Reaching the 9th wedding anniversary is an exciting milestone for any married couple. By this point, you’ve likely settled into a comfortable rhythm together and have many fond memories from the last 8+ years. As you approach this anniversary, you may be wondering – what is the traditional 9th anniversary gift? What are some good 9th anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the occasion?
The Significance of the 9th Anniversary
The 9th anniversary is known as the pottery or willow anniversary. Pottery represents how your relationship has been molded, shaped, and transformed after going through the fires of life together these past 9 years. Willow represents flexibility and strength – which are necessary to make it this far in marriage!
Overall, the gifts associated with the 9th anniversary signify the durability and flexibility of your relationship after nearly a decade together. Traditional materials like pottery and willow are strong yet malleable. This represents how you two have weathered ups and downs while still maintaining a loving, lasting bond.
Traditional 9th Anniversary Gifts
Pottery
Pottery is the traditional material gift associated with the 9th wedding anniversary. Pottery comes in endless shapes, sizes, colors and functions – giving you many unique gift ideas to choose from. Consider giving your spouse a personalized pottery piece with a romantic inscription celebrating your 9 years together.
Some 9th anniversary pottery gift ideas include:
- Custom mugs or plates with wedding photos
- Personalized flower pots
- Decorative pottery bowls or vases
- Sentimental clay handprint keepsakes
- Pottery cake stand to display your anniversary dessert
Pottery is a wonderful representation of how your once molten love has cooled and hardened into an unbreakable bond that holds you two together.
Willow
In addition to pottery, willow-themed gifts are also traditional for 9th wedding anniversary celebrations. Willow branches are flexible and sturdy, symbolizing the resilience of your 9-year marriage.
Here are some willow-inspired 9th anniversary presents to consider:
- Willow tree figurine or bonsai tree
- Picture frame or small chest made from willow wood
- Willow branch wreath or dreamcatcher
- Vase filled with willow branches and flowers
- Sentimental “love birds” carved from willow wood
Willow represents flexibility and endurance – perfect values for a thriving long-term relationship. Exchange willow gifts this anniversary to celebrate lasting as a couple through ups and downs.
Modern 9th Anniversary Gifts
In addition to the traditional themes, many modern couples also exchange modern 9th anniversary gifts. Popular modern materials for 9th wedding anniversary include:
Leather
Leather goods last a long time – representing the durability of your 9-year marriage. Personalized leather gifts make meaningful mementos, such as:
- Monogrammed leather jacket or handbag
- Sentimental leather journal engraved with wedding date
- Leather luggage tags initialed with your married names
- Leather wallet with anniversary photo inside
Linen
Linen and lace convey a light, airy feel – perfect for celebrating nearly a decade together. Sweet linen gifts could include:
- Monogrammed linen tablecloth
- Lace trimmed linen robe or sleep set
- Linen handkerchief with special message
- Framed wedding photo printed on linen paper
Copper
Copper is a strong, durable metal representing 9 years of marriage. It’s also very malleable, exemplifying the flexibility needed for a lasting relationship. Copper anniversary presents can include:
- Copper jewelry with endearing engraving
- Set of copper Moscow Mule mugs
- Copper cookware or serving trays
- Home accent pieces made from copper
Unique 9th Anniversary Gift Ideas
Beyond the traditional and modern gifts, feel free to think outside the (willow) box! Choose a present with special meaning to you as a couple. Or, pick a gift representing your specific wedding theme – roses, beaches, sunsets etc.
Here are some unique 9th anniversary ideas to spark your creativity:
- Custom art piece depicting your love story
- Engraved compass or map of where you honeymooned
- Personalized coupon book for back rubs, date nights, etc.
- Nostalgic slideshow or scrapbook of your relationship
- Romantic hot air balloon ride
- Ticket memorabilia from first movie, concert, vacation etc as a couple
The sky’s the limit when it comes to crafting a custom 9th anniversary gift your spouse will cherish. Focus on their favorite things, inside jokes or sweet memories from your 9 years together.
9th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her
Still unsure what to get your wife for your pottery or willow anniversary? Here are some 9th anniversary gift ideas sure to delight her:
- Heart pendant with childrens’ birthstones
- Charm bracelet marking special memories
- Lingerie with a romantic note about your wedding night
- Luxury robe and slippers
- Indulgent spa package
- Vacation to the spot you honeymooned
- Ceramic plate with wedding menu and photos
She’ll feel so special unwrapping these presents celebrating your lives together!
9th Anniversary Gifts for Him
Stuck on ideas for your husband’s 9th anniversary gift? Consider these customizable, masculine gift ideas:
- Engraved pocket watch
- Sports tickets from your first game dated as a married couple
- Oak keepsake or jewelry box
- Leather dopp kit toiletries bag
- Copper Moscow Mule mugs
- Willow tree with an engraved love poem
- Pottery beer steins
With a thoughtful gift like these, he’ll feel your love and appreciation for making it through 9 years as a married couple!
How to Celebrate Your 9th Wedding Anniversary
Exchanging meaningful gifts is central to honoring your 9th anniversary. However, the date calls for so much more than just presents! Here are some ideas to make the most of celebrating 9 years together with your spouse:
- Display old wedding photos and reminisce over your ceremony, reception and honeymoon
- Recreate your first date night or visit restaurants from early in your relationship
- Get dressed up and enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner out
- Toast with champagne engraved with your anniversary date
- Compile a sentimental scrapbook, photo album or slideshow of your past 9 years together
- Have a cozy night in exchanging massages and watching your wedding video
- Tell your love story to your kids so they understand how meaningful reaching 9 years is
The most important part is cherishing the unwavering love and commitment that’s kept your marriage thriving. Cheers to 9 years down, and many more anniversaries to come!
