• Any anniversary can be an occasion for out-of-the-box gifts.anniversary image by Arpad Nagy-Bagoly from Fotolia.com
  
  As a couple's anniversary approaches, husband and wife may want to exercise their creative thinking and give each other a non-traditional anniversary gift. Traditional and non-traditional or alternate categories accompany different wedding anniversaries. According to HappyAnniversary.com, for every paper, cotton or bronze anniversary--1st, 2nd and 8th, respectively---you can find clocks, china and pottery alternates. Add alternate gold jewelry and garnet and tourmaline gemstones to your options and the choices are nearly countless. (See References 1)
  
  

Clock/Gold Jewelry

• Clocks make non-traditional 1st anniversary gifts.clocks image by yuri4u80 from Fotolia.com
  
  Clocks symbolize the passing of time. When you celebrate your first anniversary, your thoughts will turn to your first year as husband and wife. Give yourselves the gift of time with an artisan clock. A Peruvian clock is handmade work of art. Select a clock with gilded petals and you will have a lasting anniversary gift. (See Resources 1) Every time you check the time, remember the day you gave yourselves such a unique gift.
  
  

China/Garnet

• China serves as an alternate gift suggestion for a couple's second anniversary. If you did not receive china for a wedding gift, consider purchasing a set of Mikasa dinnerware to grace elegant dinner parties. (See Resources 2) Husbands, if you want to give your bride a non-traditional and beautiful gift, think about a Wedgewood Tea Collection. She will love to set a tea table and entertain her friends with this lasting gift. (See Resources 3)
  
  

Pottery/Tourmaline

• Give pottery for a non-traditional 8th anniversary gift.pottery image by Raimundas from Fotolia.com
  
  By the time eight years pass, you deserve to bask in the comfort of your lasting love. The modern alternate for an eighth anniversary, pottery, presents thoughtful possibilities. Both of you may appreciate new bedroom furniture from Pottery Barn. (See Resources 4) Add luxurious bedding and soft pillows to make the new look complete. Make sure you take delivery in time to make your gift part of your anniversary celebration.