Steel Away

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I'm not sure why the Hallmark calendar offers "steel" as the gift of choice for anniversary number eleven. The gift sounds rather heavy to me . . . and as a guy, I can't imagine giving a woman a steel gift of any kind. Still . . .

Just in case there are couples out there who have to follow Hallmark like a religion, here are some suggestions for gifts.

For Her
How about a small steel sculpture for the home
How about some scrap steel that can used as a flower bed or garden area border?

For Him
How about a pair of little steel balls (ball bearings) . . . I've seen guys playing with these. Guess it's a ball thing.
Or . . . how about a small steel game, one of those bouncing steel ball contraptions for his desk?

Tin for Ten?

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Do my eyes deceive me . . . or does the Hallmark calendar actually tell me that the tenth wedding anniversary is devoted to tin? Tin? As in tin can? Well, okay. But if it's tin we are talking about for number ten, I don't think you can get much less expensive.

I'm not sure what type of gifts you can find made of tin, but you're likely to find some very humble arts and crafts, and probably some very affordable jewelry (for her).

Of course, if you are really determined to give a gift that's worth more than the tin itself, how about filling a tin can with twenty dollar bills? Kind of corny, but it might lead to other riches, and even save you a few dollars, too.

Potters Clay

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Couples who want to plan ahead for a ninth anniversary should be a bit relieved to learn that number nine is pottery. No here's a low-cost anniversary we can all live with.

Pottery comes in all shapes and sizes, and a person doesn't have to have a Pottery Barn nearby to take advantage of some great savings and find some amazing gift ideas.

How about actually visiting a potter in your area and purchasing a vase, a set of matching mugs, or perhaps a decorative plate? Other great pottery ideas could be a large serving bowl that you could use whenever you have guests or parties in the home, or perhaps a beautiful pottery decorative centerpiece that you could use on the table or on the mantelpiece!

You won't have to look far or long to find some great values in pottery.

Bronze

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For those preparing to celebrate an 8th anniversary, the gift is bronze. Bronze, you say? What can you find in bronze?

Turns out . . . not a whole lot. Still, there are options for couples who want to follow the Hallmark calendar.

How about a small bronze statue or plaque that you could share? How about some type of a bronze keepsake detailing your wedding date and stats.

Or, in the event that bronze just doesn't offer enough savings, how about going with something like a nice bouquet of flowers?

Copper Anniversary

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According to the Hallmark calendar for anniversaries, copper is in order for number six. Copper? What are couples supposed to do, take down their gutters?

Well, while copper is expensive, there are some lower cost alternatives for couples who want to give each other this metal. Try some of these ideas for lower cost alternatives:

For her:

Copper pendant

Copper keyring

Copper decorative button for a coat

For him:
Copper cuff links

Copper keyring

Copper ornament

Six Candy

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Couples planning a sixth anniversary can relax. Year six is candy . . . and you can't get more inexpensive than that. Instead of the traditional box of chocolates, however, how about going for something in the hard candy line (season, such as candy canes)? Or, if you really must go chocolate (and what woman wouldn't like chocolate?) then why not try some individually wrapped pieces? Or how about some unusual candies that you don't find on the every day shelf?

Whatever you opt for, just remember that's it's not the candy that counts, but often how you present it and how you package it. Be romantic. That's the ticket!

Five Golden Rings . . . No!

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So, for those looking to plan ahead for a fifth wedding anniversary (and even for newleyweds, it's important to have GOALS!), how about a something made of wood? Great ideas here could include:

For her:

A wooden keepsake or jewelry box

Wooden buttons

A wooden decorative piece

For him:

A wooden key ring

A wooden money clip

Flower Power

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Couples who want to look ahead to a fourth anniversary (and what couple wouldn't?) can begin to see flowers in their future. According to the 'old Hallmark calendar, flowers are in order for a fourth wedded year.

Now, flowers are easy. Anyone can save money or find a real bargain when it comes to flowers. How about discovering the joy of picking your own bouquet or surprising her with a spray of flowers when she comes home from work? Thoughtfulness doesn't have to cost money.

Instead of some of the higher-priced florists, why not check at the grocery store? Many have great bargains on flowers.

You can save if you look . . . and use your imagination.

Third Anniversary

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Many couples can plan ahead for their third anniversary if they consider something in leather. And no . . . I'm not talking handcuffs and straps.

For him: how about a nice wallet or a leather money-clip? Or, consider a nice leather-bound journal or notebook. Shop around--you should be able to find one for less than $20.

For her: Can't go wrong with a nice leather bill fold, a belt, or a leather bracelet. Purses can be a bit pricey, but if you do your shopping, guys, you might be able to secure a nice bargain.

I'm not sure who came up with this third anniversary leather idea . . . but it makes me want to say, "MOOO."