50 Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary
/Wondering what to do for your anniversary this year? Want to do something creative and special to show your spouse just how much you love them? We’ve made a list of fun and romantic things to do for any anniversary. Whether you are celebrating your 5th or 50th, whether you want to stay in at home or go out on the town, we have come up with ideas for everyone.
Are you ready for your best anniversary yet?
50 Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary
1. Visit the Place You Got Married or Engaged
Nothing brings back memories like standing in the exact spot you got married or engaged. Hold hands, talk about what you were thinking and feeling at the time you pledged your lives to one another, and seal the moment with a kiss. Don’t forget the camera—you’ll want a photo to see how much you’ve changed.
2. Stay the Night at a Bed and Breakfast
If you want a cozy night away from your everyday lives, stay the night in a bed and breakfast. Even if it is only a mile away from where you live, a soft warm bed and a delicious meal will deliver some much needed romance.
3. Go on a Romantic Picnic
Find a secluded spot outdoors for a picnic with your spouse. You’ll get to spend a lazy afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and in the arms of the one you love. Not sure what to bring or where to go? See our post on how to pull off the perfect summer picnic.
4. Get Out of Town
Whether it is for a night or a long weekend, taking a vacation out of town for your anniversary will give you plenty of time and space to rekindle the romance in your relationship. Plus, you’ll make new memories together to add to the scrapbook.
5. Tour a Brewery, Distillery, or Vineyard
For couples with sophisticated tastes, try a brewery, distillery, or vineyard tour. You’ll get to learn about how each drink is made, as well as do a tasting to distinguish the finer differences between varieties.
6. Make it a Couple’s Spa Day
Take a break from your stressful and busy lives to have a relaxing couple’s spa day. With a variety of services that you can do together—massages, facials, pedicures, the jacuzzi, the sauna—you will revive both your bodies and your relationship. Prefer something more intimate? We’ve made a list of everything you need to have a spa date at home, which can get much more sensual.
7. Recreate Your First Date
Remember your first date? Remember feeling nervous and excited, wondering if this might turn out to be “the one”? (congratulations, by the way—it did). Relive those feelings by recreating your first date together. Talk about your first impressions of one another, what attracted you to the other person in the first place, and how much has changed since then. You’ll start to feel that spark all over again.
8. Munch on Your Wedding Cake
No, I’m not talking about the year-old, dried up, frozen top-layer. I’m talking about ordering a delicious, fresh cake from the bakery you ordered from on your wedding day. They say taste brings back the most memories of all the senses, so order it in the same flavor you chose then—just a little smaller. You can do this on any anniversary and, chances are, you’ll enjoy it more than you did in the midst of wedding distractions.
9. Cook Up a Meal from Scratch
If you’re usually busy and strapped for time, it’s unlikely you make a home-cooked meal very often. This anniversary, cook up a fancy meal together with your spouse. Then open a nice bottle of champagne and enjoy the result of your hard work. Unsure of what to make? Make it a theme night of french cuisine and entertainment with our Destination Paris date night kit, recipes included.
10. Parade Around in Your Wedding Clothes
Many couples keep their wedding clothes after their wedding only for them never to be worn again. But we say: if the gown fits, wear it! Get all dolled up on your anniversary and parade around town, or even just your living room, in your finest outfit. Pretend you just got married and share a reenactment of your first dance.
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11. Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant
Rooftop dining can be extremely romantic. Between the warm summer breeze and incandescent stringed lights, you will soon both be lost in the glow of your love for each other. Just be sure to have a back up plan in case of bad weather.
12. Take a Cooking Class
There is so much to learn in the world of food, even if you are an experienced home chef already. Branch out on your anniversary with a cooking class offered by your local culinary institute or restauranteur. You may be surprised by a new cuisine, flavor, or technique. If you prefer cooking in your own kitchen, consider taking a virtual class, like this one we did with the Chef and the Dish, which partners home cooks with professional chefs from all over the world.
13. Sleep in the Wilderness
Refresh your relationship with an evening out in nature. You could rent a homey cabin with luxuries like a kitchen and bathroom, or rough it in a tent at a campsite under wide open skies. If you’re looking for something in between a cabin and camping, try glamping (or “glamour camping”), which is the best of both worlds.
14. Soak in a Hot Springs
Take a trip to a nearby hot springs for some much-needed rejuvenation. Try to find one with a series of smaller, more intimate pools for the romantic touch, and be sure to look it up online beforehand to know what you’re getting into, as rules and regulations at hot springs can vary.
15. Dance the Night Away
If you’re already thinking “I don’t know how to dance” or “dancing is not my thing”—don’t worry. Many places have a casual atmosphere and a bar as well as offering lessons for beginners at the start of the night. Try out a swing dance club to transport yourself to the past, or get up close and personal at a salsa dance club. Still not your scene? Try line dancing at a country bar or getting groovy at a disco club. If you’d prefer to dance in the privacy of your living room, there are plenty of virtual lessons offered online. If nothing else, you can put on your wedding song and sway back and forth.
(Find the perfect gift for him with our list of 10 Anniversary Gift Husbands Can’t Help but Love)
16. Make a Time Capsule
Put together a few sentimental items for a time capsule to open on your anniversary five, ten, fifteen, or your choice of years into the future. Include predictions about your relationship, family, and everyday life, as well as photos, small items, and secret love notes that you and your spouse will only read then.
17. Catch the Sunrise or Sunset
Despite them both being a daily occurrence, many of us rarely watch the sunrise or sunset. On your anniversary, find a picturesque spot with an unobstructed view, like on a hill or over a lake. Wrap yourselves in a blanket and hold each other close as you watch.
18. Have a Casino Night
Take a weekend trip to Vegas or visit the nicest casino near you. Agree on a reasonable amount for each of you to bet throughout the evening and then have fun! If you don’t want to spend time in a gambling establishment, we’ve made a post on how to have a classy casino date at home. You’ll feel just like you’re in Monte Carlo.
19. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Climb a mountain, go for a hike, take a bike ride, or hit tennis balls at your local tennis courts. If your anniversary takes place in winter, try nordic or alpine skiing, snowshoeing, or just building a snowman. There are so many ways to be active together, no matter the season!
20. Attend a Farmer’s Market or Food Festival
Take in the local culture at a farmer’s market or food festival. Bring cash and a bag to carry your goodies, plus plan on eating lunch there. You’ll have fun exploring and trying new flavors together.
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21. Take an Art Class
Learn to paint, draw, or throw pottery together at your local art studio or community college. Many offer “paint and sip” classes that include a glass of wine and the necessary art supplies. If you would rather take your time and learn from the comfort of home, try taking a virtual class, like from PBS legend Bob Ross. We’ve made a list of everything you need for Bob Ross painting date night at home and even included a few printable date night extras.
22. Pose for a Photo Shoot
It’s easy and surprisingly affordable to schedule a shoot with a local photographer for your anniversary. They will take and edit the photos, then share them with you to make into a book or prints. If you’re on a tight budget, you could also ask a friend to take them, or set up your tripod and use a timer. Matthew and I have a tradition of having a photo shoot every year around our anniversary. Over the years, we look forward to seeing how we’ve changed and grown. Plus, we have great photos to share with friends and family.
23. Explore a Museum
Museums can open your eyes to other worlds and be a great place for conversation. Choose an art, science, or history museum to wander through for an afternoon. If you’ve already been to most of the museums in your area, remember that many museums have rotating exhibits that you usually have to get tickets to in advance.
24. See Live Comedy
It’s no secret that we all could use a good laugh. Take your spouse to a show—like improv or stand-up—at your local comedy club. Be sure to find out if you need tickets in advance, if there is a drink minimum, and who will be performing. If you would rather stream famous comedians from your TV, check out our Comedy Night date night kit, which includes suggestions for what to watch and hilarious printable games you can play against your spouse.
25. Hit the Water
Go to your local watering hole (ocean, river, lake, or reservoir) for a day of fun. Take a fishing rod to catch some dinner. Or if you’re aching to get on the water, rent kayaks, a canoe, a pedal-boat, tubes, or stand-up paddle boards. If you want a real adventure, take a white water rafting tour. Or if none of that appeals to you, just lie on the beach and catch some rays.
(Married to a caffeine fiend? 35+ Gifts for the Coffee Lover)
26. Attend a Concert
Is one of your spouse’s favorite bands playing soon? Or their favorite symphony? Surprise them with tickets to the show for your anniversary and make it a night to remember. First read our 5 Tips for Making a Concert the Perfect Date Night, then download and print our custom-designed card and ticket envelope so your gift looks thoughtful and stylish when you give it to them.
27. Look Back at Old Photos
On your anniversary you and your spouse will no doubt be thinking about the times you’ve shared together. Couple those thoughts with photos you’ve taken over the years—of vacations, big events, and the everyday—for a night of heart-felt reminiscing. You can even do this for a few minutes as a mini-date before your other plans.
28. Go to the Theater
Live entertainment can feel refreshing after so many nights on the couch binging Netflix. See what shows are coming up at theaters near you for an exciting night on the town with your spouse. Between musicals, comedies, original works, and more, there are plenty of choices of what to see.
29. Hit Up the Drive-In
Drive-in movie theaters have made a serious comeback in recent years and they make for excellent date nights. From the comfort of your car you get to watch a classic movie, hold hands with your spouse, and snack on whichever snacks you choose. We’ve made a list of what to bring, plus created a printable date night kit, so you can take this date to the next level.
30. Create a Scavenger Hunt
With a romantic scavenger hunt, you can show off both your thoughtfulness and creativity. We recommend a scavenger hunt you can do together, like this spring photo scavenger hunt, so you end up with photos and memories of the experience—though you could just as well make one of your own with a pack of sticky notes. It might be the kind of thing your spouse is hoping for this anniversary.
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31. Visit a Carnival or Amusement Park
Enjoy an evening of light-hearted fun at a carnival or amusement park. Ride the ferris wheel, play silly games you are bound to lose, and tear apart a gigantic cone of cotton candy. It will be an anniversary you will never forget, especially if you forget to bring the dramamine.
32. See the City Lights
Drive or hike up to your favorite point overlooking the city. Snuggle in a blanket as you take in the distant lights of where you live and get some much needed perspective. For added connection between you and your spouse, download and print these conversation topics to bring along with you.
33. Try Something New
If you’re an adventurous couple, you may get a kick out of trying new things. Treat yourselves to night of the unusual—a new cuisine, a new movie genre, a new activity—and see if you end up expanding your horizons. After all, opposites attract.
34. Explore a Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens are filled with amazing feats of nature from all over the world. Unsurprisingly, they also make for great photo opportunities. You and your spouse will get some much-needed peace and tranquility as you explore the winding paths and lush greenhouses in honor of your anniversary.
35. Host a Game Night
If you want your anniversary to be filled with laughter, try hosting a game night. Whether it is just the two of you, or you and all of your closest friends, you will have a rollicking good time, so long as you choose the right games. Check out our list of Best Date Night Games for ideas about what to play.
(Want to spice up your marriage? Give one of our Gifts for the Spice Lover for your anniversary)
36. Go Skydiving or Bungee Jumping
It makes sense to celebrate taking one plunge by taking another. Though this one is, admittedly, more literal. If you and your spouse both have skydiving or bungee jumping on your bucket lists, as so many do, schedule the appointments and make it happen. The rush of excitement may bring some energy into your marriage.
37. Ride an Old Timey Train
Many places have historical train or trolley rides that provide unique views and an insight into your area’s history. Book your tickets and transport yourselves into the past.
38. Take on an Escape Room
The general concept is this: you are locked in a mysterious room for an hour and must solve a series of riddles and puzzles to escape. Sound romantic? Then it should make the perfect anniversary date for you and your spouse. While it may sound easy, the rooms are designed to challenge the smartest of adults, and few teams actually accomplish the task. Not to mention, most of the rooms have a designated theme, which adds to the atmosphere. If you like the idea, but would rather take on the challenge in private, see our list of 30+ Escape Room Games You Can Play from Home.
39. Get Sporty
Batting cages and driving ranges both give couples the chance to test out their skills and get up close and personal. If neither baseball nor golf appeal to you, try out axe throwing or stick with everyone’s childhood favorite: putt putt.
40. Go to a Poetry or Storytelling Slam
Poetry and storytelling slams can be unique experiences for those who have never been. Bringing out people from all places and backgrounds, they have a way of making people feel closer together, including you and your spouse. Top off the night by writing poems of your own, even if they are just silly.
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41. Visit the Zoo
When was the last time you saw sea lions taking a swim, giraffes sticking out their long tongues, or peacocks spreading their enormous tail feathers? If it’s been awhile, then a trip to the zoo is an ideal anniversary date. Leave the human kingdom behind for a day and enter the animal kingdom.
41. Ice Skate
If it’s winter and you are looking for a cozy date to bring you closer to your spouse, literally and figuratively, try going ice skating. (You can even go during the other seasons if you have an indoor ice arena nearby.) Zooming along the ice, falling into each others arms, laughing at falls and spins—no wonder all those Hallmark movies include ice skating. Complete the date with a delicious, warm cup of hot cocoa, like this recipe for Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate.
42. Play Arcade Games
Many arcades, now being a thing of the past, have a cool, retro vibe to them. Grab a few rolls of quarters and head over to the arcade nearest you for a night of ridiculous gaming, or—if being surrounded by a bunch of teens doesn’t appeal to you—play arcade games at home with our Back to the Eighties date night kit.
43. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
It does not take much to make a hot air balloon ride romantic. Soaring overhead in a contraption out of the 1800s, you’ll feel the breeze in your hair as you hold hands and take in the views. It’s another classic thing to cross off your bucket list.
44. Compete in a Trivia Night
Many bars these days have a trivia night where you can compete against other teams and win prizes. If you and your spouse are trivia junkies, this may be an exhilarating way to spend anniversary.
45. Eat Fondue
Fondue, with all its melted chocolate and cheese, seems inherently sensual. Go to a fondue restaurant near you for a quirky night out, or have a sexy evening at home feeding each other chocolate-covered delights. If it sounds messy and complicated, it’s really not. Read our post on how to have an easy fondue date at home, recipes included.
(Check out our list of Gifts for the Food Lover to help satisfy the gourmet in your life)
46. Go on a Factory Tour
If anything interesting is made in your area, consider taking a factory tour to see how it’s made and get free samples. Matthew and I have gone on both the Celestial Seasonings Tour and Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour and we were surprised by how much we enjoyed it as a date experience.
47. Play Laser Tag or Paint Ball
Take your anniversary as an opportunity to turn on your spouse—in laser tag or paintball, that is. Zap or splat your opponent in a friendly yet competitive game that will leave you both pleasantly exhausted.
48. Try Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Celebrate your anniversary under the sea. Learn a new skill with a scuba diving lesson, or jump right into exploring and go snorkeling. You’ll see the world from a new perspective and have a new respect for nature.
50. Sing Karaoke
If you both love to sing, spend your anniversary belting out your favorite tunes at your local karaoke bar. Invite friends, if you wish, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you prefer not to show off your skills in public, have a karaoke night with just the two of you at home. Here’s how.
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We’ve made a list of fun and romantic things to do for any anniversary. Whether you are celebrating your 5th or 50th, whether you want to stay in at home or go out on the town, we have come up with ideas for everyone.