Whether you’re celebrating your first year together or your 60th, finding just the right anniversary gift to commemorate the day you said “I do” can be complicated. Use this guide as a starting point to help narrow down the choices.
The gift of jewelry is always a great option for showing your significant other just how much they mean to you.
It doesn’t have to be a major purchase like a big diamond ring. For her, it can be as simple as a sweet reminder of that special day or an addition to something in her existing jewelry wardrobe. For him, choose an engraved memento or perhaps something practical that can be used for everyday wear. Whatever you decide, there’s nothing more touching than an anniversary gift from the heart — one that shows you know them inside and out.
Marriage milestones
One of the first things you should consider is what this particular anniversary symbolizes according to tradition. For instance, a traditional gift for a first-year anniversary is paper. How about taking pen to paper and scribing a love letter or poem? Or you could have a pen engraved and pair it with stationary embossed with a name or monogram. The modern-day gift for the first anniversary is a clock. Consider a watch (for him) or a charm bracelet and clock charm to go with it (for her).
Think outside the box and get creative. Again, your anniversary gift doesn’t have to be over the top or expensive. Use the traditional gift suggestions for anniversaries as a source of inspiration and put your own spin on it. After all, no one knows your spouse better than you, and making it personal is a surefire way to warm the heart.
Gestures, small and large
Sometimes it’s the littlest things that have the biggest impact. Keep this in mind when choosing an anniversary gift. For instance, is there a special inside joke that only the two of you share? Inscribe it on a piece of jewelry (like a dog tag) with your wedding date. Or perhaps there’s a playful piece of jewelry that symbolizes her undeniable affection for her cat or her hidden love of butterflies.
If it’s a landmark anniversary, like marking the decades, something a little grander is the way to go. Again, look to traditional gift ideas, including jewelry, to get inspired.
For instance, tin and aluminum — which represent durability and flexibility — are symbolic of 10 years spent in wedded bliss. But diamonds are also traditional for the tenth — and what do you think is going to make the bigger impact?
Play with the idea of tin and aluminum with a gift of other metals like stainless steel or platinum. For him, consider something that will stand the test of time, like a pair of cuff links, a bracelet or a fine watch — one with a metal band will carry the sentiment. He may also love a diamond ring of his own. For her, a metal watch or anything diamonds will do, from a simple pair of studs to a wedding anniversary band.
Wish list
Everyone has something on his or her wish list they covet. In fact, your significant other has probably dropped numerous hints throughout the year. If you pay close attention, those hints take all the guesswork out of choosing the perfect gift. Have you seen your wife pressing her nose against the glass display case, staring wistfully at a certain pendant? Or has your husband told you flat out he’d really like a nice watch for special occasions? If the clues aren’t as overt, it may be a little more difficult to decipher exactly what they want.
But you should be able to figure out the types of things your spouse likes by simply being a little more observant. For instance, is she drawn to a particular style of jewelry? Like dangling earrings versus studs for her or leather jewelry for him as opposed to metal? Or think if there is something missing from their jewelry wardrobe that would be a welcome addition. For instance, maybe he or she has a dress watch for a night out on the town, but nothing suitable for day-to-day wear.
Budget considerations
No matter what gift you decide on, it’s important to stay within your budget. With so many types of gifts to choose from in varying price ranges, it’s easier than you think to find something they will cherish forever. Bottom line, you don’t have to break the bank. Your other half will appreciate the thought you put into the anniversary gift far more than the amount of money.
Remember, shopping for an anniversary gift shouldn’t be stressful. It can and should be fun! It’s the ideal opportunity to show the love of your life just how much he or she means to you and that you’re looking forward to spending many, many more years together.
