12 Long Distance Anniversary Ideas to Celebrate Your LDR Milestone
Nurturing your bond and flaming the fire is important in all romantic relationships, but anyone in a long distance situation knows you've often got to put in some extra effort to show your affection. If you're here searching for long distance anniversary ideas, then it's clear you've put in the work to make it to this milestone—and it's also a sign that you want to ensure bae feels extra loved on this special day.
Here's the thing about LDR anniversaries: Though you're miles apart, you can still shower your other half with love and attention and celebrate this momentous occasion in a way that feels right for you two. Keep reading to get the wheels turning on how to celebrate an anniversary in a long distance relationship.
Deliver a Memory Box
Take a walk down memory lane together by putting together a box of mementos that'll help you remember great dates, funny moments, and milestones from your relationship. This might include items like ticket stubs or hotel key cards, or maybe it's treasures that remind you of each other—like that one candy you always share at the movie theater or a handmade card featuring an inside joke. Make sure to arrange for the package delivery to land on or before the anniversary date, and have your partner video call you (if possible) so you can open it together.
Gift Them a Long-Distance Touch Bracelet
When you're miles apart, the tiniest gestures can make a world of difference and help you feel connected. If you're looking for a meaningful anniversary gift that'll help you do just that, purchase a pair of long-distance touch bracelets—like the Totwoo Touch Bracelets—that light up or vibrate every time the other taps theirs. It's a reminder that you're thinking of each other even with physical space between you.
Have a Romantic Stargazing Date
Without the help of the digital world, it's tricky to find a date idea where you can share the same experience at the same time. Looking up at the sky is unique in that it allows you to both see the same thing at once—even if you're hours apart from each other. This makes it an excellent, and very romantic, long distance anniversary idea. Have each person set up a telescope and then stargaze simultaneously, sharing your views of the night sky and talking about the stars and constellations together.
Dispatch a Care Package
What better way to tell your partner you care about them than to send a bountiful care package loaded up with goodies? Fill a box with their favorite things, products to encourage self-care, "made me think of you" finds, handmade tokens of your love, and tasty treats. Don't forget to place a handwritten card in the box, as well.
Surprise Them With a Personalized Celebrity Message
No doubt you'll be calling your partner on your anniversary to deliver a heartfelt message from yourself. Consider going the extra mile by having one of her favorite celebrities send a personalized message, too, from a site like Cameo. From cartoon characters to athletes, actors, and reality TV stars, these personalized video messages are a fun way to make your partner feel special.
Send Them an Original Song
If a celebrity message isn't your speed, maybe a personalized love song is the way to your partner's heart from a service like Songfinch or Songs With You! (You can also find this service on Fiverr.) This long distance anniversary idea is one that'll catch them by surprise, especially once they realize that those words were written with your unique love in mind.
Plan a Future Trip
When you're long distance, carving out time to spend together is something you both look forward to. By planning a future trip together, you'll give the gift of anticipation (nothing beats looking forward to a vacay) and some good old fashioned quality time together. Maybe it's a getaway to a far-flung destination you've both wanted to explore, or perhaps it's taking a long road trip or tucking away in a cozy cabin or oceanfront oasis.
Write a Love Letter
Sure, texting is nice, but there's something so romantic about receiving an old fashioned handwritten letter. Find some high quality paper, or a nice card, and wax poetic about how much your partner means to you. Pop it into the mailbox so that it arrives in time for your anniversary.
Make a Surprise Arrival
If your partner loves surprises, one of the best anniversary ideas for LDR relationships is to give them the gift of, well, you. And by that, we mean in-person you! Go ahead and book that flight and plan a special night or weekend of activities for you two to celebrate your anniversary milestone together.
Book a Shared Online Experience
Make your anniversary date night feel extra special by signing up for an online experience you can share together. This could be something hands-on like an online cooking or cocktail making class or a painting workshop, or you could swing through a virtual exhibit at a museum, sign up for a virtual escape room session, or have your tarot cards read together.
Arrange a Flower or Plant Delivery
If your partner loves fresh flowers or plants, then they'll really appreciate this gesture. And nope—you don't need to be local to treat them to a gorgeous, fresh arrangement. Plenty of flower delivery companies, such as The Bouqs or The Sill, will ship bouquets and potted plants straight to your partner's door on the day you select. You can also get in touch with a local flower shop and arrange for delivery.
Take Turns Getting Deep
This intimate long distance relationship anniversary idea is the gift that keeps on giving. Pencil in some quality time together on video chat or via a phone call and take turns asking each other deep questions. You can use a list of questions—like these questions to ask your girlfriend or boyfriend to strengthen your connection—write your own, or reach for an intimacy card game.