relationships

There’s no rule that says you have to stick with convention when it comes to anniversary gifts, but, for those who’d like to, we’ve got a modern spin on traditional gift-giving. Celebrate your first five years of wedded bliss with these unique anniversary gifts that are fun to give, receive and enjoy as a couple.

1st Anniversary

Traditional Gift: Paper
Gift Idea: Make a personalized book of Instagram prints using candid snaps (selfies?) from your wedding or favorite honeymoon photos. Sites like Printstagram make the process easy, and you’re guaranteed a beautiful keepsake for your coffee table.

2nd Anniversary

Traditional Gift: Cotton
Gift Idea: What better time to upgrade your sheets? Invest in a set of luxurious Egyptian cotton (the higher the thread count, the better). Have your new linens monogrammed for an extra-special touch.

3rd Anniversary

Traditional Gift: Leather
Gift Idea: Give your library a boost by adding an exquisite first edition leather-bound book to the mix. We suggest a classic romance like Wuthering Heights, Great Expectations or Jane Eyre. Less literary types might consider a leather armchair instead–it’ll only get better with age, and it’s sure to become your go-to spot to curl up with a book (or iPad!).

4th Anniversary

Traditional Gift: Fruit or Flowers
Gift Idea: A beautiful bouquet is never a bad idea–even when it’s not your anniversary–but an exquisite bottle of wine is the perfect way to celebrate your fourth year of marriage. Spring for a special bottle you’ve always wanted to try or pick a wine from your honeymoon spot (one sip and you’ll be transported back to the banks of the Seine or the rolling hills of Tuscany).

5th Anniversary

Traditional Gift: Wood
Gift Idea: Choose a flowering tree like cherry or crabapple to plant in your garden. Every time it blooms you’ll be reminded of your wedding day and anniversary. If you don’t have a large outdoor space, a Bonsai tree is a nice alternative. These diminutive trees can be kept indoors, and they’ll definitely bring a Zen vibe to your nest.

Image: Nikki Leigh McKean Photography