So you and bae have been together for a while now, and this year you really want to make it special… but how? Truth is, you’re really just an ordinary couple who boo’d up after finding a rom-com-worthy love. But maybe you’re ready to up your game and take your anniversary to Nicholas-Sparks-worthy levels.
Here, three marriage and dating experts weigh-in on some anniversary date ideas that will blow your partner’s mind. Say buh-bye to the classic dinner and movie, your next anniversary is about to be off-the-charts romantic.
1. Go back to your first date
“Take your partner out to the restaurant where you had your first date,” suggests Michele Velazquez, founder of The Heart Bandits, a marriage proposal and romantic event planning service. But this time, do it up big.
“If the restaurant has a private room, rent it out. Call ahead to arrange for the table to be set-up with candlelights and mason jars or photo stands that contain photos of you two for every year that you’ve been together.” And if you want to be super extra, hire a violinist to appear seemingly out of nowhere as you enjoy a celebratory toast.
2. If you’re married, go back to the spot where you got engaged.
Married people have the option of visiting the place where they shared their first date or the place where they got engaged. “Purposefully returning to the place where the magic occurred has a dramatic effect upon your sense of connection,” explains Susan Winter, relationship expert. “The location of your proposal can kick-start a flood of happy memories and the remembrance of the excitement about your future.”
3. Treat yo’selves to a spa day.
Real talk: You don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself anytime you damn well please. But, your anniversary is a great time to splurge on some luxurious relaxation. “Being pampered together is such a soothing experience for your relationship,” says Laurie Davis Edwards, love coach and founder of The Worthy One.
Get a couples’ massage at a spa where you can lounge for the rest of the day. And, maybe pay a little extra for one with your own private jacuzzi—you and your boo are worth it.
4. Go for a romantic scavenger hunt.
I know, I know… it’s probably been a decade or two since you went on your last scavenger hunt. But, putting a romantic take on one of your favorite childhood pastimes could make for an excellent anniversary date. Do it in your city or at a local park and leave clues for your partner to hunt their way toward the grand prize (read: YOU!)
“After they’ve successfully finished each clue, wait for them with a present, balloon, card, or large sign as a testimony of your love,” says Winter.
5. Plan a short trip.
Some people lurve a good surprise and will travel to an unknown destination at the drop of a hat. Others need, erm, just a bit more details in-advance (Hi, A-personality types!). But don’t fret, no matter which one best describes your mate, a short trip provides a fun break from your routine says Winter.
My suggestion? If your partner has a down-for-whatever attitude, capitalize on that by planning them the best surprise ever. But if your partner is more of a planner, revel in the planning process together instead.
6. Treat your partner to a surprise serenade at a beautiful location.
OK, just a heads-up, you may have to hire the Barden Bellas for this one. But picture this: You take your partner to a gorgeous location—with a nice view, obviously. And as you’re walking, someone approaches you and hands your partner a note that says ‘Happy Anniversary!’ on it. Then, the person breaks out in a serenade with your couple song and you’re feeling some type of way.
Yeah, it’s a bit cheesy, but the mems are totally worth it.
7. Go see your couple song live.
What’s the only thing better than having a group singing your couple song? Watching the actual artist perform it live. “If there’s a song you two associate with your relationship, go see that artist live,” suggests Edwards. There’s nothing like honoring your relationship with an epic dance party with your boo.
8. Pick a theme for the entire month.
Why not limit your anniversary to one day, when you can celebrate the whole month? Try a month-long splurge of your common interests suggests Winter. This could include musical venues, theatre, movies, sporting events, athletic hobbies, artistic pursuits or games.
For example, if you’re a sports-lover, make it a point to go to a few different sports games over the course of your anniversary month. And if your lover is super into movies and films, check-out all the best box-office hits for the month.
9. Put all these ideas in a hat and take your pick.
Take any of the above suggestions, plus any additional ideas you may have, and throw them into a hat. Have your S.O. randomly pick one and voila, a fun surprise awaits your anniversary date.