If you’re anything like me, you imagined your anniversaries to involve grandiose plans like an extended trip to an exotic place thousands of miles away or a huge party complete with photographers, wine, and dancing. Basically, I wanted my wedding and honeymoon to reoccur every year. It may have taken me awhile but I did eventually learn over the years that an anniversary celebration can be just as sweet, if not more so, even if we keep it simple and stick close to home. Whether your budget is tight, your time is limited, or you simply need some new anniversary ideas, below are some ways to make sure this special day is cherished.
Anniversary Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
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Picnic at the Beach
Depending on where you live and when your anniversary is, this idea could cost you next to nothing and still be a special time. Pack some food and extra large towels and chairs. You could even bring some buckets and small shovels to play in the sand! Go on a long walk, explore, take a nap in the sun. Don’t even bother to check the time. And be sure to stay to see the sunset.
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Christmas Lights Tour
If you chose a winter wedding, enjoying the holiday festivities is a great way to celebrate your undying love. Make sure to leave the kids so just the two of you can go hunting for some amazing Christmas light displays. Bring along hot chocolate and popcorn.
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Scenic Bike Ride
Find a bike trail and rent some bikes (or bring your own of course!) You can carry a backpack with some food, and find a beautiful, peaceful place to stop for a picnic. Reminisce over your last year and make plans for the next one.
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Be Tourists
Be tourists in your own town by checking out the local museums (many museums have the occasional free day!), stopping in that cute candy store, walking around a park, experiencing the night life. What about that book store you’ve always wanted to check out but have never made the time? They might be hosting a game night that the two of you could get in on!
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Local Concerts/Bands/Festivals
Does a nearby coffee house or club have live music? Is your friend’s cousin’s brother in a band playing at your neighbor’s house? Go, enjoy! Maybe there will be dancing!
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Local Bed and Breakfasts
You don’t have to leave town to get away. Book a night or two at the local B&B. Participate in their planned activities or just spend some time in the hot tub. Get a couples massage.
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Stay Home
Sometimes the most romantic place to be is where you are most comfortable with each other. Send the kids to Grandma’s for the night and order in. Snuggle on the couch with your favourite movie, give each other massages, have real conversations, and sleep in late.
Spending time together is really all that matters, whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or your 25th. Don’t let what you do to celebrate get in the way of why you’re celebrating. Enjoy each other!
Happy Anniversary!
I like the idea of a picnic . That sounds like a good idea for our anniversary , trying to save money right now . Never thought of a bed and breakfast either , a lot cheaper than a hotel .
Glad you like my suggestions!
The picnic at park and beach idea is the best! 🙂
Great ideas! I love this. Thank you 🙂
I love the idea of just enjoying where you are and finding something in your own town or city you haven’t done before. Museum visits aren’t usually pricey and garden tours and things can be very cheap!
Good ideas! I would also suggest taking in local festivals and fairs, or doing the picnic at night with some star gazing!
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
I have an anniversary coming up so I like the idea of a local B&B. That would be wonderful.
That’s a great idea for a wedding anniversary! We sometimes stay in town too!
These are all good ideas. Not a long of money needs to be spent to have a memorable time together, just some time and effort spent.
I love your ideas because when I was first married we could barely afford to buy anything so these ideas would have been great for us.
Awesome ideas. It gets harder the older we get.