• The best anniversary gifts reflect aspects of the couple's married life.Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  Historically, anniversary gifts were symbolic and chosen according to the anniversary year. For example, exchanging paper the first year, wood on the 10th, silver on the 25th and pearls on the 30th were customary. While these standards may still serve as guidelines, today's couples exchange gifts according to individual interests and family traditions.
  
  

Ideas for Dating Couples

• Choosing a gift for a significant other can be difficult if you haven't been dating very long or if you're not sure how much to spend. Instead of stressing over what to buy, try something more personal. Get a nice frame to display a special picture of the two of you or ticket stubs from your first date. If you feel like getting creative, you can even make a scrapbook documenting your favorite times together. Other simple yet sentimental gifts could include personalized journals or a favorite childhood book and/or movie.
  
  

Activities

• Instead of purchasing gifts, the two of you could put your money toward a day or vacation that will allow you to spend quality time together. For couples on a budget, consider local activities such as wine tastings, sporting events, concerts or theater productions. If you both enjoy the outdoors, plan a hiking excursion or a picnic. Just make sure to pick something you both enjoy! If you're interested in something more extravagant, treat yourselves to a vacation. Beach and mountain getaways are popular, but you could also choose a foreign country or some other place you have always dreamed of visiting.
  
  

Romantic Gifts

• Trying to keep it romantic? Schedule a couple's massage, which is a relaxing activity to enjoy together. You can also surprise your spouse by cooking a delicious meal, accompanied by dessert and a bottle of wine. And gentlemen, don't forget that most women always appreciate new lingerie!
  
  

Popular Gifts for Her

• Traditional gifts like flowers and jewelry are favorites among women, but can be modified according to your wife's personal taste. Perhaps she prefers daisies to the always-popular roses, or maybe she likes artistic wooden jewelry more than the traditional diamond necklace. Other popular gifts for her include spa packages, party dresses, purses and bath sets.
  
  

Popular Gifts for Him

• It is a well-known fact that men are generally difficult to shop for, but there are many traditional gifts to choose from as well as modern ideas for fun-loving guys, adventure-seekers or those tech-savvy gadget lovers. If your husband appreciates traditional gifts, consider giving a nice watch, wallet or glassware set. An outdoorsy type would like a rugged backpack, mountain bike or a portable GPS unit. Some fun ideas include clever T-shirts, hot sauce sets, or collectible comics and action figures. Lastly, interesting gadgets such as smart phones, music players, and cameras are favorites and usually big hits with most men.