Long-Distance Anniversary Ideas That Will Make You Feel Closer

Celebrating an anniversary is a cherished tradition that marks the milestones in a couple’s journey together. For those in long-distance relationships, these celebrations can present unique challenges but also offer opportunities for creativity and deepening the bond. Here are some heartfelt long-distance anniversary ideas that will make you feel closer, even when you’re miles apart.

1. Virtual Dinner Date

Just because you can’t be together in person doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a romantic meal together. Schedule a video call and order each other’s favorite meals from local restaurants. Light some candles, dress up, and savor the meal while you chat and reminisce about your favorite memories together. To make it extra special, you could even try cooking the same recipe together over a video call.

Why it works:

Sharing a meal has always been a bonding experience for couples. By coordinating a virtual dinner, you recreate the intimate atmosphere of dining together, allowing you to connect and communicate in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. The act of cooking together or ordering each other’s favorite dishes shows thoughtfulness and care, reinforcing your connection.

2. Personalized Video Guest Book

A personalized video message from friends and family can be a very thoughtful gift for an anniversary. You can use a softwares to collect video messages from loved ones and edit them together into a keepsake video. This is a great way to capture memories and well wishes from people who may not be able to be there in person for your anniversary. Watching these heartfelt messages together can bring a sense of closeness and community, reminding you of the love and support you have from those around you.

Why it works:

Involving friends and family in your celebration, even from afar, adds layers of emotional support and joy to your relationship. These messages not only provide a sense of togetherness but also reinforce the network of love that surrounds your relationship. The video becomes a cherished keepsake that you can revisit whenever you need a reminder of the love and encouragement from your circle.

3. Send a Care Package

Put together a box of meaningful items that your partner will love. This could include their favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, a framed photo of the two of you, or a handwritten letter. Personal touches like these show that you’re thinking about them and can provide comfort and joy. Include a few surprise items that will make them smile and feel cherished.

Why it works:

Receiving a package filled with thoughtfully chosen items can make your partner feel incredibly special and loved. Each item in the care package serves as a tangible reminder of your affection and attention to detail. The effort you put into selecting and sending these items speaks volumes about your dedication and love.

4. Plan a Future Trip Together

Planning something exciting for the future can give you both something to look forward to. Spend your anniversary discussing and dreaming about your next getaway. Research destinations, make a bucket list of activities, and start setting aside a travel fund. This shared goal can strengthen your bond and keep the excitement alive.

Why it works:

Having a future trip to look forward to can be a powerful motivator and a source of joy in a long-distance relationship. The anticipation of spending quality time together in a new setting can help you both stay positive and focused on the bright side of your relationship. It also provides a concrete goal to work towards together, reinforcing your partnership and commitment.

5. Virtual Movie Night

Choose a movie that you both love or have been wanting to watch and set up a virtual movie night. You can use services like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) to synchronize your viewing experience and chat while you watch. Prepare some popcorn and snacks, and enjoy the film together as if you were sitting side by side.

Why it works:

Watching a movie together can create a shared experience that helps bridge the physical distance between you. It’s a relaxing way to spend time together and can lead to discussions and bonding over the movie’s themes and characters. The simplicity of a movie night can also bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to your relationship.

6. Exchange Love Letters

In the age of instant messaging and video calls, there’s something incredibly romantic about handwritten letters. Take the time to write a heartfelt letter to your partner, expressing your love, sharing memories, and looking forward to the future. Exchange these letters by mail, and open them together on your anniversary.

Why it works:

Handwritten letters offer a personal touch that digital communication often lacks. The act of writing allows you to reflect deeply on your feelings and articulate them in a meaningful way. Reading a letter from your partner can feel intimate and special, as if they are right there with you.

7. Create a Shared Playlist

Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Create a playlist of songs that are significant to your relationship, including tracks that remind you of special moments together. Share the playlist with your partner and listen to it together while you chat or during your own time.

Why it works:

A shared playlist can become a soundtrack to your relationship, filled with songs that evoke memories and emotions unique to you both. Listening to these songs can make you feel closer and more connected, even when you’re apart. Music can also serve as a conversation starter, bringing back memories and sparking new discussions.

8. Virtual Stargazing

If you both enjoy the night sky, plan a virtual stargazing date. Find a night when the skies are clear, and use apps like Star Walk or SkyView to identify constellations and planets. You can share what you’re seeing through a video call and marvel at the same stars from different locations.

Why it works:

Stargazing can be a deeply romantic and reflective activity. The vastness of the night sky can make you feel connected despite the physical distance. Sharing this experience can lead to meaningful conversations and a sense of wonder that enhances your bond.

9. Host a Virtual Game Night

Playing games together can be a fun and engaging way to spend your anniversary. Choose from a variety of online games, such as trivia, board games, or video games that you both enjoy. Platforms like Jackbox Games, Tabletop Simulator, and online chess can provide hours of entertainment.

Why it works:

Games are a great way to break the routine and inject some fun into your relationship. They can also encourage teamwork, communication, and a healthy dose of competition. Playing games together can create new memories and inside jokes that strengthen your connection.

10. Take an Online Class Together

Learning something new together can be an exciting and enriching experience. Choose an online class that interests both of you, whether it’s cooking, painting, photography, or a new language. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and MasterClass offer a wide range of courses.

Why it works:

Taking a class together allows you to share a common goal and support each other’s progress. It can lead to new hobbies and skills that you can enjoy together in the future. The process of learning and growing together can strengthen your bond and create a sense of accomplishment.

11. Virtual Escape Room

If you’re looking for an adventurous and challenging activity, try a virtual escape room. These online games require you to solve puzzles and complete tasks to “escape” within a time limit. It’s a great way to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills while having fun.

Why it works:

Virtual escape rooms provide a unique and immersive experience that requires collaboration and communication. Successfully completing the challenges can give you both a sense of achievement and strengthen your partnership. It’s a thrilling way to spend your anniversary and create lasting memories.

12. Recreate Your First Date Virtually

Take a trip down memory lane by recreating your first date virtually. Dress up as you did on that special day, prepare similar food or drinks, and reminisce about how you felt when you first met. Share your favorite moments and reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple.

Why it works:

Revisiting your first date can reignite the excitement and romance of the early days of your relationship. It’s a nostalgic and sentimental way to celebrate your journey together, reminding you of the love and connection that brought you to where you are today.

13. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset Together

Plan to watch the sunrise or sunset together over a video call. Find a beautiful spot where you can both enjoy the view, and share the experience in real-time. It’s a peaceful and romantic way to start or end your day, feeling connected to your partner.

Why it works:

Nature’s beauty can evoke a sense of tranquility and wonder. Sharing a sunrise or sunset can create a serene and intimate moment between you and your partner. It’s a simple yet powerful way to feel close, even from afar.

14. Write and Share a Future Vision Board

Create a vision board that represents your dreams and goals as a couple. Include images, quotes, and symbols that inspire you and reflect your aspirations for the future. Share your vision boards over a video call and discuss how you can support each other in achieving these dreams.

Why it works:

A vision board can serve as a visual representation of your shared hopes and goals. Discussing your future together reinforces your commitment and helps you stay aligned as a couple. It’s a creative and motivational activity that can strengthen your bond and give you a sense of direction.

15. Surprise Visit

If circumstances allow, plan a surprise visit for your anniversary. Coordinate with friends or family to make the logistics work, and show up at your partner’s doorstep to celebrate together. The look of surprise and joy on their face will be worth all the effort.

Why it works:

There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing your partner in person after a long time apart. A surprise visit can create an unforgettable anniversary celebration and provide a much-needed boost to your relationship.