Whether you have been together for one year or thirty, you can often find yourself challenged on what to do for your anniversary. You want to do something unique that shows how much you care about your partner, but you also do not want to break the bank in the process.
But no matter how much or little money you have, there are always unique and special things you can do. Here are some inexpensive ideas for how to show your special someone that you care about them, whether it is on your anniversary or any other occasion.
1. Writing love letters
You may have an older relative like my grandmother who grouses about how letter writing is a superior form of communication compared to texts or emails. Well, Grandma does have a point. As the Huffington Post notes, the fact that writing a letter takes longer gives you more time to think about exactly what you want to say and shows how much you care about the recipient.
You can write a letter just detailing how much you love your partner or even take a shot at poetry. Then put the letter somewhere where it can be easily found such as on the kitchen table or next to the bed. But don’t pressure your partner and ask what he thinks about it. Just sit back and be satisfied knowing that you have taken the time to truly express your feelings.
2. Cook a meal at home together
People used to routinely eat together, but now we have chosen to toss that aside in favor of convenience meals or scarfing something down in front of a computer. But multiple studies have found that eating together helps children learn the value of communication and perform academically, and really all of us could think more about building bonds and communicating with each other in today’s world.
So use your anniversary as an opportunity to start trying to eat together more, and start by cooking together. If the two of you already do that, then branch out and try making something new. It can be as simple as a root beer float or as complicated as baking a cake. Do not hesitate to be adventurous.
3. Go outside and explore
No matter where you live, there are always parts of your town or city that you have not been to yet. It could be a nature park out in the countryside, or even just a farmers’ market in the city you have not taken the time to go to.
So instead of doing what you do for every anniversary, just go and explore. I would emphasize trying to get a good dose of nature, whether it is going to the countryside or just taking a walk in the park. Being out in nature is a good way to ensure that you are not surrounded by others, and there is the additional benefit of unplugging from technology and really communicating face to face with your partner.
But if you are not a fan of quiet places or live in a city without much green, then at least head to somewhere nearby you have not been to before. Treat it as an adventure.
4. Look for community events
An additional benefit of exploring new places is that you can discover new events in the local community, many of which are often free or very cheap. Some examples of community events can include a lecture at the local library or a cleanup effort organized by the local park. Even volunteering to help the less fortunate can be different, yet fulfilling for the two of you.
Additionally, you can head to your local government’s website or check out a newspaper to find out interesting, free events. There is always something to do in any place to spend time with your partner and explore the community.
5. Go out for a meal (but not dinner)
Most of us would like to go to some fancy restaurant to celebrate our anniversary, but going out is expensive. But if you are still determined to take your partner out, then consider grabbing a cup of coffee like you might have done on your first date.
Remember that the point of any anniversary meal is to just spend time with your loved one. Note that a nice café is also a great place to observe interesting people and sights that you cannot do at a normal restaurant, and it is generally less expensive.
If none of these ideas work, then here is a good list of some other ideas you can try for your anniversary. Do not hesitate to be creative. At the end of the day, you know your partner better than anyone else and can always come up with something appropriate.
Featured photo credit: t.germenau via flickr.com
