If you have ever forgotten an anniversary, I’m sure we don’t need to tell you how important it is to make that day extra special. However, picking out the perfect anniversary gift for your spouse can definitely be a labor of love. So let’s take a look at some anniversary ideas that are sure to be rewarded with big smiles and smooches.
For the Traditional Experience
The giving of anniversary gifts goes all the way back to the Middle Ages. Only two anniversary gifts were given in those days: a silver wreath at 25 years and a golden wreath at 50 years. Since then, the standards for anniversary gifts have gotten a lot more complicated.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the anniversary gift list we all know and love was introduced. This was thanks to growing commercialism which led to broader availability of precious gems and metals. If you like tradition, here’s that list for inspo:
1st: paper
5th: wood
10th: tin
15th: crystal
20th: china
25th: silver
30th: pearl
35th: jade
40th: ruby
45th: sapphire
50th: gold
55th: emerald
60th: diamond
70th: platinum
Sticking With the Theme
While traditional anniversary gift lists provide a theme, they don’t really suggest an actual thing. Getting your love a bag of pearls or a nugget of gold is definitely an option, but it’s not very functional. An anniversary gift is supposed to symbolize the everlasting nature of your love; it’s a celebration of the memories you have made and the life you have lived together. So, you want to give them something equally as everlasting, which is why a heartfelt piece of jewelry is so popular for anniversaries. Let’s briefly explore the first three anniversary milestones a bit more because, in our opinion, they’re the most difficult to nail.
Paper is the first anniversary theme, and paper is not usually the best material for jewelry by most durability standards. Try for something like these:
- A thoughtful book
- A bound journal
- A heartfelt letter
- A paper rose (make it from a special note or sheet music)
- An art print
Wood is for your 5th anniversary! While wood jewelry does exist, such as pendants and statement earrings, you might want to consider other options such as:
- A jewelry box
- A wooden carving
- A wood and resin catch-all tray
- A wood-burned art piece
- A small keg of aged wine or whiskey
Tin is used to commemorate being together for an entire decade! Tin is a wonderfully versatile metal and is used in a ton of unique items such as:
- A personalized popcorn tin
- An art deco tin picture frame (with a special pic inside)
- A tin-boxed board game
- A tin bakery box
- A tin-sheet printed picture
And if you’re coming up on a year for precious metal or a particular stone, why not create a custom piece of jewelry for your special someone? Our design-a-ring page is excellent if you’re in the market for a custom ring, but we can also create any custom jewelry design for you! Unlike an engagement ring, an anniversary gift doesn’t need to have the element of surprise on its side. Instead, you and your partner can create a design together or even create matching pieces of custom jewelry to wear!
For the Non- Traditional Experience
Not everyone desires to stick to the traditional anniversary gift expectations. So what do you give on those occasions? The possibilities are genuinely endless. All it takes is a little creativity and knowing what makes your spouse happy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Scavenger hunt with a gift at the end, usually something shiny, you may even want to consider an anniversary band.
- Hobby supplies for a loved hobby or for starting a new one.
- Cooking lessons or a big kitchen gear purchase.
- Take them on a trip! Cruise, hike, kayak, or visit a cool place.
- Home appliances or furniture that they’ve had their hearts on.
- Dance classes!
- Paint and Sip workshops.
- Massages or spa day reservations.
The Rule of Thumb
It’s hard to go wrong with an anniversary gift if you stick with something that’s meaningful and comes from the heart. If you want to go the new and shiny route, you can talk with one of our expert jewelers near Nashville for more ideas and inspiration. Just remember, make your anniversary gift as unique as your love story, and the rest will handle itself!