The first and most important thing you need to know about an anniversary is to never forget the date! Next of importance is the type of gift you should buy for your spouse. Every year of marriage has a traditional gift associated with it, and it ties in a sentimental meaning. It is a good idea to keep a printed copy of the typical wedding anniversary gifts by year, so you are always prepared to buy something spectacular for your honey.
1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper
If you want to go traditional with this gift, you can buy a romantic novel, a framed print, or a set of journals for you both to record the most important moments of your life together. Or, if you own a home together, you can buy a tree to plant outside. This is a less obvious connection to the paper anniversary, but it is a gift that will grow and blossom, much like your love.
2nd Wedding Anniversary: Cotton
Since it is an anniversary gift, you want to get something that will last. Try to avoid the obvious t-shirt or hat. Look for something much more intimate, like a monogrammed cotton sheet set or a wedding picture that has been transferred to canvas.
3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather
With any anniversary gift, it is best to avoid the obvious, which in this case would be a purse or wallet. Think about things made of leather that can be used for a lifetime. A few ideas are leather-bound photo albums, travel journals, or luggage sets. If you want to go the extra mile, have her initials branded in the leather.
4th Wedding Anniversary: Flowers
For this anniversary, you are expected to give her flowers, symbolic of your blossoming romance. Cut flowers are fine, but if she has a green thumb, you should consider a flowering plant instead. This way, you’ll be getting her a gift that isn’t likely to fade quickly. To make this day even more special, plan a trip to the Botanical Gardens.
5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood
The gift for your 5th anniversary should be made of wood to signify the strength of your relationship. For this gift, you should think outside the box. Consider a wooden ring or necklace, a small furniture piece, or a photo frame.
6th Wedding Anniversary: Candy
The 6th anniversary gives you an opportunity to be romantic. Plan a weekend getaway and feed her chocolate covered strawberries by the fire. You can also plan a party with your closest friends and give away candy with personalized wrappers, wishing your sweetheart a happy anniversary.
7th Wedding Anniversary: Copper
For this anniversary, consider copper jewelry, a copper-framed mirror, or a relaxing water fountain made of copper. This doesn’t seem to be the most romantic of metals, but with a little creativity your gift can knock her socks off.
8th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
Another seemingly un-romantic metal anniversary, but it’s up to you to make it spectacular. For the ultimate bronze gift, commission an artist to create a sculpture for her. It should be something that symbolizes your relationship. If having a sculpture made isn’t in your budget, you may still be able to find something great that is already for sale.
9th Wedding Anniversary: Pottery
If she has a favorite type of pottery (i.e. traditional Polish or Italian style), then you should find a suitable piece to add to her collection. Otherwise, find a pottery studio in your area where you can spend the day making pottery together. At the end, you’ll have a stellar gift and a fun memory.
10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin
The 10th wedding anniversary marks an important milestone in your marriage, so this is an important gift. Be creative. Write a poem for your sweetheart on a small parchment roll, then enclose it in an intricate tin trinket box.