Finding creative ways to celebrate romantic relationships can be challenging. But, according to Marissa Moore, MA, LPC, putting in the effort to recognize the bond you share with your partner is always worthwhile.
“Anniversaries are like a little love reset button. They give you a chance to say, ‘Hey, I still choose you’ and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place,” says Moore, a licensed professional counselor and couples therapist. “Life can get crazy busy, and anniversaries force you to carve out dedicated time for each other. They offer a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your partner.”
Need inspiration for your next anniversary? Consider the following ideas.
1. Start with brunch
If your evenings tend to be busy, grab an anniversary brunch instead. Far from just a Sunday morning activity, brunch offers a chance to start your special day together slowly, relaxing in each other’s company.
Consider hitting the hottest brunch spot in town or indulge in luxurious bites right at home. If you choose to stay in, you can go with a sweet, savory, or a bit of both. Whichever you opt for, make sure you have plenty of coffee on hand or, better yet, get the party started with mimosas or bloody marys!
2. Bring your movie night to a bed and breakfast
Transform your anniversary into a mini vacation with a night away. Hotels have their glamour, sure, but consider going for a cozier vibe with a stay at a bed and breakfast.
An anniversary getaway also provides the perfect chance to connect over a movie night. “Make it memorable,” Moore says. “Pick a theme based on a favorite genre or series you both love. Then you can create a cozy setup with blankets, popcorn, and themed snacks for a movie marathon.”
3. Revisit the place where you first met
Does your first date live large in your memories? Then now’s the time to reenact it. Return to the restaurant (or coffee shop, theater, etc.) where the two of you first lit the spark and enjoy a stroll down memory lane. “This one’s always a winner,” Moore says. “Go back to where it all started — visit the same place, maybe wear something similar, and relive those early moments. It’s nostalgic and super romantic.”
You’ll have a chance to reminisce on the ways your relationship has grown while recapturing the magic of those early days. Add to the realism by arriving separately to feel those first-date jitters all over again.
4. Play a good ol’-fashioned game
Who said anniversaries needed to be fancy? Keep things simple with a quiet night in, rediscovering childhood board games. “Games often evoke nostalgia and can bring out a playful and competitive spirit,” Moore says. “Just make sure to keep the competition friendly to avoid any potential disagreements!”
You can wile away many pleasant hours bankrupting each other in Monopoly, battling for the title of best wordsmith with Scrabble, or proving whose logic skills reign supreme at chess.
5. Play tourist in your hometown
You don’t need to jet off to an exotic locale to spoil yourselves. “Often, we overlook the attractions and experiences available in our backyard,” Moore says. “You might discover hidden gems, new restaurants, or fascinating historical sites you never knew existed. This can reignite your sense of adventure and curiosity, creating a shared experience that strengthens your bond. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option that can be done spontaneously.”
You might find a little-known museum to explore before discovering an unexpected happy hour deal a few blocks away. Or consider going restaurant hopping around town: appetizers at one place, then moving on to dinner, drinks, and dessert at others.
6. Have a romantic picnic somewhere meaningful
If your anniversary falls during a time of year when there’s pleasant weather, you’ll be hard pressed for a more romantic date than an outdoor picnic. Fill a basket with your favorite finger foods and enjoy an afternoon without an agenda. A bottle of sparkling wine (or two) can add ambiance to the occasion, and a personalized picnic blanket offers the perfect backdrop for photos.
Make the picnic the pinnacle of your day by packing it inside an outdoor cooler backpack and then hiking out to a beautiful vista where you’re guaranteed some extra privacy.
7. Create a signature cocktail
Make a drink that’s all your own in celebration of your anniversary. “It’s a wonderfully creative and collaborative activity, a fun way to experiment with flavors and learn more about each other's tastes and preferences,” Moore says. “You can make it even more special by naming the cocktail after something meaningful to your relationship.”
Consider starting with classic cocktail combinations, such as a margarita or gin & tonic, and then letting your creativity take over with unconventional ingredients. (Short on inspiration? A trip to the farmers market might help you out.) Or, if you prefer to let someone else lead the way, consider taking an online mixology course specifically geared toward couples.
Anniversary gift ideas
8. Go to “Italy” (or “Thailand,” “China,” etc.)
Is a trip abroad not in the anniversary budget this year? Then bring the thrill of travel home with a themed day in your kitchen. “This not only allows you to bond over a shared activity but also helps you learn new skills and appreciate different cultures,” Moore says. “Cooking together can be very intimate and rewarding, and sharing a meal you've prepared together makes it all the more special.”
Start with classic Italian ingredients before trying your hand at homemade pasta making. Then, once you’ve worked your way through the apps and main course, make a traditional Italian tiramisu (or, if dessert isn’t your specialty, pre-order one).
9. Watch the sunrise AND sunset together
Days blur together once you fall into a routine. Use your anniversary as a chance to take notice of every hour by enjoying both the sunrise and sunset together.
“It’s a beautifully symbolic way to celebrate your anniversary, representative of the journey you've taken together,” Moore says. “Plus, it encourages you to spend the entire day in each other's company, perhaps starting with a cozy breakfast and ending with a romantic dinner or quiet evening under the stars. It's a simple yet profound way to appreciate the passage of time and the moments you've shared, making it a day to remember.”
Regardless of whether you go to the same location or switch things, make sure to bring treats! A mimosa and bagels for a sunrise breakfast, then wine and chocolate for sunset, perhaps?
AUTHOR
Lydia Noyes specializes in content creation related to environmental topics, homesteading, organic gardening, health, fitness, and nutrition. Her online writing is featured in hundreds of articles for brands and publications within the health and wellness industry, including the popular gardening website, Rural Sprout.