by Anne Violette

Created on: August 18, 2007   Last Updated: May 10, 2010

A decade of marriage is certainly a significant milestone. Most couples reaching this mark have surpassed the statistics. Their love has the strength of a diamond and the loyalty of a proud parent. The 10 year anniversary is a symbol of achievement.

The gift must be very special. Every anniversary has a traditional gift and a modern alternative. For those who prefer symbolic relics, the following is a list of choices:

TIN: The old-fashioned offering is tin or aluminum. Tin is flexible, yet resilient, like a great marriage. Suggestions include a tin chalice, jewelry box, antiques, lanterns, or cuff links.

DIAMOND OR SAPPHIRE: The modern gift is diamond or sapphire jewelry. A diamond is the hardest gem on Mohs hardness scale of 1-10. A sapphire follows at a close second. Either stone represents a strong relationship.

DAFFODILS: Flowers shaped like trumpets, these beautiful bouquets represent optimism, happiness and delight. Adding a heartfelt poem is a romantic way to charm beloved for at least another decade.

VIDEO: Make a DVD with photographs or video clips that include highlights from the last ten years of marriage. The children can assist with the production by hosting or narrating several written paragraphs. Add music to make it a nostalgic and timeless reminder of the fun times shared together.

SCRAPBOOK: Instead of a photo album, create a scrapbook with pictures and items collected over the years. Examples- A napkin from a favorite restaurant? A fun love note found buried on the desk? Tickets from a concert or ball game? Think of special occasions to include.

SEX COUPONS: After being together for such a long time, bedroom behavior can become predictable. Make a coupon book with massages, bath time, using furniture besides the bed, creative positions, risque outfits, or unique times throughout the day. This will bring that spark back into the relationship.

VACATION: Both men and women have careers and busy lives. Sometimes children pose a hindrance from having quality alone time. It's important to remember how and why two people fell in love in the first place. Getting to know each other again by escaping the hum-drum of everyday routine can be an exciting way to rekindle the connection.

UPDATED PHOTO: Call a photographer who specializes in photo-journalistic images. Instead of the cliche studio posed image, have a fun photo shoot on the beach, at a park, or any unusual location. This will capture the spirit of the marriage more intently than a contrived setting.

No matter how a couple chooses to express their momentous anniversary, the 10-year mark is surely an accomplishment that should be acknowledged in an extraordinary way. If all else fails, renewing the wedding vows is perhaps the most significant method of letting a spouse know that he/she is looking forward to spending another ten years together.

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