Your anniversary only comes around once a year.
And yet, it seems so hard to think of some amazing plan to top last year’s romantic extravaganza.
There’s always the obvious romantic-dinner-and-a-movie plan, but you can do so much better.
Rather than go for the obvious, try to find a little creativity and inspiration as you’re planning your perfect anniversary.
But if you’re really stuck and aren’t sure what to do – don’t sweat it.
There are so many great ways to celebrate your special day as a couple, and we’ve got a few anniversary ideas for you to try out.
15 Fun and Romantic Anniversary Ideas
Though it may seem challenging, it is entirely possible to gather anniversary ideas that aren't insanely cliché.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of activities that are so fun, unique and romantic, you’ll have an anniversary you’ll never forget.
1. Go on an Impromptu Road Trip
Nothing like igniting that romantic fire with some spontaneity!
The night before your anniversary, play that game where you pick a random spot on a map, pack your bags and hit the road the next morning.
You’ll have such a blast listening to your music, enjoying the scenery, dining at cute roadside eateries and perhaps eventually finding yourself staying at a charming little B&B or local inn.
Plus, it’s a romantic way to throw a little caution to the wind and forget your obligations for a couple of days.
2. Volunteer Together
Celebrate your love by giving back to others. Pick a cause that’s important to you as a couple and commemorate your love with a little bit of benevolence.
In other words, take your love for each other and spread it as far as you can.
3. Spend an Evening Without Technology
We’re all guilty of sitting at the dinner table, but not talking to each other because we’re completely absorbed in our phones.
Can you think of the last time you two spent time together without technology of some sort within arm's reach?
So, why not unplug for a night so you can focus entirely on each other? You may have the most fun you’ve had in a very long time because there’s nothing to distract you both from the present moment.
4. Make Each Other Mixtapes
Instead of buying each other expensive gifts or planning a lavish celebration, keep it humble and romantic.
Nothing is cuter than making mixtapes of songs that remind you of memories from your relationship. It’ll be just like when you made a mix for your crush during your teenage years – but much more meaningful.
Whether you want to make your playlists with an actually old-school cassette tape or on an app like Spotify is totally up to you.
5. Rent a Cute Secluded Cabin
Celebrate your anniversary by getting off the grid for a weekend!
Make sure you find a cabin nestled away in a beautiful stretch of woods so you can fully immerse yourselves in nature (that means no cell service!).
You can hike around, make a bonfire, play games, cook some rustic meals, and, of course, snuggle up in some cozy blankets under the stars.
6. Go Back to the Place You Had Your First Date
Okay, so maybe this anniversary idea is a little bit cliché – but that doesn’t make it any less cute!
We promise that it will be super romantic to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the very first day that eventually led to you spending the rest of your lives together.
7. Play Hooky Together (From Work, Not School)
Be a little bit bad this year and skip out on work or whatever obligations you usually have.
You can tune into your rebellious teenage sides and in turn, put your love for each other above everything else (but mostly above work).
Once you’ve adequately convinced your bosses that you’re both deathly ill, do whatever the heck you want!
Think of it as pulling a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” – anniversary style.
8. Cross an Item Off Each of Your Bucket Lists
We’re sure each of you has your respective bucket lists.
So this year on your anniversary, pick an item off of each other’s lists to complete together as a couple.
You’ll be helping each other achieve something you’ve always wanted to do – all while remembering your wedding day when you decided to spend the rest of your lives together.
If you think about it, it’s only appropriate that you do something off of your bucket lists together since you opted to do pretty much everything together ’til death do you part.
9. Throw an Enormous Party
Why limit celebrating your relationship or marriage to between the two of you when you can spread your love around?
You and everyone you know will be celebrating your anniversary. It’ll almost be like you’re throwing yourselves another wedding reception however many years later.
You can go all out and rent an amazing venue, hire a DJ, serve your favorite craft cocktails and dance the night away.
And it’ll prove to everyone that you’re just as in love and still as fun as you were the day you got hitched!
10. Netflix and Chill-iversary
Anniversary celebrations certainly do not have to be a luxurious extravaganza.
Your anniversary should simply be about celebrating your love for each other in whatever way you see fit.
So, if your ideal celebration is binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, cuddled under some plush blankets, sipping on your favorite libations and munching on popcorn – then we say go for it!
Celebrate your anniversary your way.
To be honest, there’s little else that sounds as comforting and romantic as a night in with your sweetie.
11. Play Tourist in Your Own City Together
With the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget to take a look at the incredible sights all around us and to fully enjoy the good times.
That’s why spending a whole day or weekend together as tourists in your own city is a great way to spend your anniversary. You can enjoy the world around you that you don’t get to experience on the day-to-day – all while you enjoy each other.
You can check out that new art gallery you’ve been meaning to go to, visit some historic sites, eat at the best restaurants in town, and stare lovingly into each other's eyes all day long.
12. Take a Fun Class Together
Another fun way to celebrate your anniversary is to learn together.
Whether the two of you like cooking, making pottery, dancing, exercising or painting, there’s definitely a class of some sort you can do together.
It doesn’t really matter what it is because you’ll be learning and having fun with each other.
After all, learning and growing together is a key to any relationship – so why not embrace that sentiment on your anniversary day.
13. Pop the Cork and Pull Out the Fancy Cheese Plate
Wine and fancy cheeses are probably the best things you can consume on your anniversary.
True, we’re all about drinking wine and eating cheese any day at any time, but make it extra special for your anniversary.
Spend the big bucks on an expensive bottle of Merlot, and go for the top-shelf Brie in the cheese aisle. Then sit in your dining room, on the patio or even make it a picnic.
14. Have a Couples’ Spa Day
Whether you do a DIY spa day at home or actually book at a lavish spa is totally up to you – but you should absolutely use your anniversary as an excuse to relax as a couple.
If you decide to go the DIY route, give each other massages, do some clay facial masks, and maybe even do a little yoga. Otherwise, plenty of spas offer wonderful couples’ packages that are often customizable.
After all, what’s more loving than indulging in a bit of self-care together?
15. Go to the Farmer’s Market (and Eat)
Spend the day wandering around your adorable local farmer’s market, stocking up on ultra-fresh produce and admiring unique, handmade wares.
Then, when you get home, cook a delicious meal together using all of the fruits and veggies you bought at the market! That way you’ll spend the day in the most charming of settings AND prepare a romantic dinner together.
But Ultimately, Just Spend Time Together…
Anniversaries are the best excuse to set aside everything else going on in your life and enjoy the love you share with your partner.
There’s a lot of pressure that’s built up around planning the perfect day, but we don’t see any reason to fret if you’re having a hard time coming up with any anniversary ideas.
At the end of the day, your anniversary is just about being together and loving each other – nothing more, nothing less.
So don’t sweat the small stuff.
As long as you’re spending time together, it’ll be more than perfect.
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