A gift for a wedding anniversary is meant to bring joy, not to gather dust in a closet. Many couples therefore opt for shared time instead of another item: a good meal, a wellness day, a hike, or a weekend getaway in a quiet place. In this article you will find ideas for an experience gift for a wedding anniversary, a look at the research on the subject, and practical tips for the Southern Black Forest.

Photo: Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde

Gift for wedding anniversary: why experiences are so popular

That experiences make us happier than things is a widespread belief. It is based, among other things, on a study often cited by Leaf Van Boven and Thomas Gilovich (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2003). In several studies, including a telephone survey of 1,279 American women and men between the ages of 21 and 69, respondents indicated that purchases that primarily provided an experience had made them happier than purchases of material things. The authors suggest that experiences are more easily reinterpreted in a positive way, are more closely associated with one’s identity, and promote social relationships.

A second study concerns couples directly. Kassandra Cortes and colleagues (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 2020) found evidence in two studies that common new activities can increase satisfaction in the relationship, primarily by making partners feel more secure. As the University of Mannheim reports in a summary, the task in the laboratory, however, consisted of a single, unusual exercise; for everyday life, it cannot be automatically inferred which activity has such a strong effect.

Both studies use self-reported data and show tendencies, but they do not provide guarantees. Nevertheless, they serve as a suggestion: Trying something new together can be a lovely wedding anniversary gift.

Ideas for an experience gift for your wedding anniversary

Enjoying: an evening by candlelight

A meal for two is one of the classics. At our restaurant Sonnenhof, chef Uli Blatter cooks creative Badisch cuisine using regional ingredients; the menu changes according to the season. Those who wish to savor the menu in full awareness can find it in the arrangement. Pleasure for the senses On the second evening, a candle-light dinner with five courses.

Another delicious idea combines craftsmanship and regional ingredients: the arrangement Enjoy the Black Forest contains a brewery tour in Rothaus. Background information about the brewery can be found in our article Rothaus Brewery in the Black Forest.

Relaxing: Wellness for two

A wellness day is ideal for anyone who prefers peace and quiet rather than a program. Day guests can enjoy our Day Spa use (daily from 9 am to 8 pm, as of October 2026):

„Schwarzwald Light“ for 29.90 euros: entrance fee and wellness bag
„Black Forest“ for 45.90 euros: additional lunch snack buffet from 13:30 to 16:30
„Schwarzwald Plus“ for 59.90 euros: additional continental breakfast buffet from 7:30 a.m.

Reservations are made by email at info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de. The wellness area includes an indoor pool, a panoramic sauna with forest views, a textile garden sauna, an organic steam sauna, and relaxation areas. The sauna is accessible to those aged 16 and over.

Anyone who wants to give away a massage can find it on our website. Massages in the Black Forest The treatments overview, such as the full-body massage (76 euros for 50 minutes), the hot-stone massage (99 euros for 60 minutes) or the foot reflexology massage (45 euros for 25 minutes; prices valid as of October 2026). We recommend booking in advance before your arrival. A free cancellation is possible up to 48 hours in advance. You can also read more about the treatments in our articles on hot-stone massage and to Foot reflexology massage.

Photo: Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde

Experience: a hike for two

The Southern Black Forest offers many destinations for a day spent in nature together. Detailed descriptions with routes and practical tips can be found in our articles on Wutach Gorge, to Ravenna Gorge and to Suspension bridge in Todtnau. Something that neither of you knows yet fits the idea of the new together.

Reminder: a personal gift

A handwritten letter, a photo book featuring the most beautiful moments together, or returning to the place where everything began: such gifts cost little and are still personal. They can be easily combined with an experience.

In keeping with the name of the wedding day, give

Many wedding days are named after a material, and it is customary to give something made of that material or something suitable for it. However, the names are not uniform across regions, which we discuss in our article. Wedding anniversaries: the common names from 1 to 75 years old To explain it more precisely. A few thoughts on how tradition and experience can be combined:

1st wedding anniversary (usually paper wedding): a handwritten letter or a voucher, because that too is made of paper.
10th wedding anniversary (Rose Wedding): Roses and a shared evening together.
25th wedding anniversary (Silver wedding anniversary): something beautiful that sparkles, and a meal with friends or as a couple.
50th wedding anniversary (Golden Wedding): a quiet weekend where you don't have to worry about anything.

Give a gift voucher

If you don't want to plan the experience yourself, you can give a voucher to your partner or a couple you know. On our page Gift voucher You can find vouchers for our hotel in the Black Forest, including the spa and wellness area. We have provided information about value vouchers in our article. Gift certificate for a hotel in the Black Forest compiled.

A weekend for two at the Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde wellness hotel

We are a wellness hotel in Ühlingen-Birkendorf in the southern Black Forest, at 800 meters above sea level and close to the Swiss border. This arrangement is perfect for a wedding anniversary weekend for two people. Pleasure for the sensesIt includes accommodation, a buffet breakfast, a welcome drink, the pampering menu, the candle-light dinner on the second evening, and use of the wellness area. You can see the current prices on the arrangement page.

Photo: Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde

You can find more suggestions on our page Wellness weekend for couples. You can book directly on our website. Book page; we offer a best price guarantee there. Check-in is from 3 PM, check-out is until 11 AM. For directions, please see the page. Approach.

Frequently asked questions

What to give on the 1st wedding anniversary?

In most lists, the first wedding anniversary is considered a paper wedding. A handwritten letter, a photo book, or a voucher for a shared experience would be appropriate. There is no binding rule.

Are experiences really the better choice than things?

The study by Van Boven and Gilovich suggests that memories in retrospect are often described as making you happier. However, it is based on self-reported responses and is not applicable to every person. If your partner longs for a particular thing, it is a good gift.

How expensive should a gift for a wedding anniversary be?

There is no standard for this. A common walk with a picnic or a letter written by yourself can mean just as much as a weekend at a hotel.

Can a wellness day be given as a gift without accommodation?

As a day guest, you can visit our day spa; the rates are listed above (as of October 2026). Please reserve by email at info@sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de. If you plan to purchase a gift using a voucher, you can find the options on our voucher page.

What goes well with a couple who already has everything?

Shared time is often the best choice here, such as a special meal, a massage, or a hike to a place you both haven't visited yet.

Gift for the wedding anniversary: experiential ideas instead of material things

Gift for wedding anniversary: why experiences are so popular