Finding the Perfect Anniversary Gift

Getting married is an important milestone, and that milestone deserves to be commemorated. Some couples throw wedding anniversary parties, others go on dates - but one thing that's pretty consistent is that they often receive gifts, both from each other and from close family members. The question is, what makes a wedding anniversary gift truly perfect? Even if you've picked out amazing presents for past anniversaries, that doesn't let you off the hook for future ones - you may even want to outdo yourself each year!

Whatever the case, there's no doubt that wedding anniversary gifts should be carefully thought out. You might be getting something for your parents from a company like Bring My Song To Life, or trying to find the perfect way to say "I love you" to your spouse. According to one survey, about 43% of people lack confidence in their gift-giving abilities - but maybe they just need some advice to get them started.

An anniversary gift could be based on a theme

A quick Google search will provide countless guides on how to pick out the correct wedding anniversary gift, based on both traditional and modern themes. For example, the material associated with the 1st wedding anniversary is supposed to be paper, while the one for the 15th wedding anniversary is crystal. That's only if you're going the traditional route, though; modern guides are usually less specific about the correct gift to give. After all, a couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary only needs so much papier-mâché in the house.

It should be customized

There are many ways to customize an anniversary gift. For example, it could revolve around the date on which the couple were married, the number of the wedding anniversary, or the names of the couple. An anniversary that falls on the 8th of the month could feature decorations arranged in patterns of eight, eight-year-old wine, a sampler platter with eight kinds of cheese, and so on. The same could go for how many years the couple has been married.

As for customizing with names (or initials), there are plenty of options. You could go for kitchenware, clothing, jewelry, a wallet, or anything else that can be printed, engraved, or embroidered.

It should be special

Have you ever received a gift that just didn't seem...special? Maybe it cost the same $40 as everyone else's gifts, but it just lacked that quality that a truly awesome gift has. This is important to avoid with a wedding anniversary gift. Whether you spend $20 or $2,000, it should elevate the day into a celebration that's worth remembering.

Some people decide to keep things low-key for most of their anniversaries, but go all-out for the big ones. This could mean treating themselves to a big purchase (like a new car or a boat), or even going on a second honeymoon to relax and reconnect.

It could be an experience instead of an object

Speaking of second honeymoons, one way to make an anniversary gift unique is by offering an experience, rather than something that can fit in a box. You could gift a registration to a workshop that'll let them dive deeper into their favorite hobby, or classes for an interest that they've never gotten around to exploring. 

It should be romantic

Even if you aren't the person who gives people socks at Christmas, you should be aware that anniversary gifts are expected to be romantic. Love is in the air, and it's supposed to be in the presents too. Friends or family members may be excused from this particular aspect of anniversary gift-giving, but they should still try not to kill the vibe with a poorly chosen gift. The good news is, anything that shows love and thoughtfulness on your part should do the trick.

They could even recreate their wedding day

If someone's wedding day didn't go perfectly, that can be disappointing - but it isn't necessarily their only chance to experience their dream wedding. Maybe they couldn't book the limo they wanted, or the wedding cake was dry and crumbly. For a tongue-in-cheek anniversary celebration, the couple could arrange a do-over that makes their dreams come true.

The takeaway

Picking the perfect anniversary gift can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! With some imagination and a little expert advice, you can find a great anniversary gift that makes the day even more special for everyone involved.