Last Minute Anniversary Gift Ideas

It has happened another year: you roll over in the morning, see a card beside your bed and check the calendar only to remember that today is your anniversary. "Not another year," you think to yourself; while thoughts of last minute gifts are racing through your mind. While panicking may seem like a justifiable option, there is no need to worry. Here are a few clever tips designed to help you surprise your spouse with a last minute anniversary gift.

1. Create a coupon book - Does your spouse like to shop? You can make a coupon book that contains coupons for complimentary lunch or dinners, a certain allotment to be spent on the next mall visit, or trip to the hair salon compliments of you. Coupon books are easy to make and, since you know you are providing coupons to your spouse's favorite places, they will be well appreciated.

2. Dinner, on the house - Dinner, whether dining at a high-end restaurant or prepared by you, is another great surprise for your spouse. Not only does it provide them with a night off from cooking and cleaning, but it also gives you a chance to showcase your talents and earn "brownie points" with your spouse. Try cooking your spouse's favorite meal or taking him or her to his/her favorite restaurant.

3. Weekend getaway - If you two are free for the weekend, consider a weekend getaway. Not only will this allow the two of you to spend quality time together, but you can also delay the immediate need for a gift. Sometime during the day though, you will want to choose a location and secure a hotel. If you make reservations by phone, it may be a good idea to tell the hotel you are visiting for your anniversary, as some hotels have special packages designed for spouses. To make even more of an impact, you could create a collage-style card for your spouse by printing out pictures from the hotel and destination, and pasting them on the card's envelope. Also, you can Mapquest driving directions and have them folded inside of the card.

4. Three Wishes - Google a "genie" lamp and pictures of genies on the computer, and print them out. Next, find a small box (11" x 8.5") that is large enough for the lamp picture to cover it completely. Paste the picture on the front, and the genie pictures on the other sides. You may want to title it, "Three wishes for ______." Next, present the box to your spouse. As soon as your spouse writes his/her wishes down, then you, the genie, may grant them. Another alternative is to have your spouse make many wishes, and on a pre-determined date, draw three and grant those. If you do choose this gift, make sure that you and your spouse agree to maximum allowable cost per wish, that way the wishes are still granted.

For the next gift occasion, however, you may always want to keep an "emergency" gift on hand. Hide it in a discreet place and make a note to yourself where you hid it. This way, for the next occasion, be it anniversary, birthday, or anything else, you will already be prepared. Just remember to replace it if you have to use it.