, too.

First, IKEA inspires mine and Ethan’s creative side and helps us learn more about each other’s tastes and preferences when it comes to living and decorating. It’s so much fun walking around and talking to one another about the potential of certain pieces and the hideousness of others. We love thinking about the fun ways we could use the furniture and decorations and where they would look nice in our current and future abodes. It’s a fun way to place house with your partner, literally.

And I don’t know if you know this or not, but actually, IKEA has some pretty killer food on their menu. Yes, some time ago they had a bit of a scandal on their hands, but other than that one blemish, they really do know what they’re doing serving their delicious Scandinavian favorites for a more-than-reasonable price. My personal favorites are the salmon topped with a butter dill sauce and their organic apple cider, but their cheesecake is pretty amazing, too.

And after an enjoyable time wandering around, listening to the upbeat and catchy music, taking notes with your tiny pencils, you might find something that you just can’t live without. For us, we ended up bringing home a glass decanter for water, a lovely fuzzy bathmat, and our new, gorgeous bed sheet set, which we had been scouring stores for for weeks.

After we checked out with our IKEA Family loyalty card, which saved us a nice chunk of change, we excitedly brought our new goodies home and set them up around the apartment. I daresay that our bed set looks perfect with the rest of our bedroom decor. Perhaps that’s because our bedside tables were also fabulous IKEA finds.

Our visits to IKEA bring Ethan and I closer together each time we visit. It’s therapeutic, and the adorable Swedish name translations always make us laugh. And not that we had the pleasure of doing so this visit, but I can’t forget to mention how fun it is to create some of IKEA famous build-it-yourself flatpack furniture. Nothing make me giggle more than watching your other half try and struggle through assembling a night stand because he’s too stubborn to read the instructions.

So take my word for it, or go and see for yourself - IKEA is a great place to go on a date. Because nothing says “I love you” quite like Swedish meatballs and flatpack furniture.