5 Ways to Celebrate Your Spouse on Their Birthday

Written by Bethany Bartholomew

It’s your spouse’s birthday again, and you have no idea what to do besides what you’ve already done—made her breakfast in bed, took him out to dinner, watched her favorite movie, gave him a teasing card that tells him just how old he is. You know, the usual. 

Those are all great ideas. And fun and easy—especially in a time-crunch situation. 

But what if you really want a creative way to celebrate your spouse today? Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

1. Like it’s the Very First Time 

What did your spouse do for you on your first birthday together? Were you still just dating each other? Maybe he gave you chocolates and took you to a movie. Maybe she planned a surprise party with your friends. 

Who says recycling ideas is a bad thing? 

This year, do the same thing your spouse did for you on your first birthday together but in a way that they would love. (It might take some adaptation.) Then, make a cute reference to your first year together and tell your spouse how glad you are that you’ve been together for however long it’s been since then. Maybe reminisce about the sweet moments or laugh about the awkward times. 

If you have time and really want to get crazy, come up with a small gift you can give your spouse that reminds you of each of those sweet or awkward moments that you remember best. Remember the first time you held hands? Give your spouse a pair of gloves and keep a matching pair for yourself. Remember your first belch in front of each other? Awkward then, but funny now. Give your spouse a small can of warm root beer to remind them of that fabulous getting-to-know-each-other-better moment.

2. Bucket List

Help your spouse cross something off of their bucket list! Does he really want to go parasailing? Does she really want to ride a motorcycle? Is there a book your spouse wants to read but hasn’t bought yet? Is there a meal they want to try making but haven’t found a recipe for yet? Do something fun and creative together that also makes your spouse feel like they’ve accomplished something amazing. 

Don’t have a bucket list yet? Make one together! Sit down and figure out what you want to do before you pass on. Think of a few simple things, some crazy ideas, some adventurous plans, and some fun things to do in your later years. You can make separate lists or create a couple’s bucket list. Or both! 

Once you’ve gotten your lists written down, pick something you want to do in the next year. Start saving up and making plans. Before you know it, you’ll have done some amazing things, been to some incredible places, and created some irreplaceable memories. 

3. Do I Know You? 

Does your spouse ride the bus to work in the mornings? Is there a parking attendant for their parking garage at work? Do they usually shop at the same grocery store every week? Find out where your spouse is going to be today, and talk to people there. Have a random person at each place wish your spouse a happy birthday. Think of how surprised your spouse will be when the bus driver or the parking attendant or the grocery bagger knows it’s their birthday! 

And don’t forget the most important person your spouse will see on their big day. Make sure to be the first and last person to say “Happy birthday” to your spouse today.

​4. Blast from the Past

This one might take some research, but it’s worth the time. Find out a few things that your spouse did for their birthdays as a child, teenager, or young adult. Find pictures of your spouse at those parties if you can. (You can talk to your in-laws if you need help.) Put those pictures or ideas in a hat, and have your spouse pull one out. Then, re-live those childhood days! 

Try to recreate the picture or situation as closely as possible, take a new picture, and add it to your very own photo album. Once you’re done with that activity, draw another picture or idea from the hat and have fun all over again. You can repeat this process once or even a few times if you’ve got most of the day planned for silly antics and great memories. 

5. XOXO

Who doesn’t love a good excuse to show love? 

Give your spouse as many kisses and hugs today as they are years old. This could be especially fun if your spouse is reaching their later years of life. Chocolate kisses and hugs work as well, (they’re easily hidden in pockets, purses, lunch bags, etc.), but whatever you do, be sure you spread it out over the course of the day. A little hug here, a long kiss there, some quick pecks on the lips before they run off to work—you get the idea. And don’t worry. It’s definitely okay if you lose count and give too many.

Whatever you do for your spouse on their birthday, just make them feel loved. Your plans don’t have to be grandiose or expensive to show that you’re glad you’ve gotten to spend another wonderful year with each other. Have fun, spend time together, and celebrate!

Photo Credit: Bottom Photo - Jason Corey Photography

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