While marriage is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable events in your relationship, it’s not the only occasion to celebrate your love story. Certainly, you have your anniversary and personal romantic outings, but there is also an official holiday each year dedicated to honoring your spouse—that is, Wife Appreciation Day.
Observed every year on the third Sunday in September, Wife Appreciation Day, or National Wife Day, is a holiday aimed at helping wives feel cherished and supported for all the contributions and sacrifices they make daily. For those who may be uncertain about what this holiday involves, or for partners eager to make the day particularly special, we’re outlining everything you need to know about Wife Appreciation Day. Continue reading for more information.
What Is Wife Appreciation Day?
Wife Appreciation Day is a holiday focused on showing gratitude and love for the countless things wives do each day to foster a strong family and maintain a harmonious partnership. In many households, wives play an essential role in shared responsibilities, such as household chores and parenting tasks, while also doing their part to create a balanced home atmosphere for both their partner and family. They also provide emotional support to their partners, which includes actively listening, offering advice, and acting as a source of comfort during tough times.
However, amid busy work schedules and other commitments, couples can easily fall into a routine and take each other for granted. Wife Appreciation Day addresses this by encouraging partners to set aside time to make their wives feel more valued and loved, ultimately strengthening their emotional bond and enhancing relationship satisfaction.
The History of Wife Appreciation Day
Although not much is known about the holiday’s origins, it is believed that Wife Appreciation Day was initially created to honor wives without children who cannot celebrate Mother’s Day. And even though Wife Appreciation Day is not officially recognized as a U.S. government holiday (yet), that hasn’t hindered couples from observing the day since the early 2000s.
Currently, all couples are invited to celebrate this special day, regardless of whether they have children. “Celebrating holidays is essential for creating memories and adding a sense of uniqueness to your relationship,” notes relationship expert Jacqueline Fae. “Wife Appreciation Day is a wonderful chance to acknowledge your love and commitment.”
Moreover, as traditional gender roles and societal expectations continue to evolve, wives are recognized and valued for much more than just being mothers. Therefore, Wife Appreciation Day serves as a moment for partners to express their appreciation and thanks for the wives who contribute to the success of a healthy, happy marriage in every conceivable way.
How to Make Wife Appreciation Day Special
As mentioned multiple times above, Wife Appreciation Day presents an excellent chance to shower your wife with love and care. If you want to recognize this holiday but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in luck. From heartfelt love notes to grand gestures, here are some ways to make your partner feel special in the immediate term while also strengthening the foundation of your marriage for the future.
Write a Love Letter
If your wife’s love language is “words of affirmation,” crafting love letters is one of the most romantic gifts you can offer her. In a world where most of your conversations are likely via text, a handwritten note provides a significant way to share your deepest thoughts and feelings. Over time, love letters become treasured keepsakes that wives can look back on repeatedly, reminding them of their partner’s dedication and commitment.
Plan a Romantic Date
At times, the most delightful thing you can do is take the lead in arranging date night. “It could be as simple as preparing breakfast or dinner, or organizing a date night at [your spouse’s] favorite restaurant,” says Fae. “Flowers, chocolates, or a special gift can also serve as a thoughtful gesture.”
Perform an Act of Service
While organizing a date night may be exactly what some wives desire, others will value a thoughtful act of service (especially if that aligns with your wife’s love language). Whether it involves cleaning out the garage to accommodate your wife’s latest hobby or taking the car for servicing and detailing, ticking a few items off your spouse’s to-do list can sometimes be the most meaningful gift you can give. You know your partner better than anyone else, so consider the ways you can lighten your wife’s load and alleviate some of her stress.
Set Aside Some Alone Time
While managing work, children, personal wellness routines, and social connections, it’s easy for your partnership to slip from your priorities—partly due to the stability present in your marriage. This holiday offers a perfect opportunity to restore balance and dedicate the focus your relationship warrants. “Wife Appreciation Day is more than just gifts or flowers; it’s about spending quality time with your partner,” according to Fae.
For certain couples, this might involve taking a weekend getaway to strengthen their bond. However, for others, even a couple of hours spent together on the couch can significantly impact the affection and connection shared. “If you have kids, think about hiring a sitter so you can enjoy an evening as a couple,” suggests Fae. “It’s equally important to express gratitude, ensuring your spouse understands how truly valuable they are to you.”
Marriage is a beautiful journey that deserves to be valued and nurtured. It’s essential to take the time to recognize your partner and all the joy they bring into your life through your union. “In a world filled with divorces and unsuccessful relationships, a durable marriage is indeed something worth celebrating and cherishing,” remarks Fae.
Although every day should embody Wife Appreciation Day (also recognized as National Wife Day), having a particular date on the calendar provides a fantastic opportunity to organize something special for your partner. Celebrated every year on the third Sunday of September, this holiday lets you carve out extra time to convey your love and appreciation for your wife. Yes, we are aware that there are her birthday, your anniversary, and various other important dates in between that deserve celebration, but expressing “I love you” is something you can never overdo, especially regarding your significant other.
We thought it would be beneficial to compile a brief guide on how to commemorate this special day. Following the suggestions from some wedding and event planning professionals as well as a relationship and dating specialist, continue reading for various Wife Appreciation Day gift and date suggestions that your spouse will undoubtedly adore.
Coordinate a Day of Relaxation
Who wouldn’t appreciate a day dedicated to relaxation? “Pampering can encompass everything from indulging in a manicure or a spa day, to simply enjoying much-needed downtime with a favorite show or book,” shares Sunna Yassin, owner of Bash Please. “Today’s hectic schedules have everyone craving time to engage in something they love.”
Write 52 Things You Love About Your Partner
This gift requires only a deck of cards. Yes, that’s correct! On each card, jot down something you admire or love about your wife. These can range from physical compliments to heartfelt sentiments. The most wonderful aspect of this present is that anytime your wife chooses, she can look through the cards and be reminded of all the reasons you cherish and value her.
Plan Her Favorite Activity and Do It Together
Is there an activity your wife often suggests, but you always decline? Wife Appreciation Day might be the perfect occasion to switch things up! Regardless of how big or small, she will be delighted that you’ve finally decided to join her in her favorite pastime. “Participating in the activity can also deepen your emotional connection and strengthen your bond,” adds Dr. Callisto Adams, Ph.D., a dating and relationship expert.
Plan a Day for Her and Her Friends
At times, what your wife truly desires is a day spent with her friends. “The best appreciation gift is relief. Winning partners know how to coordinate and engage a wife’s best friend,” explains Rebecca Gardner, owner and creative director of Rebecca Gardner Houses and Parties. “[Partners can] arrange (and sponsor) her outing with friends while they stay home to tackle those overdue chores. Picture a grown-up bachelorette celebration, but everyone is in bed by nine.”
Cook Her Favorite Meal
If dining out isn’t feasible due to your busy life or if you have children, create a special evening at home. Prepare her favorite meal, bring home her preferred wine, play some music, and light a few candles to set the scene for a romantic night in. Make sure to silence your phone to eliminate outside interruptions. Want to take it a step further? “Cook her favorite meals throughout the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert(s),” advises Dr. Adams.
Choose a Gift She Desires
Is there something your wife has been frequently mentioning lately? Maybe it’s a new pair of shoes or some AirPods? How about tickets to a concert? Whatever it is, surprise her by purchasing it for Wife Appreciation Day. “A gift is another lovely way to express ‘thank you’ or simply show your appreciation for having someone special in your life,” says Dr. Adams. Not only will she be excited to receive the item or experience she has been wanting, but she’ll also be delighted to see that you’ve been attentive to her desires.
Give Her a Break from Everyday Responsibilities
Nothing will bring your wife more joy than granting her a day off from everything. “This means no household chores, no errands, and no obligations,” recommends Yassin. “The best part is that this gift doesn’t cost anything. We’ve discovered that [wives] desire nothing more than a free day from responsibilities and would cherish the opportunity to relax doing something they enjoy—even if it’s just catching up on sleep!”
Award Your Wife for Her Achievements
It might seem a bit childish, but presenting your wife with an award is a unique and entertaining method to express your appreciation for all she does. “Every partner loves to be acknowledged by their spouse,” says Alicia Mae, founder and chief planner of Ile Events. “Dress up in your best tuxedo or gown, and have a nice outfit ready for your spouse as well. Give [them] two or three awards (you can find custom awards at Tiffany & Co or Things Remembered) that highlight their strengths and the qualities you truly admire about them. To wrap up the evening, have a private chef prepare a meal. Don’t forget the champagne to enjoy a romantic night together.”
Recreate Your Initial Date
Do you remember the excitement you felt before a date night with your wife (or perhaps you still feel that way)? Why not recreate that very first date as a tribute to the journey you’ve shared? It doesn’t matter if you are no longer in the town where you had your first date or if that place no longer exists; your aim is simply to duplicate some of the activities you enjoyed together. If you have any pictures from that date or from the early days of your relationship, be sure to print them out for a fun way to reminisce. Not only will this make for an enjoyable evening, but it will also be a delightful stroll down memory lane.
Organize a Surprise Getaway
If you and your wife have been eager to travel, Wife Appreciation Day is the ideal occasion to present her with a carefully designed travel plan. This could range from a day trip to a weeklong adventure. “Let her know she should take [some] time off from her job because you have a surprise in store. This will create excitement in advance,” suggests Dr. Adams. “This shows your care and gratitude for her, and it will also bring you closer through the novelty of the experience.”