My husband and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary this week.  March 15th, 2004 is when we tied the knot! It’s been a full 13 years (we have moved 5 times, each started new careers, supported each other during challenging times, we now have 4 kids -all under the age of 8- , we are best known for vegging out and hanging out with each other, we have lived, laughed and loved a whole bunch – we are best friends). It’s been 13 fantastic years with so many more to come!

People always ask – what are you doing for your anniversary? We usually have a nice dinner out just the two of us – it’s a great little escape from the every day.  I also get asked all the time – what are you getting him for an anniversary gift? We aren’t huge gift people when it comes to each other – I guess that’s our practical side shining through but something we have always done is to get each other something for the house (or sometimes we buy one big gift together).  It just sort of happened organically (we never discussed it) but I think it stems from the fact that we are building a life together, building a family and building a home together….

My wedding anniversary and our gifts for the home is what has inspired me to write this post. I don’t feel that anniversary gifts need to be big, elaborate and expensive.

There are ‘traditional’ anniversary gifts for each year if marriage (there is also a more ‘modern’ series of anniversary gifts).

To celebrate my 13th wedding anniversary – Here are some of my top anniversary gifts :

1st year – paper

I absolutely love this idea – His and Hers framed prints – an affordable and totally personal custom option.  Frame your vows, wedding invitation, love letter, any text you like! You can choose the font, colours etc…you get to approve and then you get this beautiful custom piece to hang in your home forever.

2nd year – cotton

So sweet! This cotton pillow has the best message plus it works with any decor because it is neutral! Perfect for a family room but personally I would put it on my bed!

3rd year – glass (modern series)

So this idea is not for every day use but it is very special and for one of my favourite times of the year, Christmas.  This glass Christmas tree ornament is another very affordable and totally custom piece.  You don’ necessarily want your home full of anniversary theme decor so this is nice to bring out once a year.

4th year – flowers / fruit

So this year seems very simple – a bouquet of fresh flowers is always nice.  A vase is also a great idea – don’t forget the flowers! But if you want to be a bit more creative but still sticking true to the theme, how about an outdoor planter? Fill it with flowers, plants or even herbs…and display at the front door – it’s a nice welcoming touch!

5th year – silverware (modern list)

Alright …I know…I’m bouncing from the traditional list to the modern list and back again…that’s OK – this list is all about finding the BEST Wedding anniversary gifts for the Home.  So silverware – well you may already have a set (likely a wedding gift) but you may find that your set is showing it’s age (especially if you use your current set everyday).  I love this Zwilling J.A Henckels set – (I love my Henckels knife block, too)

6th year – wood (modern list)

For any couple that likes to entertain or well, maybe just stay in with some great food and wine (that’s us)…I love these beautiful wood serving platters – they are just stunning on their own so you could even just have them on display…

7th year – wool

I’m a knitter so I totally appreciate handcrafted knits.  I LOVE these super huge chunky knitted blankets that are a big trend right now.  This is perfect for movie nights cuddling at home or maybe on your bed – the colour options are endless so you can find one that works with your space.

8th year – linen

Restoration Hardware is one of my favourite stores – I’m so inspired by their mix of neutrals and textures.  One of my favourites is their linen collection and I love it for the table! I love these napkins, table runners and placements – there are so many colours and you can personalize, too!

9th year – pottery

My husband and I NEED to start every morning with a cup of coffee (sometime more than 1).  Our kids even play ‘coffee shop’ and take our coffee orders from us – it’s part of the routine and we all know it!  I love these amazing Rae Dunn MR. MRS. mugs – cute, sweet, practical and I love the simple look of them!

10th year – tin

So if you are anything like me – you like that farmhouse style at home – TIN is a texture to add.  Tin gives your space that authentic farmhouse look but it also works well with an industrial style.  There are so many ways to add tin to your decor but I think my favourite tin piece is the letter ‘B’ (from Pottery Barn) that I purchased for our family room gallery wall.  ‘B’ for our last name – Blok.

11th year  – steel

One of the best gifts we have ever purchased for our home – is our stainless steel (non-stick) cookware set.  It’s a big price point but we have had ours for about 10 years – yes, we don’t necessarily follow the traditional gifts in order…more about what we need in some cases.  But we love to cook and we cook a lot so these pots and pans have been very used but they are standing up to all that use!

12th year – pearl (modern list)

What’s an anniversary celebration without champagne? I just discovered these amazing Kate Spade stemless pearl base Champagne Flutes with a touch of gold! I’m in love (and I know Maddie will want these as soon as I send this link to her! Polka-dots, gold, Kate Spade and Champagne…what’s not to love!?)

13th year – textiles (modern list)

So this is what we have purchased for this year…..a new set of super luxurious bed sheets from Boll & Branch  – so soft, organic, fair trade, non-toxic dyes – you name it- they are gorgeous! I love this colour ‘Dune’ as well but there are so many colours. Maybe we are bed snobs (lol) but we love amazing bed sheets – being busy people and busy parents we don’t get a lot of sleep so we really try to make the most of it!

I love all of these gifts so much….and I love the idea of building a beautiful life and beautiful home together!

Happy Anniversary, sweetie – I love you!