It's customary for married couples to celebrate their wedding anniversaries and tradition states that there are certain types of gifts that are appropriate to give for each anniversary. These gifts traditionally represent materials that symbolize a marriage built in strength. They appear to have evolved during medieval Europe, when women were presented with wreaths of silver for the twenty-fifth anniversaries and wreaths of gold for the fiftieth. If you've been invited to party for a couple celebrating a major wedding anniversary, use this following list of traditional gift materials coupled with updated gift ideas and you'll be certain to wow the celebrating couple.
First Anniversary.
The first wedding anniversary is associated with paper. You could give a card, of course, or you could push the envelope a little bit (quite literally, in fact) with a stationary set customized with the couple's initials. An inspiring book about love also makes a great paper gift.
Second Anniversary.
It is tradition to give a gift of cotton for a second anniversary. Clothing may be too personal of a gift to give, although, if you're close to the couple, a set of matching pajamas would make a charming gift. If that's too intimate, opt for a decorative pillow with some sort of inscription of love of heart on it.
Third Anniversary.
Leather is the custom for this one. Today it easy to find stylish, leather-adorned items for the home. Try a large picture frame or photo album. If you're going to album route, why don't you start it off for the happy couple and add a few picture of them to it before you wrap it up and present it.
Fourth Anniversary.
A fourth wedding anniversary calls for gifts of linen or flowers and fruit. Since it can be quite difficult to find a gift made of linen that's appropriate for a couple. Stick to fruit and flowers and send a nice big basket of fruit or an edible arrangement.
Fifth Anniversary.
After five years of marriage you're supposed to give something made of wood. You'll have a lot of options for this one, particularly when it comes of home d矇cor. Large wooden bowls make nice gifts as they are as functional as they are easy to look at.
Tenth Anniversary.
A decade of marriage is quite a milestone and, believe it or not, calls for a gift of tin or aluminum. So how do you make this special? It's easier than you think. Give the couple a selection of beautiful candles that come in tin containers. Or if they're, tea drinkers, a selection of tea tins. If you hit the antique stores for this one, you'll find a lot of neat collectable made of tin, as well.
Twentieth Anniversary.
After twenty years of marriage you're supposed to give a gift made of China. This one's an easy one. If you know you couple well, you'll be familiar with their current China collection, so get them a serving piece that complements that collection. If you'd prefer to steer clear of China, opt for a decorative sculpture or figurine.
Twenty-fifth Anniversary.
A twenty-fifth year wedding anniversary is known as the silver anniversary, so it makes sense that the gift you give should be on of silver. Since you're buying for a couple, you'll want to steer clear of jewelry and give them something they can both use together. As with most of the aforementioned gifts, items for the home work well. Choose a silver picture frame, a larger charger or a vase.
Thirtieth Anniversary.
The traditional gift for this anniversary is pearl. Aside from jewelry, items made of pearl can be difficult to find. Small pearls spoons make a nice gift. Since they're generally used for serving caviar, why not present them with a container of caviar for an extra special touch? You could also think outside of the box on this one and get the couple some pearl colored.
Fortieth Anniversary.
A fortieth anniversary is the ruby wedding anniversary. Gems, yikes! Don't fret. You don't need be quite so literal on this one (unless you've got the means too). Buy something that's ruby in color, such as a beautiful ruby-color vase or wine glasses. A luxurious ruby-colored throw would make a great gift the couple could share, as well.
Fiftieth Anniversary.
The traditional fiftieth wedding anniversary present is the gift of gold. Keep in mind that most couples who celebrate their fiftieth anniversaries pretty much have everything they need, so your gift doesn't need to be extravagant or made of real gold, just thoughtful. Gold candlesticks make nice presents. Make it special by offering to cook a candlelit dinner for them one night. A gold-plated frame with a sepia-toned copy of their wedding picture in it also makes a thoughtful gift. Again, it doesn't need to be expensive just special.
Choosing to give an anniversary gift based on the traditional materials is a fun way to commemorate the occasion. By using some of the ideas in this article you'll not only touch upon those traditions but also give them a present they will actually use. And remember, gifts are just a token of occasion. The most import detail is that you celebrate the couple and their years of love for one another.
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