Anniversary Gift-Giving Etiquette

Select an appropriate anniversary gift.

A gift for to a couple celebrating an anniversary provides an opportunity to embrace tradition or create a new one. Whether the day marks the first anniversary or the seventieth, the occasion and the celebrants can be acknowledged with a carefully considered gift. Options range from an appropriate card to an extravagant remembrance or anywhere between the two.

The Host

The host planning an anniversary celebration faces a dilemma: whether or not to mention gifts on the invitation. Adding a request of "No gifts" to the invitation meets acceptable standards, according to Miss Etiquette. Soliciting gifts or suggesting registries falls outside proper party-hosting behavior. While guests may desire to give a gift, the host should not give the impression of asking for one.

Considerations

Miss Etiquette states that, "Asking for money is beyond 'tacky.'" Suggesting a monetary gift or "money tree" when sending invitations to an anniversary party should be avoided.

The Guests

As an invited guest to an anniversary party, the "no gifts" request should be honored if it has been made. A thoughtfully selected greeting card serves to remind the celebrants of the guest's good wishes without giving offense. Bringing a gift when others have not may cause embarrassment for them or make them uncomfortable. If a guest is committed to giving a gift for personal reasons, it should be presented outside of the party to honor the host's request and minimize inconvenience for the honorees.

The Guests of Honor

Any gifts received at an anniversary party should not be opened at the party, to avoid embarrassing any guests who didn't bring gifts. Rather than taking time away from the company of the guests, the honorees should wait to open any gifts privately.

The Gift

Various lists of appropriate gifts for particular anniversaries exist (see Resources). The traditional gift may feel inappropriate for a given couple. If so, a gift could be considered from the modern list. If neither of those suit the occasion, one can feel free to ignore the lists and look for a gift that fits the couple's lifestyle or needs, according to 1-800-Flowers. For example, the traditional first anniversary gift of paper or the modern gift of clocks may be overridden by the couple's love of camping. A camping lantern or a Dutch oven would carry a more thoughtful message of the giver's understanding of the recipients' preferences. As an alternative, a commemorative gift to the couple's favorite charity or cause can be considered.

References

• Dear Miss Etiquette: Anniversary Gifts
• 1-800-Flowers: Anniversary Gifting Etiquette

Resources

• Gifts.com: Anniversary Gift Guide