We hear a lot about diamond anniversaries and silver anniversaries, but if you're looking to make every year with your loved one count, don't neglect the more obscure, but just as significant ninth anniversary. Nine years is a long time to be together, and leather, with its crisp professional scent and luxurious appearance is a great way to commemorate this.

1. Leather is Sensual

Leather is wonderfully tactile & pleasing; who can resist running their fingers over a sleek leather wallet or a brand-new briefcase? The sheer pleasure of holding and touching a beautifully-worked leather belt or jacket is immense and it is easy to see why leather remains popular even in a world where synthetics are widely available. While some people say that pottery is the preferred gift for the ninth anniversary, pottery doesn't begin to compare with leather in terms of decadence and appeal.

2. Leather has history... and so do you!

Historically, while leather was quite a utilitarian material, there were still many instances where it could definitely be seen as a mark of affluence and power. Leather constituted the first type of clothing available to ancestors and even after cloth was widely available, leather continued to have a place in our human culture. At the Boston Art Museum, you can still see the lovingly preserved coat of a white antelope, preserved more than three thousand years ago. Giving your loved one leather is a great way to say that you're in it for the long haul.

3. Leather is meaningful

Most people are torn between getting their spouse something useful or getting them something extremely useful. They usually are quite at a loss and end up purchasing something not so nice. When you shop for an anniversary present, you should look for a gift that reminds your loved one of the time that you have spent together and reveal a hope for more time together in the future. The traditional anniversary gifts are a great system because they describe a traditional procession, where the gift you give reminds you of past anniversaries and hints at future ones.

4. Leather is easily personalized

Look for hand-stamped leather gifts ranging from jotter pads to watch box cases and enjoy the look of surprise and pleasure that such a gift reveals. With a little bit of forethought, you can have your loved one's name and yours printed beautifully on leather goods. Take a look around for personalized leather gifts and briefcases; there's sure to be something that appeals to her and to him!

5. Leather makes a great accessory

If you're planning on taking your loved one on a trip, why not purchase a beautifully tailored passport case to stick tickets to your anniversary destination inside? In this instance, the leather can greatly enhance the presentation of your gift and provide a tactile reminder of your time together. With a little bit of imagination, there are plenty of ways that you can incorporate leather into grander plans and destinations.

6. Leather is inexpensive

Compared to some of the other shopping that you might be doing, buying your loved one a gift of leather won't break the bank! Even high-quality leather can be surprisingly affordable, so take advantage of the many different gifts that you can purchase. No matter what your loved one's profession, there is room for some leather in her life so think about what will make a charming addition.

7. Leather is durable

Looking at the list of traditional gifts that are given for wedding anniversaries, it doesn't seem to be an accident that something as frail as paper is indicated for the first anniversary and that diamond, the hardest material in the world, is designated for the tenth. As you become more settled and more stable as a couple, it is easy to see that your gifts should increase in permanence and durability. Leather, treated well, can last longer than a lifetime, and it makes a positive statement on your beloved when you give it as a gift.

As you can see, there are plenty of different reasons to buy your loved one leather for your ninth anniversary gift. Forget about the pottery and give your anniversary a modern spin with leather goods.