Been married only 4 months and looking 8 months ahead as any consummate planner does I am not sure what to offer my new bride for our wedding anniversary; can not go the standard roses routine since I already did that for our wedding day.

What should I get my wife for our anniversary? A free calendar from work contained a list of anniversary gifts, listed by the length of the marriage. According to the calendar's list, the traditional gift was paper, while the more recent gift indicated was clocks. Since I am something of a traditionalist, does that mean I should get a paper clock for my wife?

But what about next year? China? Cotton? Leather? The list goes on and on. If you talk to florists they would be the first ones to tell you that nothing says "happy anniversary" like a dozen long stem roses, that no doubt, cost them pennies to your $150.

I noticed a problem with the wedding gift suggestions on my trusty calendar. Every year from one to fifteen had a theme, but there was a sudden jump to the 20 year mark. So, what on earth do you do when you've been married 19 years and don't want to be "practical" with some boring gift that says the magic in the marriage is all over?

You know a "practical gift" when you see one. Or give one. It's the kind of present that you are a little embarrassed that you bothered to wrap. And also you are probably a little embarrassed to have your wife expectantly unwrap cleaning supplies or a new shower caddy. They're not diamond rings, but they let your wife know that you're paying attention. You do know what she needs, and you saved her a trip to the store to buy it herself.

If you don't have the money or the time to do anything more elaborate, you can make "love coupons" from your sticky notes at work, each good for some token of your love. Good examples include doing the dishes and back rubs. These are romantic equivalents of the practical gift, and most women will love that you care enough about them to do something that really helps them in a tangible way.

Hopefully, this has given you a few ideas on what to give your loved one on your anniversary. There are a lot of available gift options for me, but I know I will definitely be giving my wife roses.