Anniversary List of Years Gifts - The 1st

If you are looking forward to an approaching anniversary, stay tuned to our ongoing series of Anniversary List of Years Gifts.  We will cover the Anniversaries one year at a time, and as always, give you some great ideas.

Anniversaries are typically celebrated either with traditional or modern gifts, which ever fits the couple’s tastes best is acceptable, or go the distance and get both.

The first anniversary is marked by the traditional gift of paper (Hey, it’s only been one year of marriage – You’ve got to hang in longer than that to get the big gifts ).  Regardless, if you do a little brainstorming and creative thinking, there are some really cool ways to give paper.  Here is the list we came up with:

Cards

Pretty obvious.  You were probably going to do this anyway, but you can make it special by making your own card, writing a poem or note in the card and making it personal.

Cards could even be recipe cards, business cards, or try coupon cards that are redeemable either with you or a favorite store.  You could even print gift cards online and give those, or put them in your anniversary card.

Money

Definitely made of paper – and it goes nicely in a handmade card.  Just explain why you gave the money, so there’s no reason to think you didn’t put any effort into your gift.

A Letter

Write down some great memories from your first year together.  Talk about good times, talk about special times, talk about the future.  Share your ideas and the things you look forward to.  It’s not that difficult, just make it heart felt.  Then post it on a mirror, a pillow, a counter, or mail it to arrive on the anniversary date!

A Poem

If you’re good with words, this is a great way to express your feelings of your first year together.

Note(s)

Sticky notes could be a fun way to express yourself on your first anniversary.  Leave them in all kinds of fun places to be found through out the day.  Little nice thoughts, sayings, quotes, happy faces, hearts will all make for a fun first anniversary, and the fun will build as more notes are discovered.  You’ll probably even enjoy trying to find places to put them.  (Bonus: Give a scrapbook at the end of the day to put all the notes in.  The scrap book is paper too!)

Drawing

Make the drawing yourself, if you’re talented, or have someone do it for you.  You can find caricature places at the mall.  Or find a local artist to do the drawing for you.

Painting

There’s probably a special or fun painting that would look good in your house.  The first anniversary would be a great time to get it!

Pictures

Gather up some pictures from your first year together, put them in a collage or in a nice picture frame.  We prefer personalized picture frames.

Tickets

Lots of options here.  Shows, movies, airplane, boat, cruise, etc.

Diary/Notebook

How about getting two nice journals/diaries, and writing down thoughts ideas, memories, and sharing them for your second anniversary!  A year long project that will surely draw you closer together.

Books

If you guys enjoy reading, then giving a new book is a great gift.  Maybe get two copies, and you can both read and talk about the story.  Or, if you’re interested in getting to know your better half a little bit more, then maybe working through some relationship books together would be fun.

We’ll wrap up our 1st Anniversary List of Years gift post with a mention that if you want to give a modern gift, instead of a traditional gift, for your first anniversary, then a clock is the gift of choice.

Whichever method you choose, traditional or modern, there are lots of great gifts to celebrate one year of marriage.

Happy Anniversary!

P.S.- If you’re running out of time before your anniversary, see our last minute gift ideas for anniversary.

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Anniversary

If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas for anniversary, we’d be willing to bet you’re a guy who just realized your anniversary is fast approaching (we’re guys we know how these things go ). But you can apply these ideas either way.

If you still have a day or two, great, you have plenty of time. If your anniversary is today, don’t worry, you’ll be able to make it happen.

Candle Light Dinner

Let’s face it – the lady’s love the romance – so turn it on. Then decide which method to follow.

Do It Yourself

This requires a little more time and planning, but the results will rank much higher on the romance scale. Get some candles, cook her favorite dish, turn the lights down, and spend some time with your spouse (Tip – Spend a little extra and get some wine or champagne – something you wouldn’t normally buy – Bonus points!)

Go Out

If you don’t already know where to go, ask around and find a nice quiet restaurant to eat dinner at. Tell them it’s you’re anniversary, and see if you can get candles and a special table.

Once you’ve got your plan together, tell her you’ve got a surprise, and tell her what time to be ready. Give her as much time as you can to build anticipation and excitement. (More Romance! And don’t forget a romantic anniversary card to give her before you eat)

Add A Movie

Whatever time of year it is, there’s always a romance/date film playing in the theaters. (If you want to save some cash, the rental store is just as good of an option – just choose something mushy ). Take her to the theater after dinner and when you’re in line, tell her that you thought it would be nice to see the new date film. Instant Brownie points!

The Icing on the Cake

When it’s time for your date, make sure you bring some flowers – No need to be extravagant – less is more (in fact a single rose is ideal.) If you still have a few days before your anniversary, 1-800-flowers can usually get flowers delivered in time. Send them to her work if you can, so all her friends will see how great her husband is.

Bonus

Put an Amazon gift card inside her Anniversary card. You can get them for any of her favorite stores, and you can print it off instantly from your computer – Perfect for the last minute!

When it comes to last minute gift ideas for anniversary, a romantic dinner with flowers and a card will go a long ways to remind her how special she is.

Happy Anniversary!

P.S. – Make sure your flowers and gift card are ready before you go to dinner. Your wife will love it.

P.P.S. – My wife was just reading this over my shoulder and I got a hug and kiss.  “You’re so sweet babe.”  Imagine the results after executing this romantic evening

Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July

If you’ve ever wondered why do we celebrate the Fourth of July, it all starts in the American Colonies in the late 1700′s.

In 1776, the Continental Congress began drafting The Declaration of Independence.  This was not a haphazard decision.  It came after years of petitioning the King of England to listen to the requests of the American Colonies.  To offer them equal representation in Parliament.  To reduce the excessive taxes that were such a burden on the colonies.

Finally, after the start of the Revolutionary War, the citizens of the American Colonies realized that England was not going to hear their requests, and that American Independence was the only answer.

So, on July 4th, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was signed – Independence Day.

Word spread like wild fire through the American Colonies, and celebrations broke out.  Huge Bonfires, and constantly tolling bells could be seen and heard in towns all over the country.  Statues and Images of the King were tore down and destroyed.  America was officially independent from England – The first Fourth of July Celebration!

At the time, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 was the climax of years of political struggle for the American Colonies, and through the years it has been celebrated as the beginning of the first free society in modern times.  For the first time in World History, a group of individuals set out to establish a free country.  A country where the people had the power to run the government, not a group of elite politicians, and not a king or dictator.

Our freedom, granted to us at birth by God, and protected by the sacrifices made by patriots from 1776 until today.  So as you watch the beautiful fireworks, and wonder why do we celebrate the fourth of July, remember all the people through the ages who have fought to protect our freedom.  And take a moment to remember our heritage and our history -

If you listen closely you can still hear the celebrations of the early patriots resonating through out the country as they  proclaim freedom from an oppressive King!

Happy Fourth of July!

P.S. – Here’s to all the Men and Women who fight every day to protect our Constitution from all enemies!  You are all in our prayers.

Find that Special Wedding Gift

Soon the bride will be standing there in her flowing white wedding gown, the groom in his pressed tuxedo, and you want to give them both a great unique wedding gift to help them celebrate the occasion.  But not something from a box store off of the registry, you really want something that has a personal touch.

Check out these ideas that are sure to get you started in the right direction.

A Cover Up

There’s nothing more relaxing and comforting than laying down in your bed after a long day of work.  The soft cushion on your back, and the warm blankets around you.  Imagine the newly weds cuddling up under a handmade quilt that you got for them, just before they doze off to sleep.  If you don’t have the time or skill to make a quilt from scratch, then talk to your local quilting/sewing shop.  They will tell you how to get in touch with someone who can get/make you a handmade quilt – Odds are you’ll even be able to participate in the design process to make it more personal.

A Look Back

As the years go by, the newly weds will want to stop and remember their times together.  Their wedding day, in particular, will be filled with fond and happy memories.  They will have pictures to look at from their hired photographer, but you can add a personal touch, by taking your digital video camera, and recording all the action.  Interview their friends, ask them to talk about the newly weds, and about the wedding.  Talk to their parents, and leave a special message from yourself on the end.  When you’re done, download it to your computer, and burn it onto a DVD, and give it to the new couple when they get back from their honeymoon.  The newly weds will always love this stroll down memory lane.

Tip:  Since you’ll have to burn the DVD after the wedding, give the newly weds a nice wedding card with a note inside saying there’s a special surprise to come.  That way they have a gift from you at the wedding, and they’ll be excited to see what else they’ve got coming!

Memories

Everyone enjoys looking at pictures and remembering when….. Talk to the newly weds parents/grandparents and friends, and see if they have any photos or special memories they would like to share with the newly weds.  Get digital copies of the photos and download them onto a nice digital photo frame.  They will be able to look at these great photo you saved for them, and as the years go by they will  add more and more!

Bonus:  If the family and friends have printed photos, and no digital copies, you can take them to Walgreens, or any other store with a photo section, and they will be able to scan them into digital format.  If you have a high quality scanner, you can do it yourself!  They could also scan things like diplomas, grade cards, etc.  Any kind of keepsake digitized can go onto their digital photo frame.

Upgrade Em!

The newly weds are going on a honeymoon after the wedding.  It will be a fun, enjoyable and memorable time for both of them.  You can help make it more enjoyable by upgrading their flight to first class.  Or you could pay for a Luxury Hotel Suite.  This can all be worked out by contacting their parents and/or family members well ahead of time, and letting them know what you want to do.  They will be glad to help you, and will know the details of the newly weds honeymoon.  And the new couple will enjoy all the extra luxury that you arranged for them.

Tip: If you can’t afford the upgrade your self, then get some of your friends to go together with you and pay for it.  The bride and groom will appreciate all of you for the extra pampering they get on their honeymoon.

Everyone’s wants to give the newly weds a great wedding gift, but adding a personal touch to yours will make it memorable and unique.  The new couple will cherish it for years.

Here’s to the Newly Weds!

P.S.-  Here is another personalized wedding gift idea that you can get especially for the new couple!

They have probably registered at a few stores, and you could get some ideas there.

We have come up with a list of items that are popular for the kitchen. We know you want to give something that is thoughtful and unique, and we tried to take that into account when we came up with the following list.

Make sure if you do decide to get something for their kitchen, that they will put it to use, and it won’t end up sitting on the shelf collecting dust.  You might spend a little time talking to them, and see if any of these gifts would come in handy.

Great Wedding Gifts - The Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

Mix it Up

We found the Kitchen Aid® Stand Mixer to be one of the most requested items for the kitchen.  It’s powerful, has dozens of attachments, and you can get it in eight different colors (Even though we’re guys we kind of like the Cook For The Cure® Mixer – It’s Pink! )  We use our mixer all the time, and if the couple to be enjoys baking, they’ll love their new mixer, and it will last a lifetime.

Quality Cooking!

Most of the couples to be are probably cooking on pots and pans that came from the local retail  or thrift store.  Sure, they do the job, but anyone who’s cooked much knows how great it is to cook with quality stainless steel cookware.  The results are better and the process of cooking is much more enjoyable.  The couple to be will be genuinely surprised when they start to use the quality cookware you got them.

(Bonus: Another great cookware idea is cast iron.  It will last forever.  It’s naturally non stick and will probably end up handed down to their kids!)

The Gift of Health

This is a great idea for the couple that either likes being healthy, or likes entertaining.  A great blender can be used to make a multitude of different drinks, whether it’s a healthy morning smoothie, or crushing ice for the beautiful dinner party.  They could even use it to make homemade soups.

Java, Java, Java

If they drink coffee, they’ve probably already got a coffee pot.  If it’s like ours, it’s slow and noisy.  Getting them a quality coffee pot that lasts for ages will ease their busy morning schedule because they won’t have to wait for the coffee pot to finish gurgling before they can leave.

(Bonus: Getting them a french press for their coffee is another great idea.  You can get them in different sizes, and it really brings out the flavor of the coffee so much better than a drip pot.  And you’ll be the only one who thinks of this!)

Unique and Personalized

We know some people are looking for gifts they can buy and wrap up, but others enjoy giving gifts that are a little more unique.  This one is for you.  You can get a nice wood or metal recipe box just about anywhere.  Decorate it and make it unique.  Then fill it with 3×5 cards and some of your favorite recipes.  You could even contact the bride and groom’s parents/grandparents, and have them put some of their favorite recipes in the box as well.  A great wedding gift that will sit on their kitchen counter for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a quality appliance for the kitchen, or a unique personalized gift, there are many great wedding gifts that the future husband and wife will enjoy together.  And these days, buying online is often far less stressful than the hassle of running from store to store looking for a gift.

Here’s to the Newly Weds!

P.S.- Kitchen Aid’s Outlet Store offers discounts of up to 80% off of the retail price.  Watch it closely, and you may be able to get a great gift at substantial savings.  Also, check out their rebate offers.  You may even be able to get some cash back!