If you’re looking for a fresh, sophisticated take on the traditional home cooked dinner, plan a wine-and-cheese tasting for two. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source There’s nothing wrong with grabbing takeout. Chances are, the two of you spend a lot of time preparing food throughout the week. Take the pressure off by having something tasty delivered and spare yourselves the cook time and cleanup.
If you’re having trouble deciding on what to watch, you can each pick a movie for a custom double-feature.
Pick a game like chess or Scrabble if you feel like testing your brainpower, or something more physical like Twister if you’d rather get up and move. Don’t forget about video games! A little two-player madness might be just what you need to loosen up on your anniversary.
Pick out some decadent bath soaps, oils, fragrances and candles to transform your bathroom into a tandem spa experience. [7] X Research source
Listen for cues your partner mentions for things they’d like to have and try to make a mental note. Sometimes the best surprises are things you’ve wanted but have hesitated to ask for. Jewelry is a popular gift for anniversaries, especially to commemorate decades, but you don’t have to break the bank buying expensive, impersonal gold and jewels. Try selecting a tasteful piece with your partner’s birthstone or a particular symbol that’s meaningful to them. [9] X Research source
Being mushy isn’t your only option. This is a good opportunity to put your feelings on display, but also to make your partner laugh by coming up with silly rhymes or referencing inside jokes that only the two of you are in on.
Think about gifts that are specifically suited to your loved one—for instance, if they’re an ardent reader, fashion a simple, eye-catching set of homemade bookshelves, or design a spice rack for someone who loves to cook. Make a mixtape, burned CD or playlist for your significant other. This is a timeless gesture that never goes out of style, and can be the perfect complement to an anniversary present. Draw on a selection of your favorite tracks to compile a personalized mix and give the gift of music. [11] X Research source
Rehearse your message first and run through it a few times before you record yourself to ensure that you’re able to say exactly what you want to say. Inject some personality into your video message. Sing, dance or use signs and props to make the recording memorable.
If you’re married and/or have children together, challenge yourselves to talk about topics other than your jobs, kids and finances. Make your dialogue about the two of you.
Have a good time! Go wild to the upbeat chart-topping hits on the radio and follow it with an intimate slow dance that brings you close. Put on songs that have mutual significance for the two of you, like the song that was playing the first time you met or one that describes the way you feel about each other. [15] X Research source
Telling a significant other that you love them is one the simplest but most powerful gestures you can make in a relationship. No matter how many times you hear it, it’s always touching to be reminded that you’re with someone that cares about you and wants you to know it.
Anniversaries don’t have to be fancy, immaculately-planned occasions. Putting too much emphasis on making the day “perfect” can take away from simply enjoying being in one another’s company. Find activities that you both like to do that let you be together without interruption or distraction.
