How to Choose an Anniversary Gift - Step by Step
Choosing an anniversary gift doesn't have to be difficult. Once you know what anniversary year the couple will be celebrating, you're already half-way there! Just follow these steps:
1. Find out what year the couple is celebrating (i.e. 3rd anniversary, 20th anniversary, etc.). Refer to the list of modern and traditional anniversary gifts below (in the Tips section of this article). This is an easy way to narrow down your gift search. Some couples may not even know, for example, that their 7th anniversary is traditionally thought of as the wool or cooper anniversary. This is your chance to show them how thoughtful you are because of the research you've done to find this out, or the effort you spent to find something fitting.
2. Be creative when selecting a gift within the category. Using the example above (7th anniversary), you could give a classic set of copper pots to enhance their kitchen. Or, if they live in a cold climate, you could get a pair of thick, warm wool sweaters, or a cozy wool blanket (or even wool socks if you're on a tight budget). As I said, be creative and use your imagination.
3. Don't feel like you have to limit your choices to the modern or traditional list below. After all, giving an anniversary gift isn't about following a list - it's about celebrating their marriage. If a category from the 20th anniversary sparks an idea for a couple's 15th anniversary, go for it!
4. If you're still having trouble selecting an anniversary gift, consider this option that applies to most anniversary years: Give a bonsai tree that is as old as their marriage (i.e. a 12 year old tree for their 12th year anniversary). The bonsai tree is symbolic in that it represents the time that has passed, and the love, caring, and patience that it requires to grow strong and healthy - just like a marriage. You can even find bonsai trees that are over 50 years old!
5. Another anniversary gift standby is the gift of flowers. But I don't mean cut flowers, a bouquet or a floral arrangement. Instead, a perennial plant or bush of carnations, roses, tulips, or lilies can be extremely thoughtful when the appropriate sentiment is sent with it. For example, give the gift of a white carnation plant (not cut carnations) that the couple can plant in their flower garden at home. Write a card that explains that the white carnation represents pure and sweet love, which will bloom every year as a symbol of the love upon which their marriage is based. Other options include the sunflower, which symbolizes devotion, or pink and white roses that represent love, desire, and respect. Again, be creative - flowers have many meanings that are relevant to a marriage - friendship, faith, and loyalty are just a few to consider. 6. For more help with gifts, including flower meanings, finding the right bonsai tree, and other anniversary gift ideas, visit http://www.the-gift-wizard.com
Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gift Guide
Year: 1st Traditional Gift(s): Paper Modern Gift(s): Clocks
Year: 2nd Traditional Gift(s): Cotton Modern Gift(s): China
Year: 3rd Traditional Gift(s): Leather Modern Gift(s): Crystal, Glass
Year: 4th Traditional Gift(s): Fruit, Flowers Modern Gift(s): Appliances
Year: 5th Traditional Gift(s): Wood Modern Gift(s): Silverware
Year: 6th Traditional Gift(s): Candy, Iron Modern Gift(s): Candy, Iron
Year: 7th Traditional Gift(s): Wool, Copper Modern Gift(s): Desk Sets
Year: 8th Traditional Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery Modern Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
Year: 9th Traditional Gift(s): Pottery, Willow Modern Gift(s): Linen, Lace
Year: 10th Traditional Gift(s): Tin, Aluminum Modern Gift(s): Leather
Year: 11th Traditional Gift(s): Steel Modern Gift(s): Jewelry
Year: 12th Traditional Gift(s): Silk, Linen Modern Gift(s): Pearls
Year: 13th Traditional Gift(s): Lace Modern Gift(s): Textiles, Furs
Year: 14th Traditional Gift(s): Ivory Modern Gift(s): Gold Jewelry
Year: 15th Traditional Gift(s): Crystal Modern Gift(s): Watches
Year: 20th Traditional Gift(s): China Modern Gift(s): Platinum
Year: 25th Traditional Gift(s): Silver Modern Gift(s): Silver
Year: 30th Traditional Gift(s): Pearl Modern Gift(s): Diamond
Year: 35th Traditional Gift(s): Coral Modern Gift(s): Jade
Year: 40th Traditional Gift(s): Ruby Modern Gift(s): Ruby
Year: 45th Traditional Gift(s): Sapphire Modern Gift(s): Sapphire
Year: 50th Traditional Gift(s): Gold Modern Gift(s): Gold
Year: 55th Traditional Gift(s): Emerald Modern Gift(s): Emerald
Year: 60th Traditional Gift(s): Diamond Modern Gift(s): Diamond
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Choosing an anniversary gift doesn't have to be difficult. Once you know what anniversary year the couple will be celebrating, you're already half-way there!
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