Traditional Anniversary Gifts

There is not a flower more traditional than the rose. Since the ancient times in Rome, they were used to shower guests in fragrant petals with the belief that it was an aphrodisiac. The florists of the world would like to have you believe that the only gift to give each year for any holiday, including anniversaries, is flowers, specifically roses.

Flowers are a great gift to give as traditional anniversary gifts for every year. As a matter of fact, the customary 4th anniversary gift is flowers or fruits. They are readily available and always seem to brighten or liven up the room.

Which flower to give each year ranges from the very common daisy to the more exotic bird of paradise. Here is a list of the traditional flowers by anniversary, of course feel free to think outside of the vase.

Year Traditional Anniversary Gifts - Flower
* 1st Carnation
* 2nd Lily of the valley
* 3rd Sunflower
* 4th Hydrangea
* 5th Daisy
* 6th Calla
* 7th Freesia
* 8th Lilac
* 9th Bird of paradise
* 10th Daffodil
* 11th Tulip
* 12th Peony
* 13th Chrysanthemum
* 14th Dahlia
* 15th Rose
* 20th Aster
* 25th Iris
* 28th Orchid
* 30th Lily
* 40th Gladiolus
* 50th Yellow roses & violets

Remember you can order flowers from a local florist, design your arrangement online or pick the flowers from the field yourself for that personal touch. If you have saved the bridal bouquet from your wedding day, you can use it as the centerpiece for your annual romantic dinner for two. Or create a corsage/boutineer from the traditional flower for the specific year to wear out on your special date.

Perhaps you can tie in the traditional symbolic materials from the traditional anniversary gift list list as well. For the first anniversary, create a unique frame around carnations with patterned tissue paper or for the 25th year, accent the iris bouquet with a silver ribbon. You can even present your loved one with a potted plant that will last many seasons for your 9th anniversary. Your imagination is the limit!

These are just some small touches that will show her (or him) you have put thought into the token of love you are sharing on your anniversary, whether it is a traditional anniversary style gift or not.