It’s that time of the year again, (each year I’m trying to get it earlier for all those 2017 newlyweds out there 😘), the time to decide whether you’re going to go traditional, modern, or none of the above for your wedding anniversary gift, and of course sharing a gift guide for both! The traditional gift for year six is candy or iron and the modern gift is wood… which if you’re following along was the traditional five year anniversary gift.

“The youthful appeal of candy is a hint at the sweetness of your days of dating and a reminder to continue carrying that into your marriage.”

“While iron, with all of its strength, attests to the rock-solid marriage that you have built.” 

– BRIDES

Traditional: Candy

I don’t think you should put all your eggs in the traditional candy basket… why? Because this is a gift that will be consumed… and would be a nice compliment to your traditional iron gift, here are some more affordable candy options to add to your iron gifts.

Local Candy Shop: We have a lot of delicious local chocolatiers in the Cleveland area, so for us finding a candy option while supporting local won’t be hard! Most places offer shipping if they’re a little out of your area. Even if you’re not local but want to check out our spot, Sweet Designs Chocolatier provides shipping! Another idea is finding a local candy shop that you’ve vacationed to before and getting that shipped as a fun reminder from a trip while still doing something personal.

Another really unique chocolate place that provides shipping is Compartés in Los Angeles, which was also featured on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for any of my housewives/bravo lovers out there. Their chocolate looks incredible and is definitely unique and sure to make a statement!

Custom Candies: Although I love and try to support small business, you can always go the big corp route and get custom M&Ms, they have a lot of really fun and semi-affordable options in their anniversary section. I love the champagne bottle filled with custom M&Ms, I don’t think I would want to open it though and just keep as decor!

Traditional: Iron

If you are a reader of my anniversary gift guides, you know I love going to Etsy for unique gifts, while also supporting small businesses. When sourcing traditional iron gifts, it seemed to get pretty repetitive quick with a narrow selection, so here are my top favorite ideas.

Engraved Horseshoe: This small business, Lucky American Designs, located in Florida has a lot of great customizable iron gift options, but I love the horseshoe specifically for the sixth anniversary the most, especially for the $30 price point, you can’t beat that. I also realize horseshoes are probably not everyone’s taste… I have always had a horseshoe in my window (for no specific reason), but they’re supposed to be U shape up in order to bring good luck in. They also have copper and bronze options for other anniversary milestones!

Golf Club Irons: If your spouse is a golfer like mine, something iron related with golf clubs is a fun options, but can add up quick if you’re actually buying new irons. BUT, there are some other fun spins on this like an iron head bottle opener, a clock made out of iron heads, or even a coat/hat hook made with irons!

Iron Working Class: Another idea that is interactive and an experience (which B and I love to do instead of physical gifts from time to time) is finding an iron working class nearby, this also supports a local small business! We were able to find a few in our area, but they aren’t booking out into the fall yet, so I’ll be keeping an eye out. If you find one that isn’t too far, you could make more of a day date out of it too!

Cast Iron Skillet: Another fun and useful gift is getting a cast iron skillet to commemorate your 6th wedding anniversary! These can be a bit expensive, especially for a good one, but are so awesome to cook with and only get better as you continue to season and cook with them. I’ve sourced two brands that are both made in the USA: Lancaster Cast Iron and Stargazer.

If you’re looking to do something different, custom, or an experience — here is your friendly reminder to plan ahead!! Custom orders take a little extra time, so depending on when your anniversary is plan for at least a month if not more to get those ordered. Our anniversary is in November, just when holiday shopping hits, so planning ahead helps on the wallet and avoiding delays.

Cheers to Six Wedded Years & Happy Shopping! 🥂

Celebrating a different anniversary milestone? Read Bee Life Blog’s Two Year Gift Guide, Three Year Gift Guide, Fourth Year Gift Guide & Fifth Year Gift Guide.