So, the two of you have managed to stay married for a decade! First of all, congratulations are in order. Secondly, you must know that this anniversary is a BIGGIE. You never know if you’ll make it to your 50th anniversary, so use this landmark day to celebrate as best as you can. And last, but certainly not least, remember that since this is an anniversary worth celebrating, gifts should be included in the festivities. And not just gag gifts, but real gifts that commemorate how much you love one another!
Traditionally speaking, gifts for your fifth anniversary include something made of tin or aluminum. Sorry folks, but this DOES NOT mean that a case of your favorite beer is a suitable gift. The reason tin or aluminum are traditional gift ideas is that these soft metals represent flexibility and durability—both of which your marriage has proven to have since you’ve made it this far. For tradition’s sake, you might consider having a tin or aluminum sign made, perhaps a welcome sign for your home, as a token gift. However, you should also note that in modern times, the tenth anniversary is represented by diamonds! Why? Well, because diamonds are not only durable stones but also beautiful. Yes, diamonds! And you can probably guess what this means.
Celebrating 10 Years with Meaningful Gifts
For couples who didn’t go all out on engagement or wedding rings, this could be the perfect time to upgrade your jewelry—perhaps to something with diamonds, commemorating ten solid years together. If ring upgrades aren’t necessary, choosing a piece of jewelry that includes the symbolic diamond, but is also heartfelt and special, can make a great gift. Look for heart-shaped pendants, symbolic necklaces, or even bracelets that incorporate diamonds alongside another favorite stone. Speaking of stones, the appropriate tenth anniversary gem is a sapphire, which looks stunning when paired with diamonds.
Obviously, there is no need to spend a month’s salary on the gift, especially since the two of you are no longer trying to impress one another. But definitely find something tasteful and personal for your partner that shows you’ve been paying attention!
So how do you incorporate diamonds and tin or aluminum into gifts for a man? If your husband dresses up every day, consider diamond-embellished cufflinks, a watch, or even a lapel pin. If he’s not the jewelry type, try to find something that aligns with his interests. The color representing ten years together is blue or silver, and you can easily incorporate these colors into a special gift. Even if you’re buying him clothing, golf clubs, or something for his collection, try to stay within the traditional anniversary scheme. And remember, ladies, anniversaries aren’t just about you! Be sure to do something thoughtful for him—whether it’s cooking his favorite meal or gifting him blue or silver lingerie, which can certainly be a conversation starter. After ten years, spicing up the bedroom might not be a bad idea!
When it comes to flowers, gifts for your tenth anniversary should include daffodils. Daffodils are wonderful flowers. If you order a bouquet, be sure to request the largest trumpet-shaped daffodils you can find in bright, vibrant colors. Daffodils are said to represent joy, happiness, and cheerfulness.
Interestingly enough, around the ten-year mark in a marriage, many people aren’t exactly brimming with joy. In fact, marriage and divorce research shows that about 69% of the population remains married for ten years. If you have children together, your odds of reaching this milestone are even greater. Without children, only around 36% of the population stays together for ten years or more. Yet, the scary truth is that once you reach ten years, your risk of divorce skyrockets to about 61%. For some reason, the next milestone—the 15-year anniversary—seems to lower the risk of divorce to around 20%. It makes you wonder what is so turbulent in marriage between the 10 and 15-year marks.
Perhaps this is why you should use this information to share and communicate your true feelings. Sure, marriage hasn’t been everything you expected it to be. By this point, you’ve likely learned a lot about your partner and experienced both ups and downs. But the truth is, you’ve made it this far! So instead of buying all token gifts for your tenth anniversary, consider creating some meaningful gifts from the heart. Write a love letter, telling your partner just how much you love them. Create a scrapbook or a photo video, complete with music, that takes you both down memory lane over the past ten years. This can serve as a heartfelt reminder of why you got married in the first place. Browse through old photos or files and plan a gift or even a small trip to a place that holds special meaning to both of you—such as the place where you proposed, the first place you made love, or a spot where you spent a lot of time together.
No matter what, appreciate your accomplishment! This is a big day in your life. In today’s world, where marital vows are sometimes taken lightly, being married for ten years is certainly worth celebrating. Even if the marriage is shaky, or the two of you are working to get to know each other again, this anniversary can be the perfect time to renew your vows and reaffirm the promises you made to one another long ago. Happy Anniversary!
