Whether you’ve been together for two years or two decades, it can be difficult to come up with the perfect date for your anniversary. Anniversaries warrant something more unique than just your average, day-to-day outings and routines. Here are some creative ways to celebrate with your sweetheart this year that go beyond just eating at a fancy restaurant:
Explore The Arts
Whether you’re attending a play, walking around an art museum or going to your local indie movie theater, a date spent immersed in the art world is as inspiring as it is romantic. You don’t have to splurge on tickets to an Italian opera or be well-versed in the culture world — just surprise your SO with something you’ll both love, such as a free Shakespeare in the Park performance, a fun musical or the latest Wes Anderson film.
Recreate Your First Date
Did you and your partner have a particularly memorable first date? Recreating the very first time you two went out is a great way to reminisce and also show your SO how romantic you are (and also prove you remember the details of how you got together). Sparks will definitely fly.
Get Away For The Weekend
Taking a weekend trip to spend some alone time together is a romantic idea and a great way to recharge. You don’t have to go far — in fact, you could even get a nice hotel room or bed and breakfast right in your city for a staycation. Use your anniversary to get away from your everyday routine and have a relaxing, distraction-free time with your partner free from the stresses of life.
Take A Surprise Road Trip
While it may take a bit more planning, going on a road trip can be a great way to make your anniversary feel like a spontaneous adventure. Call off work, leave the kids with grandma and enjoy a few days on the road with your partner-in-crime.
Have A Spa Day
Booking a day together at the spa is a perfect way to relax and enjoy spending time together without having to fuss over the details. With this date idea, there’s no pressure on you; leave all the work to the professionals instead, and leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Got To A Live Show
Snag some tickets to your and your partner’s favorite band or head out to your local comedy club for a night of fun. Depending on how much tickets cost, this can be a cheaper option and give you great memories.
Stay In
“Staying in” is not synonymous with “doing nothing.” If you two are on a budget or even just homebodies, have a romantic day at home instead. Make breakfast in bed for your partner, cook your SO’s favorite meal for dinner and serve a nice bottle of wine. This is an easy way to focus on having one-on-one time with your partner and making them feel loved without having to empty your wallet.
Volunteer Together
Your anniversary doesn’t have to be all about you. For an outside-of-the-box date idea, spread the love you and your partner feel for each other outwards by contributing to a cause close to both of your hearts. In addition to helping those in need, you will get to see your partner working for the greater good. What could possibly be more attractive than that?
Take A Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class is a romantic way to learn a new skill together — and one that you can use to paper each other with by whipping up delicious dishes in the years to come. It’s also a great teamwork exercise with your partner.