Most couples use the day that they met or began seeing one another as the official date of their anniversary. If you tend to be forgetful, set a reminder on your phone to notify you when your anniversary is approaching.
If you have a something special in the works, try dropping subtle hints to jog his memory without spoiling the surprise. You might say something like “How long have we been together now?” or “Can you believe it’s been almost a year since we were first introduced?” Be careful not to come across like you’re testing him. He may not appreciate feeling like he’s being grilled. [2] X Research source
A Friday or Saturday evening may be more convenient if your anniversary falls in the middle of a hectic work or school week. On the flipside, you might decide to go for a weeknight when fewer people are out to improve your chances of getting into an exclusive restaurant or sold-out show.
Ask a friend or relative if they’d be willing to handle the sitting duties to ensure that your child or pet is in good hands. When hiring someone you don’t know, seek recommendations from people you trust or look up feedback from previous clients who have had good experiences with the sitter. [4] X Research source
If the restaurant you have in mind accepts reservations, call the day before to make sure you’re able to get in.
Decide on a theme or color scheme for your attire so that you’ll both match. Take your boyfriend’s personal style into consideration. If he’s more the casual type, you might compromise by choosing a place where he can get away with wearing a polo shirt shirt rather than a suit and tie.
You could even make a stop at a favorite bar or night spot part of an evening full of festivities. A walk down memory lane for two doesn’t have to be limited to a restaurant or coffee shop. Couples who met at the gym, for instance, could partner up for a workout session.
Explore the “Events” page on Facebook to find out more about events being offered in your area. [8] X Research source Remember, it’s your boyfriend’s anniversary too. Drop hints to see how he responds to different ideas before you drag him off to a class he has no interest in.
You could even invite a few of your close friends to join in the celebration and make it a full-on party.
Splurge on a stay at a deluxe hotel or bed and breakfast to make the most of your getaway. Day trips are perfect for spontaneous couples looking for a break from the ordinary.
Investigate national parks and nature reserves in your area to find a good spot to explore for an afternoon or post up for a night. Keep in mind that most commercial campsites must be reserved online or by phone before you show up.
Share the responsibilities in the kitchen. For instance, you could slice vegetables for a salad while he grills up a couple of juicy steaks. Don’t forget dessert! Whip up a decadent cheesecake or soufflé to satisfy your sweet tooth after a home-cooked meal, or keep things simple with a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries. [12] X Research source
Keep some popcorn, candy, or other snacks nearby to munch on while you watch.
Dim the lights, queue up some tranquil music, and use a variety of fragrant oils, soaps, and scrubs to complete the spa-like environment.
Celebrating your anniversary with a game night can also be a good way to get your kids in on the fun. If you’re more of a video gamer, sit down for a co-op mission or go head-to-head with one another.
Pour up a glass of fresh-squeezed juice or a steaming mug of coffee or tea to go with your home-cooked breakfast. Be sure to use a tray to carry your breakfast back to bed. The last thing you want is to get sticky syrup all over your sheets!
Your gift doesn’t even have to be an object—it could also be an experience, such as concert tickets or a trip to a theme park. Be sure to discuss whether or not you want to do gifts beforehand. While you’re at it, it may be a good idea to agree on a general price range so that one person doesn’t spend more than the other.
