Gift for Another Couple

Purchasing a gift for someone else’s anniversary is a choice and never an obligation since it’s a special day between them. However, you may want to do something special for people you are close to. Whether you select a gift or jot your thoughts in a card, it’s always good form to acknowledge this special day.

Gift for Your Spouse

If you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, choosing something with symbolism adds depth to the occasion. If you are giving this to a couple you know, you’re showing your support for their marriage.

Themes

Here is a list of traditional and more modern themes you can follow to make your gift selection:

First anniversary: Paper or clocks Second anniversary: Cotton or china Third anniversary: Leather, glass, or crystal Fourth anniversary: Fruit, flowers, fabric, or electric appliances Fifth anniversary: Wood or silverware Sixth anniversary: Iron, candy, or wood Seventh anniversary: Copper, wool, or something for the office Eighth anniversary: Bronze, pottery, linen, or lace Ninth anniversary: Willow, pottery, or leather Tenth anniversary: Tin or diamonds Eleventh: Steel or fashion/costume jewelry Twelfth: Silk, linen, or pearls Thirteenth: Lace or faux fur Fourteenth: Ivory (faux ivory for ethical reasons) or gold jewelry Fifteenth: Glassware, crystal, or watch Twentieth: China or platinum Twenty-fifth: Silver Thirtieth: Pearl or diamond Thirty-fifth: Coral or jade Fortieth: Ruby or garnet Forty-fifth: Sapphire Fiftieth: Gold Fifty-fifth: Emerald Sixty and above: Diamond

Colors

Each anniversary is celebrated with a different color. Here are some of the most significant ones:

First anniversary: Yellow or goldSecond anniversary: RedThird anniversary: WhiteFourth and fifth anniversary: BlueSixth anniversary: PurpleSeventh anniversary: Onyx (mostly black but can include other colors in the natural design)Eighth anniversary: Tourmaline (deep, rich brown and may have other colors in the mix)Ninth anniversary: Lapis (deep, rich blue)Tenth anniversary: SilverFifteenth anniversary: RedTwentieth anniversary: GreenTwenty-fifth anniversary: SilverFiftieth anniversary: Gold

Flowers

Whether you choose to send a bouquet or a single flower, pick one that signifies the anniversary being celebrated. You may also give a floral print card or design of the flower on whatever gift you choose. Here’s a list of flowers for some of the most commonly celebrated anniversaries:

First anniversary: Carnation; symbolizes pure and innocent loveSecond anniversary: Lily of the valley; symbolizes humility and devotionThird anniversary: Sunflower; symbolizes strength, warmth, and loyaltyFourth anniversary: Hydrangea; symbolizes gratefulness and prideFifth anniversary: Daisy; symbolizes innocence, purity, and gentlenessSixth anniversary: Calla lily; symbolizes transition and growthSeventh anniversary: Freesia; symbolizes trust and fidelityEighth anniversary: Lilac; symbolizes love’s first emotionsNinth anniversary: Bird of paradise; symbolizes magnificence, splendor, and the unexpectedTenth anniversary: Daffodil; symbolizes chivalry and love for one personFifteenth anniversary: Rose; symbolizes love, passion, and hopeTwentieth anniversary: Aster; symbolizes patience, elegance, and wisdomTwenty-fifth anniversary: Iris; symbolizes faith, hope, wisdom, and promiseFiftieth anniversary: Yellow rose, violet, or combination of the two; The rose symbolizes long-lasting love and prosperous marriage. The violet is a sign of commitment that is required for a long marriage.

Gift Ideas

When selecting a gift, you may use the list above for ideas, but you don’t have to spend the money on some of the more expensive themes or come across as cheap by choosing something based on the theme in a literal sense. Use the suggestions as a starting point and get creative. For example, on the years for diamonds, the item may be in the shape of a diamond or a nice jewelry box to store diamonds. Here are some more ideas for creative use of the themes:

Paper anniversary: Tickets (paper) to an opera, play, or movie Cotton anniversary: A set of high-quality cotton sheets or placemats Crystal anniversary: A crystal bud vase or stemware Electric appliance anniversary: An espresso machine or cappuccino maker for the coffee lover or ice shaver for a summer anniversary Anniversary with any of the metals: Picture frames made from the metal with a photo that means something, keychain, watch, charm, or jewelry Leather anniversary: Leather weekend bag or tote, personalized leather luggage tag, coasters embossed with the anniversary date, leather toiletry bag, or leather Bible case Diamond anniversary: Jewelry box, a diamond-shaped picture frame with a meaningful photo, luggage or handbag with an embossed diamond shape, clock, or another item with the couple’s anniversary date Candy: Box of candy, candy making machine, chocolate fountain, or candy roses Office equipment: Photo printer Pearl: Necklace, bracelet, ring, or anything made of mother of pearl Coral or jade: Jewelry or anything in the coral or jade colors Ruby or garnet: Ruby ring, garnet necklace, or anything in a deep, rich red Tin: Set of tin mugs, rustic vases, embossed plaque, or serving tray Faux fur: Handbag, gloves, hat, or wrap

Add-On Gifts

What you might consider doing if the gift is for your spouse or you know you’ll continue seeing the couple for many years is to give them something they can add on to each time their anniversary rolls around. Whether it’s a place setting or a decoration, they’ll look forward to seeing you at this special time each year. Ideas for add-ons:

Photo album. This is ideal for the photographer who likes to snapshot of all the major events. You may want to label the pages in the album in advance so all they’ll have to do is slip the pictures into the slots. Serving platters. Have the date engraved on each plate in the color of that particular anniversary. Flower pots or planters. Include a packet of flower seeds with your card each year. Charm bracelet. Add a new charm for each anniversary.

What Really Matters

When giving an anniversary gift, what really matters is the thought you put behind it. You can be as creative as you want to be while thinking about what the other person or couple will enjoy. If there is something else you want to give, you don’t have to stay with the theme. You might want to give them something totally unrelated but mention that it’s their diamond or silver anniversary in the message of the card. However, it’s more fun if you find a way to incorporate the theme into the gift—even if it’s a stretch.