{"id":12358,"date":"2026-10-27T00:42:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T23:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/de_de\/geschenk-hochzeitstag\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T00:42:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T23:42:25","slug":"wedding-anniversary-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/geschenk-hochzeitstag\/","title":{"rendered":"Gift for the wedding anniversary: experiential ideas instead of material things"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gift for wedding anniversary: why experiences are so popular<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s identity, and promote social relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideas for an experience gift for your wedding anniversary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enjoying: an evening by candlelight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> On the second evening, a candle-light dinner with five courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Relaxing: Wellness for two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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