Your ninth wedding anniversary is fast approaching. Nine years ago you said your "I Do's", walked down the aisle together, and had a fabulous honeymoon. Want to re-create that magical day? Having trouble coming up with ideas? Here are a few ways to help mark nine years of marriage.

1 Leather clothes are somewhat restrictive, but always well received, and usually a surprise. Without getting into the somewhat risque' uses for leather, here are some items that a spouse would enjoy getting. Gloves, of course, especially with winter coming. A purse for her, particularly if it's one you've heard her mention, and particularly if it has her initials tastefully etched on it. Wallets are good, again with initials. A new leather loveseat could become a gathering spot for the two of you, with just enough room. No kids, pets, in-laws allowed.

2 Craft websites such as Etsy will create whatever you can imagine in either leather or pottery, customized to your specifications. Imagine your spouse's surprise and amazement when they open their anniversary gift, and it's a framed leather map, with an itinerary of your life together over the last nine years. It could include homes, kids, career achievements, vacations, friends and family and even photos of the two of you.

3 What do you think of when you think of leather? Do horses and riding come to mind? Why not take your spouse to a riding stable, pack a lunch, and make a day of it. They may have never ridden a horse, or they may be well versed in the equine arts. In any case, it's a novel way to celebrate nine years.

4 What does the number nine represent? One thing that comes to mind is golf. If you and/or your spouse enjoys golf, why not nine holes at an exclusive course nearby, followed by another nine? Don't want them to go away on your anniversary? Go with them, or volunteer to caddie.

5 Pottery doesn't sound particularly romantic, but it can easily be the sexiest gift you can arrange for your spouse. How is that? Remember the pottery wheel scene in Ghost? Remember how Patrick Swayze wrapped his arms around Demi Moore, and the two of them gave a whole new meaning to wet and slippery? Why not find a craft studio nearby, one with a pottery wheel you can rent by the hour, and go there together. Whatever you create there will mark your ninth anniversary with a flair.

6 Now that you have a brand new, self-made pottery jar or whatever you built, you need to put something in it. Why not make it your off-to-Paris (or Florence, Seattle, Madrid, San Diego, Disney World) jar for your tenth anniversary? All your spare change, found money, and a small weekly budget adds up fast. Before you know it you could have enough for air fare. Or you may want to use the money for on-going riding lessons, another session at the pottery studio, or whatever you want.

7 Did you know there are leather flowers? It's true. Some of the various craft websites offer such exotic things as leather items in whatever form you want. Flowers are always welcome on an anniversary. Imagine his or her surprise when the traditional bouquet shows up, in leather! It's a ninth anniversary gift they'll never forget.

Nine years of marital bliss is a big deal. It needs to be recognized, and celebrated accordingly. If this is your ninth year together, make it truly memorable. Happy Anniversary!