TouchNote logo
Hints and tips

Anniversary Date Ideas That Aren't Dinner

Whether you’ve been together 2 years or 20, your anniversary is an important date to keep track of. Your anniversary isn't just about marking the passage of time; it's about celebrating the beautiful moments you've shared together. But doing the same thing year after year can get boring. So forget going out to dinner this year, it’s time to spice things up.  


Don’t get us wrong, you should definitely still have dinner. These are just some unique anniversary ideas you can do with your loved one that aren’t just about going out for a meal. So grab your Personalised Anniversary Cards and start planning.

Why You Should Have a Unique Anniversary

If you’ve been together a long time, you’ve probably gotten into a bit of a routine together. Which is great! It helps make home life harmonious. But your anniversary is a great excuse to switch up that routine and do something new. In fact, new experiences can increase happiness levels.

Creative and Fun Anniversary Date Ideas

  • Have a cook-off at home: This list is about finding things to do that aren’t about going out for dinner. We didn’t say you couldn’t enjoy dinner at home! Challenge each other to a friendly cooking competition or find a new recipe to try.

  • Plan to make homemade gifts: Get creative and make personalised gifts for each other. Either plan a night to do it together or surprise each other with your fabulous creations.

  • Host a party: Who doesn’t love a party? Hold a small gathering with close friends and family to celebrate your time together.

  • Take a bubble bath together: Create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere by drawing a warm bath with essential oils or bath bombs. Don’t forget to light some candles. 

  • Make sushi together: Learn how to make sushi rolls in the comfort of your own kitchen. Experiment with new fillings or stick to your firm favourites.

  • Have a tasting party: Pick a theme like whiskey, ice cream, or chocolate, and have a fun tasting party together. Experience some new flavours and chat about what you enjoyed, or didn’t enjoy. 

  • Game night: Enjoy a fun and competitive game night with some classic board games, cards, or co-op video games.

  • Attend a concert or see a stage show: Do you have an artist you’ve always wanted to see? What about a play or musical? Pick up some tickets and go!

Whatever you’re planning, don’t forget the  Personalised Anniversary Cards for Her!

Romantic Daytime Date Ideas for Your Anniversary

  • Recreate your honeymoon at home: Reminisce about your honeymoon by recreating it at home. You might not be able to replicate the blue waters of the Maldives or the neon metropolis of Tokyo, but this can still be a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate your anniversary.

  • Visit a museum: Find your favourite pieces and discuss them together. Try to find the tiniest details. And just spend quality time in the hush of a gallery. 

  • Day at the spa: Unwind with massages, facials, and sauna sessions. Classic spa appointments are popular anniversary date ideas for a reason – they’re' a great way to relax and pamper yourselves. Why not spend the night in a nearby hotel while you’re at it?

  • Wander through botanical gardens or a conservatory: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens or a conservatory. A romantic and peaceful way to spend time together. If there’s nothing like that near you, spend some time in a nature reserve, arboretum, or national park instead. 

At-Home Movie Night: Create a cosy movie night at home with your favourite films, popcorn, and blankets. If it’s warm out, why not set up a home cinema in your backyard for an extra touch of romance?

  • Stargaze Together: There's just something inherently romantic about staring up at the night sky. Bring a blanket to the backyard or a local park and enjoy the beauty of the stars. And don’t forget a glass of champagne.

  • Volunteer together: Nothing feels as good as giving back to those in need. Instead of getting each other gifts, why not volunteer at a charity you both like? Help care for stray dogs, volunteer in a soup kitchen, or clean up a nearby park or beach. 

  • Create a home spa: Pamper each other with massages, facials, or pedicures for a relaxing and romantic experience


No matter what romantic date you decide to do, don’t forget to give them Personalised Anniversary Cards for Him to really tell them how much you love them.

Adventurous and Outdoor Activity Date Ideas

  • Take a dance class: A fun and active way to celebrate your anniversary. You can learn something new and enjoy the intimacy of dancing together.

  • Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Plan a scavenger hunt around your home or neighbourhood. A playful and adventurous way to spend time together and create lasting memories.

  • Amusement park – There’s no better way to get your blood pumping and your heart pounding than scary rides and sweet treats with your love. 

  • Road trip – Pick a place on a map and drive to it. Stick close to home or book a hotel along the way for a weekend adventure together. Don’t forget the driving playlist!

  • Holiday/Vacation – If it’s a been a while since your last trip, why not arrange an evening to sit down together to plan your next one? Go all out with that once-in-a-lifetime journey or just book a staycation for a long weekend. Either way, it will give you something to look forward to. 

  • Camping – It’s not for everyone but those who love camping might enjoy some quality time out in nature. Go for a refreshing hike before toasting marshmallows over your campfire. Just make sure you follow the fire rules of whichever forest or national park you’re staying in.

Cosy and Intimate Date Ideas

  • Get a couples massage: You can either break out the bottle of massage oil yourselves or hire a masseuse. Either way, relaxing together with a massage is an intimate way to chill out. 

  • Write a list of everything you love about each other: Not only will this help to remind you of the reasons why you’re together, you might even learn something new about each other. 

  • Go shopping and choose something for each other: This might just sound like buying a gift, but it could be a fun way to mix it up. Find an item in each other’s favourite colour. Pick up their favourite snacks. Or challenge yourselves by thrifting an item that makes you think of them.

How to Plan the Perfect Anniversary Date

The trick to planning the perfect anniversary date is to start by reflecting on your shared interests and past experiences to tailor the date to your unique relationship. Do you love going on grand adventures together? Or are you both home bodies who perfect something more low key? Do you have any special memories you’d like to reminisce on? Or perhaps you want to try something brand new together? Make sure you take both of your interests into consideration. Or, if you have very different interests, plan two dates to satisfy you both!

There’s not really a wrong way to plan – as long as you’re both in agreement about what you do.

No matter whether you’re keeping in low-key or going all out with a grand gesture, your anniversary is a time to celebrate each other and your relationship. Don’t feel too much pressure to make it big and expensive, sometimes the most intimate moments are the ones you will treasure. 


Don’t forget to pick up Personalised Anniversary Cards for Her to really get the message across. And if you need some inspiration, check out our guide on what to write in an anniversary card.

TouchNote / February 2024
TouchNote FacebookTouchNote InstagramTouchNote Twitter

Recent posts

Start sending now