Hi again,

Well it's time to get back to the original subject matter of this blog - SHOPPING! This time around I'll be covering gift shopping; specifically wedding anniversary gifts. As a business to consumer retailer – and antique dealer- I have found, through feedback from my customers, that they are looking for (anniversary) gifts that are unique, creative, original and show thought and care.

I specialize in creating milestone gifts for weddings, anniversaries and births, so this is an are a of passion for me. With that said, I'd like to share my recommendations for couple's gifts whether it's for married couples or dating twosomes.

Personalized items are especially popular, as are items that complete or add to a collection i.e. buying for a husband who collects Coca-Cola or sports memorabilia or a wife who is always searching for that perfect Lladro' or Waterford piece.

Creative “takes” on the traditional wedding anniversary gift list are always fun too – the first paper anniversary can be a personalized designer art-inspired marriage/anniversary certificate http://www.galleryoflove.net/anniversary.php show that you’ll never forget that special day. Other ideas are paper tickets to a special concert or play (The first year we were together I bought my husband tickets to see
The Producers on Broadway; that was a big hit with him!)

Also, capturing treasured moments for one-of-kind keepsakes is popular i.e. the husband or wife can take special photographs from the couples’ last vacation and have them blown up and matted and framed. The wood frame is a perfect soluction to include in the traditional 5th Anniversary gift of "wood." Some of my most treasured decor is pictures from our honeymoon that I have had enlarged and framed. I did this with a photo of us sitting in a gondola in Venice. This trip is so filled with fun and treasured memories that it never fails to make me smile!

Speaking of anniversary gift ideas....here is a list of the traditional presents/themes for each year of marriage. All of these can be updated, such as the ideas above, for a more modern twist.

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift List

Anniversary Gift

1st Paper

2nd Cotton

3rd Leather

4th Fruit, flowers

5th Wood

6th Sugar

7th Copper, wool

8th Bronze, pottery

9th Pottery, willow

10th Tin

11th Steel

12th Silk, linen

13th Lace

14th Ivory

15th Crystal

20th China

25th Silver

30th Pearl

35th Coral

40th Ruby

45th Sapphire

50th Gold

55th Emerald

60th Diamond

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift List." Infoplease.© 2000–2005 Pearson Education, publishing as Infoplease.11 Oct. 2005 http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0763772.html