Your anniversary is one of the many milestones you’ll achieve as a couple. Just the fact that you’ve made it for another year through the ups and downs is reason enough to celebrate.
Looking for new ways to celebrate, and romantic things to do for your anniversary can be difficult. But lucky for you, we are here to help you make more lasting memories with your loved one: in the form of a bucket list.
With these anniversary ideas, you’ll be making each year together count and help serve as inspiration for you and your sweetheart to live life to its fullest together!
Anniversary Ideas & Things to Do for Celebrating
1. Ask Each Other Would You Rather Questions
Are you looking for a unique anniversary idea or just a good addition to your couple’s bucket list? Then these would you rather questions for couples are the answer. The best part is that these questions are not too hard, and there really is no right or wrong answers. Plus, it is a sure-fire way to become closer.
See which ones you have the same answers for and which ones you don’t—who knows, you might even learn something new about each other!
2. Attend a Concert
If one of you is passionate about a band and they happen to be in town for a gig, it may turn out to be a meaningful anniversary for the both of you. Or you might also go big and attend a music festival with several bands to jam to.
3. Attend a Local Mixology Class
Not only can ordering cocktails in a bar be heavy for the wallet, but sometimes bars are so loud you’ll have to shout to be able to hear each other—that’s not romantic! So how about you instead get some spirits and mixers and learn how to make cocktails.
An additional spark to this can be trying to learn new cocktails that you’ve never tried before; either think of your whole new signature drink or choose one from my Classic Cocktail Bucket List.
4. Book a Couple’s Spa Day
A common thing to do for anniversaries is spend the day at the spa. It’s great to pamper yourself with something incredibly relaxing, with a hint of luxury added into the mix, and even something as intimate as a massage can be enjoyed together with your significant other.
You can also put together a DIY spa day at home, perhaps throwing in some face masks and skin scrubs and whatever else you can think of.
5. Book a Room at a B&B
A must on your Anniversary Bucket List is to spend a romantic night at a quaint Bed & Breakfast. B&Bs are a nice alternative to a hotel. Not only are they generally more cost effective, but you will also be able to cook a delicious breakfast in the morning that is much better than the typical continental buffet.
There are amazing bed & breakfasts all over the world, but it doesn’t even have to be far from home, B&B’s make a great overnight getaway too! And if you’ve never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast, here’s what you’re missing out on.
6. Check Something From Your Couple’s Bucket List
Now is probably a good time more than ever to do an activity that you and your significant other have put on your couples bucket list. Not only can this be a wonderful bonding experience for both of you, but you will also be making more memories with each other, one bucket list entry at a time!
7. Cook a Perfect Meal for Two
Food and romance have been linked throughout history, mix in some intriguing conversation and you have the best anniversary celebration ever. Taking each other out for a fancy dinner is often seen as the classic date night, regardless of the length of the relationship. However, cooking dinner together at home can be far more intimate and romantic – not to mention some epic fun if you both happen to be nothing short of disasters in the kitchen!
Here are some helpful resources to get your romantic dinner for two on the right track:
8. Create a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
Are there some particular songs that are attached to some memories, especially positive ones, of your relationship? Make a playlist of them and listen through it during your anniversary day, or why not on any random evening you’re both in the mood for some music listening.
9. Dine Al Fresco
Eating al fresco or outside in the open air is a great way to enjoy food with your loved one. Not only will you get to enjoy the scenery, but just being outside will make you feel more “free.”
If your favorite restaurant has outside dining, it is perhaps time to try it now, especially if you haven’t tried that before. You can also have a picnic in your backyard, a park, or someplace with a scenic view to add more to the ambiance.
10. Do a Couple’s Photo Session
Even if one of you is a little bit apprehensive about getting their photo taken at first, a professional photo shoot is a brilliant way to get some wonderful tangible memories of your relationship. You may even end up going crazy and having one for each anniversary!
11. Do a Wine or Beer Tasting
Spend a few hours doing a beer or wine tasting—whichever happens to be your preferred drink! Or, why not do both?! Regardless, having a drink or two is always a moment best shared with your partner. Coupled with scenic views, it can also be a more romantic experience for both of you.
12. Do Something Adventurous
Do both of you share a fear that you’re hoping to conquer? It can be related to your relationship, but also something along the lines of skydiving or bungee jumping. By facing the fear together you both will come out of the experience as stronger people and a stronger couple.
Don’t know what to do? Check out our Adventure Bucket List: 50 Crazy Ideas & Things to Do
13. Do Something Sexy & New
Whether either one of you has a sexual fantasy you’re yet to try out or there’s a particular thing to do that’s trendy at the moment, it may be well worth trying out with your partner. Even if it ends up not being your thing, small changes in your routine can make all the difference in how you enjoy physical intimacy with one another.
If you don’t know where to start, see the Sexy Bucket List: 25 Fun Things to Try in the Bedroom & Beyond
14. Enjoy Some Board Games
Some people may think board games are boring (I’m not one of them!), but they can actually be a lot of fun especially if you have the perfect game and partner to play with.
If you prefer a more chill anniversary celebration, having a board game marathon with your favorite games could be fun. You can make it even more fun by adding romantic prizes for the winner, like breakfast in bed coupons.
My favorite adult game night involves a few fierce rounds of Scrabble, but Smart Ass and Drink-A-Palooza will also make it a lively night. Still unsure of which games to play? Check out this list: Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play
15. Explore a New City
Although exploring a new city may not be as easy to do as some of these other anniversary ideas, it can be a great way to make some incredible memories together.
It can be as simple as walking around without a map, just enjoying the food and sights that you may come across. If you ever get lost, at least you have each other.
16. Get Dressed Up for a Night on the Town
Whether you’re partying at the club or bar or going on evening dinners, dressing up for a night on town is one way to get out of your plain clothes and into a more party-vibe one.
It could be as simple as a black cocktail dress for the ladies. As for the men, a button-down shirt with a dark-colored blazer, slacks, and some dressy footwear is one style you can do.
Of course, you can check out a style online that is most comfortable for you if you don’t know what to wear for a night out.
17. Go on a Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise fronted by a stunning sunset is a perfect way to finish your Anniversary celebration. Embark upon a ship together and experience a city (and each other’s company) in a completely different and exotic way. Faces kissed by sea breeze and alight with wide smiles, spend quality time and be treated with luxury. Have scrumptious seafood, indulge in cocktails, and watch the sun melt into the ocean.
18. Go on a Road Trip
Got some time to spare with a desire to spice up things with your relationship a little bit? Randomly choose a destination within driving distance – or forgo thinking about a destination ahead of time altogether! – and quickly pack up your overnight bags to go on an overnight road trip totally spontaneously, leaving on the same day or a couple of days after coming up with the idea. It’s a great way to add something new and different into your relationship.
Don’t forget to read the 75+ Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Long Drive.
19. Go Skinny Dipping
Skinny dipping is such a sexy and exhilarating activity to do together. It’s also an awesome way to enjoy some intimacy with one another. But, be sure no one else is around!
20. Have a Lazy Day in Bed
This is the most relaxing thing to do for your anniversary. Give up all the chores, take the day off and spend a lazy afternoon (and night!) in bed. Talk, cuddle, gossip, laugh and much more *wink wink*.
21. Have a Movie Marathon
Have a movie marathon from the comfort of your couch at home, a movie night is a classic way to enjoy a fun, low key Anniversary date. It’s a way you can thoroughly enjoy each other’s company, even wordlessly, while cuddling up to one another.
22. Have a Picnic
You will have to break out that dusty old picnic basket for this romantic Anniversary activity. Pack it with your favorite bottle of wine, pick a secluded outdoor getaway and create a memory. Need a basket? Check out this cute wicker picnic basket or get a modern 2-person picnic backpack.
For some of the best picnic ideas check out these 37 ways to have the most delightful picnic ever.
23. Head to a Rooftop Bar or Restaurant
Rooftop bars are enticing places to linger since they give additional ambiance. The city lights from above, the light chatter in the background, and on rare occasions, stars in the sky, drinking on a rooftop bar with your sweetheart is one experience you should try at least once.
Some rooftop bars have a dress code (usually smart casual), so you might have to check it out first before going.
24. Head to an Amusement Park
Funnily enough, amusement parks hold some power to ignite romance coupled with adventure. Celebrate your Anniversary in a bustling park where you can have some cotton candy and hotdogs, and maybe win a cute teddy bear for each other. Hop upon a Ferris wheel and head towards the sky. Encircled by breathtaking views of the city and twinkling stars atop, share a lingering kiss!
25. Hike a New Trail
If the two of you are interested in the outdoors, being active, or exploring something new, or the combination of all three, perhaps it’s time to take your Anniversary date on a hike?
Not to mention you get to enjoy the beautiful nature around you and, if you choose a less beaten path, you’ll be quite secluded in simply the company of each other.
If you’re looking for an epic place to hike, then see our Hiking Bucket List: 25 Best Hikes & Backpacking Treks in the World
26. Hire a Private Chef for the Night
Since it’s your and your love’s special day, one thing you can do on this anniversary is cook something for them. It can be their favorite dish, or maybe one that is close to both your hearts. However, preparing and cooking might take a while, taking away the time you could be spending with your sweetheart.
Hiring a private chef, even just for a night, is a great way to leave the stress out on cooking and preparing the meals yourself. You can share the recipes you want your chef to cook, or if you guys want to try out something new, let the chef surprise you with new dishes.
27. Host an Anniversary Party
An anniversary party is a perfect way to celebrate a couple’s time spent together, especially your own. Though hosting your own anniversary party might seem like a weird idea, it is a great reason to bring people together, especially family and friends.
28. Laugh at a Comedy Club
Another low effort Anniversary idea that’ll bring along laughs and conversation, is attending a comedy show. And, you know, laughter is not only the best medicine, it is also known to be a very attractive quality in a partner.
29. Learn a Romantic Dance
Dancing is an excellent gateway to getting you and your partner to touch each other, especially if it’s early into the relationship. Whether it’s your first Anniversary or you have been married 20 years, you may want to take your partner to a dance class rather than a club.
30. Learn Something New Together
Is there a new hobby or activity you would like to learn or try as a couple? Things like learning a new language, playing the guitar or drums, cooking a new dish, basically anything both of you would love to pursue. As a bonus, not only will you grow closer as a couple, you will also get to learn something new about each other!
31. Learn Your Love Language
One of the things that you will learn as a couple is expressing your love to each other. Are you the type who hugs and kisses your sweetheart every chance you get or are you someone who spends quality time with them, giving your undivided attention? Or maybe you are someone who likes giving thoughtful gifts?
Whatever that may be, discovering your (and your partner’s) love language will help to understand how the two of you give and receive affection to each other and improve your relationship even more.
Here’s a couple places to learn your love language:
34. Make Scrapbook from the Past Year
It’s easier nowadays to look back at memories and stuff through our mobile phones or social media. Since we plan to make this day special, why not try your hand at making a scrapbook instead?
Scrapbooking can be a fun, enjoyable, and even creative activity that you can do with your sweetheart. While working on the scrapbook, both of you will also get to reminisce about the highlights of the past year together.
35. Plan a Camping Trip
Because camping requires a little more preparation than many other anniversary ideas on this list, you’ll be impressing your partner by going through with the effort of setting it all up. Not to mention that sitting by the bonfire and sleeping side by side in a tent surrounded by nothing but nature is crazy romantic and an easy way to escape from the bustling city and tech life that we live in every day.
It’d be a bonus if there was a National Park nearby and you can make a checkmark off the US National Parks Bucket List: 61 Beauties to Visit in America
36. Plan to Make Each Other Homemade Gifts
It’s easy to buy flowers and chocolates (or any other gift) at the store, so to mix things up a bit, make a plan with your partner that you guys will be giving each other homemade gifts instead!
Giving homemade presents is all about giving something personal and unique to the person receiving the gift. You may spend quite a few bucks depending on what you will be making, however the time, effort, and personal touch more than makes up for the cost.
37. Plan Your Next Vacation
Because who doesn’t like going on vacation?! List up some of your favorite destinations to visit (hint: our travel bucket list can help!) and then take to the internet and get to planning, from sights to see to places to stay for the night. Even if your vacation is nowhere around the corner, this can make for a dreamy thing to do on your Anniversary.
38. Recreate Your First Date
The giggling girl, the lame jokes he cracked, and those stealing glances caught red-handed… Oh, and that restaurant with dim lights and weird food that somehow became a favorite place in your mind. Would you two like to relive that night? Dress up, be sure to put on the very same cherry-red lipstick and that green tie and plan to meet each other at 8. This year, your Anniversary will be quite memorable!
Here is a helpful resource for checking this goal off the Anniversary bucket list: How to Recreate Your First Date
39. Renew Your Vows
Vow renewals are a touching way to commemorate your love and reaffirm the vows you made on your wedding day. Though there are no rules as to when to renew your vows, most couples do it on a milestone anniversary like the 5th, 10th, or 25th year, and so on.
On a side note, did you know that US citizens can receive a free anniversary greeting from the President of the United States on their 50th, 60th, or 70th wedding anniversary?
40. Sing a Karaoke Duet
Many years ago at a dive bar in Northern California (when we were still just boyfriend and girlfriend), my husband and I belted out “Summer Nights” from the movie Grease. I’m surprised he still married me afterwards! Though the musicality left much to be desired, and they actually turned the volume down on my microphone, it is an experience that we still talk about today.
Muster up the courage to take the stage and create a memory that will last a lifetime. You can steal our song from Grease or check out these top 10 karaoke song duets to pick your special one.
41. Spend an Evening With No Technology
Yup, you’ve read that right. Every once in a while, it’s good to take a break from all the tech stuff, especially if it means you get to spend more time with your loved one.
Of course, having no technology does not mean that you can’t have fun. It’s quite the opposite! You can spend the evening reading books by the fire with a drink or two at hand, have a candlelit dinner, play some card games, and more.
42. Spend the Night in a Romantic Hotel
Pack away a few belongings and go on a short couple’s retreat. I would especially recommend this if you are stressed out parents or burned out workaholics. Send your kids off to their dear old grandparents, cancel all the appointments, and book a cozy suite for just the two of you. Spend your time lazily snuggled up with each other in bed, watch a romantic movie on Netflix, order away your comfort food and talk to your heart’s desire with zero interruptions and diaper explosions.
43. Start a New Tradition
Having a new tradition in your relationship helps keep it healthy and exciting. You can brainstorm ideas with your partner on what practices you would like to add to your relationship.
Even simple ones like always going to bed together, having an “us” time every Friday night, or even making new traditions each anniversary goes a long way in strengthening your bond with each other.
44. Surprise Him/Her
If you’re married or living with your sweetheart, you know how tough it can be to avoid falling into a routine. But this opens up the chance to surprise your partner, even if it is not your anniversary, like maybe making one of their bucket list wishes come true!
45. Take a Cooking Class
Much like cooking dinner together at home, taking a cooking class is a great bonding activity, with a delicious reward waiting for you at its end. Pick a theme together for what type of food and cuisine you want to try, book your space in advance, and get ready for an evening of giggles.
46. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Jumping into a hot air balloon will take you on an exhilarating, but romantic ride in the skies. Even better if you can find a hot air balloon ride offered against some gorgeous and dramatic backdrops!
47. Take a Sunset Cruise
There is no doubt that sunsets and cruises are romantic, and what better way to experience this intimate moment than going on a sunset cruise on your anniversary!
A typical sunset cruise takes about 2-3 hours to complete and usually includes dinner. Some cruises also have dress codes for sunset cruises, so you have to check with them in advance.
48. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane
Taking a walk down memory lane is not just about reminiscing about past events in your lives, but it is also a way of appreciating how far you two have come in your relationship.
You can look at old photos or mementos, share stories, and even revisit places that both of you hold dear to your hearts.
49. Talk About Your Future Together
There comes a time where you need to talk about your future together, especially if you are married or have been together for a long time. This depends on what plans you may have, like starting a family, getting married, and more.
Of course, remember to keep an open mind, respect each other, and discuss things properly if there are disagreements.
50. Visit a Gallery or Museum
Even if neither of you are art connoisseurs or history buffs, touring a museum can be a lot of fun, especially as an Anniversary activity for a rainy day. Art and historical museums can be educational and surprisingly interesting, but for something even more fun, try to find the quirkiest museum in your area!
51. Volunteer Together
There is nothing like bonding over selflessly helping out, whichever volunteering opportunity you choose to go with. Volunteering at an animal shelter can be one of the most rewarding ones long term, however, as you two just might walk out with a new furry family member by the end of it!
52. Write Each Other a Love Letter
About five years ago I wrote a love letter to my future self, but it got me thinking that I had never written one to my husband of over twenty years. Let’s bring it back to old school; the days where letters were handwritten, sealed with a kiss and mailed at the post office. Love letters are a physical memory that will last a lifetime.
Need Help? Read these 15 tips for writing an amazing love letter and this simple one on how to write a love letter. Don’t forget to add one of the 52 Incredibly Romantic Quotes.
53. Write your Love Story
Writing your own love story is the perfect thing to do on an anniversary. It lets you and your partner go back to how it all began, from the butterflies in your stomach, the stolen glances, the first date, and more. Plus, it makes for a romantic bonding time as you write it with your sweetheart!
Yes, love stories are not all cupcakes and rainbows. However, remembering the ups and downs of your relationship and how it strengthened your love for each other is also a great way to reinforce it.
That wraps up our bucket list of things to do for anniversaries! I hope these anniversary ideas have made this milestone in your lives a little bit more special.
Though life may sometimes get the better of you through work, chores, and many others, always find time to remember why you fell in love in the first place and to reflect on how the years have shaped you both for the better.
Here’s to more years of love, celebrating and living your bucket list. Happy Anniversary, you two!
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This post is really useful. At the upcoming anniversary in February, I will use your suggestions to make our anniversary memorable.
Really useful post. Thanks for sharing this.