Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Years 11-60

In honor of my upcoming wedding anniversary, I’m continuing this week with part 2 of traditional wedding anniversary gift ideas for couples. If you’re having trouble coming up with traditional gift ideas or want to plan ahead for one, take a look at my ideas for years 11-60.

Year 11: Steel

• Stainless steel cookware
• Keychain
• Cufflinks
• Stainless steel ice cubes
• Personalized decor
• Jewelry
• Bouquet of Tulip flowers (the year 11 flower)

Year 12: Silk/Linen

• Tie
• Lingerie
• Scarf
• Shirt
• Silk rose/flowers
• Bouquet of Peony flowers (the year 12 flower)

Year 13: Lace

• Lingerie
• Clothing
• Pillow
• Handkerchief
• Lace rose/flower
• Bouquet of Chrysanthemum flowers (the year 13 flower)

Year 14: Ivory

• Ivory color gift (off-white)
• Something related to elephants
• Pillow/shirt/dress
• Fabric flowers
• Something related to piano keys/music
• Bouquet of Orchard flowers (the year 14 flower)

Year 15: Crystal

• Jewelry
• Ornament
• Shot glass
• Cup
• Decor
• Knick-knack
• Bouquet of Rose flowers (the year 15 flower)

Year 20: China

• Dish set
• Teapot
• Teacup
• Mug
• Chinese dinner
• Traditional Chinese outfit
• Bouquet of Aster flowers (the year 20 flower)

Year 25: Silver

• Jewelry
• Hersey kisses
• Silver-plated framed photo
• Watch
• Cufflinks
• Silver dollar
• Silver luggage
• Home decor
• Bouquet of Iris flowers (the year 25 flower)

Year 30: Pearl

• Jewelry
• Picture frame
• Watch
• Cufflinks
• Something with mother of pearl
• DIY craft using pearls as part of a picture/painting
• Bouquet of Lily flowers (the year 30 flower)

Year 35: Coral

• Clothes in coral color
• Decor
• Drink koozies
• Coasters
• Flowers
• Bouquet of African Violet flowers (the year 35 flower)

Year 40: Ruby

• Jewelry
• Ruby colored clothing
• Ruby colored flowers
• Personalized picture/art
• Bouquet of Gladiolus flowers (the year 40 flower)

Year 45: Sapphire

• Jewelry
• Sapphire-colored clothing
• Sapphire-colored flowers
• Personalized picture/art
• Bouquet of Blue Iris flowers (the year 45 flower)

Year 50: Gold

• Jewelry
• Gold-colored clothing
• Goldbrick
• Watch
• Personalized picture/art
• Bouquet of Yellow Rose flowers (the year 50 flower)

Year 60: Diamond | White Rose

• Jewelry
• Clock
• Date to a baseball game
• Personalized picture/art
• Sunglasses
• Purse/bag
• Something diamond-shaped
• Something baseball diamond-themed 
• Bouquet of White Rose flowers (the year 60 flower)

Don’t forget to check out my traditional wedding anniversary gift ideas for years 1-10! And remember when choosing a gift, the most important part is the meaning behind it. If it is something special and meaningful to you and your partner, that is all that matters. Happy gift hunting!

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Years 1-10

My husband and I have a tradition of getting each other traditional wedding gifts for our anniversary each year. Some years are harder than others to come up with related ideas. So I thought I would share with you some ideas for traditional wedding anniversary gifts for years 1-10.

Year 1: Paper

• Romantic card
• A homemade card or papercraft
• A scrapbook of memories from your first year
• Photobook
• Book
• Bouquet of Carnation flowers (the year 1 flower)

Year 2: Cotton

• Make a cotton fabric craft (pillow, etc.)
• New bedding
• Clothing
• Bouquet of Lily of the Valley flowers (the year 2 flower)

Year 3: Leather

• Bracelet
• Belt
• Watchband
• Jacket
• Wallet
• Bouquet of Sunflowers (the year 3 flower)

Year 4: Fruits/Flowers

• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Favorite flowers
• Fruit salad
• Rose petals
• Editable arrangements
• Fruit tree/plant
• Bouquet of Hydrangea flowers (the year 4 flower)

Year 5: Wood

• Jenga blocks (personalized)
• Coasters
• Hammer/tools
• Cutting board
• Carpenter projects
• Simple painting project from the craft store
• Box for memories
• Picture frame
• Bouquet of Daisy flowers (the year 5 flower)

Year 6: Candy/Iron

• Favorite candy
• Iron skillet
• Iron man memorabilia/items
• Make candy together
• Iron ring dish
• Iron art/decor
• Iron bottle opener/corkscrew
• Lucky horseshoe
• Belt buckle
• Bouquet of Calla Lily flowers (the year 6 flower)

Year 7: Wool/Copper

• Cufflinks
• Keychain
• Potted plant
• Framed pennies for all special years (dating, engaged, married, etc.)
• Personalized bracelet
• Wool sweater
• Wool socks
• Wool blanket
• Wool scarf
• Wool hat
• Bouquet of Freesia flowers (the year 7 flower)

Year 8: Bronze

• Bracelet
• Figurine
• Plaque
• Keychain
• Bouquet of Lilac flowers (the year 8 flower)

Year 9: Pottery

• Make pottery together
• Ring dish
• Eating dishes
• Plant pot
• Mugs
• Vases
• Clay figurine
• Bouquet of Birds of Paradise flowers (the year 9 flower)

Year 10: Tin/Aluminum

• Personalized license plate
• Candleholder
• Pots and pans
• Earrings
• Tin bucket for drinks
• Tinman heart
• Bouquet of Daffodil flowers (the year 10 flower)

For me, when choosing a gift, the most important part is the meaning behind it. If it is something special and meaningful to you and your partner, that is all that matters. Happy gift hunting!

How to Fight Fair with Your Partner

February is the month of love, but just like anything in life, love and relationships are not perfect. You’ll fight, disagree, and argue. It is a normal part of life. I’ve had my share of fights with my husband over the years. These are some things I have learned along the way to help keep things fair and on an even playing field when you argue.

Don’t bring up past issues

This is the biggest thing I have learned about arguments. If you constantly revert back to past hurts or issues, you’ll never progress forward. How would you like it if your partner kept bringing up things you did in past arguments every time you fought about something different? You’d probably feel like they were always holding something over your head. Not a good way to build trust and progress forward in your relationship. Think of it this way: if you are bringing up things from the past, it’s like you are holding it over the other person’s head.

Think before you speak

You don’t want to say something you’ll regret. Don’t let your anger or the heat of the moment make you say something you can’t take back. Words hold meaning and can cause damage even if you don’t mean them to. Just keep that in mind.

Find a compromise

Marriage is all about compromise. You’re never going to see eye to eye and agree on every single thing in life. When those situations arise, you’ll need to be willing to give a little. You’ll have to find a compromise that works for both you and your partner at times.

Talk from your perspective

This is a big thing I learned in therapy. When you talk from your perspective (i.e., “I feel,” not “you did”), it helps your partner to not feel attacked. When someone feels attacked, they get defensive and closed off quicker.

Remember, neither of you can read minds

This is such an important thing to remember. You are two different people with different feelings and ways you see things. Neither of you can read minds. Instead of implying or wanting your partner to just know how you feel, you need to simply tell each other. You may be thinking one thing and your partner a completely different thing. Just be straightforward with each other to clear any confusion or misunderstandings.

Always tell the truth

No matter how painful it is, just tell the truth. The truth has a way of coming out eventually. Just be honest up front. There have been times when I feel like my husband has been a little too honest, or I didn’t want to know certain things, but I’ve always been thankful for his honesty. I always know that no matter what, he’ll tell me the truth. It will keep your trust intact and your relationship strong.

Own up to your mistakes

No one is perfect, and it takes two to tango. Always own up to your own mistakes and take responsibility for what you’ve done. Your relationship will thank you when you both own up to your own mistakes and not always blame each other.

Apologize and forgive

Life is too short to hold grudges and resentment. It will only make you bitter. So instead of doing that, apologize and ask for forgiveness when you do something wrong. And better yet, give forgiveness to your partner whether they ask for it or not. It will give you peace.

Remember, you are on the same team

You and your partner are in this together. You’re on the same team. Sometimes it may not feel like it, but you are. Try to remember that, and instead of fighting against each other, fight FOR each other. This simple mindset shift has made a huge difference for me in my relationship.

I hope that these tips help you, as they have helped me. Love is not perfect, but it is a beautiful ride. You can move past disagreements in a more agreeable manner. What is your best advice for fighting fair? Share in the comments below.

10 Benefits of Couples Yoga

I’ve been practicing yoga for about 5 years now. This year my husband started doing it regularly with me, and it’s been so nice sharing my passion for yoga together. There are many physical and mental benefits to doing yoga. And practicing yoga together as a couple can build and benefit your relationship.

1. Quality Time

In a world where everyone is always so busy, it can be hard to set aside time for good quality time together with your partner. I know, I’ve been guilty of not making enough time. We started carving out time in the evening to do yoga together, and it has been such a blessing. Even though we’re exercising and not talking much, it is still good quality time that we are choosing to spend together.

2. Exercise

Exercise and moving your body are good for everyone. Yoga is my preferred workout method. Anyone who doesn’t think yoga is a real workout has never been sore after yoga. So get up and get moving. Your body will thank you. Exercising together as a couple will help you get into good habits for a healthier lifestyle.

3. Relaxation

While yoga is exercise and can be tiring, it is also very relaxing. I personally love it because of the pace and stretching. The meditation and freeing your mind of other things going on in life help to clear your mind so you can focus better. I always feel relaxed and calm after doing yoga. Doing it as a couple helps you both get into that relaxed place together. It gives you a better perspective and attitude where little things don’t bother you as much.

4. Trying New Things

I love trying new things, and trying new things together with those that I love is even better. Even if you are an experienced yogi, you can still try new things together while practicing as a couple. Trying things together builds a connection, bond, and memories.

5. Builds Communication

Practicing couple poses and talking your way through it with your partner helps to build communication. Communication is a huge aspect of any relationship. Improving and building communication with something as simple as yoga will also transfer into other areas of life.

6. Builds Trust

Yoga is often thought of as an individual workout. Doing yoga together as a couple helps to make you feel like you’re on the same team. Doing poses together, such as the Double Tree Pose, helps to build teamwork as you work together to balance.

7. Builds Intimacy

Practicing yoga together helps to build intimacy. Some poses humble you, make you feel vulnerable, and can even start a spark because of the position. Being in close proximity to each other can help to build connection and intimacy with each other.

8. Teamwork

Doing couple poses together in yoga builds trust. Trust that your partner that they won’t let you fall and have your back no matter what. Trust is such an important aspect of a relationship.

9. Getting In Sync Together

Yoga helps with mobility and flexibility. Doing the same poses and flows together as a couple helps you get in sync with each other. Practicing side by side and doing everything at the same time helps you get in sync.

10. Sharing a Deeper Bond

I always notice a huge difference mentally and physically when I’m doing yoga regularly. Practicing yoga as a couple helps you build a deeper bond physically with the working out and mentally with the meditation aspects. Along with building connection, trust, communication, and intimacy, couples yoga can help to create a deeper bond between you and your partner on many levels.

If you’ve ever thought about practicing yoga as a couple, I recommend it. You can start off slow by practicing yoga together and then move on to couples yoga and special couple poses. Namaste!