by K.J. Ness

Created on: August 29, 2007

A wedding anniversary reminds us of the day that we decided to spend our lives together. It is a time for reflection and celebration. Finding a great gift that will honor the importance of the moment is almost as important as the moment itself. For those of us who break out in hives when it comes to the stress of finding just the right gift, here are a few great gift ideas for an anniversary:

1. Dinner at a special restaurant. Perhaps you and your spouse spent your first date at a local dive, or perhaps you went to the most expensive steak house in town. Perhaps you proposed to her at a restaurant. Perhaps the two of you just have a favorite restaurant that has never let you down for good food and ambiance. Whatever the reason, a dinner together at a special restaurant is always a great gift. It is not only romantic, but allows the two of you to have time to reminisce about your marriage, your wedding day, your favorite memories, or the day you first met.

2. A surprise getaway. Assuming that your spouse likes surprises, a surprise getaway is always a winning gift. It may be as simple as going to a nearby spa for the day or a hotel downtown for the night. If you have children, this is a chance to have time alone together - just the two of you - like old times. You may want to choose a weekend trip to the mountains or the beach. Whatever your budget, and whatever your location, there are many ways to find time alone for an escape from the daily routine.

3. A gift certificate. Your spouse may have had her eye on a new dress. Or maybe your spouse saw a set of golf clubs that would be sure to improve his game. A gift certificate is thoughtful and shows that you have listened to your spouse's desires and remembered. You want to give him or her what he or she wants most.

4. A unique little something. You know your spouse well after marriage. Whether you are celebrating your first anniversary or your fiftieth, there is something that he or she is sure to have admired when you were on a trip or when you were in a jewelry store or a gift shop. Think back. What little something would he or she never expect that you would remember and actually buy as a gift. Find that special something and exceed all expectations.

5. Time and affection. Perhaps the two of you are at a place in your marriage where extravagant gifts and unforeseen expenses are just not feasible. If you find that you don't have the money to spend on a gift, then give the gift of time and affection. Spend the day with your spouse. Go on a picnic. Shower him or her with affection and attention - the things money can't buy. Your anniversary is about the two of you. When it comes down to it, the best gift that you can give to your spouse on your anniversary is you.

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