Honoring Your Commitment: Special Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Wedding anniversary gifts are most frequently given from one spouse to another; however, close friends and family members may also give gifts (especially on milestone anniversaries).
Anniversaries are unique occasions in that there are special materials associated with each year of celebration. Couples may wish to incorporate the theme of their year into a unique gift for their beloved. A sample of traditional and modern themes for key anniversary dates appear below:
| Year | Traditional | Modern | ||
| 1 Year | Paper | Clocks | ||
| 5 Years | Wood | Silverware | ||
| 10 Years | Tin, Aluminum | Diamond | ||
| 20 Years | China | Platinum | ||
| 25 Years | Silver | Silver | ||
| 50 Years | Gold | Gold |
For the first wedding anniversary, couples seeking to give a “paper” gift might consider theatre tickets, a first-edition or autographed book by a favorite author, or a pamphlet describing a reserved trip to an exotic location. Modern couples can get creative on the “clock” theme by considering an engraved watch, mantle clock or a new stereo system with a built in alarm clock.
Couples may celebrate the five-year anniversary traditionally with wooden gifts such as furniture, a jewelry box or men’s valet, or special carved item. Modern gifts of silverware might extend to serving pieces, or even a silver infant spoon for an expected arrival.
For the couple’s first decade together, traditionalists might consider tin/aluminum gifts such as tools or tool boxes, cookware, or luminaries. Modern spouses may wish to splurge on a diamond anniversary band or tennis bracelet.
After 20 years together, traditional couples may choose china dinnerware, vases or platters. Modern pairs could select platinum jewelry as gifts, such as chains, earrings or an ID bracelet.
The 25th anniversary is “silver” for both traditional and contemporary couples. Aside from jewelry, couples might consider an engraved silver bell or photo frames.
The 50th anniversary is “golden” in every way. For a woman, consider a gold charm bracelet with meaningful charms marking special people and moments in her life. For a man, golden cuff links or a money clip are meaningful gifts that can be personalized as well. Also, don’t forget to mark the occasion with 50 yellow roses!
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