Showing your partner just how much you love them with a thoughtful gift can require a little imagination as time goes on. If you are searching for some inspiration for what to gift your beloved for each wedding anniversary, look no further than our guide. We have discovered some of the most meaningful presents, flower bouquets, and thoughtful gifts you can give depending on which anniversary it is you are celebrating. So, this year, instead of grabbing the nearest cheap flowers from a high street florist, give your partner something they will truly treasure.
One of the most traditional gifts people receive on their wedding anniversary is a flower delivery of their favourite blooms. This simple gesture can mean the world to many and is still one of the most popular ways to say “I love you” on that special day. However, if the tradition is something you and your partner respect most highly, consider gifting according to how long you have been married.
The traditional wedding anniversary gifts for the first five years of marriage may require a little imagination should you wish to put a romantic spin on things but it shouldn’t be too difficult.
First-year: paper – think plane tickets to somewhere exciting
Second-year: cotton – consider a beautiful piece of clothing
Third-year: leather – a handbag or wallet
Fourth-year: fruit and flowers – a gorgeous flower arrangement of their favourite blooms
Fifth-year: wood – a sculpture or other piece of art
However, if you think the first five years of traditional gift-giving seems tricky, the next five will need a lot more thought!
Sixth year: iron or confectionary – perhaps stick with confectionary and go all out on every kind of chocolate and sweet they love
Seventh-year: wool or copper – think outside the box and take your partner on a trip to the highlands where there are sheep aplenty, or to Anglesey which was once home to the world’s biggest copper mine.
Eighth: bronze – cufflinks or art are good gifts for this year
Ninth: pottery – why not enjoy pottery making course together this year?
Tenth: Tin/aluminium - rather than gift something made of tin, place a gift that truly reflects this momentous occasion inside a tin (jewellery or major travel plans are always a safe bet).
If you’d not follow the more traditional gifts for each year of marriage, get creative and tap into what your partner loves to do. Many couples forget to make time for each other, so why not take this opportunity to ensure you do something great together on your anniversary? Take a cookery class together, book a trip to your honeymoon destination, or go away on a creative retreat for some much-needed reconnecting.
Not everyone can afford to book fancy trips away, but even if you are on a restricted budget you can still plan something amazing for your other half. Instead of travelling to your honeymoon destination, recreate the romantic atmosphere in your own home. If you have kids, get a friend or family member to take them for a day and night while you set the scene and prepare to surprise your partner with a staycation with a difference. Print off images of the famous landmarks of your honeymoon destination and place them in frames around your home. Cook the cuisine associated with the country and make your dinner setting look as romantic as possible. A single rose in a glass vase or glass, candles, and plain clean linen is enough to create an ambience.
Remember nobody knows your partner like you do, so whatever gift you give, make sure it has personal meaning for them.
