Leather is the traditional gift for a couple's third anniversary. Gifts for the third anniversary are far more substantial than those for your first anniversary, which has couples giving each other paper, or your second, which requires cotton presents. Still, gifts are just gifts unless you put some thought into them. Here are some suggestions for third anniversary gifts in leather -
1. Purses, bags, briefcases
Fashionable and business-oriented spouses will appreciate a purse, bag, or briefcase in leather. Brown or black leather will make the accessory a classic that will last throughout the many other anniversaries you will celebrate. Even though this is a practical gift, you can make it special by choosing a unique design or placing something sentimental, such as a love letter or memorable photo of the two of you, inside the gift.
2. Luggage
Luggage - whether one piece or an entire set - always seems to come in handy, especially if your spouse has to travel often for business or the two of you enjoy traveling for pleasure. If you can afford tickets for a romantic getaway to along with this gift, all the better. If not, you can choose a destination you'd like to visit together and agree to start saving up for the trip to match your luggage. Leather luggage tags are a great present if you already have luggage.
3. Wallets, card holders
Trying to save money and stay organized are two priorities for newlyweds. But to do that you’ll have to keep that money your saving contained. A beautiful leather wallet or card holder can keep you – and your purse or briefcase – in check. Be sure to include at least a dollar in this gift; superstition has it that getting a wallet with money in it will assure that you’ll never be without.
4. Key rings
Leather key rings are a classic gift for anyone who loves their car or needs to keep a hold of his house keys. Adding the "key to your heart" on the ring is a great addition to this anniversary gift. The key could be the key to celebrating your anniversary in a romantic way.
5. Bookmarks
If your husband or wife enjoys reading for pleasure (or work), then a leather bookmark is a beautiful gift. Many of them have pretty designs or messages. You should choose one that perfectly suits your husband or wife. You could pair this gift with the bestseller that has your spouse salivating. The bookmark will have your spouse thinking of you and the strong marriage you've built whenever reading a page turner.
6. Jackets, coats, vests
Let's face it. Just about everyone likes to get his or her Fonzie on in a leather jacket. Leather outerwear is great for people who live in cooler climates. The type of jacket you choose depends on the person, so you should know your husband or wife well. A cowboy might like a leather vest, while a Wall Street banker might like a tailored black leather jacket. Women could go for the slim-fitting colored leather that gives bite to their wardrobe, and a rocker might prefer something with studs. And who doesn't look cool in a bomber jacket?
7. Gloves
Leather gloves are the perfect gift for people who like to drive (especially if they own a sassy sports car) or who live in a cold climate that requires wearing gloves for half the year. Depending on the taste of your spouse, you could choose a classic glove in brown with no detail or one with fur trim, for example. Gloves with a note attached that reads, "We fit like a glove."
8. Bound journal or agenda
A leather-bound journal or agenda is a great gift for a person who enjoys keeping a diary, likes to write, or needs to get his or her days organized. You can personalize this gift by putting a monogram on the cover. You can also write the first entry remembering your wedding day.
9. Pants, skirt
Not everyone can pull off leather pants (literally or figuratively). But if your spouse has a sexy body and a rock star fashion sensibility, he or she might like a pair of fine leather pants. Make sure you get the good stuff. Leather is a much cooler look than pleather. A leather skirt for the wife is also a lovely present, and there are more design choices, which makes it flattering on more women. You can choose from cuts that include everything from a-line to pencil. Knowing your spouse's size is important, and you should find out the store's policies on exchanges and returns since these sizes can be tricky.
10. Belts
One fashion accessory everyone can always use is a black or brown leather belt. For a traditional belt to be worn with suits, you might go to Banana Republic or Calvin Klein. For something a little more <em>Jersey Shore</em>, you can head to Guess. But simple, understated styles are available virtually everywhere. A fashion show that has your spouse wearing nothing but the belt is a bonus.
