10 Ways to Thrill and Surprise Your Special Someone

Marriage.com Editorial Team

Expertise: Relationship & Marriage Advice

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Updated: 22 Sep, 2023

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Small, thoughtful surprises reinforce closeness by showing you know what they love, so try cooking their favorite meal or leaving a hidden note that says you see them and care.
Shared memories trump things every time, so plan experiences together like a day trip, check off a bucket-list item, or make a homemade video to remind you both why you chose each other.
Daily acts of love create lasting closeness, so dedicate a day to what they love and start or end with breakfast in bed to feel seen, valued, and deeply connected.

Surprises always spice things up in a marriage, so here are 10 unique ideas to surprise your loved ones in ways that will not only bring you closer as a couple but infuse a little fun in your relationship too. These creative ways to surprise your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend could be used on your anniversary, their birthday, valentine’s day, or just any day at all. Enjoy!

1. Cook them their favorite meal

One of the romantic ideas to surprise your partner is to cook their favorite meal.

Their favorite meal is probably something that they don’t eat often, so surprising them would not be a hard thing. When getting the ingredients, make sure to hide them so they never expect the fact that they will be eating something they love soon. Won’t want to spoil the surprise.

2. Get them what they have been eyeing for a while

That purse, the shoes, maybe that video game or even the necklace. They always walk by that store, look at that item, but then walk away maybe because they either can’t afford it or because they prefer to buy on another time.

Don’t blow your budget by doing this too often. It’s important to keep in mind is that material things aren’t really important because what matters is what comes from the heart but if you really want to get them that and you can afford it, treat them! It may pinch your pocket a bit, but is definitely one of the sure-fire ways to surprise your partner.

3. Make a homemade video for them

How to surprise your girlfriend or boyfriend without spending a dime?

Recollect old pictures and funny videos of each other and piece them together on a simple editing software with your favorite song to listen to together. Their heart will warm up remembering the good things from the past. You don’t need to spend a dime to get them something meaningful.

4. Bring an old friend home

Your partner probably has a really close friend that they haven’t seen in a long time because they most likely moved far away. Invite that friend over for a surprise visit. They will be shocked! In a good way, of course. It could possibly be one of the best surprises you could ever give them.

5. Take them on a trip to his favorite place

Take them on a trip to his favorite place

This may sound expensive but it doesn’t have to be. If your budget won’t allow for a trip to Italy, what about their favorite hiking spot or day trip location? Make the plans, arrange the schedules at work (both jobs in secret) and go have fun on a little trip.

6. Hide notes so they find them unexpectedly

Little notes telling them how much you love them, how much you appreciate them, complimenting them, it’s all they need to make their day. Maybe in their purse or wallet. If they carry lunch then in their lunch bag, someplace you’ll know they will find it, they will love that!

7. Write them an old school love letter

Yes, with the “Dear_____” and everything. Tell them what you love most about them, how you fell in love with them, write your heart out in that piece of paper. When you sign it, make sure to spray a bit of your perfume/cologne in it, just to add a bit extra.

8. Check something off their bucket list together

When was the last time you checked something off your bucket list? Can’t remember? Then now is your chance! Pick any item, take your partner with you and complete that dream together! You will have a blast.

9. Plan a day to do everything they love

If your partner loves video games, add that. If they love bowling, add that.

The movies, going shopping, eating Italian food, watching mystery movies, add that to their day. Let them know how much you know about them, how much you want them to do what they love, show them how you accept them no matter what. Dedicate that day to your partner, let them feel appreciated and loved by the person they love the most.

10. Make them breakfast in bed

When was the last time you both stayed in bed when the sun was up?

Only get out of the bed to make the breakfast, put it in a nice tray, take it to the bedroom and wake up you partner in a nice way and just take your time, eat your food, talk about the randomness things, and just be there, grateful to have that person next to you.

That’s it, 10 ways you can surprise your partner for any occasion! Make sure to make them feel special every day of your lives together, make them count.

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Marriage.com Editorial Team Relationship & Marriage Advice

The Marriage.com Editorial Team is a group of experienced relationship writers, experts, and mental health professionals. We provide practical and research-backed advice on relationships. Our content is thoroughly reviewed by experts... Read more to ensure that we offer high-quality and reliable relationship advice. Read less