Best Ways to Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary On a Budget

Your 10 year anniversary is a major milestone. You and your spouse have now been married for a full decade, having weathered the highs and lows of life together and a strong marriage to match. 

Such a major milestone in your relationship is worthy of celebration, whether your budget is big or small. You don’t need a luxury vacation to show your appreciation for each other and enjoy yourselves on your anniversary. 

Some of the best 10 year anniversary ideas on a budget include: 

• A romantic picnic
• Sightseeing in your home city 
• A camping trip for the two of you
• A homemade dinner 

Read on for more great ideas on how you can have a budget-friendly 10 year anniversary celebration. 

Best Ways to Celebrate your 10 Year Anniversary on a Budget

Of course, personal taste will dictate how you and your spouse celebrate your marriage’s first decade, but the following ideas cater to a wide range of ideas and interests. 

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1. A Homemade Dinner for Two

Get busy in the kitchen making your spouse a romantic dinner from scratch. Or maybe both of you could cook a course – you make dinner while he/she cooks dessert! 

Groceries cost much less than restaurant food, and you could decorate the dining room to look like an exclusive restaurant. Fill vases full of fresh flowers and eat by candlelight for some extra ambiance! 

This idea is particularly doable for parents of young children who might not have any friends or family available to babysit for the night. Put the kids to bed early and have a relaxing evening just the two of you! 

2. Hike and a Picnic

For the outdoorsy types, hiking to a secluded location and having a romantic meal surrounded by the beauty of nature is unparalleled. 

Check out local state or national parks in your area, which are available for day use for a small fee per vehicle. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

To make things extra fun, try taking a new trail or visiting a park you haven’t yet had the chance to see. Then you and your spouse will get the wonderful opportunity to discover it together for the first time! 

3. Casual Restaurant in your Sunday Best

While you may not be able to afford a five-star restaurant, you can dress to the nines and go out to a casual restaurant – even a fast food joint if that’s what you want to do. Get dessert at a local ice cream parlor or specialty donut shop afterwards. 

No more “all dressed up and nowhere to go” for you and your spouse! You don’t need to attend a fancy restaurant to dress the part. 

4. Go out to Breakfast or Lunch Instead of Dinner

It’s no secret that breakfast and lunch are far cheaper than dinner. Many restaurants – Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse are two popular examples – have special lunch menus that are a huge bargain compared to dinner dining. 

If you have small children, going out for breakfast or lunch is also much easier for the babysitter. Nights are difficult when it comes to babysitting, especially when you factor in the kids’ dinner, bath, and bedtimes. 

Why not have the sitter take the kids out to a fun activity while you and your spouse celebrate over an omelet or hamburger? 

5. Dollar Store Gift Exchange

This idea is both creative and tons of fun. Go to your local dollar store if you have one in your area, such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or Family Dollar, and find a gift for your spouse. 

For added fun, try to find a cheesy gift that will make your spouse laugh. 

6. Five Dollar Date Night

This idea is an extra twist on the Dollar Store Gift Exchange. Go to your local dollar store and, armed with five dollars, find a combination of items that communicates what you and your spouse can do for date night. 

Here are a few examples. 

Five Dollar Movie Night

• Microwave popcorn
• Boxes of candy or sodas
• Fuzzy socks for her
• Fuzzy socks for him
• Large bowl (the tackier the better)

Five Dollar Cake Bake

• Box of cake mix
• Icing
• Candles 
• Lighter
• Balloons

Five Dollar Sexy Night

• Candles
• Scented lotions
• Silk rose petals
• Two glasses
• Your favorite beverage (unless it’s alcohol, in which case you’ll have to buy it somewhere else) 

7. Museum Trip

Many local libraries – especially those in major cities – offer museum passes for patrons to check out, making admissions to many art and science museums in your area free. 

Even if these passes aren’t available in your area, admission to museums is usually very affordable. Spend time together perusing the aisles in a local art gallery and admire the beauty and imagination of the artist. 

To make this date extra special, check to see which museums have special exhibits either in your town or a neighboring area. 

8. Paint Each Other’s Portraits 

Whether you’re a professional or have never picked up a paintbrush in your life, consider painting your spouse’s portrait for a romantic anniversary date night.

Sit across from each other, both of you having a canvas or large sheet of paper, and try your hand at painting the face you know and love the most. You don’t have to use expensive paints – pick up some basic art supplies at a local hobby shop and get to work. 

Don’t worry if you’re both terrible at painting. Make wonderful memories cracking up at each other’s failed painting attempts. If you’re feeling up to it, consider framing your masterpieces side by side and hanging them in your home. 

9. Take a Romantic Stroll through Town

Stroll through your town’s main road and window shop as you pass the stores. This idea is best suited for those who live in towns or cities with known historic districts, where you and your spouse can walk by and admire all the historic architecture. 

The best part about taking a walk together is the uninterrupted time you get to talk – just the two of you – and reconnect. Reminisce over the memories you’ve both gained over your first decade together and express your excitement for the future. 

As a general rule about dates, don’t talk about the kids or finances – this date is just about the two of you. 

10. Visit a Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets can always be depended on for a fun and vibrant time. Not only is there a selection of local foods, including baked goods, but local artists are always selling their unique creations.

Find something for each other or for your home at a farmer’s market. Maybe buy some fresh produce and incorporate it into a romantic meal at home. Find a unique creation from a local artist and support local business in your city! 

11. Homemade Pizza Night

While this may seem similar to the idea about cooking a romantic dinner for two at home, homemade pizza night is more laid back and usually takes less time. Less time in the kitchen means more time spent with each other! 

Compete with each other over who can make the strangest combination of ingredients that still taste good. Get out of your comfort zone and add some new toppings you’ve never tried before. Sample each other’s pizzas and pair the laid-back dinner with a glass of wine! 

10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas on a Budget

Gift-giving is an integral part of an anniversary celebration. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on an expensive gift to have a great time with your spouse.

Honestly, we think that being frugal and smart about finances would be more romantic than going into debt for an expensive celebration! 

One great thing about anniversaries is that each year has a gift theme unique to the year. For example, the traditional gift for a first year anniversary is paper, the second anniversary linen, and so on. 

Each year has a traditional gift, a modern gift, and most have a flower or stone to match. 

Traditional Gift – Tin or Aluminum

While this may not seem romantic at first glance, the traditional gift for the 10 year anniversary is versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of gifts. 

Gift 1: A tin of your spouse’s favorite candy

Buy your spouse a decorative tin and fill it with their favorite candy. Many gift sites sell customized tins that you can personalize with your own message to your husband or wife. After the candy is all gone, simply reuse the tin! 

Gift 2: His ; Hers tin anniversary mugs

Enjoy your favorite hot beverages inside these durable and sporty mugs. If you and your spouse enjoy camping, these mugs are even better. 

Personalize your mugs with a special message or your anniversary date to make your 10 year anniversary unforgettable! 

Gift 3: Aluminum cookware set 

This anniversary gift is as thoughtful as it is practical. Aluminum – like tin – is a traditional gift for the 10th anniversary, and comes in a wide range of colors and designs. 

Modern Gift – Diamonds

When on a tight budget, eyebrows rise when the word “diamonds” is spoken. But this theme doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive when you get creative with it. Going with a diamond theme doesn’t have to mean getting pricey jewelry. 

Gift 1: A personalized wall hanging in a shape of a gem

Personalize this wall hanging with your names and the date you were married. 

Gift 2: A gem-shaped paperweight

This heavy gift can be used in the office or as a decorative piece in your home. Have it engraved with your names and wedding date for a personal touch. 

Gift 3: Crystal tumblers from a flea market or thrift store

Flea markets and thrift stores always have the best dishes for a fraction of the original price. Find some crystal tumblers and use them for your favorite drinks to enjoy together. 

Conclusion

Every wedding anniversary is a cause for celebration, and the 10 year anniversary is no exception. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a wonderful celebration. After all, the most important thing about celebrating your anniversary is enjoying time together. 

We hope our guide for the best 10 year anniversary ideas on a budget has helped you brainstorm a wonderful celebration for you and your spouse! And remember, you don’t have to break the bank to have fun!