November 15 was my second wedding anniversary, and this year I decided to give Chris a present that followed the more traditional gifts that are outlined by year.  For the second anniversary, tradition follows that the gift be cotton.  Since we don’t actually live by any cotton fields, and a cotton ball is a little silly, I decided to get Chris a cotton sweater he can wear now that the days are getting chilly.

Here is a list of the traditional anniversary gifts by year, and some ideas for how to translate them into some great gifts!

First Anniversary: Paper

This one can be as simple as a hand-written love letter or poem, or a favorite book.  A magazine subscription to a favorite magazine.  You could also gift a piece of artwork - a print, some photography, a vintage poster or map.  Tickets to a movie, play, or sporting event are fun, or if you have been planning ahead, how about plane tickets for a romantic getaway!

Second Anniversary: Cotton

You could be like me, and gift a piece of cotton clothing whether it be a sweater, jeans, or a t-shirt.  Your gift could also be a soft bathrobe, some nice new towels for both of you, or some really nice high thread-count sheets!

Third Anniversary: Leather

Leather is easy to translate into a gift!  A new wallet, purse or briefcase, shoes, or a belt.  A leather desk organizer, or other leather home accessories – like picture frames, a photo album, or even some new furniture.

Fourth Anniversary: Fruit and Flowers

While this may seem pretty self-explanatory, you can think outside of the box on this one.  If you have a garden, how about some plants or a new tree?  You could also give something that has a picture of fruit or flowers on it like artwork, a piece of clothing, or even jewelry that represents one of them in form.  If you are a good cook, you could even bake a pie!

Fifth Anniversary:  Wood

Like leather, wood can be such a versatile gift!  Things like jewelry boxes, furniture, or artwork are all nice presents.  But how about something hand-carved, a special frame for a picture, or even some firewood for a romantic dinner by the fire?  If you’re in the process of fixing up your home, a wooden present could be anything from supplies like building materials to new wood floors.

I’ve always thought that these guidelines for anniversary gifts were fun – sixth is candy or iron, seventh is copper or wool, eighth is bronze or pottery, ninth is pottery or willow, and tenth is tin or aluminum.  There are so many ways to get creative and personal within these guidelines for gifts.  Have you been following them for your anniversary gifts?

{Image credits: Historic Maps Restored, Miles Redd via Town & Country, Google Images, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge}