Even if you follow the list of Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts or Contemporary Wedding Anniversary Gifts, you can have a lot of fun using your imagination. For instance, to celebrate the first anniversary, "paper" (on the traditional list) could mean tickets to the theatre or a concert. 

The lists are merely guides that show the traditional gift that has been matched with each anniversary. Exceptions, of course, can be made; what really counts is the thought behind the gift. After all, if you really need furniture come your second anniversary, then why wait until your 17th (as suggested on the contemporary list)?

An anniversary gift can be a tangible item, such as an engraved silver platter, or an opportunity for a new experience, such as an exotic food/art/gardening tour through Europe. For sports fans, try VIP seats to a major sporting event in or out of town, if both the husband and wife would enjoy it!

Other choices high on the sentimental list might include a family portrait taken by a professional photographer, a commissioned piece of art (especially if the artist is a relative or friend), or a poem or song written for the celebration.

A husband and wife may buy anniversary gifts for each other, and may sometimes receive gifts from very close friends or family. Generally speaking, though, they shouldn't expect anniversary gifts from other people except for a landmark anniversary (e.g., the 25th). Such an occasion might be celebrated with an anniversary party to which guests would bring gifts.

Generally, if an anniversary party is thrown in the earlier years of a marriage, it is hosted by the couple themselves; asking for gifts for such an occasion would be in poor taste.

Parties to celebrate the later anniversaries, such as the 25th, are often hosted by the couple's adult children. For these parties, guests should bring gifts unless "no gifts, please" is specified on the invitation. (If such a request has been made, it should be honored by everyone to avoid embarrassment. Close friends or relatives who do wish, nonetheless, to provide a memento of the occasion should deliver the gift before the party.)

In some cases, if the host knows of a big-ticket item - such as a holiday trip or a piece of furniture - that the couple could really use or enjoy, guests could make cash donations toward it. The host would take care of purchasing the gift, collecting the money, and having everyone sign the card at the party.



The opening of the presents should be done after everyone has arrived; after dinner, during coffee, is a good time.

For couples who do not wish to receive personal gifts, one alternative for guests is to make donations to the couple's favorite charity in honor of the occasion. Or, a beautiful floral arrangement or plant would be a nice gesture (remember to keep allergies in mind!).

There may be some circumstances in which gifts of cash are appropriate, such as for an anniversary couple who are retirees with small pensions or limited retirement funds. The host could send a note to guests explaining that a money tree or basket will be set up. Cash or checks should be enclosed in cards and envelopes.

Follow these traditional wedding anniversary gift suggestions and choose the perfect gift for your loved one.