Generally, if an anniversary party is thrown in the earlier years of a marriage, it is hosted by the couple themselves; asking for gifts for such an occasion would be in poor taste.

Parties to celebrate the later anniversaries, such as the 25th, are often hosted by the couple's adult children.   For these parties, guests should bring gifts unless "no gifts, please" is specified on the invitation.  (If such a request has been made, it should be honored by everyone to avoid embarrassment.  Close friends or relatives who do wish, nonetheless, to provide a memento of the occasion should deliver the the gift before the party in private.

In some cases, if the host knows of a big-ticket item - such as a holiday trip or a piece of furniture - that the couple could really use or enjoy, guests could make cash donations toward it. The host would take care of purchasing the gift, collecting the money, and having everyone sign the card at the party.

The opening of the presents should be done after everyone has arrived; after dinner, during coffee, is a good time.

For couples who do not wish to receive personal gifts, one alternative for guests is to make donations to the couple's favorite charity in honor of the occasion.  Or, a beautiful floral arrangement or plant would be a nice gesture (remember to keep allergies in mind!)

There may be some circumstances in which gifts of cash are appropriate, such as for an anniversary couple who are retirees with small pensions or limited retirement funds.  The host could send a note to guests explaining that a money tree or basket will be set up.  Cash or checks should be enclosed in cards and envelopes.

You may want to start an Anniversary Web Site with wedding photos and stories of your courtship or engagement.  It's fun to move on to what was happening at all the different stages in their lives.  Everyone loves to see photos and hear the stories of the couple's children at various stages of their childhood.  And let's not forget those fun vacations and parties... re-live all those memorable events of the past.

Anniversary Meanings &
Gifts Suggestions:

Click on an underlined gift below to see some suggestions we've found.