A guest article by Truly Experiences

I love anniversary gifts. The excitement of receiving them from my hubby. The unwrapping. The warm fuzzy feeling inside as I realise how special the gift is and how much thought has gone into it.

Fast forward a week, and this once unforgettable anniversary gift is now sitting at the bottom of my cupboard, under a heap of clothes. Or worse yet, lying around the lounge, cluttering up my home unnecessarily! While I love to stick to the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year, I have to admit that they’re mostly filled with nick nacks that seem to take up space in my house (pottery, wooden objects, china). I’m sure I’m not alone… so here are some creative anniversary gifts for those of you who don’t want to follow the whole ‘cotton, paper, leather (hello, fellow vegans!) routine!

With Marie Kondo all the rage, I thought it would be super fun (and conducive to tidying up) to round up a bunch of my favourite ideas for clutter-free anniversary gifts. Spark new memories. Spark new joy. Spark new love!

1. Tickets to a Music Concert

As Peter Gabriel said, the book of love has music in it. In fact, that’s where music comes from.

Treating your loved one to tickets to their favourite band perform is hands-down one of the best clutter-free presents you can give. Every couple has “their” song – it could be as special as the song you danced to on your wedding day, to your go-to car karaoke jam that you belt out together in the car.

2. A Couple’s Cooking Class

You know what they say – a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Although (speaking from experience) I can say this applies to a woman too.

Spend a romantic afternoon turning up the heat in the kitchen, learning to cook an exciting new dish that you can recreate at home. This a multi-sensory activity that really brings the two of you together – a sprinkle of love, a handful of romance and a spoonful of sexy spices!

You can spend every anniversary recreating the same dish you learned – a heartfelt tradition to mark each new year spent as husband and wife.

3. Breakfast in Bed

Simple, done-to-death but somehow still one of my absolute favourite ways to wake up on my wedding anniversary is with breakfast in bed. The smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a warm croissant layered in butter, accompanied by morning cuddles? Sign me up!

4. Wine and Cheese Tasting

Just as your love gets better with time, so does wine! To commemorate your growing love, treat your top oenophile to an exclusive wine tasting masterclass. Together you two lovebirds will learn how to detect the flavours and aromas of fine wine, and discover how each wine is best paired with certain foods.

Now when you go out for a fine dining meal, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your sublime new wine knowledge.

5. Netflix Subscription

In the digital age, the term ‘Netflix and chill’ has put an entirely new spin on stay-at-home romance. Just like the next person, I simply adore spending a whole evening binge-watching an entire series with my better half.

An excellent way to present this clutter-free gift is with a sort of ‘date night in’ basket. Together with your new Netflix logins, you can include a box of popcorn, a box of chocolates and a naughty bottle of wine.

6. Homemade Baked Treats

Sometimes it’s the smallest (most delicious) anniversary gifts that mean the most. And you can never go wrong with some homemade edibles.

For my second anniversary with my husband, he surprised me with a beautifully decorated recycled glass jar of my all time nr. 1 baked goodies – peanut butter cookies. It couldn’t have taken him more than an hour to bake and put together, but just knowing he spent the time and effort baking my favourite treats was more special than anything.

7. A Wildlife Conservation Membership

If you’re a pair of nature-loving love birds, then this special clutter-free anniversary gift is perfect for you. Spoil your beloved with the gift of a membership to your chosen wildlife conservation center. Not only will they receive entry discounts to various nature reserves, but the present is also special in that you’re giving the gift of contributing to the preservation of our incredible wildlife.

Some of my preferred wildlife centres include British Wildlife Centre, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts.

8. An Exotic Holiday

Wedding anniversaries are the perfect excuse to pack a bag, jump on a plane, and just escape from it all. There’s no better way to thank your partner for years of blissful marriage than with a romantic break to an exotic destination.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing retreat together, or somewhere a little more adventurous, a romantic getaway for just the two of you is bound to spark joy.

9. An Indulgent Spa Day

When it comes to clutter-free anniversary gift ideas, a trip to the spa definitely will not go amiss. I just adore having a calming couple’s massage – there’s something very romantic about spending quality time with your partner in a spa environment, relaxing and unwinding without the need to talk to each other.

10. Homemade Vouchers for your Time

Time is just about the most precious thing you can give anyone. You’re committing to spending a lifetime together, so make it special with handmade vouchers for your time!

Make some homemade vouchers with activities around the house or services that you can do – babysitting, dishwashing, gardening. Or spice it up with some romantic ideas like a home-cooked meal or a sensual at-home massage! Clutter-free, thoughtful and bound to spark joy in your marriage.