How to Celebrate Your One Year Anniversary with Your Boyfriend

Co-authored by Michelle Jacoby

Last Updated: May 16, 2024 References

Your first year with a guy is a major milestone. When playing with different ideas for how to celebrate, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Focus on activities that you can both enjoy, like going on a leisurely hike or dressing to the nines for a night on the town. If you’d rather not deal with the stress of going out, keep the romance home with a candlelight dinner, then curl up on the couch to end the night with a good movie and a better cuddle session.

One Year Anniversary Date Ideas

Go out to dinner or cook a fancy meal at home.
Take a class together, like learning how to cook.
Go on a day trip to a nearby city.
Plan a movie or game night.
Visit the place where you and your boyfriend first met.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Coordinating the Details of Your Anniversary

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1
Mark the date of your anniversary on your calendar. Make a note of what day your anniversary falls on. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to start pondering the important details, rather than being in a rush to come up with ideas at the last minute. Depending on what you have in mind, it might be wise to start planning as much as a month ahead of the actual date.^{[1]
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- Most couples use the day that they met or began seeing one another as the official date of their anniversary.
- If you tend to be forgetful, set a reminder on your phone to notify you when your anniversary is approaching.
2
Remind your boyfriend that your anniversary is coming up. Giving him a heads up 2-3 weeks ahead of time will permit him to clear his schedule. Otherwise, you could run into prior commitments or other conflicts that threaten to put a damper on your special day.
- If you have a something special in the works, try dropping subtle hints to jog his memory without spoiling the surprise. You might say something like “How long have we been together now?” or “Can you believe it’s been almost a year since we were first introduced?”
- Be careful not to come across like you're testing him. He may not appreciate feeling like he's being grilled.^{[2]
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3
Schedule your celebration for a time that you’re both available. It may not be possible for the two of you to get together on the actual day of your anniversary if you’re especially busy. Instead, you might shoot for the day before or after, or wait until the following weekend when you’re both free.
- A Friday or Saturday evening may be more convenient if your anniversary falls in the middle of a hectic work or school week.
- On the flipside, you might decide to go for a weeknight when fewer people are out to improve your chances of getting into an exclusive restaurant or sold-out show.
4
Hire a sitter for your child or pet. If you’ve got a young one (or a fur baby) at home, make arrangements for someone to watch them. You’ll be able to enjoy a carefree evening knowing that they’re safe and sound. Try to have a sitter lined up at least a week before your anniversary in case things fall through unexpectedly.
- Ask a friend or relative if they’d be willing to handle the sitting duties to ensure that your child or pet is in good hands.
- When hiring someone you don’t know, seek recommendations from people you trust or look up feedback from previous clients who have had good experiences with the sitter.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Planning the Perfect Date

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1
Go to dinner at your favorite restaurant. The classic candlelight dinner for two never loses its appeal. Since it’s a special occasion, don’t be afraid to go the whole nine yards—a bottle of wine, appetizers, a sumptuous main course, and something sweet to split for dessert.
- If the restaurant you have in mind accepts reservations, call the day before to make sure you’re able to get in.
2
Dress up for a night out on the town. Throw on your finest threads before you head out for drinks or a show. This can be a good opportunity to dust off that cocktail dress or tailored suit that you don’t get many opportunities to wear. Your one year anniversary only comes along once—why not do it up in style?^{[4]
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- Decide on a theme or color scheme for your attire so that you’ll both match.
- Take your boyfriend’s personal style into consideration. If he’s more the casual type, you might compromise by choosing a place where he can get away with wearing a polo shirt shirt rather than a suit and tie.
3
Go back to the place where you first met. For a more sentimental touch, plan a special outing to where it all began. There, you can share stories about what was running through your mind the first time you laid eyes on one another and talk about how much has changed over the course of a year.^{[5]
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- You could even make a stop at a favorite bar or night spot part of an evening full of festivities.
- A walk down memory lane for two doesn’t have to be limited to a restaurant or coffee shop. Couples who met at the gym, for instance, could partner up for a workout session.
4
Sign up for a class together. Look into special interest activities that you can do as a couple. For example, you might participate in a beginner’s yoga workshop, learn to mix cocktails, or pick up the basics of French cooking. Taking a class will afford you the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company while learning a new skill.^{[6]
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- Explore the “Events” page on Facebook to find out more about events being offered in your area.^{[7]
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- Remember, it’s your boyfriend’s anniversary too. Drop hints to see how he responds to different ideas before you drag him off to a class he has no interest in.
5
Hit up a karaoke bar. For a more lighthearted evening out, head to a place that hosts a free karaoke night and sing your hearts out. Select an emotional ballad to dedicate to your boyfriend, or have him join you on stage for a romantic duet. What could be more fun than humiliating yourselves together in front of total strangers?
- You could even invite a few of your close friends to join in the celebration and make it a full-on party.
6
Take a day trip to another city. Use your anniversary as an excuse to get out of town for a while. Even if you don’t go far, a romantic road trip can provide some much-needed rest and relaxation, along with a refreshing change of scenery. While you’re in a new city, be sure to check out what sort of food, drinks, and events it has to offer.^{[8]
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- Splurge on a stay at a deluxe hotel or bed and breakfast to make the most of your getaway.
- Day trips are perfect for spontaneous couples looking for a break from the ordinary.
7
Go hiking or camping. If you’re craving a more adventurous option, load up a pack and hit the trails. Immersing yourself in nature can be a fun, active way to get some quality time together. It will just be the two of you and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.^{[9]
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- Investigate national parks and nature reserves in your area to find a good spot to explore for an afternoon or post up for a night.
- Keep in mind that most commercial campsites must be reserved online or by phone before you show up.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Celebrating Your Anniversary at Home

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1
Cook dinner together. Devise a menu consisting of dishes you both enjoy. Set the table with your finest china, light a few candles, and put on some soft music to enhance the mood. With the right atmosphere, a quiet dinner at home can be far more intimate than one at a crowded, noisy restaurant.^{[10]
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- Share the responsibilities in the kitchen. For instance, you could slice vegetables for a salad while he grills up a couple of juicy steaks.
- Don’t forget dessert! Whip up a decadent cheesecake or soufflé to satisfy your sweet tooth after a home-cooked meal, or keep things simple with a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries.^{[11]
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2
Watch some movies. Get cozy on the couch and take in a double feature. Each of you can pick out a favorite flick, or you can finally take the time to work your way through the Harry Potter or Avengers series. A good movie may be just the thing you need to unwind after a long week.^{[12]
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- Keep some popcorn, candy, or other snacks nearby to munch on while you watch.
3
Turn your bathroom into a spa. Climb into the tub for a soothing soak (don’t forget the bath bombs!). Afterwards, you can take turns performing manicures, pedicures, or facials, or treat one another to a relaxing full-body massage. An evening of luxurious self-care is a wonderful anniversary idea for couples who are tired, stressed, and in desperate need of pampering.
- Dim the lights, queue up some tranquil music, and use a variety of fragrant oils, soaps, and scrubs to complete the spa-like environment.
4
Have a game night. Two-player games like Scrabble or Uno will entertain you for hours while also challenging your creativity, strategy, and problem-solving skills. They’re cheap, easy to set up, and can even give you something to do when the power goes out. Perhaps best of all, they can be played again and again, keeping you laughing all night long. ^{[13]
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- Celebrating your anniversary with a game night can also be a good way to get your kids in on the fun.
- If you’re more of a video gamer, sit down for a co-op mission or go head-to-head with one another.
5
Serve breakfast in bed. Prepare enough pancakes, omelettes, or Belgian waffles with for two, then climb back under the covers and get comfortable while you savor them. If you’re in the mood for a surprise, you could even greet your boyfriend with a plate as soon as he wakes up.^{[14]
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- Pour up a glass of fresh-squeezed juice or a steaming mug of coffee or tea to go with your home-cooked breakfast.
- Be sure to use a tray to carry your breakfast back to bed. The last thing you want is to get sticky syrup all over your sheets!
6
Exchange gifts. One year of commitment may warrant a pricier purchase, like a nice watch or stylish sport coat. Assuming you don’t have much to spend, you could also present your boyfriend with a one-of-a-kind gift, like a handwritten letter or framed picture. If you’re stumped about what to get your boyfriend, reach out to his friends for suggestions.^{[15]
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- Your gift doesn’t even have to be an object—it could also be an experience, such as concert tickets or a trip to a theme park.
- Be sure to discuss whether or not you want to do gifts beforehand. While you’re at it, it may be a good idea to agree on a general price range so that one person doesn’t spend more than the other.

Sample Ways to Celebrate and Conversation Help

Fun Ideas for Your One Year Anniversary

Conversation to Plan for One Year Anniversary

Subtle Ways to Bring up Your One Year Anniversary

Expert Q&A

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Question

What do you get your boyfriend for a one year anniversary?

Michelle Jacoby
Matchmaker & Dating Coach
Michelle Jacoby is a Matchmaker, Dating Coach, and the Founder and CEO of DC Matchmaking, a privately owned, boutique matchmaking company based in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She is also the Co-Founder of The Matchmakers Alliance, an international industry organization for matchmakers. With over 12 years of experience, Michelle specializes in one-on-one matchmaking and group coaching to help singles find healthy, lasting relationships. She has been featured in several media publications such as The Washington Post, Self, and NPR. Michelle holds a BA in Psychology from George Washington University. She is also a Certified Matchmaker from The Matchmakers Institute as well as a Certified Body Language Expert from The Body Language Institute.

Michelle Jacoby

Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Get him something he really wants or likes! Has your partner been wanting a puppy? Get him a puppy. Does your partner want a nice candlelit dinner? Set that up for him one night. Everyone has something different that would make them happy.

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Tips

After a year, you know what your boyfriend likes! Use that to plan the perfect celebration.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Michelle Jacoby
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.}

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Ask your friends and family for other suggestions for how you might commemorate your one year milestone.

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Put your phone on silent, or turn it off entirely. This is one night when your boyfriend deserves your undivided attention.

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Warnings

Your anniversary should be about celebrating the bond between you and your boyfriend, so it's important to plan activities that both of you can enjoy.

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