Traditional Anniversary Gifts
from the Heart

7 Tips for Finding Inexpensive Traditional Anniversary Gifts


Thursday, May 15, 2008

        Do you have more time and love than money when it comes to getting a traditional anniversary gift for your parents, in-laws or friends?

       Don't let a lack of funds restrict you to buying a boring and impersonal traditional anniversary gift. Use our seven tips to jumpstart your creativity and lead you to purchase (or create) a gift that is perfectly suited to the couple... and won't bust your budget.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #1:
Find the right category.

       First you need to know what the traditional anniversary gifts are for each year. You can click here for a traditional anniversary gift list.

       OK. Now you know the right category -- what the gift is supposed to be made of or the type of gift.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #2:
Set a budget.

       Decide how much you are going to spend and stick to it. Also decide if this is simply the cost for the gift or for the whole package -- wrapping, card and delivery (if the gift has to travel to the recipients).

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #3:
Brainstorm.

       Sit down with those who are buying the gift with you (or try instant messaging if you can't be together face-to-face) and create a list of possible gifts related to the traditional gift category.

       Don't edit in this phase -- just write down everything anyone thinks of.

       For example, the traditional fifth anniversary gift is wood. So, your brainstorming list could include wooden bowls, firewood, furniture, wooden chopsticks, wooden plaques, wooden desk organizers, golf clubs (woods), art (such as aboriginal masks or chainsaw carvings) and wooden boxes.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #4:
Review your list.

       Once you've got a list of at least 30 items (remember that brainstorming doesn't include rationalizing and so 'crazy' ideas are permissible), ask each member of your team to go through the list and pick their top three choices for the recipients.

       Hopefully everyone knows at least a little bit about the people you're buying for and can make decisions about what they'd enjoy receiving.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #5:
Make a short list and then decide.

       Take each team member's choices and look for common items. Create a short list of the top five choices -- if there are ties, ask team members to explain why they feel that their choice is the best one for the couple. Then decide together what anniversary gift you're going to get.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #6:
Shop smart.

       Now you need to get your ingenuity going again. There are lots of ways to save money on purchases. Here are just a few ideas:
  • Barter -- do you know a craftsperson or merchant who might be willing to trade you the item you want for a special service from you (perhaps you are an accountant... or webpage designer... or massage therapist)?

  • Members' deals -- do you hold a membership that will help you get a better deal (for example a membership in a local museum that gets you discounts on items in the museum shop)? Along the same line -- do you have points that are languishing in a credit card rewards program that could be used towards the perfect gift?

  • Coupons, promotions and synchronicity -- it's amazing how many times the universe will come through for you if you have a little faith (and luck). Check the local newspaper, online merchants and wherever you can think of when you're looking for a specific item. Mention it to friends and acquaintances and see if an awesome deal doesn't just 'fall' into your lap.

  • Secondhand -- there are treasure troves of great finds in junk stores, garage sales, thrift stores, auctions, pawnshops and in the classifieds of your local newspaper (and increasingly online). You won't be able to find all types of gifts there but check them out -- you may be surprised at the high quality items available.

  • Personalize -- sometimes personalizing can cost just a few dollars more, but lead to a very unique gift.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Tip #7:
Put it all together.

       Creative wrapping and a personalized card will make your gift even more outstanding.

       Make your own wrapping paper by decorating brown parcel paper with stickers, sponge stamps, doodles and whatever. Or consider wrapping the gift in something else that is a gift (for example wrapping napkin rings and napkins in a tablecloth).

       Decorative shopping bags with colored tissue paper are always a nice touch.

       When you're out shopping in secondhand stores keep your eyes open for vintage greeting cards and stationery, which are often available for a song.

       Or make your own card -- there are lots of articles online to help you -- this one is a good start.






Check out these articles for more ideas and suggestions on finding perfect
anniversary gifts -- quickly, enjoyably and at the right price:

Anniversary gift: start here | $100 anniversary gifts: 1 | $100 wedding anniversary: 2
Budget anniversary gift ideas | Wedding anniversary gift finders | Anniversaries

Here are more anniversary gift ideas, recommendations and articles:

Traditional anniversary gifts | Traditional anniversary gift list
Luxury wedding anniversary gifts | Wedding anniversary quotes

And be sure to visit our gift idea websites and pages:

Christmas gifts | Anniversary gifts |

 

 

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