16 Foolproof Last-Minute Anniversary Ideas

Your anniversary is coming up and you are scrambling to come up with some last-minute romantic gesture…it happens to us all.  Let me help you out and give you some foolproof anniversary ideas!  (And don’t worry, I won’t rat you out.)

1.  Research local events.

Even small towns normally have fun things going on!  Look in the newspaper or on your local tourist website for some fun ideas of things to try locally.

2.  You know that thing you’ve always said the two of you are going to do?  Do it.

Whether it’s touring a brewery or skydiving, there has got to be something the two of you have always said you’re going to try “one day.”  Let your anniversary be that one day!  Just book it and surprise your s/o…they will love the thoughtfulness, guaranteed!

3.  Keep it simple.

Is there something that the two of you both really enjoy doing?  No matter how simple it is, together you can make it into the best anniversary yet!  Is there a hobby you both enjoy or a Netflix movie you’ve been wanting to watch?  Pop up some popcorn, pull out the string lights, and make sure you have an assortment of your favorite theater candies, and you have your date night!

4.  Just spend a day together!

When is the last time the two of you were together from dawn til dusk?  Lives are busy and this happens so rarely that even just being with each other can become a special event.  Wake up, make breakfast in bed for your s/o, watch a morning talk show, go out to lunch together, do your grocery store run, hit the gym, and order in take out.  Simply taking the time to slow down and be together makes the simple things romantic.

5.  Sneak onto their Amazon wishlist.

What’s something that boo has been keeping in their shopping cart the past few months but has decided it isn’t a necessity?  If you don’t know, you can probably find out if you share an online shopping account (gotta love wishlists).  Or if you don’t have access to one of their accounts, ask their bestie.  They got your back.

6.  Declare a phone-free day.

Just typing that gives me a little bit of anxiety.  Our lives revolve around our phones nowadays!  Let anyone that would need to get ahold of you know you’re taking a break off and give your s/o your undivided attention.  Let work go to voicemail and text your sister back tomorrow; letting your mate know that they are the most important thing in your life will be an impressive romantic gesture.

7.  Go camping.

Weather permitting, of course.  Get out that tent from the back of your garage or closet and pack your hiking gear!  Or, if you’re like me, go glamping and rent a nice cabin with all amenities included ;).  Camping is a nice getaway that doesn’t have to be too far from home.  Most areas of the US have camping available nearby.  We are fortunate to have so much natural beauty to take advantage of, so get away without going too far away!  Another plus to camping is that it doesn’t have to be pricey!

8.  Cook your favorite meal together.

When my bridesmaids threw me a bachelorette party, we learned how to cook chicken tikka masala together.  We made everything from scratch- the naan bread, the curry, coconut rice!  It not only tasted amazing, but we had some bonding time!  Not to mention it felt super fulfilling to make something from scratch with our own hands.

9.  Go to a concert.

If you live in an area that has a lot of concerts, this is an easy way to have a fun date!  Do some research on what bands are coming to town soon and pick something you both would love.  I especially love smaller concerts in intimate venues for date nights.

10.  Go to a museum.

Museums are educational, enlightening experiences that will draw you closer together.  Whether it’s a local art gallery or a history museum you choose, it is an affordable way to spend a day doing something a little different.

11.  Eat at as many restaurants as you can in one day.

I have definitely done this before.  I was on vacation with some friends and we found an area in downtown Granada, Nicaragua with an overabundance of restaurants.  As we were trying to decide where to eat, we came to the realization that we didn’t have to choose just one!  Four of us shared plates at different restaurants, so we all got to try a little bit of everything, even desserts!  So, pick out a place to share an appetizer, then a meal, then dessert, and then drinks!  And don’t forget to post pictures of your “restaurant hopping” experience.

12.  Take a class together.

There’s tons of options for this one!  You could take a bartending class, a cooking class, or learn how to paint or dance.  Check out what’s locally available and learn something new together.

13.  Visit the local animal shelter.

If you are animal lovers, volunteer to walk dogs or cuddle with kitties at the local shelter!  Make sure and research how to sign up as volunteers before you get there because each shelter has different rules and you might have to sign up before you arrive.

14.  Go on a double date.

Bring your best couple friends along and try out a new or old favorite restaurant together!  Pick a night that everyone has available and just have fun with some friends.

15.  Take a trip to the spa (ooh-la-la)!

One of my favorite ways to bond!  Not only is going to the spa super romantic, it is also a relaxing experience that you both could benefit from.  Get massages or facials or pedicures together (or all three).  Or maybe visit a thermal spa or sauna!  There are lots of different spa experiences out there for the two of you to explore.

16.  Couples Photoshoot!

And last, but certainly not least, you can always book a photo session with us!  Think of when the last time you had professional photos taken of the two of you (I’m sure it’s been awhile!)  You could definitely stand to update your family photos + have some great IG feed material!  Plus it’s fun.  Luke and I will make it an easy, enjoyable, and completely pain-free experience.