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Not sure what to bring on a picnic date?
No worries, we’ve put together a quick list with all the items you need to pack for a romantic picnic in two.
Organizing a picnic can be difficult, but if you plan ahead and follow our picnic checklist, then you’ll see it’s actually pretty easy.
Whether it’s your first date or your anniversary, going on a picnic date is a fabulous way to surprise your loved one.
In general, picnics are all around food, good company, fun activities, and enjoying the sunshine.
But a picnic date is also about romance and bonding time with your partner.
So you’ll have to sprinkle the picnic with some romantic stuff like strawberries, chocolate, champagne, flowers, heart-shaped cookies, and relaxing music. Here’s our well-researched list with what to pack for a picnic for two.
PS: Read our new-updated article that includes a free picnic planning checklist that helps you plan every type of picnic: for families, for corporate events, for parties etc.
Shopping List
Picnic Date Complete KIT
- Picnic Baskets or Backpacks:
Best Overall Basket: Picnic Time Canterbury for Two at Amazon
Most Romantic Basket: Picnic Time ‘Heart’ Basket at Amazon
Picnic Backpack: Vonshef Picnic Backpack at Wayfair
- Picnic Blanket
Waterproof Blanket: Scuddles Outdoor Blanket at Amazon
- Cooler or Ice Packs
Cooler (optional): Coleman Cooler at Amazon
Reusable Ice Packs: Fit & Fresh Slim Ice Packs at Amazon
- Romantic Wine & Cheese Set:
Adorable Beer Holder: Cutest Mini Picnic Table at Etsy
Insulated Wine Carrier: Picnic at Ascot Wine Cooler Bag at Amazon
Unbreakable Wine Glasses: Vivocci Elegant Wine Glasses at Vivocci.com
Cheese Board: Picnic at Ascot Bamboo Cheese Set at Amazon
Corkscrew: Waiter’s Corkscrew HiCoup at Amazon
Bottle Stopper: Wine Bottle Stopper at Amazon
Lawn Wine Holder: Picnic Wine and Glass Holders at Amazon
- Picnic Kitchen
Food Containers: Vremi Silicone Free Containers at Amazon
Cutlery Set: Fork Knife Spoon Chopsticks Set at Amazon
Salt and Pepper: 2-in-1 Salt & Pepper Shakers GSI at Amazon
Food Cover Pop-up Mesh: Food Cover Tent Umbrella at Amazon
- SUN PROTECTION
Sunscreen: Ultra Guard SPF 70 at Amazon
Picnic Umbrella: Oniva Picnic Time Canopy at Amazon
- INSECT PROTECTION
Bug Repellent: Sawyer Products Insect Repellent at Amazon
- HEALTH AND HYGIENE
First Aid Kid: Surviveware Small First Aid at Amazon
- Cleaning Up
Trash Bags: GLAD Trash Bags at Amazon
Zip-Lock Bags (for dirty dishes): Ziploc Big Large Bags at Amazon
- GAMES
Conversation Starter Game: Talk, Flirt or Dare at Amazon
Fun Board Game: Hive at Amazon
Food
- Click here to read our food menu ideas below.
Keep scrolling to read our buying guide.
WHAT TO BRING ON A PICNIC DATE | GUIDE
Quick Tips:
- For your romantic date, choose an insulated romantic picnic basket for two (link to our review article) or backpack to keep the food/drinks cold.
- Don’t forget the corkscrew/bottle opener.
- Make sure the blanket is large enough to fit two persons.
- Bring napkins and hand sanitizer
- Don’t forget trash bags and zip lock bags to put the dirty dishes.
- Bring some romantic picnic games (conversation starters, flirt games)
- Choose a secluded location in the park, by the lake or on the beach.
Romantic Picnic Checklist
Essentials
Picnic Basket or Backpack
- Choose an insulated option to keep the food/drinks fresh and chilled.
- For easy planning choose one that already comes with service for two: plates, glasses, forks, knives, spoons, chopping boards, napkins.
Reusable Ice Packs
- Perfect for keeping your food and beverages cold.
- Great to use if you don’t have a cooler or an insulated basket.
Picnic Blanket
- Choose one large enough to fit two persons.
- Pick a blanket with waterproof backing, in case the ground is wet.
Food Storage Containers
- They’ll help you organize your food better, keeping it separated.
- Choose leak-proof containers.
Tiny First Aid Kit
- Always good to be prepared.
Bug Spray
- Ants, bugs and mosquitoes can ruin your romantic date, make sure to grab a bug repellent to keep them away.
Sunscreen
- Protect your skin from the harsh sun.
Tableware
Plates
- Bring sturdy plates, that won’t break easily. Hard plastic plates are a great choice for a worry-free picnic.
- Go fancy with ceramic plates, make sure to secure them well in a picnic basket or backpack.
Glasses
- Shatterproof glasses are the greatest option, again, high-quality plastic are great for picnicking outdoors.
Napkins
- Don’t forget the napkins, you’ll need them more than you expect.
Straws
- If you want something extra for your cocktails, take some straws to sip your favorite drinks.
Cutlery
- Knives, forks and spoons must not be forgotten
- Grab a sharp knife to cut the cheese and fruits well.
Cutting Board
- You need a flat sturdy surface where you can cut the food.
- It also can be used as a fancy serving board.
Corkscrew | Bottle Opener
- Avoid disasters by making sure you bring a corkscrew with you to open the wine, beer or champagne.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Food
Go with Finger Foods
- Finger foods are great for outings and parties.
- They’re easy to grab and eat.
- Antipasto skewers, cherry tomatoes, crackers, olives, mini pizza squares, mini-sandwiches, pre-cut fruit, and veggies.
Veggies
Mini Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Celery Sticks, Carrots, Olives, Corn
Fruits
- Strawberries are a must for extra romance.
- Grapes, Blueberries, Pears, Apples, Bananas
Crunchy Snacks
- Chips, Crackers, Pretzels, Peanuts
Main Course
- Potato, Pasta, Chicken Salads
- Salami, Chorizo, Hot Dogs
Wraps, Sandwiches, Rolls - Quiche, Pizza, Burgers
- Lasagna, Pies
Cheese
- Make sure to choose a firm cheese: Cheddar, Aged Blue Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Feta
- Don’t go with soft cheeses. They become sticky in a hot day, and might be hard to eat.
Goes well with cheese:
- Nuts: Walnuts, Almonds, Cashew, Pecans, Pistachios
- Dried Fruits: Apricots, Dates, Cherries
- Seasonal Fruits: Figs, Grapes, Pear, Berries
- Jam: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fig, Apples
Dips, Sauces, and Dressings
- Mayo goes bad easily in a hot summer. Bring mayonnaise only if you can keep it cold, in an insulated compartment or near ice packs.
- Pesto is a great substitute for
mayonnaise. - Honey: goes well with cheese, or just eaten simply on a piece of bread
- Hummus
- Roasted Pepper Spread
Bread
- Baguette, Fresh Bagels, Wholegrain Bread, Buns, Sourdough, Buckwheat Gluten Free Bread
Bread Tip: don’t keep it closed in a plastic bag, cause it will go soggy. Use parchment paper instead.
Drinks
With Alcohol
- Wine, Champagne.
- Beer
- Red Sangria,
- Prosecco
Without Alcohol
- Flavored Water
- Fresh Fruit Juice, Soda
- Tea, Frappes
Picnic Activities
Card Games for Couples
- Tabletopics Couples
- Pick Your Poison: “What would you rather do?”
Classic Lawn Games
- Frisbee, ball, badminton
- Bocce Ball
- Ring Toss
- Cornhole
Books & Music
- Bring books to read to each other.
- Bring a bluetooth speaker to put some romantic music on.
- Play ukulele / guitar
Cleaning up
Trash Bags
- Get trash bags and make sure you don’t leave any waste behind, keep the environment safe.
Zip-Lock Bag for dirty utensils
- A secure leak-proof plastic bag will help you store all the dirty plates and cutlery.
Hand Sanitizers
That’s it! Now you know what you need to pack for a picnic for two. Time to organize the perfect surprise picnic for your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife. Happy Picnicking!
i love your ideas
This was very helpful!!
Thank you!
Thanks. It’s my first picnic and I want her bday to be perfect.