For starters, let us consult the Traditions List first, searching for the Wedding Anniversary Presents that meets the criteria of the appropriate material:
1st: First year: Paper
2nd: Second year: Cotton/Straw/Calico
3rd: Third year: Leather
4th: Fourth year: Fruit/Flowers
5th: Fifth year: Wood
6th: Sixth year: Candy/Iron
7th: Seventh year: Wool/Copper
8th: Eighth year: Bronze/Pottery
9th: Ninth year: Pottery
10th: Tenth year: Tin
11th: Eleventh year: Steel
12th: Twelfth year: Silk/Linen
13th: Thirteenth year: Lace
14th: Fourteenth year: Ivory
15th: Fifteenth year: Crystal
20th: Twentieth year: China
25th: Twenty-fifth year: Silver
30th: Thirtieth year: Pearl
35th: Thirty-fifth year: Coral
40th: Fortieth year: Ruby
45th: Forty-fifth year: Sapphire
50th: Fiftieth year: Gold
60th: Sixtieth year: Diamond
Next, we can consider all of the possibilities that fall within that range if we want to buy a gift already produced and packed -- The one that is generic, but still thoughtful, that is.
Buying Wedding Anniversary Presents
Given the above list, it is easy to find the gift that is best for the Hallmark Anniversary. For instance, a Silver Frame, to include a photo of the Anniversary couple, is classic for the 25th year Anniversary. Alternatively, a money tree is still a great no-brainer for the first year -- Not only because money is made of paper, but also the first year marriage can likely use that extra money!
So accordingly, here are a few of the many possibilities for Wedding Anniversary Gift ideas:
1st: First year: Paper -- Okay, besides money, how about tickets to something?
2nd: Second year: Cotton/Straw/Calico -- How about something that looks like a Straw? One company makes a Thatch Bowl that is actually ceramic but looks like Straw.
3rd: Third year: Leather -- Faux Leather might be better these days, so what about a Leather stuffed pet?
4th: Fourth year: Fruit/Flowers -- Do you really want your in-laws to hate you for sending cases and cases of prickly Pears, that arrives every month for a year? How about a Lemon tree for their backyard?
5th: Fifth year: Wood -- What culture does the couple identify with? A wooden Menorah in December or a pair of decorator Dutch-shoes filled with Potpourri might work nicely.
6th: Sixth year: Candy/Iron -- The couples favorite Candy, arranged in an Iron (or simulated Iron) Vase?
7th: Seventh year: Wool/Copper -- Mittens with the surname initial? How about a Copper engraving by their favorite artist?
8th: Eighth year: Bronze/Pottery -- Find the local Potter; let he or she craft something special for the Anniversary couple.
And so on…
Ideas for Making Wedding Anniversary Presents
If you go with more personalized, home-crafted items, you may wish to still use the traditional materials but customize the gift (or have it customized by someone if you do not feel all that artsy).
20th: Twentieth year: China -- Get the signatures of the guest book (signatures of all the guests at the wedding who are now at the Anniversary party) by handing them a Glass Marker (Pen that marks on anything and Does not get erased -- Like a Sharpie®) and having them signed the China Platter you bought.
25th: Twenty-fifth year: Silver -- Use Silver embroidery thread to embellish one of their favorite materials/ clothing items/ bedding items.
30th: Thirtieth year: Pearl -- You can buy an Egyptian-made mother of Pearl backgammon board, or you could buy the Pearl (opalescent paint and cover the pawns of a chess game with it. Neatly, of course.
35th: Thirty-fifth year: Coral – How about buying a painting of Coral Reefs (or of anything?) and gluing to it some lovely Coral from the Pet Fish store or Arts & Crafts store -- Making it a beautiful 3-D piece might be nice.
50th: Fiftieth year: Gold - There are Gold yarns and threads -- Great for matching Gold Sweaters, Mittens, or Throws. What else could you use Gold yarn in? How about Gold Flakes? What could you put the Flakes in or On?
Are you getting the idea now? Have fun coming up with more of your own Wedding Anniversary Gifts!
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