Wedding anniversaries are milestones that beautifully punctuate the journey of marriage, offering a special time to reflect on shared memories and reaffirm commitment. Among these significant years, the 17th wedding anniversary holds a unique place. While not as widely spotlighted as round-number anniversaries, it’s a testament to a love that has deepened and matured over nearly two decades. Choosing the perfect 17 year anniversary gift is an opportunity to show your partner how much you cherish the years you’ve spent together and look forward to the many more to come.
Finding the ideal gift for a 17th anniversary can be both exciting and a little challenging. Unlike some milestone years with very prominent themes, the 17th anniversary offers a chance to be creative and thoughtful. Let’s explore the traditional and modern themes associated with this special year, and delve into gift ideas that will truly resonate with your partner.
The Historical Significance of Anniversary Gift Themes
The tradition of giving specific gifts for wedding anniversaries dates back to the medieval era. In earlier times, significant milestones like the 25th and 50th anniversaries were marked with silver and gold, respectively. However, the formalization of anniversary gift themes for more years came later, largely thanks to the work of Emily Post in the 1920s and further expanded by the American National Retail Jeweler Association in 1937. This evolution aimed to provide guidance for gift-giving, making each anniversary, including the 17th, a unique celebration with its own symbolism.
While many associate specific materials with milestone anniversaries (like silver for 25th or gold for 50th), every year holds its own special meaning. These themes offer a framework, not a rigid rulebook, for selecting gifts that are both meaningful and appropriate for the stage of the marriage.
Unpacking the 17 Year Anniversary Themes
So, what are the traditional and modern themes for a 17th wedding anniversary? Let’s break it down:
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Traditional Theme: Furniture. The traditional gift theme for the 17th anniversary is furniture. This might seem unusual at first glance, but when you consider the symbolism, it makes perfect sense. After 17 years, a couple has built a home and a life together. Furniture represents comfort, stability, and the shared space you’ve created. Gifting furniture is a way to enhance your home, adding to the comfort and beauty of your shared environment.
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Modern Theme: Interestingly, the provided table does not list a modern theme specifically for the 17th anniversary. This presents a fantastic opportunity to lean into the traditional theme or to get creative with contemporary interpretations. In the absence of a designated modern theme, many couples might consider gifts that represent modern living or shared experiences.
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Color: Yellow. The color associated with the 17th anniversary is yellow. Yellow is a vibrant and joyful color, symbolizing happiness, optimism, and warmth – all wonderful sentiments to celebrate in a long-lasting marriage. Incorporating yellow into your gift can be a subtle yet meaningful nod to the anniversary theme.
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Gemstone: Carnelian. The gemstone for the 17th anniversary is Carnelian. This beautiful reddish-orange stone is believed to symbolize courage, vitality, and warmth. Carnelian is thought to boost motivation and creativity, representing the ongoing energy and passion within a relationship that has thrived for 17 years.
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Flower: There isn’t a specifically listed flower for the 17th anniversary in the original source. However, roses are often considered a timeless and universally appreciated anniversary flower. A bouquet of yellow roses would beautifully combine the anniversary color with a classic romantic gesture.
17 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas: Combining Tradition and Modernity
With these themes in mind, let’s explore some gift ideas for a 17th wedding anniversary:
Furniture Focused Gifts:
- Statement Furniture Piece: Consider a beautiful new piece of furniture for your home. This could be a comfortable armchair, a stylish coffee table, a elegant dining set, or even a new bed frame. Choose something that you both will enjoy and that enhances a space you share.
- Outdoor Furniture: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, new patio furniture or a cozy porch swing could be a wonderful gift. This encourages relaxation and shared moments in your outdoor space.
- Home Office Upgrade: For the partner who works from home, a new ergonomic chair or a sophisticated desk can be both practical and thoughtful, improving their daily comfort and workspace.
- Personalized Furniture: A bench engraved with your names and anniversary date or a custom-made piece of furniture adds a personal touch to the traditional theme.
Yellow Themed Gifts:
- Yellow Gold Jewelry: While gold is traditionally for the 1st and 50th, yellow gold jewelry beautifully incorporates the 17th anniversary color. Consider a yellow gold necklace, bracelet, or watch.
- Yellow Flowers: A vibrant bouquet of yellow roses, sunflowers, or tulips is a classic and cheerful gift.
- Yellow Accessories: Think of yellow scarves, handbags, wallets, or even a stylish yellow watch band.
- Experiences with Yellow Hues: Plan a getaway to a sunny destination, enjoy a sunset picnic, or visit a field of sunflowers.
Carnelian Gemstone Gifts:
- Carnelian Jewelry: Carnelian is a striking gemstone, perfect for jewelry. Consider carnelian earrings, a pendant, cufflinks, or a ring.
- Carnelian Home Décor: Carnelian stones can be incorporated into home décor items like bookends, decorative boxes, or even a small sculpture.
- Wellness Gifts with Carnelian: Some believe carnelian has energizing properties. Consider gifting carnelian-infused massage oils or wellness items.
Beyond Themes: Personalized and Experience Gifts
Remember, themes are guides, not rules. The best 17 year anniversary gift is one that resonates with your partner’s individual tastes and your shared experiences.
- Experience Gifts: After 17 years, shared experiences can be more valuable than material items. Consider a weekend getaway, tickets to a concert or show, a cooking class, or a hot air balloon ride.
- Personalized Gifts: Gifts that are personalized show extra thought and care. Engrave a piece of jewelry, create a custom photo album or scrapbook of your 17 years together, or commission a piece of art that represents your relationship.
- Gifts Based on Hobbies: Does your partner have a passion? Gifts that cater to their hobbies, whether it’s gardening, painting, reading, or collecting, are always appreciated.
Best Anniversary gift
Tips for Choosing the Perfect 17 Year Anniversary Gift
- Consider Your Partner’s Style: Think about your partner’s taste and preferences. Do they prefer practical gifts, sentimental gifts, or luxurious items?
- Reflect on Your Journey: Think about your 17 years together. What are some significant moments or shared interests you can incorporate into your gift?
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique: The 17th anniversary is a chance to be a little different. Don’t feel confined by strict themes if something else feels more “you” as a couple.
- Presentation Matters: Thoughtful wrapping and a heartfelt card can elevate any gift.
Celebrating 17 Years of Togetherness
The 17th wedding anniversary is a wonderful occasion to celebrate a love that has stood the test of time. Whether you choose to embrace the traditional furniture theme, incorporate the joyful color yellow, select a carnelian gemstone gift, or opt for something completely unique and personal, the most important aspect is the thought and love behind your gesture. As you select a gift, remember that it’s a symbol of your enduring commitment and a celebration of the beautiful journey you’ve shared for the past 17 years, with many more happy years to anticipate.
