The Ultimate Anniversary Gift Guide
Posted: Thursday, September 21, 2006
by Laura Trahan
Anniversaries tend to mean more to women than men. Let’s face it-the big joke in our society is about men who even forget their anniversary. Women want sentimental, romance, to be swept off their feet one time a year. It is a day that men should really make no excuses and pull out all the stops in order to impress their wife.
The truth is most guys just don’t get it. For instance, after a rough year in our marriage, I spent hours making a card for my husband. It was kind of scrapbooky with actual napkins from our wedding, bible scriptures, encouragement, things I loved about him, etc. It was a lost effort. I think he felt gipped. In return, I got a store bought card. We were exhibiting two different ways of communicating.
Weekend Get-Away
Plan a weekend/night away. There are so many bed and breakfasts/resorts today that offer romantic getaways for couples. If you are on a budget, just go to a local inn. Sometimes all you need is a night away or change of scenery to really get your marriage revitalized. She will be impressed that you wanted to get away with her. Be sure not to rave about the free breakfast buffet or any other amenity that you are getting. Instead talk about her beauty and how much you enjoy just getting out of the house with her.
Re-create Your First Date/Wedding Night
This is probably the one that will surely bring out the sentimental side of your wife. We have some friends who went on their first date in high school to Taco Bell. Every year, they still celebrate their anniversary by going to Taco Bell. It is an easy way out, you might say. But something had to happen that night that made her want to see you again.
Relieve Stress
Plan a spa day for the two of you. She will appreciate the relaxation, but also enjoy the fact that you were willing to put your manliness aside to do something with her.
Plan a Scavenger Night
This is probably the most romantic night my husband ever planned for me. Of course, it was for my birthday instead of an anniversary, but I think it will work here as well. My husband came up with little four line poems that were clues to what we were going to do next on my special night. First, he cooked dinner for me like he had done on our first date. He then planned a moonlight trip to a place at college where we used to meet to talk in a courtyard between our two dorms. The last clue led me to where he re-created his dorm room and rented movies much like we had done while we were dating. In the room was also a dozen roses. For those on a budget, this is great because you really do not have to spend a lot of money. Just remember those places that mean something only to the two of you.
For the Wine Lover
My father-in-law once had a private label made wishing my mother-in-law Happy anniversary. He then bought her 24 cases of her favorite wine for their 24th anniversary. It was pretty romantic.
Roses Are the Flower of Romance
Roses are the ultimate anniversary gift, but these days there are so many creative things to do with them. My father-in-law for their 20th anniversary had a dozen roses delivered 20 times throughout the day. That is pretty romantic. There are also places now that emboss roses with special messages. You could get your pet name, wedding date, a cheesy girly message, etc. embossed on the actual roses. Or you could draw a bubble bath for your wife complete with rose petals. Or place a trail of petals to a candlelit bedroom. Get creative!
Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend
So many couples get married during a time in their lives when they have little money. If you are able, why not upgrade her ring. I used to think my ring didn’t matter, but unfortunately it is hard when women get together and you always have the one who has the rock going on and on about how much her guy loves her. It is sad, I know. I have a couple friend who actually began saving at their 8th anniversary to upgrade his wife’s ring for their 10th anniversary.
Trip To New York
For my in-laws 25th Anniversary, he bought her a trip to New York. What could be more romantic than central park carriage rides, plays, restaurants, music, etc.
Go Dancing
This can be done at your own house. What is more romantic than dancing? Or you could sign the two of you up for a dance class. Then your anniversary lasts more than one night and your wife sees that you want to spend time with her doing something for her.
Go On A Picnic
Daytime or nighttime, nothing is more romantic than sitting on a blanket with your wife with a planned meal. At night, you can look at the stars and remember the past. During the day, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a state park, the beach, etc. Remember the candles!
These ideas are meant to get your creative juices flowing. You might say you do not have the resources to do these things. All that is going to matter to your wife is that you actually put some thought into the night and did something from your heart. You know your wife better than anyone. Try to remember what makes her smile and build time around that to make your anniversary a memorable event.
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