So it’s been a year and everything’s peachy and rosy. The first anniversaries, whether for marriage of in the relationship, are meaningful and special. It is also a cause for disappointment if expectations are not met. Women would want to be swept off their feet and wooed as though still in the early days of a relationship. But if you’re someone who doesn’t have credit cards to make reservations at fancy restaurants and pay for a carriage ride around the city, don’t despair. Here are some one-year anniversary ideas you can try!

10. Breakfast in Bed

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This thoughtful and lovely surprise is a treat any day of the year. However, it comes out as more special because of the occasion. The trick is to put a lot of thought to what you will be making. Go outside of your comfort zone and try something a little more exciting than bacon and eggs. If you know that you don’t have the budget for a fancy meal, whip up a special breakfast like lox and bagels or Eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce. This will take a few tries and practice runs but the effort will be well worth it in the end

9. A Special Lunch

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If breakfast is not your thing, or your anniversary falls on a weekday, you can try making a surprise lunch for your sweetheart. If you’re a woman who would like to treat a guy, you can do this by making a picnic of say, sandwiches, a salad, cold soup and a romantic dessert. If the budget allows for it, buy a bottle of champagne and head to the park with your partner or husband. Once caveat though, give his officemates or boss a heads up so that he doesn’t get into trouble.

8. Decorate your Bedroom

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Make your bedroom the epitome of romance and love by redecorating it for your partner. It’s not just for seduction and sex afterwards but it’s a welcome treat that he or she will truly appreciate. If only for a day, decorate the room with flowers, scented candles, hearts and chocolates. You can also map out a little surprise trail by leaving love notes or clues all over the house – leading him or her to the bedroom to find you waiting.

7. Give Her a Serenade

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If standing outside her window with a radio is not your thing, you can be the ultimate romantic by giving her a serenade. Women melt all over when a guy with a guitar sings for her, but if you can’t play a musical instrument, you can just sing. If you know a couple of friends who can carry a tune, have them go with you for an extra boost of confidence. Again, give her parents or roommates a heads up if you’ll be doing this. It can also be done at home.

6. Prepare a Scented Bath

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Romance should be kept alive with mutual baths and treats. If you can do this more often than just once a year, all the better. But truth is, who has the time? Both men and women stand to benefit from a relaxing bubble bath. Look for a really special scent that will relax your partner and melt all the stress of work and other activities away. French Vanilla, Peppermint and Lavender, or Berries are some scents you can try. Add candles and a bottle of wine for a perfect evening.

5. A Sexy Treat

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This goes for both men and women. Sexy lingerie does not only appeal to the guys. Women enjoy the surprise too! Surprise your partner by wearing a sexy pair of briefs or animal print ones. Better yet, go get a g-string and wear it with nothing but a bow tie and some body oil or glitter. Rawr!

4. Take Her Dancing

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One of the things that couple take for granted is dancing together. Dance is a physical and emotional expression of love and romance without uttering a single word. If you can’t afford a fancy dance place, set up an area at home where you can dance cheek to cheek. Alternatively, if slow dances are not her thing, take her to a bar disco and just let her dance the night away with you as her equally dance-groovy date. This goes without saying that you must learn to dance for the occasion. Part of the surprise will be showing her that you can dance too!

3. The Romantic Dinner with a Twist

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This is old school, but it never goes out of style. When was the last time you really sat down to a nice, romantic dinner and discussed nothing but your relationship? Sure, you may have dinner every so often, but mostly it is spent catching up on gossip or ranting about a lousy day at the office. This dinner should be special in the sense that you only talk about the two of you and your relationship. Make love notes for your partner and tell him or her what qualities you like most and what makes you crazy about him or her. Again, this can be done at home with a home-cooked meal.

2. Renew Your Vows or Commitment

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Not everyone has had a picture-perfect wedding. For some, it was more nerves than anything else. On your first anniversary as a married couple, renew your vows and your commitment to each other. If you’re not yet married, take stock of the relationship and see where it’s headed. You can also look back and relive the day when you agreed to be exclusive to one another.

1. Be There

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This is the greatest anniversary present one can ever give. In this day of long distance relationships and uber busy schedules, taking one day off of work to plan something special is magical enough. Budgets are tight and your partner of all people should understand if you are not financially capable of splurging and buying expensive gifts. Spend the day and night together just talking and having fun. This is the first anniversary and you have many more years ahead to spend with this person – so get to know him really well.