Picking out anniversary gifts for your in-laws can be difficult. That may be because you have only been in the family a short time or because they are difficult to buy for. Regardless of the reason, picking out the perfect gift can be a real challenge. These suggestions might help make it just a little bit easier.

Anniversary Gifts for Couples Who Have Been Married Many Years

When picking out an anniversary gift, you will want to consider how long the couple has been together. This can have an impact on what kind of purchase you make. If your in-laws have been married for a long time, then you may want to try some of these nostalgic anniversary gifts. A book highlighting the year they got married or a newspaper from the year they exchanged vows can be a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Anniversary Gifts for In-Laws Who Travel Together

If your in-laws are retired and off traveling or enjoying activities and hobbies together, you can also find anniversary gift baskets with a travel or hobby theme or other anniversary gifts that they can use when they travel, such as a new set of luggage. That’s a gift that’s sure to come in handy.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Still not sure what to get your in-laws for their anniversary? How about a traditional gift, such as something made of silver for their 25th anniversary or pearl for their 30th?

No matter which anniversary gifts you decide upon purchasing, have fun. If you have enjoyed picking out the gift and put some thought into picking it, your in-laws will be thankful for your thoughtfulness and effort in getting them a wonderful gift to celebrate their special day.

Graduation is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life, and it’s one of those occasions where gifts can really help out a struggling student transitioning to bigger and better things. A lot of people resort to just giving money for graduation. And trust me, no one would complain about receiving cold, hard cash! However, if you want to give something a little more personal, check out this list of five gifts for grads that are sure to be a hit.

1. Stocks

Even better than money, purchasing a stock for a recent graduate can get him thinking about his financial future early. Not to mention, it ensures that your cash won’t be spent immediately on graduation parties. Purchase stock from a well-known company, request a stock certificate and protect it with a specially engraved picture frame.

2. Accessories

Graduation is typically followed by job interviews, and looking great can help your grad obtain his or her dream job. Help a female grade complete her look with tasteful dangly earrings, a chic silver necklace or some simple and stylish bracelets. Help your guy grad embellish his look with some smooth cuff links, a sophisticated watch or a professional tie.

3. Solar Chargers

Designed for a green and on-the-go lifestyle, solar chargers make sure her essential electronics are easily accessible wherever she goes. This gift is especially perfect for outdoorsy types but can be a useful tool for any grad who’s attached to his smartphone, tablet, laptop or all of the above.

4. Books

Just because he’s not in school anymore doesn’t mean he should say goodbye to reading for good. If you’re not sure how to give the best advice or feel a little awkward getting sappy in a graduation card, allow the pros to express your thoughts for you. A couple of the most highly recommended titles for recent grads include “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch and “Just Who Will You Be?” by Maria Shriver.

5. Cookbook and Supplies

Whether your grad is headed off to college or the working world, there’s a good chance he’ll feel a little lost without mom’s home cooking. Unless you want him to resort to McDonald’s for every meal, do a grad a favor by giving him the tools he needs to cook for himself. A book filled with slow-cooker recipes and an accompanying Crock Pot would be one great option. Grads will likely be busy, inexperienced and probably on a budget, so look for cookbooks that accommodate all of these needs.

Remember to match your grad gift to the graduate wherever possible. For example, if your recently graduated friend or loved one is especially tech-geeky, purchase his stock from Apple and get him a Steve Jobs book. Graduating from college (and even high school) isn’t easy, so use this opportunity to really reward your grad for a job well done.

As spring kicks into full gear, bridal shower season reaches its annual peak. I recently had both of my brothers get married within just a couple months of each other, and I was tossed headlong into the bridal shower experience. Given that I’m not married, I wasn’t really sure what type of gifts I was expected to get my future sisters-in-law.

After being at the showers and seeing the excitement on their faces while opening their gifts, I definitely have a better idea of what the bride-to-be enjoys. Here are just a few of the top gifts at their bridal showers.

1. Monogrammed stationery: Having a new last name is exciting, and stationery is the perfect place to show it off. Especially in the South, it’s pretty much expected that a bride will have monogrammed stationery for her thank-you cards. Pick out a simple, classy design incorporating the bride’s new last initial or monogram so she’ll be ready to show it off after the wedding!

2. Personalized jewelry: Whether it’s something she can wear at her wedding or just a little item for her to add to her collection after the marriage, a bride loves receiving jewelry that celebrates marriage. Consider getting her a pretty initial necklace with the first letter of her new last name to let her show that off, or a heart necklace featuring her birthstone and that of her future husband.

3. Wedding chest: Keeping mementos from the wedding safe is easy with the help of a wedding chest, which can also serve as décor in their home together. A large chest will hold everything from the dress to photo albums, whereas a smaller chest is perfect for keeping all the wedding cards in one place. If you’re handy, you can even build the wedding chest yourself.

The most important factor when looking for a personalized bridal shower gift is to make sure it’s appropriate and useful for the bride in question. Choose carefully and she’ll be inspired to think of your kindness each time she uses your gift.