So here we are coming up on Valentine’s Day and thoughts, and media posts, turn to love. One of the ones we came across recently was that standby list of traditional anniversary gifts…

Of course, our thoughts, as they’re prone to do, turned immediately to wondering what would those gifts be like in some of our favorite fantasy/sci-fi worlds?

Sure, those early gifts would probably be pretty similar (paper for the first year, wood for the fifth, tin for the tenth), but what about the gifts for those oh-so-special anniversaries celebrating an impressively enduring love/bonding? What would be the equivalents of our culture’s silver (25th year), gold (50th), and diamond (60th)?

We’ve provided one possible list from Middle-Earth (we decided to stop at 60 despite knowing that some characters live centuries or more).

Middle Earth Anniversary Gifts:

25th Anniversary:
A gem from the Glittering Caves

50th Anniversary:
A crystal flagon of Ent-draught

60th Anniversary:
Mithril

Any ideas from other universes?

And to get you motivated, one random commenter will receive these lovely earrings created by chainmail artisan Lauren Braden. These intricate chainmail earrings dangle in a graceful Elfweave pattern of icy blue and silver. Measuring approximately 0.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches long, they are made from light, anodized aluminum rings that will not rust or tarnish, and won’t stretch out your earlobe with excess weight. They come in a pretty gift box.

You can follow Lauren Braden on Twitter (we do) and visit her Etsy shop (we do that, too).

Author

  • Bill Capossere

    BILL CAPOSSERE, who's been with us since June 2007, lives in Rochester NY, where he is an English adjunct by day and a writer by night. His essays and stories have appeared in Colorado Review, Rosebud, Alaska Quarterly, and other literary journals, along with a few anthologies, and been recognized in the "Notable Essays" section of Best American Essays. His children's work has appeared in several magazines, while his plays have been given stage readings at GEVA Theatre and Bristol Valley Playhouse. When he's not writing, reading, reviewing, or teaching, he can usually be found with his wife and son on the frisbee golf course or the ultimate frisbee field.