Items made of tin, like this ornamental vase, are traditional 10th-anniversary wedding gifts.
A couple's 10th wedding anniversary marks a milestone in an era when half of marriages end in divorce, and those broken relationships last an average of eight years, according to Dr. David Popenoe of Rutgers.
Types
The librarians of the Chicago Public Library's Information Center have compiled a list of suggested gifts for each year's anniversary, most with modern and traditional options. For the 10th anniversary, the traditional gifts are tin and aluminum, and the modern gift is diamonds.
Considerations
While tin and aluminum may seem too utilitarian for a wedding anniversary gift, don't forget that, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, metalwork was a beloved craft, producing beautiful, useful products. For example, punched tin lamp shades, frames and sconces are popular elements in Southwestern decor.
Potential
If metal crafts are not your style and diamonds are out of your budget range, be creative. A decorative tin can hold gifts inside, for instance, and since airplanes are made of aluminum, you could send the couple on a trip. In the same vein, a baseball-loving spouse might like tickets to a game -- played, of course, on a diamond. If your heart is set on gemstones, consider shopping at consignment stores, auction websites or pawn shops for bargains.
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