Unique anniversary gift ideas

Flowers and jewelry are the most common anniversary gifts, along with annually themed items such as paper on the first anniversary and gold on the fiftieth. Anniversary gifts need not be predictable, however, and there are a number of ideas that put a unique twist on traditional choices or break the mold altogether. Such creative and thoughtful gifts will be remembered for many anniversaries to come.

Unique Ideas for Traditional Anniversary Gifts

First Anniversary – Paper: A nostalgic newspaper from a significant date, such as the wedding date, first kiss, or proposal is a quaint way to remember yesteryear, and some companies will include a wedding or anniversary announcement in a personalized section. Other gifts include framed novelty shares of stock, an origami floral bouquet, a heartfelt poem or letter, or a dual name etymology certificate. A more elaborate choice is to have a wedding portrait recreated as a painting or pencil sketch.

Second Anniversary – Cotton: Cotton gifts don’t mean just clothes or linen. Stuffed animals, personalized throw blankets, spa robes, boxer shorts, matching shirts, novelty hobby or profession t-shirts, a reading pillow, or a hammock built for two are all cotton-oriented gifts with more significance than standard household items.

Third Anniversary – Leather: While the amorously inclined may favor leather lingerie, many different leather gifts are available. A monogrammed briefcase, organizer, or photo frame is a classic choice, while golf club covers, a memory album, or a scrapbook is a more unique selection. Casino sets, coasters, and wallets are also creative gifts.

Fourth Anniversary – Fruit or Flowers: Replicating a bridal bouquet is a creative and nostalgic anniversary gift, and many florists can do a suitable imitation from photographs. A flower-of-the-month club insures the gift will be appreciated throughout the year, while gardening equipment and seeds provide hours of relaxation for a hobbyist. Chocolate-covered strawberries, a fruit-centered brunch, rose petals scattered in a bubble bath, and crystal or silk flowers are other unique and romantic gifts for the fourth anniversary.

Fifth Anniversary – Wood: A game chest or puzzle is a gift any couple can enjoy, or a wooden treasure chest can be personalized for a hobby, passion, or pastime. Wooden globes, mantle clocks, personalized frames, or jewelry boxes are elegant selections, while a birdhouse, baseball bat, seedling, or bonsai tree is a unique and creative token of affection. A wooden name sign, either for a profession or just to display on a porch is a treasured item, and an ax is a novelty gift for any homeowner. For a more luxurious gift, a weekend getaway to a private log cabin is sure to create fabulous anniversary memories.

Sixth Anniversary – Iron or Candy: A selection of favorite candies packaged in an iron box creatively combines both classic gifts, as does a novelty gumball machine. Other creative selections include a wind chime, safe, iron door mat, personalized candies or chocolates, a bird bath, bookends, and candleholders. For the sportsman, a nine-iron golf club is a unique twist for a traditional gift.

Seventh Anniversary – Wool or Copper: Wool clothes such as a sweater or shawl are traditional gifts, and monograms add a personal touch. A throw blanket for two is a perfect gift to share, especially while cuddling near a copper fire pit, water fountain, or copper-framed mirror. A weathervane, magnetic jewelry, or even a jump start system are all unique copper-oriented choices.

Eighth Anniversary – Bronze: A trophy is a perfect gift to commemorate eight years of marriage, and a bronze corkscrew can be used to pop the cork on the celebratory champagne. A chess set, personalized medal, golf clubs, pen set, sculpture, or sun dial are other unique bronze gifts. A bronzed body is another potential anniversary gift, achievable with a gift certificate to a tanning salon or a tropical getaway.

Ninth Anniversary – Pottery: His-and-her mugs, a beer stein, vase, or candle holders are all suitable pottery gifts. Pottery lessons are a creative way to spend time together, and are frequently available at community colleges or through community education programs. Family handprint kits help include everyone in the celebration, as will a picnic set including plates, cups, and utensils.

Tenth Anniversary – Aluminum: Pen sets, executive desk games, family game sets, and engraved paperweights are all appropriate aluminum gifts. Aluminum flowers can be found in many styles and colors for a unique twist on traditional floral gifts. A personalized bottle opener or corkscrew is a necessary tool for a celebratory toast, and a name plaque or trophy commemorates this anniversary milestone.

Fifteenth Anniversary – Crystal: Watches, paperweights, frames, and figurines are all suitable crystal gifts. More unique choices include an etched crystal ball, engraved flutes reminiscent of the wedding celebration, or a crystal heart pendant. A crystal slipper will remind any wife that she is still the princess she was fifteen years ago, and it will become a treasured memento.

Twentieth Anniversary – China: A new china set is an appreciated gift after twenty years with the same dishes. Figurines, ornaments, decorative plates, and trinket boxes are all unique china-themed gifts. A porcelain music box playing wedding music is a sentimental choice, and for an exotic and extravagant gift, book a vacation to China or arrange a sumptuous Chinese feast.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary – Silver: Traditional silver gifts include a watch, pen set, picture frame, or ornament, and engraving or personalizing these items adds a touch of uniqueness. A silver checkbook cover or computer mouse is a more unusual selection, while a silver locket with a wedding photo is a romantic choice.

Thirtieth Anniversary – Pearl: Jewelry such as rings, necklaces, or earrings are standard pearl gifts, but choosing pink, black, or other unusual colors adds an exotic flair to these traditional choices. A tropical vacation could allow the couple to dive for pearls, and enjoying oysters by candlelight is a romantic and luxurious treat.

Fortieth Anniversary – Ruby: Ruby jewelry is standard anniversary fare, but fashioning custom pieces through a reputable jeweler creates a unique and treasured gift. A popular choice is to create an anniversary band to accompany the wedding ring or surround the engagement diamond solitaire. Dinner at Ruby Tuesday or any restaurant with “ruby” in the name is a novel and creative way to incorporate a touch of traditionalism into an anniversary celebration.

Fiftieth Anniversary – Gold: The most well-known anniversary gift, gold can be personalized for many unique gifts. Engraved jewelry, picture frames, keepsake boxes, candle holders, or commemorative figurines are popular choices. Many bakers will fashion a golden cake, complete with gold frosting, to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Roses dipped in gold or other creative sculptures are available, while a trip to a real gold mine to make new memories is a unique way to celebrate so many years together.

Non-Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Many couples find traditional gift suggestions and themes too constraining, and choose to celebrate their relationship in increasingly creative ways. A renewal of wedding vows is a romantic way to commemorate a marriage, and is especially poignant for a couple who was unable to have the wedding they planned. Any significant moment in the relationship can be reenacted for an anniversary celebration, such as the proposal, first kiss, first date, or other suitable event. For a proper recreation, choose as similar a location as possible and be aware of minor details such as lighting, music, clothing, food, drinks, and decorations to create the right atmosphere.

Some anniversary gifts are meant to be reused each year, and as they age, their meaning intensifies. For example, arranging a professional photograph on each anniversary preserves the year’s memories and creates a touching tradition. A charm bracelet can be added to annually, as can certain styles of gemstone or pearl necklaces. A bottle of wine from the wedding year is a gift that grows more delicious with each anniversary, aging gracefully and becoming more delicious as the relationship matures.

The most unique anniversary gift of all comes from the heart and is shared between two special people who are deeply in love no matter how long they have been married. As long as that love is an integral part of each anniversary, each year will be unique and there will be many more to celebrate.