Choosing an anniversary gift doesnt have to be difficult. Once you understand what anniversary year the couple will be celebrating, youre already half-way there! Just follow these steps:

1. Find out what year the couple is celebrating (i.e. 3rd anniversary, 20th anniversary, etc.). Refer to the list of modern and traditional anniversary gifts below (in the Tips section of this article). This is an brain friendly way to narrow down your gift search. Some couples might not even know, for example, that their 7th anniversary is traditionally thought of as the wool or cooper anniversary. This is your chance to show them how thoughtful you are because of the research youve done to find this out, or the effort you spent to find something fitting.

2. Be creative when selecting a gift within the category. Using the example above (7th anniversary), you could give a classic set of copper pots to enhance their kitchen. Or, if they live in a cold climate, you could get a pair of thick, warm wool sweaters, or a cozy wool blanket (or even wool socks if youre on a tight budget). As I said, be creative and make use of your imagination.

3. Do not feel like you have to limit your choices to the modern or traditional list below. After all, giving an anniversary gift isnt about following a list - its about celebrating their marriage. If a category from the 20th anniversary sparks an idea for a couples 15th anniversary, go for it!

4. If youre still having trouble selecting an anniversary gift, ponder this option that applies to most anniversary years: Give a bonsai tree that is as old as their marriage (i.e. a 12 year old tree for their 12th year anniversary). The bonsai tree is symbolic in that it represents the measure that has passed, and the love, caring, and patience that it requires to grow strong and healthy - just like a marriage. You can even find bonsai trees that are over 50 decades old!

5. Another anniversary gift standby is the gift of flowers. But I dont mean cut flowers, a bouquet or a floral arrangement. Instead, a perennial plant or bush of carnations, roses, tulips, or lilies might be extremely thoughtful when the appropriate sentiment is sent with it. For example, give the gift of a white carnation plant (not cut carnations) that the couple can plant in their flower garden at home. Write a card that explains that the white carnation represents pure and sweet love, which will bloom every year as a symbol of the love upon which their marriage is based. Other options include the sunflower, which symbolizes devotion, or pink and white roses that represent love, desire, and respect. Again, be creative - flowers have many meanings that are relevant to a marriage - friendship, faith, and loyalty are just a few to ponder.

6. For more help with gifts, including flower meanings, finding the right bonsai tree, and other anniversary gift ideas, visit http://www.the-gift-wizard.com

Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gift Guide

Year: 1st
Traditional Gift(s): Paper
Modern Gift(s): Clocks

Year: 2nd
Traditional Gift(s): Cotton
Modern Gift(s): China

Year: 3rd
Traditional Gift(s): Leather
Modern Gift(s): Crystal, Glass

Year: 4th
Traditional Gift(s): Fruit, Flowers
Modern Gift(s): Appliances

Year: 5th
Traditional Gift(s): Wood
Modern Gift(s): Silverware

Year: 6th
Traditional Gift(s): Candy, Iron
Modern Gift(s): Candy, Iron

Year: 7th
Traditional Gift(s): Wool, Copper
Modern Gift(s): Desk Sets

Year: 8th
Traditional Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
Modern Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery

Year: 9th
Traditional Gift(s): Pottery, Willow
Modern Gift(s): Linen, Lace

Year: 10th
Traditional Gift(s): Tin, Aluminum
Modern Gift(s): Leather

Year: 11th
Traditional Gift(s): Steel
Modern Gift(s): Jewelry

Year: 12th
Traditional Gift(s): Silk, Linen
Modern Gift(s): Pearls

Year: 13th
Traditional Gift(s): Lace
Modern Gift(s): Textiles, Furs

Year: 14th
Traditional Gift(s): Ivory
Modern Gift(s): Gold Jewelry

Year: 15th
Traditional Gift(s): Crystal
Modern Gift(s): Watches

Year: 20th
Traditional Gift(s): China
Modern Gift(s): Platinum

Year: 25th
Traditional Gift(s): Silver
Modern Gift(s): Silver

Year: 30th
Traditional Gift(s): Pearl
Modern Gift(s): Diamond

Year: 35th
Traditional Gift(s): Coral
Modern Gift(s): Jade

Year: 40th
Traditional Gift(s): Ruby
Modern Gift(s): Ruby

Year: 45th
Traditional Gift(s): Sapphire
Modern Gift(s): Sapphire

Year: 50th
Traditional Gift(s): Gold
Modern Gift(s): Gold

Year: 55th
Traditional Gift(s): Emerald
Modern Gift(s): Emerald

Year: 60th
Traditional Gift(s): Diamond
Modern Gift(s): Diamond