While you may love your partner with all your heart, it’s not always easy to show that emotion. Anniversaries are the perfect opportunity to remind your partner how much you appreciate and care for them.
You might not be able to give your partner the moon, but with these anniversary ideas, you’ll surely come close.
Date Ideas
Every anniversary deserves a special date, regardless of how long you’ve been together. These date ideas are bound to make the spark feel more alive than ever.
Treat Yourselves to a Spa
What better way to celebrate your love than to spend the whole day pampering yourselves? You deserve to feel special on your anniversary, and a trip to the spa could do just that.
Whether you want to chill out in the hot tub, go for a fancy couple’s massage, or get any number of other spa treatments — you finally have an excuse to do so.
If this seems like an expensive idea to you, remember that a lot of spas offer couple discounts. Those who are serious about this idea should research local spas in advance to see if they have any special offers coming up.
Book a Romantic Getaway
No matter how much we love someone, life and its obligations often prevent us from spending a lot of time with them. If you’ve been together for a while, it’s likely you’ve settled into a routine and forgotten how magical it is to be alone with your partner, without the world weighing you down.
It’s no wonder, then, that romantic getaways are one of the most popular 50th wedding anniversary ideas. They give you a chance to change your surroundings and hang out with your partner without stress, work, or kids.
Whether you’re traveling somewhere close just for a weekend or splurge on an exotic vacation, you won’t regret it.
For a more unique experience, you can look for cute little B&Bs that are often different from classic hotels and that offer activities specific to the area at a reduced price.
Take a Class Together
A part of improving a relationship is learning a new skill together. Taking a class with your partner is a great way to have more things in common and deepen your bond. Think about something you’re both passionate about.
Is it food? Why not take a cooking class together? If you’re a dynamic couple who likes to go out, taking up dancing could be the perfect way to spend your evenings.
If you’re both artistic, you should check out if there are any local art classes available.
Whatever activity you end up choosing, you and your partner will surely have a great time together.
Spend some time thinking about what you would both enjoy doing, see what your town has to offer, and schedule the first class around your anniversary. That way, you’ll make things truly special.
Recreate Your First Date
One of the best 1 year anniversary ideas is to recreate your first date. The first anniversary is often the most special one because it takes you back to the moment you met whether you want it or not.
Instead of fighting the feelings, why not lean into them? Take your partner out to that special restaurant where you first shared a meal or that coffee place where you fell for each other.
Relive the first moment they gave you butterflies, and tell them what was going through your head the first time you saw them.
Not only is this the perfect way to revive the spark, but it’s also a great way to remind yourself of the journey the past year has been. Before you know it, every milestone you had together will come back to you and you’ll fall in love all over again.
See a Comedy Special
Couples that laugh together, stay together. Sharing a sense of humor is a basis for a happy relationship, so why not fill your anniversary night with heartfelt laughter?
There are a ton of comedians who do regular gigs, regardless of how famous they are. If you and your partner both have the same favorite comedian, check out if they’re performing somewhere close to you around your anniversary date.
In case they’re not, you can always check out local bars and see if they have stand up nights coming up. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also find open mic nights, and maybe even enter yourself.
Not only is that a great way to step out of your comfort zone, but it’s perfect for making your anniversary even more special. The material can center around anecdotes from your relationship and love in general, as this is something most people will find funny— not just your partner.
Pretend You’re Strangers
No matter how happy you are in a long-term relationship, there comes a time when you start missing the “getting to know you” part and the flirting phase.
Knowing what makes your partner tick and how to win them over is exciting in its own way, of course, but sometimes you just want to know if you still have the skills to pick them up at a bar again.
Here’s the thing, though — there’s nothing stopping you from going back to that first phase of dating. One of the most creative ways you can celebrate your anniversary is to come up with two new characters you and your partner can play.
Decide on a time and place, then meet there as if by chance and see if you still have what it takes to take your partner home while you’re both pretending to be someone else. It’s the perfect way to break your patterns and step out of the monotonous routine we can all end up in.
You could also have a “second first date” and give yourselves a chance to rekindle the passion from the beginning of your relationship. Our first date guide might give you some ideas.
How Can I Celebrate My Anniversary At Home?
Just because it’s your anniversary doesn’t mean that you have to do something extravagant. Having a romantic night is possible even when you’re staying home, and here’s how you can do it.
Make a Fort
Who said that adults are too old for pillow forts? This anniversary, wake up the child inside of you and create a magical experience with your SO. The biggest perk of adulthood is that now no one can tell you that you can’t turn the whole living room into a fort.
Take all the couch cushions, pull the chairs closer together, and take out all of the blankets. You can even pull out the Christmas lights to decorate the inside of the fort.
For entertainment, it’s best to take a laptop or tablet inside with you. That way, you can watch shows and movies or play some music.
Don’t forget about the snacks, and if you want to up the romance factor, definitely include some wine.
Remember that building the fort together is part of the date as much as hanging out inside the fort is.
Create a Home Cinema
One fun idea for anniversaries is to go out and see a movie you’ve been waiting to come out for ages, but what do you do on a COVID anniversary when the movies are closed? It’s simple — you create a home cinema.
If you can’t get your hands on that long-awaited movie on a streaming service, think of a film that’s dear to you and your SO. It could be something you watched on one of your dates, or a movie that’s both of your favorites.
For a full cinema experience, you’ll need to make movie tickets and get the authentic cardboard popcorn holders online. If you have armchairs, label them with seat numbers and place them in the center of the room so they face the TV.
You can also shop for your favorite cinema snacks and drinks, this time without having to pay cinema prices. Finally, dim the lights, set up the speakers, and enjoy your anniversary!
Those who want to make this an even more special surprise can dress up as a movie worker and greet their partner by the door with tickets in hand.
Renew Your Vows
Vowel renewal ceremonies are a great idea for couples who have been married for a while. The vows you said to each other on your wedding day may have sentimental value, but they don’t always predict how life is going to go.
Take your next anniversary as an opportunity to update your vows and remind each other of the love blossoming between you.
While some people think vowel ceremonies need to be as extravagant as the wedding day, they’re actually one of the best cheap anniversary date ideas.
You don’t need all the bells and whistles to show your partner you love them. Your married life is something that goes on between the two of you, day after day, so making the vowel ceremony private allows you to relish in that intimacy.
Decorate the house a little, order some fancy dinner, and don’t forget that bottle of wine. Then dim the lights and promise to love and hold each other until death does you part once again. You can read our marriage statistics to see how you and your partner hold up against the numbers.
Bake Together
There are few things that you can do with your partner more fun than baking. Your anniversary is the perfect time to find a new recipe that you both want to try. What better time to make a special dessert than on your special date?
Your first steps should be to go shopping for the ingredients together and prep the kitchen. Then all you have to do is turn on some music and get baking!
Not only is this a great way to spend more time with your partner, but it’s also an excellent way to make you work as a team.
Think about what strengths you have and delegate kitchen chores accordingly. If you see your partner struggling with something, help them instead of getting upset. Remember, the point here is to have fun together, not compete against each other.
Learn To Dance
If you’re looking for fun anniversary ideas that don’t involve leaving the house, the internet has got your back! Learning how to dance may be a daring task, but it can also be some of the most fun you’ve ever had when you’re goofing off with your partner.
The internet is full of dancing tutorials, so you can easily find comprehensive lessons that explain a dance routine step by step.
Remember that you don’t have to stick to ballroom dancing. If you and your SO are into something more modern like contemporary dance or hip hop, there’s no better time to try those dances out.
Dance practice can keep you busy for the whole evening, especially if it really clicks for the both of you.
The cherry on top of your new anniversary dance could be filming the final version. Keep it on your phone to always remember the special night you spent together and reminisce during the anniversaries to come.
Camp Out In The Yard
Outdoorsy couples that don’t have the means to go camping far away don’t have to settle for not going camping at all. If you have camping supplies and a backyard, you’re all set for your trip.
Set up a tent in the backyard and prepare for the most romantic night of your lives. You don’t have to go far to experience the wonder of nature.
You’ll be able to do everything you usually do while camping, but this time from the comfort of your own home. Stargaze, make smores, and even tell campfire stories to each other.
Before you know it, sparks will be flying between you once again and this will become an anniversary you won’t soon forget.
Anniversary Gift Ideas
Anniversaries are often not just about dates, but also about gifts. It can be hard finding that ideal gift that reflects your feelings for your partner, but these ideas should definitely get you inspired.
A Subscription For Something
If you want a gift that keeps on giving, definitely look into subscriptions. Nowadays, you can subscribe to practically anything. Tea lovers can get a box of premium assorted teas each month, while book lovers will never have to wonder what to read next again.
Think about what your partner’s hobbies are or about the things they said they always wanted to try. Our article on subscription boxes may give you more inspiration on what to get your partner, too.
Subscription gifts are also good because they don’t strain your finances too much. Most companies offer deals for up to twelve months and discounts for longer subscriptions. As well as that, you can cancel at any time so you won’t be stuck with deliveries if your partner decides they want to switch to something else.
Homemade Dinner
If you want to keep things simple but still show your partner that you care, you can always make them dinner. The effort that goes into making a nice romantic dinner surely won’t go unnoticed.
You don’t even have to have high cooking skills for this present to work. If you’re not well versed in the kitchen, you can always look for simple but delicious recipes, as the internet is full of them.
Remember that the best anniversary gift ideas are the ones that come from the heart. If you’re feeling whimsical, you can even come up with a signature cocktail that goes well with the meal.
Don’t forget to set the scene, either. Buy some candles and play soft music in the background. Rose petals and fancy china can make the evening feel even more special.
You can even make this a surprise for your partner and greet them with a fancy dining experience as soon as they come back from work.
Something Classic
You can never go wrong with something like a watch or a piece of jewelry. If you and your partner are people who appreciate traditional ways of showing affection, a classic gift is the way to go.
Another reason why that’s a good idea is because it will surely be timeless. That gift will stay with them forever and will always remind them of this particular anniversary.
As well as that, classic gifts are usually very practical, so you can be sure your partner will use them on almost a daily basis.
If you want to get something really special, it’s a good idea to start saving up in advance. Of course, the quality of the gift doesn’t depend on its price, but if your partner has a taste for finer things of particular brands, definitely start planning in advance.
An Experience
Some people prefer experiences to material gifts, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If your partner is one of those people, then you should start thinking about cool experiences that they’ve always wanted to try.
Some of the best anniversary gift ideas for him or her or them involve experiences centered around their hobbies. In other words, if your partner is interested in art, take them to an art show.
If they really like the water, pay for a diving lesson. Some people are adrenaline junkies, and if that’s the case, look into skydiving or bungee jumping in your area.
On the other hand, some people prefer just doing something simple that they haven’t done before. That could be anything from having a picnic in the park to taking up a new skill.
One popular experience today are anger rooms, where you get to smash things and release all the negative emotions that have been building up inside. If your partner has been under a lot of stress lately, you could give them the perfect way to let off some steam.
A High-Quality Bottle To Share
Never underestimate simplicity, especially if you haven’t been together long. Sometimes the best gift is a high-quality bottle of liquor. It can be whiskey, wine, craft beer, or anything in between, depending on what your partner likes.
Everyone can appreciate a bottle of fine liquor, especially if they get to share it with their partner. If you’re used to only drinking cheap spirits, then this anniversary present will feel like a real treat. Money shouldn’t be a factor, as this is a special occasion.
To make the present more personal, you can also include a heartfelt card that expresses how much your partner means to you.
The best part is that you won’t have to save the bottle for a special occasion, as your anniversary date is already occasion enough. Get ready for a whole night of laughter and talking in the company of the finest drinks money can buy, because that’s exactly what your SO deserves.
A Scrapbook
Walking down memory lane has never been easier when you have a scrapbook by your side. Commemorate your relationship by putting all the special moments in one book that your partner can cherish for years to come.
There are especially stores where you can easily find the materials you need, as well as the perfect scrapbook.
In the age of technology, scrapbooks are even more special because no one really keeps albums around anymore. Go through your phone and find the most meaningful pictures that you can.
The ideal scrapbook should tell the story of your relationship. The first page can include a picture from your first date, while the rest of the pages should chronologically follow all the meaningful moments you had together.
Think about your first trip together, the first time you said “I love you”, or your first kiss. The last page you fill out should be the one of this anniversary.
It’s also a good idea to leave the pages blank after that one, as a symbolic statement that there are still good things to come.
Conclusion
Relationships take a lot of effort, but milestones are there to remind us how fulfilling they can be, too. With these anniversary ideas by your side, there’s no way your partner will feel neglected or unloved. Whatever you decide to do, it will come from the heart— and that’s the best gift of all.
