Many families organise a grand party to celebrate the couple's diamond anniversary but it is also customary to mark this momentous occasion with a gift or gifts.

If a party is on the cards, use appropriate decorations such as balloons with ?Happy 60th Anniversary? printed on them. If at all possible, make sure the party and all its decorations carry a ?diamond theme?. All these special touches will make the event a memorable celebration.

Couples who are celebrating 60 years together will have accumulated a lot of things along the way, not least of which will be literally hundreds if not thousands of photographs. To help them keep their memories alive, a photo album or photo frames makes a useful gift. To make it more special, a family member could spend time assembling a montage of family and friends as well as a selection of pictures of the life and times of the couple.

A popular present is to buy bottles of fine wine, vintage port or champagne. This can perhaps be presented together with a pair of crystal wine glasses or champagne flutes from which the couple can toast their special day.

Gifts which are embellished with personal messages are usually greatly valued. These can include original newspapers from their wedding day or even a framed poem written by a grandchild especially for the couple. Some online gift retailers offer a ?Newspaper Book? which comprise three separate newspapers -- one from the wedding day and one each from the couple's birthdays.

Another interesting idea is the ?Family Name? gift set which enables the couple to research and discover more about the surname they have shared for 60 years.

For a unique gift, consider a sculpture or figurine which symbolise the couple's love, partnership and togetherness.

For those of us with deep pockets, a more extravagant gift would be a genuine piece of diamond jewellery. However, other less expensive suggestions include diamond-orientated items for the home such as cutlery, wine box, glasses or other home decorations.

It is worth knowing that the traditional 60th Anniversary gemstone or precious metal is, rather obviously, the diamond. Interestingly there are no special flowers associated with this particular anniversary which leaves you with considerable freedom of choice in selecting some blooms to accompany your gift.

It is also worth bearing in mind that many couples who have reached the 60 year mark may not want or need extravagant material gifts. In many cases, they would probably better appreciate gifts which are simple but thoughtful such as a hand-written poem in a silver frame.

Every diamond anniversary deserves a unique gift. Gifts can be made extra special by embellishing or engraving them with personal messages and thoughts. Buying from reputable and secure websites can be an uncomplicated way of searching and purchasing the right gift. A reputable website will also take care of any personal engravings required and ensure prompt delivery, making it all a trouble-free experience.