How to Choose a Proper Anniversary Gift

Anniversaries are markers—milestones that celebrate how far two people have come together. Wedding anniversaries are extra-special, for they provide a chance to acknowledge the relationship and let someone special know just how important they are to you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Credit card or PayPal account

Choosing a Gift for your Spouse

1. Think about your mate’s likes and interests.

2. Take note of any hints that she or he may drop in the weeks leading up to the anniversary. Comments that begin, "You know what I wish I had?” are meant to be filed away for future use.

3. Do some research on the sly. Check with your spouse's friends; if you haven't received any clues, it's possible that they have.

4. Take your gift idea for a test drive. Mention what you've been thinking of buying and gauge their reaction. For example, casually note to your wife that you saw an ad for a diamond braclet on TV. “Oh, I’d love one of those!” is a pretty good indicator you’re on the right track.

5. Note which anniversary you'll be celebrating. There are traditional gifts of jewelry, gemstones and materials for each year (see Resources below).

6. Think about your partner's interests. Someone scholarly might appreciate a trove of classic books or comprehensive histories. Your sports buff will melt over accessories bearing a pet team's logo or, better still, season's tickets. For a movie fan, a book of coupons good for seats in the various movie chains might be a gift from heaven.

7. Order in advance, and allow plenty of time for delivery. You'll get no points for a gift that's in the mail on the big day.

8. Include a gift card with a hand-written note. Don't worry about style--honest sentiment will triumph over any lack of eloquence.

9. Find a fun way to give the gift. Having the waiter deliver a jewel box on a dessert plate after the anniversary dinner is one way to make sure your gift is remembered.

Choosing a Gift for a Couple

10. Consider which anniversary they're celebrating. There are traditional anniversary gifts for each year if you need an easy guide.

11. See what interests they have in common and choose a gift that would please them both. A bottle of vintage wine is great for a couple of oenophiles, but not so good if one's a teetotaler.

12. Look for an "experience" gift--something that they can enjoy together. Tickets to a show or a gift certificate for dinner are good examples.