12 Romantic Anniversary Ideas at Home for an Intimate Celebration

Celebrating your anniversary doesn't have to be a huge production of lavish vacations or multi-hundred Michelin star dinners. Often, opting to stay in lends to intimate, laid back and genuinely sweet time together—zero jet lag or buyer's remorse required! That said, we're highlighting our favorite anniversary ideas at home to help you honor this important milestone in your relationship.

Choose a thoughtful anniversary gift or write a meaningful note for your love to show them how much you care, then plan an innovative date to spend some time together. Whether you want to stay indoors or hang out in the backyard, it's surprisingly easy to transform your space and relish in the romance of it all.

1. Tasty Themed Dinner

They say that food is the sixth language of love, and we tend to agree. There's something so romantic about taking time to make something delicious together, and the reward of chowing down on a delicious meal makes it all the better! Maybe it's a gift from one of you to the other, or perhaps you prep and cook side-by-side—and ideally with a glass of your favorite beverage in hand!

A way to level up this at home anniversary idea is to pick a playful theme. Opt for a color theme, or maybe food based on a destination, your favorite TV show or try your hand at a dish you always order from a local restaurant. Your options are endless!

2. Cute Craft Night

You don't need to be the artistic type to partake in a craft night together! This fun idea for an anniversary at home is made easy with pre-made kits you can purchase, like a plaster keepsake of your hands or a paint-by-numbers set that has everything you need. If you want to go the non-kit route, consider painting portraits of each other for a big end-reveal, tie-dying shirts together, building a beautiful terrarium or customizing a photo frame and popping in one of your favorite pictures.

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3. Cocktail Making Date

Play master mixologist with bae and whip yourselves up some tasty cocktails together. Gather all the supplies you need beforehand, including the drink ingredients, shakers and glassware, and then take turns mixing and tasting each other's creations. Consider making the cocktail you two always order when going out, or keep it in theme with your anniversary year or something that ties into your relationship. Don't forget to make an intimate toast!

4. Backyard Glamping

If you're both into camping but want to relish in the comforts of home for your anniversary celebration, consider setting up a cozy outdoor getaway in your very own backyard. Put on a backyard bonfire—complete with s'mores and clinking camp mugs—and a welcoming tent that allows you to lie back and enjoy some stargazing. The best part about this romantic anniversary idea for home? Your warm house is never too far away, if the weather takes a turn.

5. Throw a Slumber Party

Alternatively, you can keep your anniversary celebration tucked inside and out of the elements while with a slumber party. Stay up until the wee hours of the night under a cozy blanket for some quality time together, play some fun games together or put on an iconic movie. Consider weaving in some pampering indulgences, too, like moisturizing sheet masks, hand massages and flickering candles.

6. Karaoke Night

You don't have to be musically inclined to enjoy a cute karaoke date night together. And best of all, you can each take turns singing schmoozy love songs back and forth with each other—mixed in with some energizing bops, of course. You can set up a karaoke machine if you have one, or simply play some karaoke tunes via YouTube or an app. No doubt the music and laughter will create an unforgettably sweet and silly night.

7. Photo Shoot

Who says you need to book an expensive portrait session when you two can snap some cute pics of each other and together? Choose one or two coordinating outfits, make sure your hair's looking great and find a few choice places around your home (or yard) that'll make a great backdrop. Take turns capturing each other's best angles, then use a timer (via an app, smart watch or remote) to get some pictures together, too. The process itself is a fun way to see new sides of each other, and you'll get a new profile picture along the way.

8. Puzzles & Bevs

If a super quiet, low-key anniversary sounds more your speed, this idea is for you. Purchase a new puzzle that you're both excited about (or finally unwrap the one you've been meaning to do!), put on some relaxing music and pour each other a drink of your choosing. As you work on the puzzle you'll be able to enjoy some easy conversation, good old fashioned teamwork and shared satisfaction of sliding that final piece into place.

9. Couple's Game Night

Planning a game night for your anniversary at home is a fantastic way to cue the laughter and maybe get a bit of friendly competition tension going. Start by picking a mix of your favorite games—board games, card games or even video games. To make the evening a bit more romantic and intentional, set the scene with some cozy cushions, dim lighting and perhaps a well-made charcuterie or butter board. You could also mix in some couples' trivia to test how well you know each other.

10. Romantic Bake Off

Turn your kitchen into a baking challenge arena to enjoy some friendly competition and the reward of scrumptious food. Start by choosing a shared theme (e.g. cookies, cupcakes, bread, pastries), then both of you will whip up your own version. Once the treats are ready, have a taste test and declare a winner. To heighten the stakes, consider giving a reward to the winner—like a 20-minute massage or first choice in the next movie night.

11. Garden Party

Whether you're bonafide green thumb enthusiasts or you're merely curious about the art of growing your own things, a gardening date promises lots of earthy fun. First determine what kind of garden you want to go with: indoor herb garden, hydroponics, outdoor flower bed or outdoor veggie garden. From there, gather all the supplies you'll need including seeds/seedlings, planters and dirt. Spend the evening setting up your new garden and reading up on how to care for each plant so you can ensure your new plants thrive.

12. Reminisce Together

For one of the most romantic anniversary ideas for home, look no further than a walk down memory lane to recall some of your favorite moments together. Whether this is your 25th anniversary or your 1st, there's no doubt you two have shared quite a bit together. You could each pick five images each from over the years and then ruminate on those moments in time, re-watch your wedding video or go through your "relationship box" filled with items you've collected over the years.