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anniversary advice
Milestone Anniversary Gifts
Anniversary Gifts for Her
The Bottom Dollar
The price isn’t important. She just wants to know that you put some thought into it. You should spend a little more for a milestone anniversary like a 10th or 50th anniversary.
What About a Joint Gift?
Plenty of couples treat themselves to a joint gift, like a vacation or a nice dinner instead of buying gifts for one another. Just make sure to discuss it with your wife beforehand.
When Should I Give the Gift?
Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re ordering something through the mail. You should always give your wife her anniversary gift on your anniversary., and if possible the morning of, to start her day off great!
Ten Great Anniversary Gift Ideas For Your Leading Lady
Pay close attention, women often drops hints as the date approaches. If not, try and come up with something romantic and related to her interests. These are ten gifts that are sure to make your wife’s heart melt.
1. A box of chocolates and bouquet of flowers are old standbys for a reason, women can’t resist either.
2. Sexy lingerie is a gift both you both can enjoy! Spice it up with some body lotions and scented candles.
3. Tell her how much you appreciate everything she does, then give her a break from it all with a spa gift package.
4. Have a picture of the two of you made into a mosaic or put together a collage of several photos from memorable moments in your life together.
5. Take your wife on an adventure. Gifts such as a ride in a hot air balloon or horseback riding are fun things you can enjoy together.
6. Dress up for a night out on the town, starting with dinner and followed by an event she’ll enjoy, like the ballet, theater or a concert of her favorite music group.
7. Take the love of your life on a trip down memory lane, relive your first date! It will be a blast for both of you and a gift she’ll always remember.
8. The best gifts come from the heart! Write her a love poem or letter and put it in a special anniversary frame.
9. Buy her that fine piece of jewelry she’s been asking for, engraved with a personal love message.
10. Surprise her with a vacation! It doesn’t have to be someplace glamorous, just getting away for a few days is the perfect way to celebrate your anniversary.
Anniversary Gifts for Him
Sure, he drives you crazy sometimes,and yes, you have to tell him some things a million times in order for it to get done, but he’s your man. Wedding anniversaries are a time to celebrate your special relationship and a gift is a great way to remind your husband how much you love him.
Don't be Cheap!
Anniversary gifts are symbolic of your love and each couple celebrates the occasion differently. There’s no set amount of money to spend on a gift, though you should spend a little more for special anniversaries.
What About a Joint Gift?
It's not uncommon for couples to treat themselves to a joint gift, instead of buying gifts for one another. Just make sure it's something you will both appreciate.
When Should I Give the Gift?
Don’t be late! You should always give your husband his gift on your anniversary! Gifting in the morning will almost always guarantee a wonderful day!
Traditional Gifts
There is a traditional gift guide for specific anniversaries, though it’s become less popular in recent years. Some of the gifts listed are: paper for a 1st anniversary, wood for a 5th, tools or cooking ware for a 10th anniversary and china for a 20th.
Ten Anniversary Gifts Your Husband is Sure to Enjoy
You know your husband better than anybody. Let his interests and passions guide you when thinking of a gift. These are ten excellent options to consider for the man you love:
- 1. Is your husband the creative type? Buy him his own domain name so he can create a website or start a blog. Nothing will stroke his ego more.
- 2. A subscription to the Beer of the Month Club will give him something else besides his bride to look forward to every month.
- 3. If your hubby is a golfer or interested in picking up the game, golf lessons with a pro is the ultimate hole in one.
- 4. Is your husband an outdoors man? Update his gear with some new camping gadgets or fishing gear.
- 5. He works hard, let him play hard! Buy him a cigar humidor and fill it with his favorite cigar brand. You can have the humidor monogrammed for that added personal touch.
- 6. Technology is changing quickly! Keep him up to date with the latest ipod, smart phone or personal computer.
- 7. A personalized poker set with his initials monogrammed on the chips will make your man the envy of all his buddies at poker night!
- 8. Keep it Hot Hot Hot! On the grill that is. If your man loves grilling outdoors, consider buying him the latest state of art propane gas grill to upgrade that old coal one.
- 9. Move over Fido! These days a man's best friend is often a nice watch that they can wear everyday to work or on nice occasions.
- 10. Is he a metal head? Obsessed with Oldies? Score him great tickets to see his favorite band perform live.
Gift Ideas for a 25th Anniversary
Do I Need to Buy a Gift?
- Twenty-five is a special anniversary and a gift is a thoughtful way to share the joy and honor the commitment your friends or relatives have made to each other.
- If a couple throws an anniversary party, it’s not proper for them to expect gifts, but you should probably bring a little something anyway.
- If the couple specifies “no gifts” you should not bring one.
- If you’re invited to a party, but don’t attend, you’re not obligated to send a gift.
How Much to Spend
- It’s the big 2-5! Buy your spouse something special! There’s no specific amount of money you need to spend to make a gift meaningful. If it’s thoughtful your spouse will love it.
- For a friend or relative’s anniversary something simple like a $15-$20 bottle of wine or champagne will be appreciated.
Choosing an Anniversary Gift
- Guess what the traditional Silver anniversary gift is? You got it - silver! It’s nice to incorporate silver into the gift if possible, but not necessary.
- If you’re buying a gift for relatives or friends, think of something they both can enjoy. If it’s your anniversary, now’s a good time to give your husband or wife that special something they’ve always wanted!
Joint Gifts
- Party time! Throw yourselves a party and share this special occasion with your friends and family.
- Renew your vows! Follow it up with a second honeymoon to someplace you’ve both always wanted to go.
Gifts for Him
- 25 Gifts are better than one! Put together a gift basket with 25 of his favorite items, including anything from food and alcohol to a camera or tickets to a sporting event.
- A silver watch with a love note or his initials engraved in it is a timeless gift for any man.
Gifts for Her
- Surprise her! Wisk her away to romantic destination for a relaxing getaway!
- A picture says a thousand words! Make her a scrapbook with pictures from your 25 years together.
Gifts for the couple
- Tickets to the theatre! It’s a great way for them to enjoy their special day together.
- A sterling silver vase with flowers in it is a thoughtful gift and makes a nice keepsake.
From cotton to crystal, there are plenty of traditional ways to mark a milestone anniversary, thanks to etiquette expert Emily Post, who first published these gift guidelines back in 1922. But if you’re looking for something a bit less conventional, the list was revamped years later, replacing paper with clocks, wood with silverware, and tin with diamond jewelry. No matter your taste, here are some lust-worthy presents that will make any spouse fall in love all over again!
gift guides
Traditional Anniversary Gifts
Do I Need to Buy a Gift?
During the first several years of marriage gifts are generally only exchanged between the couple, though close friends and family members may buy a small gift if they choose. It’s more common to buy an anniversary gift for a milestone anniversaries like the 25th or 50th.
If the couple throws an anniversary party, they shouldn’t expect gifts, though you should bring something.
You’re not obligated to send a gift if you’re unable to attend, but it’s always thoughtful to do so.
It’s best to give the gift within a few days of the anniversary.
Type of Gift
Many years ago Emily Post came up with a table of guidelines of anniversary gifts for each year. It’s been updated with more modern gift ideas, though remember, it’s just a guide. The best gifts are often creative ideas you come up with yourself!
- If you know the couple well, focus on activities or hobbies which they enjoy together.
- It’s generally considered inappropriate to give cash as an anniversary gift.
- Gifts shouldn’t be too intimate. Leave that for the couple themselves!
1st Anniversary Gifts
The traditional gift for a 1st anniversary is paper and the modern alternative is a clock. Here are a couple of creative gift ideas to consider:
- A hand drawn caricature of the happy couple is a fun gift for a joyous occasion!
- A personalized 1st anniversary magazine cover is something they can display for everybody to see.
10th Anniversary Gifts
Tenth anniversary gifts traditionally consisted of tin or aluminum and the modern day alternative is diamond jewelry. Here are some other options to explore:
- Elegant wind chimes for the backyard are a thoughtful gift.
- A spa package for two is a great way for them to relax together!
25th Anniversary Gifts
This is commonly referred to as the “silver anniversary” and silver is the traditional gift, though there are many other thoughtful alternatives. Here are a couple options to consider:
- A personalized silver anniversary plate makes a beautiful keepsake.
- Remind them of when it all began with a copy of the New York Times from their wedding day.
50th Anniversary Gifts
Traditionally, gold is the gift of choice for this special anniversary. These are a couple of other delightful alternatives:
- Hiring an artist to paint a portrait of the couple is a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion!
- A photo album with pictures and stories from members of the family is a gift they will cherish forever.
gift etiquette
Do You Need to Send a Gift If You Aren't Attending the Party?
R-S-V-P, Find Out What it Means to Me
Almost every invitation or email from a host includes an RSVP date. If you’re unable to attend, extend regrets as soon as possible. However, whether a gift should still be given in your absence depends on both your relationship and the occasion. If invited to an affair by a co-worker or acquaintance and can not attend, while it is polite to do so, you are not required to send anything. For close friends and family you should almost always send the same gift you would have brought with you had you been attending.
Wedding Regrets
In the case of a wedding, especially if you are a close friend or family member, a gift is usually in order. If both you and your spouse are invited and can’t celebrate the special day, a wedding card with cash should be mailed to the happy couple, preferably before the ceremony. A gift selected from their bridal registry is also always appropriate.
Showers
Baby showers take advantage of registries. If you can not attend, send the same gift you had planned on bringing with you. If you are pooling money with others for a gift, you can send a check directly to them and request they include your name on the accompanying card.
Informal Affairs
Missed a casual engagement party, co-worker promotion get-together or informal dinner party? A note of acknowledgment, with a nominal gift card or certificate or nice bottle of champagne, is a more-than-sufficient proxy for your lack of attendance.
