It’s your wedding anniversary and you’re running out of celebration ideas. Do you plan some sort of surprise? Go to a fancy dinner? Take a trip? You have the best intentions and you want to make each year special in its own way. But how?
That’s where we come in. We’ve taken the age-old anniversary gift suggestions — you know, paper for year one, cotton for year two, leather for year three, and so on — and created a list of traditional, unconventional, budget, and splurge ideas for you and your spouse. Put your own spin on the following ideas to make your next big day truly one-of-a-kind.
Click the links below to jump to the anniversary you’re celebrating.
15th | 20th | 25th | 30th | 40th | 50th
Traditional: Swarovski figurines
Swarovski screams classic (in a good way!). With so many different figurines to choose from, pick one that represents marriage, like the love swans.
Unconventional: Cristal champagne
Can you think of a better way to celebrate than with champagne? Surprise your spouse with Cristal, and save the gold-labeled bottle as a keepsake.
Budget: Faux crystal picture frame
A classy crystal picture frame goes with nearly every decor. Simply add your favorite photo from your wedding day to recreate that special moment from 15 years ago.
Splurge: Luxury watch with a crystal face
Regardless of the brand you choose, this gift has a pretty price tag. If it’s something your spouse could wear every day, this might be the year to treat them to that luxury watch they’ve always dreamed of.
Traditional: Holiday china set
You already have your wedding china so now it’s time to buy a set for fun. Just think of all the fancy holiday dinner parties you’ll want to host!
Unconventional: Chinese takeout
Let us explain. An unconventional approach to celebrating your 20th could go a little something like this: Plan a romantic date night at home, complete with a screening of your favorite movies and a side of hot & sour soup.
Budget: DIY coffee mug
Stop by your local craft store for a white porcelain coffee mug (or a few if you want to have backup) and a porcelain paint marker. Write a sweet saying, bake it in the oven for 10 minutes at 150 degrees, and voilà!
Splurge: Walk the Great Wall
Never been to China? If this destination is on your bucket list, now might just be the right time. Note to procrastinators: Planning is highly suggested.
Traditional: Engraved jewelry
Men, jewelry is always a good idea. If it’s engraved, even better! Women, go with cuff links for a traditional take.
Unconventional: Visit the Southwest
Take a trip to the Southwest and hunt for interesting silver jewelry. You’ll find lots of turquoise, too — which is a plus in our book!
Budget: Serving platter
After 25 years of marriage, you probably have all of the necessities. Shop for something unique, such as hammered textures and patterned engravings.
Splurge: Silver Mustang
GT, Shelby, and the all-new Ecoboost — he will love anything you choose. And ladies, who doesn’t love a convertible to cruise around in?
Traditional: Pearl necklace
Pearls go with everything. You can dress them up or dress them down. If your wife has never owned a classic pearl necklace, now is the time.
Unconventional: Oyster appetizer
Plan a date night at your favorite restaurant (that has oysters, of course). Order oysters as an appetizer and toast to 30 years of marriage!
Budget: Mother of pearl jewelry box
Replace her old jewelry box with a shiny new one. Plus, she can use this one as an accessory on the bathroom counter!
Splurge: Tour Pearl Harbor
Plan a trip to Oahu and get a dose of history at the same time with Pearl Harbor.
Traditional: Ruby and rose gold jewelry
Rubies and rose gold go together like George Washington and the one dollar bill. Bonus: She probably doesn’t already own many rose gold accessories.
Unconventional: See The Ruby Slippers
Plan a sightseeing tour of the nation’s capital and stop in the Smithsonian to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
Budget: Red wine
Pick up your favorite bottle of red and enjoy it over a romantic, home-cooked meal.
Splurge: Visit the Grand Canyon
Never been to the Grand Canyon? It’s a must-see on everyone’s list. Watch the sunset over the canyon and capture the deep colors that are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Traditional: Gold watch
Just like pearls, gold goes with anything and everything. A gold watch is not only a staple, it’s also a classic. You simply can’t go wrong.
Unconventional: Hermès scarf
It’s every woman’s dream. For your 50th, choose a pattern that has a touch of gold weaved in.
Budget: Gold-dusted cake
Any cake bakery should be able to customize your cake with gold frosting and fondant. Enjoy with either a glass of wine or a glass of milk!
Splurge: Golden jubilee party
For the guy and gal that have everything, host a get-together with family and friends. Your 50th anniversary is a big one, and there’s even a name for the party — a golden jubilee.
How are you celebrating? Share your plans with us on Facebook!
Connect with Readers.com®