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how to: plan a date night

In the mood for love? Whether you’re celebrating a big anniversary or just carving out a little bit of we-time, we’ve got ideas and inspiration for you right here. Use our date night tool to find all kinds of romance ideas -- you can search by place and time, mood (from playful to sexy!), or even price. You don’t have to bust your budget to show your love! We’ve got tons of free date ideas and plans for dates under $20 (or hey -- less than $15!). In fact, we’ve got date ideas no matter what you’re into: indoors or outside, off-beat or tried-and-true romantic dinner ideas -- find them all right here. Is it a big night? We’ve got romantic anniversary ideas, anniversary gift ideas (for him and for her!), and -- if you want to share the fun -- anniversary party ideas. We have romantic anniversary ideas that you would never have thought of on your own and anniversary gifts that mean (but don’t cost) a lot. Plus we’ll tell you how to save big on anniversary travel. With everything from romantic dinner ideas to free date ideas right at your fingertips, you’ll never dread planning date night again. In fact, you don’t even need to wait till date night with our suggestions for how to surprise your spouse and make simple (but memorable!) romantic gestures. Check out our romance ideas for how to be a year-round romantic or a 365-day (and night!) delight. On The Nest, you’ll find tips on celebrating every single day of your marriage!

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7 Ways to Wow on Your Anniversary

1. Relive the Past

Celebrate with a stay-at-home nostalgia fest. Watch your wedding video or flip through your wedding album and honeymoon photos. Pick desserts that are similar to your wedding cake.

2. Take a Second Honeymoon
Was there another hot spot you were considering for your honeymoon? Why not go now? If you can't get away, pack a picnic and head to the park with a bottle of wine. 

3. Have a Sex Fest
Light candles, put on your best sheets, and pick up a sex toy if you dare (it's easy and less embarrassing to order them online). Let him know what he can do to please you and vice versa. Vanilla massage cream and Kama Sutra oil should get things going.

4. Rely on Surprise
Leave little love notes where you know your honey will find them (on the bathroom mirror, in his briefcase, or on her cell phone). Get up early and make waffles with whipped cream. Hire a massage therapist to make a house call. Make overnight reservations at a B and B. Try anything that flies in the face of your routine. 

5. Be Bold

Plan an activity that will add excitement. It doesn't have to be expensive. If you've always fantasized about driving a Corvette, go to the dealership, pretend you're looking to buy, and spend the day test-driving. 

6. Cook up an Erotic Meal
Cook a dinner together using erotic foods, from chocolate to strawberries to fondue. See our romantic meal ideas for inspiration. Pop some bubbly and you're set for a steamy evening. 

7. Play Hooky
Does your anniversary fall on a weekday? Call in sick and stay in bed all day long. Order delivery, watch your favorite movie, and well, you can figure out what else. At night, head out on the town.

-- Wendy Paris

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