10 Unique and Cheap Anniversary Ideas to Celebrate
If you’re looking to show your love to your man, but you’re also trying to avoid breaking the bank, these cheap anniversary ideas are meant to help. Sure, splurging and going all out is fun every once in a while, but recognizing that your relationship doesn’t need to be a spend-fest is the best feeling.
How are you going to honor the time you and your man have spent together? Get intimate, silly, and keep it under budget. These types of nights actually build sweet memories that are focused on trying to connect more than trying to impress.
Here are ten creative and inexpensive ways to make your anniversary special.
1. Recreate Your First (or Favorite) Date
Taking the time to travel down memory lane is a sweet way to honor your earlier years. Whether it was a quick coffee, a walk in a park, or a meal at the dive restaurant in your town, bring the memory back to life and spend time recollecting your first few dates together.
The beauty of this idea is that you can spend time honoring how much you have grown as a couple and the sentimental value is priceless.
2. Plan a Sunrise or Sunset Picnic
Guys, you know I love a picnic as a date idea (as you can see from this post). Why do I love it so much? It’s wholesome, inexpensive, and gives you time to focus on each other.
Pack a simple picnic with sandwiches, snacks, and a bottle of wine or water. Find a gorgeous spot to watch the sunrise or sunset together. A local beach or park gives you the chance to celebrate in nature.
You can pack this small game to add to the conversation or make rules like no phones aside from taking pictures.
3. Set up a Home Spa Experience
Set up a sweet, relaxing experience. If your man is on board, this can be a perfect moment for both of you to recharge together. I love going to Marshalls and getting facial masks, bath salts, etc. because it’s always inexpensive.
Choose a room to decorate with candles and soft lighting, and play music that makes you feel relaxed. You can take turns giving massages and simply relax while enjoying strawberries and prosecco (if you want to create a delicious strawberry prosecco cocktail, try this recipe).
4. Cook a Special Meal Together
One of my favorite memories was the time my (now) husband and I were dating, and we tried to cook lobster. The problem was that neither of us wanted to put the little guy in the boiling water. Cooking a meal together is such a fantastic way to connect.
Choose a recipe you’ve never tried before, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy each other’s company while creating a delicious meal. You can even set the table with candles, your formal dishes, and ask Alexa to play your favorite music.
5. Plan a Movie Marathon or Game Night
Again, a tried and true winner. Staying home, saving money, and connecting on the couch can feel intentional if you make it so. Decide if you want to watch a movie, play a board game, or both, and make a graze board or popcorn.
If you can’t find a movie to watch, one of our go-tos is watching a stand-up comedy on Netflix. Then, we can make references to it for weeks. It’s a fun way to connect while also having quality time together.
6. Take a Scenic Drive or Hike
I bet there are tons of places that are local to you but you’ve never visited. Do a quick search of local parks that you can walk or commit to a drive where you can enjoy the scenery and spend time together.
It’s the perfect time to pack a few light snacks and take some great pictures to add to your story.
7. Exchange Gifts Under $20
It doesn’t have to be $20, but determine a low budget and create a gift within that budget. Have rules around it that will come with a story. Below are some ideas:
A. It must represent a special memory.
B. It has to honor a silly quirk of your loved one.
C. It’s a promise for the future.
Attach to it a special letter to share why you chose your gift. Then, exchange them over a beautiful dinner at home. These gifts are more special than something expensive because it’s more intentional and honors your partner in a special way.
8. Create Something Together
Commemorate the year by creating something together. Whether you create a photo album of your favorite pictures, build a small piece of furniture, or create a piece of art, the goal is to look back on your creation and think about the anniversary where you came together to build something more than just your life together.
9. Spend the Night with the Stars
It’s like a picnic at night! Sit outside or spread a blanket in your backyard, nearby park, or beach. Don’t forget drinks and snacks. You can download a stargazing app like Star Walk to identify the constellations. You may not spend as much time looking at the stars as you will talking to each other, but it’s so romantic, free, and a perfect way to connect with each other.
10. Volunteer Together
It’s a little out of the box, but why not spend the time celebrating your strength by helping others? You can serve at a food bank, help at an animal shelter, or participate in a community cleanup. Doing something for others does wonders for the soul. There is nothing better than sharing that with someone you love.
Cheap Anniversary Ideas Can Be Rich in Experience
There is something very special about trying to create a night (or day) of special ways to honor each other and your relationship without dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner. All of these cheap anniversaryideas are about connecting on a deeper level and creating more memories that you can reflect on in years to come.
{Related Post: 7 Inexpensive At Home Date Night Activities You’ll Love)
