15 Mar 7 Ways to Go the Extra Mile with Anniversary Milestones
A missed milestone quickly becomes a millstone if we aren’t careful — and the last ship we want sinking is our relationship. For a surefire way to stay afloat, try this tradition from the Middle Ages: buying specific gifts to commemorate how long we’ve (miraculously) kept our spouses around.
Like us hammerheads, the gifts start out simple. And like our growing list of transgressions, they increase in significance as the years pass. But here’s some good news: It isn’t too late to turn the ship around! Check out these gift ideas for celebrating your biggest years to come.
1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper
While paper is fragile, if we care for it properly it can last a lifetime — just like marriage!
-
- Fill-in-the-Blank Love Journal
Want to make your partner’s jaw drop? Consider a thoughtful, fill-in-the-blank journal — especially if their love language is words of affirmation! It’s a great way to document how your love has grown over the last 365 days.
- Fill-in-the-Blank Love Journal
Photo: Amazon.com
3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather
Leather traditionally represents the 3rd wedding anniversary because it’s a flexible and durable material that offers warmth, protection, safety and security — which is hopefully how your marriage feels by now!
-
- Custom Leather Photo Album
Save your own hide with this leather photo album. Just be sure to only feature flattering photos in it — or it may backfire!
- Custom Leather Photo Album
Photo: Etsy
4th Wedding Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
The traditional fourth anniversary gift is fruit and flowers, which represents the beautiful ways your relationship has blossomed.
-
- Flower Shower Anniversary Cake Explosion Box
The words “flower,” “shower” and “cake explosion” … all in one sentence? What’s not to love?! Just be sure to not chomp off more than you can chew — unless your partner’s willing to share!
- Flower Shower Anniversary Cake Explosion Box
Photo: SendACake
5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood
The traditional gift for the big #5 involves wood, which symbolizes the strength and solidity of your special bond.
-
- Custom Family Sign
Signal to your partner that they mean the world to you with a customized sign. Just be sure to spell everything correctly — and get the dates right!
- Custom Family Sign
Photo: Lovely Grain Studio
10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
Traditional 10th-anniversary gifts are made of tin or aluminum, symbolizing a marriage that’s stood the test of time. An entire decade together? This gift needs to be a TEN out of TIN!
-
- Custom Aluminum Spotify Plaque
What better way to convey your long-lasting love than to frame your song?
- Custom Aluminum Spotify Plaque
Photo: Etsy
15th Wedding Anniversary: Crystal
Crystal is the traditional gift for a 15th wedding anniversary, an emblem of the clear and sparkling love you share.
-
- 3-piece Decanter & Tumbler Set
15 years of marriage? You both deserve a drink! While you’re at it, make it fancy.
- 3-piece Decanter & Tumbler Set
Photo: Viski
20th Wedding Anniversary: China
Traditional 20th anniversary gifts are made from china, which symbolizes your delicate and beautiful relationship that’s stood the test of time.
-
- Arris China Teapot
Celebrate the strength of the kind of love that’s steeped for two decades with an elegant teapot.
- Arris China Teapot
Photo: Wedgwood
Regardless of which anniversary is on the horizon, make it a cause for celebration. Set yourself up for success with the Slow Hammerheads app, so you’ll never forget to remember the moments that matter most.