• Ninth anniversary symbols are pottery, willow and the modern-era leather.happy anniversary image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
  
  Phoenix, Arizona, is a city rich with all of the things a person would look for in a metropolis. Nightlife is buzzing, but there are also countless romantic opportunities in Phoenix's natural landscape. The ninth wedding anniversary is sometimes tricky to celebrate. Especially since it precedes the landmark tenth year. Traditionally, the ninth anniversary is celebrated by giving the gift of pottery, willow and the more modern choice of leather. Phoenix offers creative ways to share all three of these traditions.
  
  

Pottery

• Find a local pottery shop and commission or buy a crock or vase that is symbolic of your relationship. Arizona is full of southwestern flare with pottery to match. Fill the crock or vase with your loved one's favorite flowers. If you commission a vase, it can be personalized with wording or symbols that are special for you and your spouse. Sculpture is another way to give the gift of pottery. Desert Dragon Pottery in Phoenix is a local shop that commissions pottery, makes their own and also offers classes for something that would be fun to do together.
  
  

Willow

• Willow is a very traditional and timeless gift for the ninth anniversary. In Phoenix, one way to give the gift of willow is to purchase a willow picnic basket and take your spouse on a romantic picnic. Encanto Park in Phoenix is one of the prime picnic spots right in the middle of the city. You can eat near the water on one of many docks, or choose a shaded picnic spot at a table or under a shady tree. Encanto Park is known as the Enchanted Island. For a more remote location, try South Mountain Park. This park is situated on a mountain, so bring hiking shoes if you plan to walk a bit to get to your picnic spot.
  
  

Leather

• Leather is a more modern ninth anniversary tradition. Consider giving a man an interesting watch with a leather band. Set the alarm to go off right when you plan it to be opened. Say it's the alarm for his other surprise and take him on a night out and a fancy dinner. The same can work for a woman as well. Give her classy shoes and tell her to dress up for a surprise. Phoenix has a large array of nice restaurants that will excite your spouse. For steak, seafood and other American cuisine, try Donovan's Steak and Chop house. The food and atmosphere are perfect for a special date. If you are in the mood for French cuisine, try Johnny's Uptown. It's a restaurant and jazz bar. Johnny's is upscale but not pretentious.