Ideas For Wedding Anniversary Presents

Whether buying for a partner, a friend or for a relative; buying an ideal wedding anniversary present is hard. If it's for a spouse, you're under pressure to get the perfect gift. The gift that will compel him, or her, to remain married to you for another year. If for a friend or family member, it has to be something that no one else will buy and that is special for their marriage.

Traditional vs Modern

• There are two schools of thought when it comes to buying wedding anniversary presents; buy something traditional or buy something modern. Paper, cotton, leather, fruit/flowers and wood are the categories for the first five years of marriage on the traditional list. The traditional list is especially good for friends and relatives. You can go to stores that sell things for the home such as Pier 1 Imports and find really nice affordable gifts in these categories.
• The modern list, on the other hand, is really good for spouses because the better things come earlier. For example, on the traditional list, you have to wait until your 60th anniversary for diamonds. On the modern list, diamond jewelry is listed for your 10th anniversary! You also get crystal, china and appliances in the first five years. It's not written in stone that you must use a list, but it helps if you have no idea what to buy.

Do Something Different For A Change

• Remember, wedding anniversary presents don't always have to be from a list. If you know the couple well, and have been to their home, you have a pretty good idea of what would go well in their home. Sometimes impractical gifts are just the thing;be creative. A gift certificate for two to a nice restaurant, or two tickets to a play or movie would be great. Volunteer to babysit for free for the night or a weekend. Husbands, you can never go wrong with roses. Keep in mind, a gift shouldn't be about the money you spend, but what's in your heart.