Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to come up with ideas for anniversary gifts. What I am going to compile, with the help of many of my friends, and visitors of this website, is a compiled list of ideas for traditional wedding gifts. These gifts can be given to the couple as a gift or by either of the people celebrating their anniversary. The budget can range from "easy does it" to "way out there", depending on where you are financially. Some of the gifts are fun, some romantic...a nice variety for whatever the situation might be!

Feel free to use any of the ideas listed here. Feel free to leave a comment with a suggestion if you have one and I can add it to the appropriate list. Together we can all make a wonderful master list of gifts!

Thanks!

The first traditional wedding anniversary gift is paper. Here are some great paper ideas:

Magazine Subscription: the gift that gives all year long to their favorite magazine

Books: Choose something romantic, (The Wednesday Letters is a nice choice) or something on a favorite topic or by a favorite author. If given by the bride or groom, inscribe it! It will be nice to look back on that years from the day it was given.

Concert Tickets: They start as paper, but end up being to an actual event.

Personalized Stationery: Either home-made or ordered from a printing company. This gift might be best to give to the couple to each the bride and groom with their names on it, your choice.

Paper plates and napkins: As the happy couple gets more established, they will find that they may be sponsoring get-togethers. A nice supply of matching paper plates and matching napkins takes a load off of their budget and allows them to make a nice presentation when they have one!

Bible: Lots of paper in that! If the couple does not have one, this makes a nice gift.

Stocks/Bonds: In paper form, of course. Let the aging of this gift determine the real value of it!

Gift Certificate: To a favorite restaurant, massage parlor, or other event the couple would enjoy.

Matching Jackets: Make sure the content does have cotton in them. Denim is always nice.

Bed Sheets: As many of us know, quality sheets can be expensive. As the happy couple is working hard to get their lives going, get them a nice set of quality sheets. It's money they won't have to spend and they will certainly appreciate it. Egyptian Cotton is a good choice.

Wall Tapestry or Quilt: This might be trickier as you will need to know their decorating tastes, but it makes a nice gift! The quilt can be used on a picnic, at a sporting event, or an evening on the beach.

Cotton Blaket/Throw: ...and monogram it with the couple's last name and wedding date. A beautiful keepsake.

Matching jackets: Again with the jackets!

Wallet:

Belt:

Flowers: Always a favorite, a nice bouquet of fresh flowers delivered.

Fruit: A basket of delicious fruit. Go tropical, citrus, berry-delightful, or whatever the favorites are.

Fruit flavored massage oil: A nice treat for the couple to share.

Chocolate dipped fruit: Give a gift box of assorted already dipped fruit, a fondue pot with fruit dipping recipes.

Wooden Salad Bowl Serving Set: These are always a class act for serving guests or even every day use for salads.

Fire wood: If the happy couple has a fireplace, fire stove or a camp fire ring at their home, this makes a nice gift and also keeps them warm! Choose birch for a nice decorative look when the wood is placed inside waiting to be used. It makes a nice display, too.

Wooden Kitchen Items: To include wooden spoons, cutting board, salt and pepper shakers or even specialty serving dishes for chips and snacks!

Rocking Chair: This is an especially nice gift if this is about the time the couple wants to start having children. BUT, even if they already have children or aren't planning on any children, this is a beautiful gift. It is very relaxing and makes a nice addition to any room.

Lawn Ornament: With all the creative craftsmen out there, a beautiful lawn or garden ornament is a great idea.

Candle Holders: Wrought iron candle holders make a striking centerpiece or mantel display.

Skillet: An iron skillet or iron skillet set for cooking.

Jewelry: Copper jewelry is very distinctive.

Jello Molds: This might take some antique shopping, but the jello-molds are usually made of a copper like material.

Winter Quilt: A warm winter quilt made of wool and stuffed with wool. Not much else is warmer for a really cold night.

Statue for home: A bronze statue of a couple or of something the couple enjoys, ie: horses, breed of dog, sports, etc.

Pottery: This is a fun one. Pottery can be used in many ways. If the couple is into cooking, get them something that is kitchen functional. If they are into plant display, then aquire something that is plant friendly. This comes manufactured or hand made. There are a lot of nice selections out there to choose from.

Tin Cup Jewelry

Aluminum watches

Tea and Coffee Tins

Aluminue Jewelry Box

Aluminum Jewelry Box

Aluminum Wine Bottle Totes

Candles and Candle Tins

Aluminum Vase

Aluminum Tableware

Tin Home Accents

Games and/or Puzzles in Tins

Stainless Steel: As in a stainless steel dinner set of knives, forks, spoons.

Stainless Steel: As in a stainless steel sink or stailness steel appliances. (Remember, everyone's situation is different and so is everyone's finances...these are ideas to cover many different situations!)

Silk Pajamas: For him and her! These are just nice and comfortable and feel good against the skin.

Silk Sheets: Silk sheets are wonderful!

Lingerie: Silk (real silk) boxers for him and something beautiful for her! Finer lingerie stores will carry the genuine silk boxers for him and they are really comfortable.

Tie: An oldie but a goodie...a silk tie. Ties are incredibly beautiful compared to what they once were. Check out a department store to find a larger selection.

Table Cloth: A beautiful lace table cloth makes a nice accent to any table.

Lingerie: A nice gift from him to her!

**It is illegal to gain Ivory through improper channels and there are many "ivory like" items on the market.

Soap: A nice basket of Ivory Brand soap is nice.

KnickKnack: Again, faux ivory is still nice. Something tasteful as a reminder of their "14th" in the form of a knickknack.

Candy Dish: A beautiful accent to a table with a functional purpose.

Wine Glasses: Depending on your budget will depend on the wine glass count. Giving one for each the bride and groom is a beautiful gesture. If you have the funds, a service for 6 or 8 is nice, too.

Wine Decanter: Or other liquor containers (for Brandy, Scotch, etc.).

China: If funds allow, a trip to China makes a nice twist on an old favorite. Airfare for two!

China service ware: Meaning the dishes. If the couple has not aquired a set, this is a good time. They will likely keep it until they are older and it makes a nice gift to pass down to the family.

Teapot: A china tea kettle or teapot.

Flatware: A beautiful set of actual silver ware.

Tea Set: Nice, especially if the couple drink tea.

Jewelry: Money clip for him, necklace or earrings for her.

Jewelry: A pearl necklace for her is a VERY nice gift.

**Do not go to a coral reef and just take the coral. This is illegal.

Vacation: How about a trip to the Great Coral Reef! That would be a 35th any two people would remember!

Jewelry: Rings or necklaces made with Jade.

Plant: A jade plant. They are a beautiful accent to any home.

Jewelry

Jewelry

Jewelry

Gold rimmed wine glasses

Gold (as in an actual bar of gold)