Traditional Anniversary Gifts

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more; that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds... That's what you've given me and that's what I hope to give to you forever. - From the movie, The Notebook

The deepest emotions in a poem, the melody of a sweet song, the fresh fragrance of flowers, the warm summers and the chilly winters, yes marriages are all this and much more. Some people prefer to stay away from it, the brave ones take the plunge, but it is only few of them who can be successful at making a marriage, a long-lasting bond of love and companionship. A true marriage is the one that withstands years of togetherness, filled with emotions and experiences both good and bad alike. Although I am not yet married, my idea of marriage is synonymous with my definition of love – being together always not because you have to, but because you really want to. Marriages and commitment are interesting things - for those who haven’t been through it crave for it, and once they do, you either find them praising it, or warning the others against it. Although commitment phobes might like to think these fellows just need new recruits in the ‘married’ club, I sincerely believe that marriages make life worth living since they bring along the gift of eternal companionship, love and the feeling of comfort that promises to last forever.

Well I know most of you guys think I don’t know what I am talking about, well so much for optimism! Anyways, speaking of marriages, people love to celebrate their marriage anniversaries to commemorate their love and togetherness by exchanging romantic anniversary gifts. Often when we hear about celebrity couples exchanging outrageously expensive gifts, however it is not the money but the thought behind any gift that counts. Coming up with the perfect anniversary might not exactly be a cakewalk, but it perhaps the most essential element of the anniversary celebrations.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Anniversary gifts are a special element of the anniversary celebrations and hence require attention to detail, right from picking out the perfect gift to wrapping it up with the best decorations, everything has to be perfect. Although there are a variety of anniversary gifts that can be thought of considering the person’s interests and hobbies, conventionally there exist some traditional anniversary gifts for every year of the anniversary and the special milestones. If you are looking for some traditional anniversary gifts for your spouse here are the traditional suggestions that might help you:

• 1st Anniversary: Paper
• 2nd Anniversary: Cotton
• 3rd Anniversary: Leather
• 4th Anniversary: Linen
• 5th Anniversary: Wood
• 6th Anniversary: Iron
• 7th Anniversary: Wool, Copper
• 8th Anniversary: Bronze
• 9th Anniversary: Pottery
• 10th Anniversary: Tin, Aluminum
• 11th Anniversary: Steel
• 12th Anniversary: Silk
• 13th Anniversary: Lace
• 14th Anniversary: Ivory
• 15th Anniversary: Crystal
• 20th Anniversary: China
• 25th Anniversary: Silver
• 30th Anniversary: Pearl
• 35th Anniversary: Coral, Jade
• 40th Anniversary: Ruby
• 45th Anniversary: Sapphire
• 50th Anniversary: Gold
• 55th Anniversary: Emerald
• 60th Anniversary: Diamond
• 65th Anniversary: Star Sapphire
• 70th Anniversary: Platinum
• 75th Anniversary: Diamond
• 80th Anniversary: Oak
• 90th Anniversary: Granite

In case you find sticking to these conventional norms extremely difficult, you can incorporate these elements in some or the other way. For example, if you don’t feel like buying any wooden item as a anniversary gift for your spouse, you can get the gift of your choice and present it in an ornate wooden box. In any case these traditional anniversary gift ideas are only suggestions and not rigid guidelines, hence if your thinking of a very unique and unconventional anniversary gift for your loved one, do not hesitate to experiment with these gift ideas, go ahead express your love in your own unique way.

Every anniversary is a special day to re-live the magic and warmth of togetherness shared over the years. So doesn’t matter whether its your first anniversary or tenth, just make it special, make every moment count to express your love for each other. Celebrate your anniversary, celebrate your love…