Anniversaries carry a lot of weight on their shoulders. What if my partner forgets the date? What if I plan something and they don’t like it? Essentially the big concern around anniversaries is: “what if it doesn’t meet my/their expectation?” But when balancing between “wow factor” and “what we can actually afford”, it’s important to know that the most special anniversary ideas aren’t about how much you spend. They’re about genuine connection and showing your partner you truly know them. These budget friendly anniversary gift ideas will prove you can create something special without the financial hangover.

Making a budget-friendly anniversary feel special

Set clear expectations for your budget friendly anniversary gift

Before planning your anniversary, discuss with your partner what their expectations are. And if you have a budget you would like to stick to, let your partner know that ahead of time. There’s no need for anyone to get their feelings hurt over unrealistic expectations.

Plan according to their love language

When it comes to a budget-friendly anniversary gift, fulfilling your partner’s love language will ensure that you don’t waste your money on something they don’t like.

• If your partner values words of affirmation, write a heartfelt letter.
• Incorporate massage for those who speak physical touch.
• Take charge of all planning as an act of service.
• Handmade items speak volumes to natural gift-givers.

Need more ideas based on love language? Check out this blog for the perfect anniversary gift ideas for women!

“It’s the thought that counts”

So often people hide behind this statement while half-assing a gift. It is absolutely the thought that counts. But only if there was actual thought in the gesture.

If there is time, effort, and genuine understanding of what your partner likes, then yes it is the thought that counts. Because it takes far less time and effort to pick out a piece of jewelry than it is to do any of the ideas listed in this blog.

1. Create a handcrafted gift

Handmade items get a bad rep for being less expensive. But the truth is, homemade anniversary gifts are some of the most thoughtful (and budget friendly) gifts you could give your partner.

1. A Coupon Book
   • Cost: ~$10. A small book that promises different things you know your partner will love that they can redeem. Like breakfast in bed, a surprise date night, or a kid-free day. Use free templates online or write it out yourself!
2. Memory Jar
   • Cost: ~$15. Buy a large jar and fill it with a ton of notes explaining why you adore your partner.
3. Make a piece of art
   • Cost: ~$25. Whether that’s painting or drawing a whole scene, or doing a simple hand-print painting of the two of your hands. Find supplies at Home Goods, Michael’s, or even Walmart.
4. A “One Year of Dates” Envelope Set
   • Cost: ~$5. Get 12 envelopes and write out 12 dates on them. Depending on what you write, the dates themselves could be more expensive. But you can always list out some of the budget friendly anniversary ideas here!

But don’t stop at anniversaries! Get ahead of the game now by setting up electronic birthday cards or other important day cards to send to your partner. Unexpected love notes even after your anniversary passes keep your partner feeling acknowledged and appreciated.

2. Take a virtual dance class

YouTube is full of tutorials that are completely free to watch and learn from. Learn a new dancing style together, or if you already have a style you enjoy, learn a new routine! From salsa, tango, two-stepping, west coast swing. There are tons of options.

3. Enjoy the sunset together

Before your anniversary, scout some local hills, beaches, or lookout points near you. The day of your anniversary pack the car up and head to the location. Whether it’s early morning coffee, a picnic lunch, or champagne during the sunset, this is such a good way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

• Bring your speakers to play music you both love
• Bring your tripod to get a picture of you two together at this great location
• Bring their favorite snacks, or make one of their favorite foods
• Bring a bottle of champagne and two glasses

This is a great budget friendly anniversary gift idea for partner’s whose love language is Quality Time.

Bonus points: If your partner loves hiking, find a new trail for the two of you to enjoy together! Preferably one that has an epic view.

4. Host an at-home movie marathon

• Bring your mattress into your living room, or take a Zonli futon mattress outside
• Have the tv already prepped with the movies you’ll be watching
  • And if you choose to go outside, make sure your projector is working beforehand!
• Bring lots of pillows and blankets
• Design a popcorn station with various toppings
• Print homemade tickets for that authentic cinema feel
• Cuddle up!

Building a blanket fort? Do it. It adds playfulness you might be missing in everyday life.

Bonus points: If you’re in the living room, turn it into a living room sleepover for the night (or weekend!).

5. Design a personal scavenger hunt

Map a 2-3 hour route hitting meaningful locations. Where you first met. Their favorite coffee spot. Where one of you got down on one knee. Budget around $25-50 for gas and some small shopping along the way.

Your clues should involve riddles or poems packed with inside jokes. Finally, end the hunt at your most memorable spot.

Bonus points: If you can budget it, plan an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic! This is a predesigned scavenger hunt where you solve clues to find which restaurants that you’ll be picking up your picnic essentials from. The price is around $150, but it includes all the clues and all the food that you pick up along the way.

6. Plan a spa day at home for your budget friendly anniversary gift

You can create a relaxing spa atmosphere right in the comfort of your own home. Schedule your day: facials first, then massage, and manicures.

• Spend $15-25 on candles or essential oils
• Put on a Spotify playlist for spa music
• Get coconut oil ($9 on Amazon)for the massage
  • Check YouTube for massage techniques to follow
• Draw a bubble bath (foaming soap $4.70 on Amazon)
  • Add rose petals or a bath bomb (plenty of bath bomb options to fit your price range)
• Prepare cucumber water and light snacks

Bonus points: Buy a set of press-on Glamnetic nails for as low as $12-16. She will have fun and look great in these as they look salon perfect!

7. Cook a themed dinner

You could make this is a movie themed dinner or international themed dinner.

• Spend around $30 on ingredients for your themed dinner
  • Something with rice, beans, and/or potatoes not only fills the plate up but they are also very affordable
  • Then just pick your main meat to go with the dish
• Decorate with DIY touches that reflect your chosen theme
  • Use items you already have around the house
  • Ask friends to borrow any items you may need
  • Get crafty and make some simple signs yourself or use any free templates online
  • Shop at thrift stores for decor
• Build a playlist that resonates the theme
• Dress according to that theme
• If you choose an international dinner, learn a few basic phrases in that language while you cook together
  • Talk about actually traveling there someday. This turns dinner into both a celebration and a dream-building session

Bonus points: You can always combine the two suggestions and do a dinner based on the Disney Pixar movie, Ratatouille!

8. Adventure Challenge Couples Edition Book

The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition book is a great gift to give if your partner loves having dates planned regularly. Cost: $34 on Amazon.

It helps you take all of the hassle of trying to plan something unique to do. Plus each date gives you a price range for how much each activity should cost. There is also a section to paste a picture into the book and write a short memory from your experience.

For example, the “Helpless Baker” date from the photo above should cost anywhere from $5-15.

With 50 scratch-off dates in the book, this is a budget friendly anniversary gift that will help you two plan more time together!

9. A day of rest is a great budget friendly anniversary gift idea

Never underestimate the power of rest. With busy schedules, taking care of kids, meeting deadlines, it can all get to be a little crazy. And sometimes the best gift you can give someone is the gift of rest. Cost: FREE.

If you or your partner has been on the grind for awhile, forego making plans and instead see if they would prefer to just not be bothered for a day.

Let them wake up late, bring them breakfast in bed, let them watch tv in your room, and don’t let them even think about doing a single chore.

Final Thoughts on celebrating your anniversary on a budget

The most special anniversary gift ideas center on authentic connection rather than flashy spending. These affordable, budget friendly anniversary gifts ideas will build stronger memories than expensive alternatives because they encourage your personal creativity and knowledge of your partner.