A wedding anniversary is the anniversary (or yearly celebration) that occurs on the month and day of the wedding ceremony. The 25th and 50th anniversaries are the most often celebrated anniversaries. These celebrations often include family gatherings.
Specific types of gifts are traditionally associated with many of the yearly anniversaries, and gifts for the first five anniversaries are a great way to help a newly married couple celebrate. In general, there are two types of gifts associated with each anniversary – a traditional gift and a modern gift. Below is a list of the traditional and modern gifts given for the first five anniversaries, along with some ideas for each.
One Year:
Paper (Traditional) / Clocks (Modern)
For paper, stationary with the family name printed on it is a good idea. Photographs may be another. Creative baskets filled with various paper gifts (like cards, gift certificates, etc.) can create a unique and personal gift idea.
Clocks are the modern choice for the first anniversary. With a seemingly endless assortment of clocks available, you have many to choose from. Engraving the anniversary date is a nice touch.
Two years:
Cotton (Traditional) / China (Modern)
Cotton bed sheets may be one of the first items to come to mind, but there are also many other items made from cotton. For instance, terrycloth towels and bathrobes are made of cotton, as are denim and corduroy. Again, a gift basket of items that include cotton could be a unique and personal gift idea. Choose items that relate to hobbies or interests shared by the couple. A few items that include cotton are books (book bindings include cotton), coffee filters, and tents.
Leather items can include watches, luggage, leather-bound books, jackets and shoes.
For the modern gift, crystal and glass can be found in many items, such as photo frames, dishes, light fixtures, televisions, windows, art pieces, dishes, clocks, computers and jewelry. Again, customize or engrave items to make them personal and choose items that can be related to the couple’s interests.
Four years:
Linen, Fruit or Flowers (Traditional) / Appliances or electrical gifts (Modern)
Electrical appliances can range from dishwashers, refrigerators, etc. to smaller items like travel coffee mugs, blenders and food processors. Even assorted items related to cooking appliances can be given for this modern gift.
Five years:
Wood (Traditional) / Silverware (Modern)
Wood can be found in a countless amount of items. A few good traditional ideas for this anniversary would be coffee tables, coat racks, or perhaps a welcome sign with the couple’s name printed on it. Many household items have wood accents and hand-carved wooden objects can be elegant, personal gifts.
Silverware can be fairly straightforward as a gift, but you can also consider other items that contain silver, like jewelry, various collectibles, coins, musical instruments, kitchen utensils or cookware, and mirrors.
The focus of wedding anniversaries and wedding anniversary gifts is to celebrate the union of two people. Be sure to keep those two people in mind when choosing your gift. A personal gift is sure to be loved and appreciated.
