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A few (hundred) miles won't stop you from planning an epic date night.
Updated on November 03, 2025 02:19PM
Getty Images / Aleksandar Nakic
Key Takeaways
- Celebrate your long-distance anniversary creatively with virtual date nights, like an online dinner or movie session.
- Plan ahead and make the day special by sending thoughtful surprises like flower deliveries or customized care packages.
- Keep the connection strong by recording a heartfelt video message or wearing matching touch bracelets to stay in sync.
It would seem that in recent years, long-distance relationships are becoming the rule, not the exception. It's not uncommon for couples to say that they toughed out living in two distinct places for a good chunk of their relationship. They certainly have the tools to make things work: Technology gives duos an easy assist to find each other and makes navigating just about any degree of geography possible. That's not to say that living apart is easy. Long-distance relationships can be tough even on a good day—and they're even more challenging when it comes to celebrating anniversaries and other relationship milestones.
If you can’t be with the one you love for your special day, there are plenty of great long-distance anniversary ideas you can try. While you may not be in the same room, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time and celebrate your love in a meaningful way. Just remember that long-distance anniversary celebrations are not impossible—they just require a bit more creativity and advanced planning. We'll help you on that front, but remember that your mindset also matters. Whether you celebrate this moment on the phone or video chat, remain present and positive. Don’t spend your time lamenting that you’re not together—keep it light and enjoy the precious time you have together in the here and now.
So, whether your long-distance relationship is the result of your partner living on the other side of the world, military service, or an extended job assignment, here are a few great long-distance anniversary ideas that will help you feel connected, however many miles there are between you.
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Set Up an Online Dinner Date
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Food has a long history of being associated with comfort and love, so when you and your sweetheart are separated by time and space, think about sending them a delicious meal (or cook one together!). This is a particularly good option if the way to your partner's heart is through their stomach. To take this idea to the next level, order a dinner for yourself and eat your meal in tandem—or consider connecting with a sommelier ahead of time so you can set your loved one up with the ultimate wine pairing for their course. When your appointed date night time rolls around, fire up Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or Google and enjoy the evening (light a few candles in the background for a romantic touch). Sure, you're not sitting across from each other at a table in a fancy restaurant, but hey—it's pretty close.
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Have Virtual Drinks
If dinner is too much of a spend, opt for drinks instead. You and your love should make arrangements to “meet for drinks”—then take the conversation to Zoom and enjoy the company. You may not be able to sit on the couch next to your partner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast anyway. And if your long distance relationship has you in different time zones? No worries—you can have a mimosa while he sips on a glass of wine.
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Netflix and Chill
Much like a virtual dinner or drink date, “Netflix and Chill” is another oldy, but goody. Log in to a video call and instead of dinner and drinks, grab the popcorn and candy. You may want to decide on your movie ahead of your date. Oh, and don’t forget to hit play at the exact same time!
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Send a Thoughtful Flower Delivery
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Whether you live near or far, sending flowers are always a great option—and florals are a particularly perfect long-distance anniversary idea if you're hoping to cheer your partner up on a day you'd really prefer to spend together. To up the ante, be selective and intentional with your flower choice; instead of sending the florist's choice, ask for a single-variety arrangement of their all-time favorite bloom (or go for their birth flower).
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Write a Love Letter
While the world has moved on to doing everything lightning fast, it’s still nice to receive personal letters and cards in the mail from time to time. So when you’re looking for great long-distance anniversary ideas, try an old-fashioned love letter. In your letter, tell your partner why you love them—and share your favorite memory, your plans for the future, and some of the thoughts that cross your mind when you’re not together. In comparison to an email or text, love letters are more intentional; no doubt this one will make them feel incredibly special. Make sure you send your note on time, so it arrives on or before your milestone.
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Create "Open When" Letters
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If you like the idea of writing letters, you could kick things up a notch by writing “open when” letters to your beloved. While these letters will require a bit of advanced planning, your significant other will be overwhelmed by such an outpouring of love. These types of letters are exactly what you'd expect: You’ll write special notes or short letters, seal them in separate envelopes, and label them appropriately. Your sweetheart can only open the letters based on the title like, "Open when it’s our anniversary;" "Open when you’re feeling lonely;" or "Open when you want a laugh."
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Record a Video Message
When it comes to long-distance anniversary ideas, a recorded video message will always hit the mark. And this option is so easy to pull off: Just turn on your camera and hit record. Tell your partner how much you miss them and how much you love them. Plus, this is an anniversary gift that lasts forever—so they can see your smiling face and hear your lovely voice whenever the mood strikes.
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Wear Touch Bracelets
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When the miles separate you and your love, technology once again steps in to bridge the gap. These Bond Touch Bracelets are an excellent way to keep you and your partner on the same wavelength—literally. Just touch your bracelet whenever you’re thinking of your sweetheart and theirs will light up and vibrate. How’s that for connectivity?
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Play a Game
Whether near or far, game night is always a great idea. Nothing like a little friendly competition and smack talk to remind you why you love someone, right? Albeit played virtually, consider classics like Cards Against Humanity, Yahtzee, Boggle, and Pictionary.
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Learn Something New Together
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These days, you can find all kinds of online classes, from private pasta-making lessons to group mixology tutorials. To mark your long-distance anniversary, pick a category that you and your partner have little to no experience with and sign up together. You'll bond over the newness of all, whether or not you love it (and regardless of how your hand-cut linguine or stirred, not shaken martini turns out).
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Send a Care Package
When you can’t be together, nothing says “I love you” like a care package filled with your partner's favorite everyday things. Be sure to include the toiletries and accessories she or he uses daily (or send a themed package for your planned date night, whether you're watching a movie or cooking the same recipe), and don’t forget that little trinket they were eyeing, but never got around to buying for themselves.
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Engage In Deeper Discussions
When there’s nothing to really do but talk, your long-distance anniversary celebration could be used to, well, chat! With the help of some thought-provoking questions, this may be a good opportunity to hear your partner’s opinions on heavier matters and deepen your relationship. For a few great conversation starters, try Gottman Card Decks App or The Ultimate Game For Couples.
