Do I need to give a gift for our first wedding anniversary?

Question

My husband wants to exchange gifts for our first wedding anniversary tomorrow. I don't think it's necessary to give a gift, but only to celebrate with a dinner at a upscale restaurant (which is a gift from my inlaws). The other thing is that my husband is practically laid off, so we don't have extra money to spend on things we don't need. Help!

One other thing.....although we have been married for one year tomorrow, we have been together for 5 1/2 years and have a 3 year old and 4 month old twins.....so no celebrating at home, lol! And, more reason we need money...DIAPERS!!!

Answer 1

You need to explain to your husband that right now is not the time to be giving gifts. You obviously can not afford them at this time. Tell him when time 's are better you can celebrate again. Tell him the best gift you could have already given to each other are the marriage, the children and the love. Congrats to you and hopefully your husband can see right now the financial burdens are more important then silly gifts. If he stuck on it, then tell him to set a 5.00 limit. I know its not much but hey think of all the thought at could go into finding the perfect 5.00 gift..

Answer 2

Strictly speaking, you do not -need- to. It's something that is nice, but you know your own finances best. If you feel the money isn't there, then don't sweat it.

Make sure to sit with your husband and explain that the gesture is nice, but that you don't feel that the finances are right for giving at the time. Keep in mind, the first year "gift" is the gift of paper- a card suits that, just fine.

Take the time to write out a message in the card to your husband. It's far more personal then something bought off a shelf.

Answer 3

You don't need to share gifts. How about a theme setting at home. Pillows and blanket on the floor, near fireplace if you have one. Gifts are an added plus but only if you have the money. I think the gift from the inlaws is plenty until money is in a better situation.

Answer 4

Why not reach a compromise, he wants to give you something for your first wedding anniversary, it is something he may need to do. So, give him a list of inexpensive luxury items for you to choose from and you do same for him.
I can remember just wanting a nice smelling shampoo for my hair when in same situation as you and that would have made my day. You could give him the conditioner, not all gifts have to be expensive.
Check out what the 'first wedding anniversary gift' is. I think it used to be paper. A nice family photo? A copy of a wedding photo you both like? You both place monetary value on what you are going to spend so budget does not blow out.
Don't lose the magic of your wedding day on your anniversary, just make how you celebrate it fit in with your circumstances.
Happy Wedding Anniversary to you both.

Answer 5

Clearly your husband already has (or has HAD) a gift for you. Typically men do NOT want to shop for gifts. Even for the women they love.
I have yet to meet the married man that really, really wants to celebrate their wedding.
Usually its the woman who wants to be acknowledged.

Nevertheless, maybe he's trying to impress you with his caring since he's currently "in between jobs". I'd give the guy a break and let him give you whatever he wants to give you.

I'm sure he'd be happy with a big fat sloppy one.
Its always the perfect last minute gift idea for today's busy woman.

Answer 6

If it's important to him, then it should be important to you if you want a long and happy marriage. The traditional 1st year gift is paper. Anything made of paper, from a newspaper or magazine subscription or stationary etc... Doesn't need to be expensive (it's the thought that counts).

Answer 7

You should decide between yourselves.

Answer 8

i agree with u.