Unique Gifts for The Shopping-Challenged
Finding an inspired, unique anniversary gift idea is either a lot of fun or an entirely frustrating experience. You want to find a unique gift that will be treasured and not hidden in a closet or shoved on a shelf in their garage. Or the clearest sign that your anniversary gift was too unique: it was trashed.
What's the difference between a unique gift and one that provokes a barely disguised look of "Oh, no, what the heck are we gonna do with that?"
What's On Their Secret Wish List?
If they said they wanted to go sky-diving 10 years ago, it doesn't mean they're still that adventurous. They might rather stay on terra firma and learn how to drive a race car. Or at this point in their relationship, having the time to relax is a great adventure!
Generally, younger couples are acquiring "stuff" and may have unique, but practical, anniversary gift wishes. Older couples usually don't want more "stuff."
Preferences change over the years, so a friendly call or chat over coffee will help you figure out a unique gift idea. Persuade them to reveal their secret wish I could have or do that list, gifts they wouldn't splurge on for themselves. Our anniversary by year themes can help narrow your search for a unique gift. Or look through our unique gift suggestions for more ideas.
A tip for husbands: while wives have a practical side, anniversary gifts they don't think are unique are household appliances. So generally, don't buy her one unless you plan to entertain her and clean the house in the buff. Now that's something your wife might consider a unique anniversary gift! Would your honey love to take a few wine-tasting lessons, take an ethnic cooking class, attend a music or film festival or golf lessons? Pay for a course or private lessons.
- Buy a golf training aid, personalized golf or sports gift to show your enthusiasm.
- Include a small personalized gift. For a cooking class, buy a personalized apron. For a film or music festival, buy a movie themed photo frame and have their names and wedding date engraved. Or place the tickets in a keepsake gift box. Our personalized gift showcases section has lots of ideas.
- Use trip vouchers to give them a weekend in Las Vegas or a leisurely day at a spa. These are great "chip-in" anniversary gifts. Find the best hotel bargains in the U.S.A. and internationally for them.
- Are they celebrating their anniversary with a romantic getaway vacation? Look for a show or event where they'll be staying and surprise them with event tickets. First find out what they have already planned.
- Get your family feeling cozy and create a family scrapbook or personalized photo album. Surprise your parents with a unique art gift: their portrait done in pencil, watercolor or oils by a real artist.
- Soothing tabletop, wall and floor water fountains.
- More unique anniversary gift suggestions.
Give Unique Gifts That Keep Giving
- Send monthly or quarterly themed gift baskets or a monthly wine club to brighten their days throughout the year. If they're coffee or wine lovers, get a pair of mugs or wine glasses with their name and anniversary date engraved. Give them personalized toasting glasses.
- If they enjoy cultural events, make a donation to their favorite arts organization with patron status, entitling them to VIP passes. Combine with a Concert, Sports Events or Theater Ticket.
But They Already Have Everything…
A unique anniversary gift idea for the couple who has everything is to make a donation to their favorite charity. Or make a contribution to an organization where they volunteer. Some organizations offer inscribed plaques; honor their volunteer work and contribute to have a plaque made in their name. Find out which charities spend their money wisely.
If they're a senior couple, perhaps they need extra assistance but don't want to impose on anyone. What can you do to help them out? Or if they're a younger couple with children, can you take the kids overnight or a weekend so they can plan a romantic getaway? A unique anniversary gift doesn't always have to be material. What can you do to help out your husband, wife or a couple?
Your thoughtfulness & caring adds value way beyond a gift's cost.