You have just passed the milestone ten year wedding anniversary, so how are you going to measure up this year’s gift with last year’s? If you and your spouse are following the traditional wedding anniversary gift schema, the eleventh year is symbolized with a steel gift. You, of course, can interpret “steel” in several different ways, so you are not limited to buying your spouse something from a lumber yard or warehouse. Here are a few gift ideas that will hopefully inspire you as your search for the perfect steel or steel-inspired gift for your eleventh year wedding anniversary.
* Have a spouse that can watch the food channel all day long and never grow tired? Maybe your spouse tries out a different exotic recipe every other day and loves conjuring up new and exciting dishes for you and your family. Or maybe you and your spouse have had the same cheap knives since you were in college. If so, a new set of knives would be a fantastic steel-inspired gift. You can choose from an array of knife sets, including steak knives, chef knives, butcher knives or bread knives. Be sure to get a quality knife, since knives that grow dull quickly are very dangerous.
* Stainless steel appliances for the kitchen are a welcome addition to any home. If you can afford it, replace your old black or white refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with new stainless steel versions. Not only does the stainless steel look appear more modern and elegant, they are sturdy appliances, to boot. If replacing major appliances is not within your budget, you can invest in a stainless steel toaster, blender or mixer.
* Many women (and men) love the movie “Steel Magnolias.” Get your husband or wife a copy of this movie along with an itinerary to travel through the southern United States. The South (including Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia) is a gracious and warm region of the U.S. to visit, offering a multitude of romantic restaurants and comfortable bed and breakfasts.
* Have a spouse that loves to go hunting or fishing? Invest in a Swiss army knife or hunting knife for him/her. Any outdoorsy person would love to receive a Swiss army knife as it offers a ton of options, including screwdrivers, corkscrews, tweezers and nail clippers. A nice sharp hunting knife would also be a great addition to a hunter’s equipment. Have a hunting friend of your spouse or a professional help you in your search for a knife.
* Love the tropical sounds of a real live steel drum band? If your budget allows, book a trip for you and your spouse to visit the Caribbean to listen to a steel drum band live in person.
* If your spouse loves art, have a local artist (or college student majoring in art and looking for a few extra dollars) design and create a steel sculpture to present to your spouse.
* Have a significant other that is constantly on the go? Invest in a computer laptop, handheld organizer or cell phone so your spouse can always be connected to his/her business and family contacts.
