What's the story behind Anniversary gifts?

Good morning!

I know everyone is coming down from the high of Valentine's Day, but for me, I'm still on the upbeat. But not because of this holiday. No, it's because my wedding anniversary is coming up (tomorrow, in fact). Thirteen years together. Wow. I won't say I'm surprised, because when I said "I do" (instead of what I was supposed to say -- "I will" -- yes, I flubbed at my wedding), I knew we would have years together. Still. Thirteen. Wow.

Now, I'm flipping through thoughts of gifts. What does one give their significant other on an odd anniversary like thirteen? If we were celebrating our 50th, we could receive a letter from the President. If we were residents of England or Austrila or Canada, we could likewise receive some type of letter from the monarch or the Governor-General. Again, though, we would have to prove a much lengthier marriage than what we've accomplished so far.

All my looking around led me to the origin of anniversary gifts in the first place. I found a few interesting tid-bits. Where the idea originated has many different beliefs. Some say it started in Germany. Others, England. And although I didn't dig terribly deep or hard, I'm sure there are still other origin ideas out there, too. And each country apparently has their own lists of what to give at what anniversary. In America, we have two basic lists. Traditional and Modern. It seems the modern list came about in the 19th century when jewelers wanted a bigger incentive in gift-giving. Imagine that. If you're curious how your anniversary falls -- if you celebrate one -- you can see the lists here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_anniversary

I looked up thirteen and yeah, my face kinda did that squirrelly thing. Traditional says to give lace. Modern says to give a gift of textile or fur. Really? This doesn't help much.

So I kept exploring.

From a how to do it website (my apologies, I closed out the links before I noted exactly which one), it took the stance that you use the gift table as a guide. Instead of a stack of paper for the first anniversary, for example, give tickets to a game or show. I like this. Flexibility. Take what's given and see how it can fit your needs best.

I'm still stuck, however. I may end up giving the poor-mans tradition of a card and dinner. But, come to think of it... I could keep with the list. I'll just have to make sure the card has a pretty lace edging. *g*

Hope your Monday goes well!
~Ayla