You made it! You and your partner are approaching your first anniversary and that is a milestone worth celebrating! While some people prefer to keep anniversaries low-key, others would rather throw a parade for their partner. If you're on a budget — hi! same! — but you still want to show your honey that they mean the world to you, consider these cheap first anniversary date and gift ideas. While some people might say special occasions are a time to ball out, remember that it's truly the thought that counts — and living within your means and maintaining your financial solvency is very attractive. A great gift doesn't have to be expensive, and sometimes an experience that you can share with your honey can turn out to be priceless.
If you and your partner have been dating for a year, it's likely that you're pretty much on the same page about a lot of things. That being said, it's still a great idea to have a conversation with them about what their expectations and hopes are for the big day. Once you agree on what you'd like to do, consider also setting a price range for gifts so that one person doesn't completely outspend the other. That could be awkward. When all is said and done, it's truly the thought that counts, so these first anniversary date and gift ideas are experience-based and (hopefully) super fun.
Whether or not you put any stock into palm readers, fortune tellers, or tarot card readers, it's still really fun to hear what these mystical beings have to say about you and your future. Consider getting your palms read with your partner because it's fun, it's silly, and it'll be a great story. And who knows? Maybe your reading will be spot on. Only time will tell!
Gift idea: Get your honey their very own set of tarot cards, and let them know you already see your future — together.
Who doesn't love a good happy hour? While it's a budget-friendly chance to sip and snack, it's also really satisfying to get your usual glass of wine or shrimp tacos at a lower price. Make a map of a few restaurants with great happy hour specials and take your partner on a happy hour crawl. By the time you're done, you'll be full and happy — and your wallet will be, too.
Gift idea: Grab a matchbook from every bar and restaurant on your happy hour crawl. Give your babe a yummy scented candle and all the matchbooks so you can always keep lighting their flame.
If a full spa day experience is out of your budget, that doesn't mean you still can't pamper your partner to celebrate your anniversary. Set the scene at home by lighting scented candles, dimming the lights, and playing some chill music. Use your own hands and give your partner a serious massage, and let your honey relax and de-stress. Run a hot bath, toss in a scented bath bomb, and pour a glass of bubbly for your babe and they'll really be feeling the love.
Gift idea: Give your sweetie a home spa kit, complete with a candle, lotion, body scrub, and whatever else your budget allows!
Restaurants can be expensive, a bar tab can add up, and sometimes you just want a change from your usual date spots, so take your bae on a picnic! You can save a ton of cash by packing savory snacks, a reasonably priced bottle of wine, and some sweet treats. Plus, you get to cuddle with your partner on a blanket in the sunshine. What could be better?
Gift idea: Who wouldn't love a super cute picnic basket set for two? Every time your partner uses it they'll remember your first anniversary together.
However you and your honey end up spending your first anniversary, the most important thing is that you're together. It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100 because you're celebrating a milestone in your relationship and that's tough to put a price tag on. Congrats!
