from Fiesta

Happy 9th anniversary! You have almost made it to the big double digits! That is impressive.

So, of course, you want to celebrate right?

In our house, we love to follow a "traditional" gift list. It makes each holiday a fun challenge, and we really think about our gifts. I believe deeply in thoughtful gifting. Too often, we rush to check a box, and we end up buying a lot of junk instead of one good thing.

This does more than keeping our house from constantly being overloaded with unnecessary junk (though that part sure is nice). It also is so much better for the environment. If you have had 9 great years together, no doubt you want many more. To enjoy our future, we have to take better care of it.

We can (and need to) do this so many ways, but one of the most important is to transform the way we shop. Our earth is being strangled by waste and plastic, and it is being warmed and moved toward disaster because we are overusing fossil fuels. Lucky for all of us, we can do something about it:

Buy Less- One great gift. Not 4 ehhh gifts. Start here and change your home and your life.

Buy Experiences- Instead of buying an object at all, consider getting an experience gift.

Buy Secondhand- Our world is overwhelmed with stuff already, so if you reuse something, you cut way down on waste.

Buy Locally- The shorter your gift travels, the less fossil fuels they use. And you help local business.

So, our approach to gifting can help save the world. How cool is that? And this is a great anniversary to do it, because tons of ceramic items can be found secondhand OR made in America. So let's find gifts worth remembering for an Earth worth saving:

I am going to start with a controversial opinion- no mugs, friend.

Mugs are not sexy or useful because you already have plenty. Hard pass. Does anyone in the world really not have enough mugs? If so, your neighborhood thrift store has so so many. The world is already filled with mugs nobody is using. If you are really dying for a mug, skip the cutesy one that will seem lame in a year or two (you know it will- well, maybe not this one), and get something simple like this. But seriously, you don't have to go out of your way in life to have plenty of mugs.

Experience Pottery Gifts

Recreate Ghost- Hit up the pottery wheel and some sexy music (throw in some Whoopi Goldberg)and see what happens. Ok, we all knew this suggestion was coming, but it could potentially be fun if you know any pottery studios nearby!

Go Pottery Painting- Perhaps a little more G-rated, but pottery painting studios have become pretty common in urban areas. We used to go on dates as college students, and it honestly was super fun. We still keep our toothbrushes in a holder we made there.

This might be the perfect gift for  partner who loves being creative but barely gets a chance. It could also be fun for parents if they wanted to do something all together. You could pick something out, decorate it as a couple, and use it for the rest of your life. Pretty cool!


Visit an Art or Arts and Craft Museum- Pottery and ceramics have a beautiful history, and no matter what museums are near you, you can probably find some pottery, ceramics, and sculpture there. I especially love Greek pottery, with bonus points for totally out there or sexual content. Those Greeks knew how to nail a story visually. Even if that isn't a big part of the collections near you, I guarantee art spaces near you will have thought-provoking pieces worth talking about with your partner.

Romantic Pottery Gifts

This is the toughest one. Ceramics are smooth and hard, so they look pretty, but they don't necessarily scream romance.

A Cake Stand or Platter- I can imagine getting a cake stand or a platter (depending on what you need) and making it a vessel for a really romantic meal or dessert that you made. I think the gesture of making paired with a special object for future celebrations might be really sweet and romantic.

A little later in this, I list a BUNCH of eco-friendly and made in America brands of dinnerware. Most of these brand also have things like platters or stands, so my first advice is to start there. You can also find tons of these things in antique and secondhand stores, so consider checking your local stores too. But there are also plenty on Etsy, so I will list a few of those.

from BlancPottery

For cake stands, I really like these modern ones from BlancPottery, but I also think an antique or vintage one in white looks really timeless. You can also check out SevaCeramics, AbigailTonksPottery, and paulova.

from BeckerArtStudio

For platters and trays, it doesn't get much better than this one from BeckerArtStudio- so pretty! I also like these ones from Prima Pottery, FringeandFettle, LaureneAshleyStudio, and Handmade from Clay.

Mood-Setting Lights- Before writing this, I wouldn't have thought about lights being romantic, but these ceramic lights from lighttexture look so sensual and smooth and pretty. Perfect for a bedroom, but these are expensive, so it would have to be a HUGE joint gift.

Sentimental Pottery Gifts

from brentsmithpottery

Cookie Jar- A cookie jar seems like a silly thing, but can you remember the cookie jar you had in your house as a kid? I can! Weirdly, it mostly had candy in it. Looking for a cookie jar you (or your kids if you have them) might remember 20+ years from now would be a pretty special gift.

And you can definitely find one that fits your style (or your sense of humor) and is eco-friendly, because there are thousands of used cookie jars in the world. Seriously, so many. There are 13,000 cookie jars on Ebay (though there are some disgustingly racist ones- some things it's ok just to smash). Cookie jars I found on a quick sweep- a space ship, a kitten, lighthouses, gumball machines, Snoopy, dinosaurs.

Etsy has tons of options too. Some have that same quirkiness (slightly less racism though not none), but you can also find more subtle jars that might fit your kitchen and hide your cookies better. My favorite jars are from brentsmithpottery. This black and white one from springfieldpottery is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen on Etsy. MurraysPotteryCove has simple pretty ones as well. I love this mid-century one from aeroandcoVINTAGE.  More hilarious gems? Obi-Wan Kanobi, a sheep, a strawberry, a batmobile, a wiener dog, lettuce, ice cream, a bull dog, and this life-changing dinosaur.

Man, I could look at these crazy cookie jars all day! But let's keep going...

from HighlandDesignCo

Dog Bowls- If you realllly love your pets, maybe get them something special for your anniversary? I like these bowls from ShouldWeGo - pretty sophisticated for a dog bowl! Even more chic- these bowls from Highland Design Co. I mean, come on, those are some classy dogs.

Salt and Pepper Shakers- I might be the only one who feels sentimental about this, because my Great Grandma collected salt and pepper shakers. But getting a sweet one that has meaning to both of you might be a fun way to find a sweet AND useful gift. I love these pineapple shakers from HellaGoodFinds.

If that isn't your thing, you could try a similar gift with olive oil and vinegar bottles like these ones from 3PointsArtwork. A cool gift depending on your family's diet!

Pottery Gifts for Home

from Bauer Pottery

Plates- Alright, we already know that this is where the whole theme is going. Maybe you didn't get plates for your wedding and are still using hand me downs. Maybe the plates you got weren't built to outlast the craziness of children, pets, clutzy fingers, etc. If your plates still have life, DO NOT throw them away! Either keep using them or gift them to someone. If you have plates, buy  nice platter or teapot. But always start with what you need.

I have already written a LOT about plates here, but here is a list of my favorite American-made brands.
- Bauer Pottery
- Bennington Potters
- Emerson Creek Pottery Go Green
- Fiesta (and on Amazon)
- Heath Ceramics
- J Clay Pottery

from KateButtCeramics

Cereal/ Soup Bowls- We use these bowls every day, and the ones we bought at Ikea when we moved in together (a decade ago) look ROUGH. I mean, just not good. If your cereal bowls are looking equally chipped and scratched, consider these as a nice gift. Most of the brands listed above have something cereal bowlish. I think these ones from Kate Butt Ceramics are really beautiful (and they are dishwasher safe). I also feel happy inside when I see the swirls at the bottom of the ManjarCeramics bowls. Maybe with the promise to make a nice noodle soup in them?

from STAKCERAMICS

A Phone Charging Station- I usually recommend reclaimed wood stations, but I also absolutely love these ceramic stations from STAKCERAMICS. They are pretty, minimal, and would look really good in a kitchen or on a nightstand. I like the ones that hold kitchen utensils, perfect if you use your phone or tablet for recipes.

from waldmade

Planters- I just thought you should see these modern and clean planters from waldmade. These feel really special to me, and living with this that grow is great for mental health and so many other things. Grow something in one of these.

Practical Pottery Gifts

from Sawyer Ceramics

Butter Keeper, Creamer, Gravy Boat - You may have all the kitchen accessories you need, or there might be ones that help you don't have yet. Getting something that you can relate to this anniversary but also does a specific job is a perfect combo. For our wedding, my aunt gave us a gravy boat we use as a syrup pitcher. The gift comes out often (we eat a lot of pancakes) but still feels special. I think any of these things could have that feeling.

Plus, it can be bonus points if it helps you from some plastic packaging (for example, a beautiful butter keeper like this one from Sawyer Ceramics could keep you from buying the little plastic tubs of spread butter). If you want something to pour creamer, could you find anything cooler than this one from FromDonnasHands. Need a juicer? Check out these ceramic beauties from Fringe and Fettle.

from tanyajulianceramics

Sponge Holder- I know, the romance is overwhelming, but what about getting a beautiful sponge holder like this one from taniajulianceramics or this one from Sawyer Ceramics? And then you could pair it with unsponges from MarleysMonsters? Again, not super romantic, so know your audience, but it's an object out on your countertops, so why not get a pretty one? You can find more good-lookin sponge homes at andersenpottery, LightaFire, and DowdHouseStudios.

from BellaTerraCeramics

Soap Tray- Loyal followers know that I am a deep believer in bar soap. I think a soap tray and some beautiful bars of soap would be a lovely gift. You can almost always find soap trays at secondhand stores for nearly nothing. If you can't, check out BellaTerraCeramics, TheBubbleBakerySoaps, MeganLouiseCeramics,

Berry Bowl- If you grow or buy a lot of berries, one of these berry bowls could get a lot of use and make rinsing your produce easier. Not for everyone, but probably for someone. I do love this one from KateButtCeramics. For more options, check out potteryandtile, FringeandFettle, and claylicious.

Pottery Jewelry Gifts

from MapleandMauve

Maple and Mauve makes ceramic and cement earrings and necklaces. These are damn cool (and based in Seattle!)

from PorcelainandStone

from susangordonpottery

from MarissaGrana

from StonebrooksJewelry

from StoneWaresByCassie

from ChikoCraft

Happy anniversary! Be sure to check the anniversaries page for more gift ideas!

from swanky interiors... yes, that is the name

Happy Anniversary! Every anniversary, we use this traditional list to pick our gifts and themes. It can be a fun challenge and it gives every holiday its own personality.

It has also become a fun challenge for me to show that every kind of gift has eco-friendly options. We tend to not even think about the environment, because it seems like there is no good option.

But there is always a good option.

 I don't care how kooky it is or how out there the request might be, you can find a gift that is amazing, memorable, and great for the environment. Here's how:

- Buy Less. Buy one great gift. Not a couple meh gifts. This is the BEST step to take.

- Buy Experiences. You are eight years into a marriage, so you know how important it is to keep making new memories and having new experiences. Plus, it cuts down on so much waste and clutter!

- Buy Secondhand, Recycled, or Reclaimed. Give something a second life instead of buying another thing to land in a landfill. Antique and secondhand stores are filled with memorable, meaningful options. Start there.

- Buy Local. Our stuff should travel less than we do. The shorter our stuff travels, the less fossil fuels and packaging it wastes. For us, that means from the US, but shop what is close to you.

So what is the theme this time? Bronze.

Alright, to be totally honest with you, this one kicked my butt. I mean, bronze is really hard! What the heck is made out of bronze? So the highlights of these are actually experience gifts and jewelry. I know you think I am way too hardcore about experience gifts, but seriously, these are all fun. You can nail it. Basically everything else is fair to middlin.

Bronze Experience Gifts

Go Somewhere to get a Tan. If you have lots of money to spare, you could go on a trip to the beach (8 years does seem like a great time for a reinvigorating getaway). But it certainly doesn't have to be that big if that isn't in the cards. Where are beaches nearby? Or a sunny spot near a river? Or set up a hammock and a kiddie pool in the backyard (would be super memorable)! It doesn't have to be fancy, just give it some thought and clear a space to just chill together. Plan a picnic and just a day to lay around in the sun.

from TheHeirloomTomatoes

Stage Your Own Olympics (or GO to a future Olympics site?). Are you a sporty couple? Plan your own Olympics celebration. The trick would be that if it is just the two of you, technically no one would ever receive the bronze medal. You would have to work that out. But with creativity and a sense of humor, you could make your own Olympic events and really have a hilarious and fun day.

Need some cool awards for your award ceremony? It doesn't get any better than The Heirloom Tomatoes adulting ribbons.

If you have LOTS of money, care a bunch about sports, and are ready to do something HUGE! Look up future Olympic sites (or maybe you already know them), make a reservation at a hotel, and start saving. Come on, that would be soooo cool! Lots of people have to have this on their bucket list, so now is as good a time as ever to take the leap and see some Olympic-level curling close up.



Medieval Times. Goblets! Swords! Is it cheesy? Oh yes. Is it awesome? YES. My only complaint is that their plates were made in China (yes! I always look. I am genuinely obsessed!) I am thinking bronze, swords, and lots of cheesy fun if you have one nearby.

from wikiwand

A Trip to a Museum. When I think bronze, the first thing I think of is Chinese sculpture and vessels. Then, I probably think of Rodin. Bronze has stood as a key medium in art over centuries and continents. Go to an art museum, and you are sure to see some. Even better, go to an Asian Art Museum, because you haven't lived until you have gotten an eyeful of ancient Chinese ding. Seriously though, this stuff is cool.

Also fun? Check out an outdoor sculpture garden. Most outdoor metal sculptures are

Bronze Romantic Gifts

from YennyCocq

(Meaningful) Bronze Sculptures and Decor- In general, I wouldn't suggest something like this, because who actually needs a sculpture in their house? On the other hand, you can find bronze sculptures in every antique store and I even found some cool (and potentially useful) options on Ebay. I love this menorah, which looks really special. But you can find anything. No seriously, anything. ANYTHING.

If you are looking for something personalized and modern, check out YennyCocq from New Mexico.

Make-up- Blech, not sure about this (and is it romantic to tell someone to cover that face up? Really not sure), but for the right person a trip to a fancy makeup counter might be great? I have done some research on Made in America make up, but it's honestly not my strong suit and LOTS of people out there can tell you about made in America, vegan bronzer made with no nonsense. It could be done, but again, know your audience.

Bronze Sentimental Gifts

from theCopperPoppy

A Tie Bar- This tie bar from theCopperPoppy is so sweet. I love the 8 ticks to designate the anniversary, so if you have a spouse who wears ties, this could be the perfect gift.

A Fire Pit- The Boy is obsessed with the idea of having an outdoor living space with a fire pit at our house. Now, why we would want a table of fire at our toddler's reach is kind of beyond me, but if your household is in a different moment, a fire pit for the backyard cool be a cool addition.

Ohio Flame firepits are all made in America and come with a lifetime warranty. There isn't much fuss here (just really clean modern designs), but they look honestly better than lots of the ones out there. Bellacor offers some made in America options that look more like small tables.

Home Bronze Gifts

Cabinet Pulls. Bronze (or the look of bronze) tends to be used for those little metal details that can really take a room from standard to something you feel reflects you better. Obviously, you have to find a style that works for you, but there are companies like Artisan Hardware that make their pulls and knobs in the US. Such an easy one to buy local.

from Schoolhouse Electric

Lighting- You can still find quite a few chandelier and other lighting that is made with bronze. Maybe it is time to finally replace that dated lamp you both hate (or is broken) with something you both love. If you aren't big on surprises, you could pool your money together for one really fun gift. I personally love the lamps from Schoolhouse Electric. Most are made in the US and their look is clean and modern without being so trendy that it will look ridiculous 10 years from now. I really like this rustic modern barn lighting, also made in America. If you want something with more pizazz, you can try SalsaLighting.

Practical Bronze Gifts

from mtreaz.com

Doors or Windows. Bronze doesn't see a ton of practical use anymore (replaced by iron way, way back), but it is still used architecturally in doors and windows. So this might be an opportunity to replace something that is broken and knock something off your to do list? One door or one window can still be way expensive, but it might be the perfect opportunity to replace the clunker finally.

 You could also finally go for that barn door you have been dreaming of- you can find the hardware for it in a bronze finish made in America.

Bathroom Fixtures and Switchplates- Again, a small change that seems to have minimal effect, but actually tying these details together with something you love could really transform your space if you do own your house. Super practical, and may seem boring, but it could also surprise you. Here are some Made in America switchplates with that bronze finish.

Bronze Jewelry Gifts

from PeggySkempJewelry

from UpwardDesigns

from mandalynndesigns

from true2u

from brelokz

from PJsPrettys

from SkyPhaebl

from wingedlion

Oh boy, made it through! What are you going to do for your eighth anniversary?



Happy Anniversary Lovebirds!If you want more wedding and anniversary ideas, check out the Green Wedding and Anniversary page. If you just want more gift and shopping inspiration, check out the Giant List of Shopping Lists page. 

Happy Fourth Anniversary! 

I love a theme, and the marriage anniversary gift guidelines are both hilariously arbitrary and super fun to take on as a challenge. Every year so far, we have done decorating, food, and our gifts to another level by just following the weirdly wonderful list of suggestions.

For the first year, we made paper decorations like the ones at our wedding (we have enough tissue paper to last a lifetime). For gifts, we exchanged a paper clock and scratch off maps.
For the second year, we rocked it with a cotton sheet tent in our room, where we camped out, watched Top Chef, and did not exchange cotton robes.
For the third year, we ate steak. Well, he ate steak. I covered our house in cows and compromised my cow-loving morals. We exchanged leather photo albums and luggage tags.

It may seem like a silly tradition, but I firmly believe that the key to appreciating life (and having a happy one), is making a big deal about the good things. You can't do anything to stop bad things from happening, but giving the good equal weight, attention, time, and creativity balances things out s bit. The Boy is probably my single favorite life decision, so I am going to make a big deal out of our anniversary week.

That said, we try to celebrate with the environment in mind. If you enjoy the present at the expense of your future, that doesn't make much sense. So we try to avoid waste at all costs.

I don't give a ton of gifts. Just one or two GREAT gifts.
I don't necessarily get him a Brand New Thing. I look for used things or even an experience instead of an object.
I don't get gifts that have traveled long distances. I try to make them as local as possible.

This year's theme? Fruit and Flowers. 

After last year's leather-clad meatfest, this year's theme seems pretty tame. You can also tell that motivation to rock the theme is waning, because both Pinterest and Etsy don't have many suggestions. Pinterest has roses made of bacon and some fruit puns.

 Etsy is mostly selling various roses out of every material you can think of. Also, a t-shirt that says "She still puts up with me after 4 years"- really? This needs to be said after 4 years- how awful are you? Four years seems very early to be bragging (maybe that's why no one goes all out for this anniversary- not fresh enough to be fun, not established enough to feel like an accomplishment?).

So, I would never advocate for people to buy something that useless. This anniversary feels like a totally wasted creative opportunity out there- sure, sweet and floral sounds feminine, but this really feels like an anniversary about planting things that grow. Establishing those roots as you move outward. Pretty cool when you think about it.

 Let's do this.

Experience Fruit and Flower Gifts

A Cooking Class. Yes, this anniversary screams a cooking class, right? Know your audience, because this could go the way of a passive aggressive hint. You have to do it together. No sending someone because you aren't feeling their cooking. But couple's cooking classes sound so fun, you get to learn new skills together, and it might set this year up to be one of amazing food and crazy experiments.

Gardening Workshops. We have been working on our garden for two years, but we still really have no idea what we are doing. Maybe you are in a similar boat, and it would be fun. There is so much to learn about this, and really anything you do as a team should be pretty fun.



A Trip to a Nearby Garden, Arboretum, or Greenhouse. Maybe you aren't a big grower yourself, but you like the look of things that are growing. What gardens and outdoors spaces are nearby? Have you ever gone to check them out? You could have a fun day exploring together, or if you really want to take it to another level, you could go camping. I know in our city we have an arboretum, a sculpture garden, and at least two big flower festivals nearby. Check! You might be surprised.

Romantic Fruit and Flower Gifts

A Year of Memorable Dinners. Sure, you could take them out to dinner somewhere cool for the day. You could also look at your list of restaurants you have wanted to try.

Pick one for every (or every other maybe?) month from now until your next anniversary, and split your gift money to help pay for it.

It works like a commitment to step up your dates and keep trying new things (which is obviously essential to not sucking at marriage). It may not seem like much on the anniversary itself, but by next year, you will have 12 pictures of 12 great dates.

 Make your Own Chocolate-Covered Fruit. People love chocolate-covered strawberries (have you tried pineapple? Even better), it could be a fun thoughtful gift to make them for a significant other. If nothing else, it could be a fun activity to try together!

Sentimental Fruit and Flower Gifts

Somewhere to sit in the Garden. We bought a bench as our big gift for this anniversary- it may sound a little lame, but I am psyched about it. We got a bench from Polywood, so it is made of recycled plastic in the United States. They have gliders too! I love this company even more now- the bench was pretty easy to put together (The Bubba was just so helpful) and it looks even better in person than online.

Don't want something plastic? Why not try to find a bench at a consignment store? You can always repaint something wood or metal to make it your own. I also found made in America metal and wood options on Amazon, but I would recommend checking local stores because someone nearby might be making them.I also bought a cute little plaque on Etsy to commemorate what we bought it for (so it is a practical and sentimental gift). It's a place to stop in our garden, and here is a picture of The Boy taking a break to stare lovingly at it.

from PaperandPlantables

Saving the Bees for your Honey. Ok, I will own this one is out there, but I bet you have heard that bees are in pretty dire straights right now, so if you love a nurturing personality (who isn't deathly afraid of bees), maybe a bee-loving gift would be perfect! My first idea? Wildflowers. Wildflowers help these pollinators and they can be used instead of pesticides to keep some bugs off of plants. You could buy a bouquet of seeds instead of a bouquet of flowers.

What about a box of seed bombs? If you live in a rural area you could just stop when you see a field in need of some new flowers. You can find tons of these for sale on Etsy, so pick a store near you, because those flowers will probably do better in your climate.

Honeybees are also one of the gifts from Heifer International if you want to encourage bee populations elsewhere!

Art prints. Both fruit and flowers are the subject of lots of cool prints and paintings, so you could also buy something to help decorate your kitchen.

from Jessica Haas Designs

My favorite of all of these are seasonal food calendars- we bought one of these ones from Jessica Haas Designs for our house, and it can really help you keep track of what is good when at a local level (I just wish we had a cheat sheet for which fish are pictured- Jessica, I am not a psychic). I have lusted over this garden chart from Little Low literally for years, but we don't have room in our kitchen, so it just sits in my Etsy cart. For years. No joke. Someone get it- it's so pretty. They have all sorts of beautiful prints, so check out this store. Also try- Lucile's Kitchen, Cactus Club, lh print shop, Season's Gleanings, and Lou Paper.

This map from artist Wendy Gold turns the whole world into bouquets of flowers. This is so pretty, and it reminds me of Napoleon's wife who had a huge collection of gorgeous botanical drawings. May be the perfect piece for a mudroom or office.

If you want to gift something really different, these stained glass panels are both geometric and organic. I love that they are made in Kentucky, and it could look perfect in your window.

Fruit and Flower Gifts for Home

Something that Grows.  I can see the instinct to go for the bouquet of flowers or edible arrangement when fruit and flowers are the theme, but consider something that will still be growing for future anniversaries as well. Because no one needs another vase, but we could all use more fresh air. We may not think of flowers and fruit as gifts that persist, but a lilac bush could fill your yard with the best smell ever for years. You have to keep taking care of a raspberry bush or an herb garden (if you don't have much space, you may still have room to grow), but isn't that more like marriage? It always takes a little upkeep, but you get a lot more from it than you would a bouquet long forgotten by your 5th anniversary.

What grows well in your neighborhood? Go to a local nursery and get some advice. You may be eating berries out of your own yard in no time. Don't have a yard? No problem- maybe it is time to start that herb garden together or grow tomatoes on your porch. Or! You could buy a plot at a local public patch.

My best gift idea for this anniversary is to plant or grow something that matters to you and your partner. You could even do it together as the celebration!

from West Wind Home Garden

A Good Garden Gnome. Decorative Stones, Garden Gnome, or even one of those magic balls would be so cool and funny. Really what says romance more than a garden gnome? If you have an outdoor space, this is just a way to make it feel that much more homey. PhenomeGnome has quite the selection of classy guys waiting to grace your garden. These balls from Uncommon Goods have really unique designs and I think they light up at night from solar power as well. Made in Canada from recycled glass, so that might be a perfect.