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A happy couple has made it to the 10th wedding anniversary; what sort of gift is appropriate? Well, for the tenth anniversary, it is traditionally tin or aluminum. There are several ways to approach this unique metal when giving a gift to a loved one. Read through the list below and get a sampling of unique gifts, both purchased and custom made to get an idea of the direction to take. Many items can be purchased on the Internet, but are also available locally at hobby shops, garden centers, and gourmet cooking outlets.
Aluminum Tumblers Set
Available from Betty's Attic on the Internet for $26.00 for set of six. These 16-ounce tumblers come in assorted color sets or matched groups, and have a high polish. Sturdy, reliable, made for long wear-they have been produced for today's kitchens, and can be very helpful for couples with children.
Doe the special couple cook? Or is it for a mate that cooks? How about a rolling pin with adjustable handles that match the dough height? For $34.95 from Chefgadget, and major gourmet baking stores, this item may just do the trick. The pin itself is made of coated aluminum and the handles are plastic. Adjustable from 0 to 8 mm dough thickness, this pin will meet many baking needs. The actual barrel of the pin is 10 inches wide and the entire pin from handle to handle is 19 inches. Online orders are processed within 48 hours.
Two Entities Aluminum Couple
Maybe artwork is more in line as a gift for the happy couple or spouse. Rotem Online produces this elegant aluminum faceless couple, embracing each other while standing. The figures are 6.5 inches tall, 2.75 inches wide, designed by Studio Dimyon. Weighs 13 oz. Cost is $58.00, with free shipping and free gift-wrap, takes 1-2 day to ship.
Sentimental Phrase Heart Plaque
Want to create a custom gift for that special someone on his or her anniversary? Here is a craft the gift giver can make themselves with only a little imagination and a few tools. Make the heart about 5 inches wide and 4 inches tall and etch in a sentimental phrase or the date of their marriage, etc. Purchase a 6x6 inch aluminum sheet at a hobby shop or art supply store. Using a Sharpie pen, draw the heart. Cut out the heart with a coping saw, and cover the heart with duct tape so it won't get scratched during the filing process. Then smooth the heart edges with a small round rasp file or fine grit sand paper. Take an engraving tool or metal alphabet punch kit, available for less than $20.00 at hobby shops, and etch in the sentiment. Using a small metal drill bit, drill two small holes at the top, one on each heart hump. Thread holes with aluminum wire to hang on wall or from a small stand. Purchase the stand from a craft shop or create one from a white coat hanger using pliers to bend into shape. Phrases might include: Live, Love, Laugh or Still Crazy About Each Other, etc.
Mexican Tin Stretching Cat
Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? How about something handcrafted in Guadalajara, Mexico? This cat has brass whiskers and a curly tail and sells for $68. Cat body is 12 inches long and is 6 inches tall. Order from Wonders of the World online. Will ship within 24 hours, and gift wrapping is an additional $4.95.
Sun & Moon Aluminum Sundial
Maybe the person celebrating the anniversary is more the outdoor type. Order a garden sundial from Outdoor Décor online company. This unique item arrives with mounting hardware to mount to wooden or metal base, post, or can be laid on any level surface, even the ground. Colored in weathered bronze, there are both sun and moon engravings on this clever device that actually works. Weight is five pounds, with a 15-1/4 inch height, and a diameter of 8-3/4 inches. Made by Whitehall Products Ltd. $58.70. Ships within 3 days.
Another idea is to go to a garden center and look at the lovely tin house plaques and yard signs available in many designs. If the intended recipient is a gardener, there are tin signs available that state different vegetables being grown. Some centers will personalize a plaque to read "Mary's Garden", etc. These come with stakes and are relatively inexpensive.
Just because the tenth anniversary is tin and aluminum, it doesn't mean the gift has to be a canned good, beer, or a box of Reynolds Wrap. Take the time to think about the personality of the person receiving the gift, and then present them with something they will remember forever. If all else fails, or time is strictly limited, flowers and a pretty, do-it-yourself on PowerPoint, "it's coming" coupon for the item could possibly save the day.
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