Even in this digital age, we value the beauty and delicacy of fine-quality paper. Worthy of our most important documents-for example, a marriage certificate-it's the perfect symbol of a couple's first year.

Gift Ideas

Paper

• Printed stationary
• Book of romantic sonnets
• Calendar
• Full-color coffee table book
• Magazine subscription
• Monogrammed paper cocktail napkins
• Jigsaw Puzzle
• Hand-bound scrapbook
• A gift certificate

Gift Certificate Ideas

• Perhaps you're feeling both traditional and modern? What about a gift certificate (paper) for the coolest new clock from The Sharper Image®?
• Let them select their favorite books on art and culture from Barnes & Noble.
• A beautiful selection of stationary abounds at Macy's.

We have to admit, the modern-day gift of a diamond tends to be more enthusiastically received than the time-honored item of tin. Nonetheless, we have a few tin-related suggestions for traditionalists... And who's to say that a diamond tennis bracelet or diamond cuff links can't be tucked inside?

Gift Ideas

TIN

• Painted tin box
• Punched tin tree ornaments
• Candlesticks
• Tin jewelry box (holding a diamond brooch?)

Gift Certificate Ideas

• Pair a simple tin box with a gift certificate from Blue Nile. Wow!
• HomeGoods has gifts perfect for a tenth anniversary.
• Beautiful tin candlesticks and more at Crate and Barrel.

With a luminous beauty that sets it apart from other metals, silver is a perfect reflection of a twenty-five year marriage with sterling qualities of its own. Even modern list-makers weren't inclined to change this classic gift suggestion. Of course the gift doesn't have to be solid sterling or silver-plate. Consider something with a silvery hue or silver-related theme. You can always substitute white gold or even platinum instead of silver - we are sure she won't mind.

Gift Ideas

Throwing a party?
After twenty-five years of marriage, many couples may have all of the home-related things that they require. A single commemorative gift, an experience-based present or a SuperCertificate® that lets the couple select exactly what they need or have room for will be greatly appreciated!

SILVER

• Candelabrum
• Fruit bowl
• Newly minted silver dollars
• Engraved sterling silver tray
• Pen and pencil set
• Charm bracelet
• Engraved compact or flask
• Sterling key ring
• A woven blanket with silver metallic thread
• Jewelry

Gift Certificate Ideas

• Wrap up the Silver Palate cookbook with a gift certificate from Cooking.com.
• How about a special dinner for 25 at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants?
• Burdines has silver and many other choices to commemorate this special day.

Gold speaks for itself. Valued throughout the ages by countless civilizations, gold evokes a standard that is distinct. When we speak of someone having a "solid gold character" it's the highest form of praise. Surely the same could be said for a fifty-year relationship? No wonder gold is a symbol of enduring love.

Gift Ideas

GOLD

• Wine glasses rimmed with gold
• A special book with gold-leaf edges
• Gold coins in a special commemorative box
• Gold-plated candlesticks
• Engraved Gold-plated candy dish
• And of course...gold jewelry is always enjoyed!

Gift Certificate Ideas

• Discover a stunning selection of jewelry at Fortunoff!
• Bloomingdale's has gold-rimmed wine glasses and more!
• Best wishes for a happy 50^th from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gift Ideas

• Picnic basket and a blanket
• Gift basket filled with gourmet foods
• Wine with a custom label commemorating the event
• Charitable contributions to a favorite organization
• Matching monogrammed robes
• Personalized wedding quilt
• Artwork
• A selection of wines with a leather carrying case
• Personalized wedding keepsake box
• Photo album
• Blooming plants for the garden
• Old wedding photos they have never seen

Gift Certificate Ideas

• Active couples love the selection at The Sports Authority.com.
• They'll find beautiful quilts at The Company Store.
• Give them a getaway to their destination of choice from American Airlines.

My husband and I have been married for three years. Would it be unusual if we hosted our own anniversary party?
Not at all! It's quite common for couples to throw their own anniversary parties in the early years-though it's equally acceptable for a friend or relative to host a party in your honor if they're so inclined.

Who should host a major anniversary celebration?
Though it is more common for someone other than the couple to host a major anniversary-such as a silver or gold-it's fine for a couple to organize their own celebration.

I'm organizing a 25th wedding anniversary party for my parents. My parents insist that I print "No gifts, please" on the invitations. I seem to recall an etiquette book that considered this impolite. What should I do?
Formal etiquette once declared this practice to be in poor taste, but times have changed. On the other hand, it is not acceptable to write, "No silver gifts, please" as this would imply that gifts other than silver are expected.

Is it proper to mention plans for a group gift on party invitations?
Yes, if you have plans for a specific item, it is OK to include a note that gives guests the opportunity to contribute. It's generally considered bad manners to ask directly for money, but mentioning the idea of a large gift with the option to participate is just fine. Make sure that everyone who contributes signs the card.

My siblings and I are throwing a party for my parent's golden anniversary. They are planning to downsize into a small condo. What would you suggest in lieu of assorted gifts?
This is a perfect opportunity to give a gift certificate for an activity, a special meal or a big-ticket item that you know your parent's would enjoy.

Are anniversary gifts only exchanged on milestone years?
Gift givers and anniversary celebrants may present or exchange gifts on any and all years that they wish-each and every one counts!