How to Choose the Perfect Anniversary Gift
Whenever anniversaries roll around, people tend to panic. There's a lot of pressure to get the perfect gift. But because many people don't know where to start, they put off planning or shopping until the last minute, rushing to buy flowers and chocolate, or trying to snag a last-minute reservation at a restaurant. And while it's the thought that counts, if you start planning early, you can put a lot more thought into a gift for your partner and find something they will treasure for the rest of their life.
You can take a few crucial steps to ensure you don't end up shopping for an anniversary gift last minute.
Consider Their Interests
During the initial search for a great gift, it helps to consider your partner's interests. What are they passionate about? If they love jewelry, start looking for a unique and special piece. If they love cooking, start shopping for the coolest kitchen gadgets. If they love adventure, start planning a vacation.
The perfect gift might be something small and sentimental paired with a quiet night at home or a grand gesture and adventure in a foreign country. It's all about what suits your partner and your relationship. Don't plan a huge trip if your partner is happier staying at home or going to a new restaurant. And don't plan a night in if your partner loves to go out on the town.
Also, remember that the perfect gift is often something sentimental, like the vinyl of your first dance wedding song or a necklace with your partner's favorite stone. This gift is an opportunity to show how well you know your partner.
There are also many options for customizable gifts where you can add your names, wedding date, or even an image to whatever you want. There are customizable clothes, decorations, and so much more. And if your perfect gift is jewelry, consider a customized piece. That way, you can guarantee it will perfectly fit your partner and their style.
What About A Themed Gift?
If you have many ideas but need help narrowing them down, you can look at the gift themes for each anniversary. Many people enjoy following the anniversary themes for each year. Here's a list of some of the themes by year:
1st Anniversary: Paper
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
3rd Anniversary: Leather
4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
5th Anniversary: Wood
6th Anniversary: Candy or Iron
7th Anniversary: Wool or Copper
8th Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze
9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery
10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
20th Anniversary: China
30th Anniversary: Pearls
40th Anniversary: Ruby
50th Anniversary: Gold
60th Anniversary: Diamond
It can be fun to fit your gift to each year's theme, especially knowing you're participating in a long-standing tradition. For example, the theme of the 1st anniversary is paper. Custom stationary, a nice sketchbook, or even a fancy notebook fit the theme and could make simple but sentimental gifts. You can also use the number of years you've been together as inspiration. If you've been together for three years, getting tickets for three musicals to see over the next year is a fun way to incorporate the number. And the gift will last throughout the year. If you've been together for five years, plan a five-day vacation for the two of you. If you think outside the box a little, there are so many fun ways to work the number of years into your gift.
An alternative theme for your gift is the wedding itself. Consider gifting a bottle of the wine you had at your wedding or a framed version of your vows to put up on the wall. It's nice to pay homage to such an important day in both of your lives and look at how far you've come since then.
Plan Ahead and Save Up!
Don't wait until the last minute to buy your present. Your perfect gift may be out of stock or too expensive. Plan ahead! Decide what you want to do and what you need to buy beforehand. That way, you can make reservations, buy tickets, request the day off, and even save up for the perfect gift if it's a little out of your typical price range. Decide what you need to make your anniversary great, and put money and time aside. Planning only does you so much good if you wait until the last minute to take action. Remember, your partner and relationship are worth more than last-minute plans. Look ahead and put in the effort to make the day and gift special for your partner.
Keep in mind that your anniversary gift doesn't have to be expensive, but don't let a lack of planning get in the way of you being able to buy the present that you want. Even if you make something by hand or don't spend a lot of money on a present, your partner will appreciate the effort you put in.
A fun way to show how much you care without breaking the bank is to learn a new skill for your partner. For example, take a painting class and paint something special for them. Or learn how to cook their favorite recipe and surprise them with it.
Pick a Gift that will Last
Choosing a gift that will last can mean many things. Quality jewelry will last through your partner's life and can be passed down to the next generation. A little education about the work and materials that go into jewelry will help you choose the right jeweler and piece.
A painting or other physical gift will last for years and can be prominently displayed. But if the gift is an experience, like a vacation, it helps to have a physical reminder of the experience. A photo album or unique souvenir can help preserve the memory of a special day. But even without reminders, a very thoughtful and special day will live on in both your memories.
Remember that quality is always better than quality! If you buy jewelry or clothes, spend the money to get something that will last. If your present is more of an experience, make it memorable and unique, not just a generic night out.
Conclusion
Here's a quick recap on choosing the perfect anniversary gift for your partner. Remember that everyone is different, and the perfect gift will look different for everyone. Consider your partner and their interests when you first start thinking about this gift. Tailor the gift to something your partner will love and cherish for the rest of their life. If you want, consider a theme. There are themes for each anniversary that can be fun to incorporate each year. As you plan, remember that you may have to look ahead several months and save up some money. Don't get caught off guard by your anniversary and have to buy a last-minute gift. And, of course, remember to get a gift that will last. The quality of your present will determine how long it lasts and how long it will be remembered.
Our expert jewelers can help you pick the perfect piece or help you get started on a custom order. You can shop in-store in our Bay Area store or book online to start your appointment!
