The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year
![Photo of a woman's arm with diamond jewelry.](https://bluenile-blog.r2net.com/wp-content/uploads/Anniversary-Gifts-by-Year-1024x640.jpg)
Celebrate your love for one another long after you’ve said “I do” with wedding anniversary gifts for every year of your marriage. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your spouse with traditional gifts, or you’d like to celebrate your anniversary with modern takes on the classic presents, our guide to wedding anniversary gifts by year can help you find the right present for your special someone.
Each passing year of your union is a chance to show appreciation and gratitude to your significant other, and what better way to do this than with a unique and sentimental gift? From paper on the first anniversary to diamonds for the 60th, there are so many traditional and less-traditional ways to celebrate these hugely meaningful milestones.
Traditional Vs Modern Anniversary Gifts By Year
When you’re searching for wedding anniversary gifts for any year, there are traditional presents for each year of your marriage to keep in mind. The gift for 1 year together will be entirely different from 25th or even 50th wedding anniversary gifts. There are also modern adaptations of common wedding anniversary gifts by year. Explore the classic traditional anniversary gifts by year and their modern counterparts.
Anniversary Year | Traditional Gift | Symbolism | Modern Gift |
1 Year Anniversary Gift | Paper Anniversary Gifts | Freshness of the union, strength and connectedness | Clocks |
2 Year Anniversary Gift | Cotton Anniversary Gifts | Flexibility and strength | China |
3 Year Anniversary Gift | Leather Anniversary Gifts | Durability and strong connection | Glass or Crystal |
4 Year Anniversary Gift | Flower Anniversary | A blossoming, fruitful union | Appliances |
5 Year Anniversary Gift | Wood Anniversary Gifts | Wisdom and stability | Flatware |
6 Year Anniversary Gift | Iron or Candy Anniversary Gifts | Strength and sweetness | Wood Items |
7 Year Anniversary Gift | Copper Anniversary Gifts | Good fortune, prosperity and beauty | Desk Sets |
8 Year Anniversary Gift | Bronze Anniversary Gifts | A lasting union by joining two different elements | Linen |
9 Year Anniversary Gift | Pottery Anniversary Gifts | Shaping of a relationship | Leather |
10 Year Anniversary Gift | Aluminum Anniversary Gift | Resilience and flexibility for each other | Diamond Jewelry |
15 Year Anniversary Gift | Crystal Anniversary Gifts | Clarity and strength | Watches |
18 Year Anniversary Gift | Porcelain Anniversary Gifts | Highlights the continued need to nurture the relationship | Pottery |
20th Anniversary Gift | China Anniversary Gifts | Balance between two people | Platinum |
25th Anniversary Gift | Silver Anniversary | Stability, love and warmth | Sterling Silver |
30th Anniversary Gift | Pearl Anniversary Gifts | Wisdom, love and dedication | Diamond |
35th Anniversary Gift | Coral Anniversary | Equilibrium between two partners, longevity | Jade |
40th Anniversary Gift | Ruby Anniversary | Passion, devotion and love | Ruby |
45th Anniversary Gift | Sapphire Anniversary | Faithfulness and love | Sapphire |
50th Anniversary Gift | Gold Anniversary | Prosperity and wisdom | Gold |
55th Anniversary Gift | Emerald Anniversary | Eternal commitment, good fortune | Emerald |
60th Anniversary Gift | Diamond Anniversary | Love and purity | Diamond |
Ultimately, your chosen gift should reflect your special connection and your partner’s personality. Modern and traditional anniversary gifts by year can help serve as inspiration for your gift shopping. Many people love gifting their husband or their wife the exact presents that match these traditional gifts, such as cards for paper anniversary gifts, cotton anniversary gifts for the second year of marriage or furniture for wood anniversary gifts. But for other couples, the best anniversary gifts are entirely different from the classic themes. It’s all about choosing whichever present you know your partner will appreciate.
Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
1ST ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Paper
Paper is traditionally the gift for your first wedding anniversary. “According to romantics, paper represents the start of your story being written together,” explains the team from Papier, the luxury greetings cards and stationery company. “One of our favourite first-anniversary gift ideas is personalizing a set of notecards for the two of you – your two names side by side is the perfect declaration of love.”
Paper is such a versatile category too, from concert tickets to your spouse’s favourite brand to LottoLove’s scratch-off cards, which provide essential things like clean water, nutritious meals and literacy tools to those who need them.
“I’ve only been married for three years, but I look forward to our wedding anniversary every year because it is one day we bring the focus back to each other,” says Laura Beck from LottoLove.
Non-Traditional: Wine & Champagne
Your first year of marriage is in the bag — it’s time to celebrate! “Wine is the perfect anniversary gift because it will transport you back in time to your cherished memories,” says the team at Wine.com, the world’s largest wine store. “Chances are, you served wine on your wedding night, enjoyed a few bottles on your honeymoon and popped some bubbly after the birth of your first child. Celebrating an anniversary with the right bottle of wine invokes these precious moments while also creating a new moment to remember later on.”
Precious metal: Gold
Your first year of marriage will no doubt be filled with many precious moments. Gold is a beautiful way to invoke the shine of these memories. From more traditional yellow gold to modern rose gold, the options are endless.
2ND ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
![Culinary Tools: Microplane 3 piece pizza night gift set](https://bluenile-blog.r2net.com/wp-content/uploads/microplane-pizza-set-20200620.jpg)
Traditional: Cotton
Cotton is the traditional gift for the second wedding anniversary, as the woven thread symbolizes the ways you have grown into each other over the past two years.
Non-Traditional: Culinary Tools
“Cooking and preparing meals or treats are a chance to release stress from the daily grind and to share in the experience of creating a delectable meal,” says the team at Microplane®, the premier makers of sharp cooking tools. “Early years couples will enjoy this pizza night set as an anniversary gift. Create homemade pizzas to enjoy with your favorite movie for a romantic night in.”
Gemstone: Garnet
The second wedding anniversary is celebrated with garnet.
3RD ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Leather
The third wedding anniversary is about shelter and security so the traditional gift is leather, with its strong, protective properties. Shoes, leather-bound books and bags all make beautiful gifts for this anniversary.
Gemstone: Pearl
The stone for the third year of marriage is pearl. Cultivated in the sea, lustrous pearls make timeless jewelry designs, from classic pearl strand necklaces to solitaire pearl pendants and stud earrings.
4TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Fruit or Flowers
“The traditional gifts for the fourth wedding anniversary are fruit and flowers, which are symbols of creativity, hope, and renewal,” says the team at Brightland, the modern pantry essentials brand.
“Olives are technically fruits of the olive tree, making olive oil the perfect special gift for four-year anniversaries. Authentic olive oils will provide abundant nourishment to you and your loved ones for many breakfasts, lunches and dinners to come,” they say. The Duo set of extra virgin olive oils is a favorite traditional gift for a four-year anniversary.
Gemstone: Blue Topaz
This vibrant and durable stone is the traditional gem associated with the fourth wedding anniversary. Full of brightness and sparkle, Topaz symbolizes long life, wisdom and knowledge.
5TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Wood
“Wood manufacturing is a time-honored tradition, and when done well, makes for an heirloom piece worthy of the most important celebrations,” says JK Adams, the makers of premium wood kitchenware.
“JK Adams Grafton cherry wood serving boards can be personalized with significant other’s initials for something extra special.
Gemstone: Sapphire
Known for its velvety blue hue, sapphires are the traditional gemstone for 5th wedding anniversary gifts.
6TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Sweets and Chocolates
The 6th wedding anniversary is traditionally marked with iron or sweets. “Since iron doesn’t taste as good, we think cookies are a better bet,” says the team at artisan cookie makers COOKIE…take a bite! Share a decadent chocolate cookie from the Chocolate Lover’s Collection over a lovely bottle of red wine or have fun together creating your own celebratory tin with the Build Your Own Collection. Just be sure not to fight over the last cookie!
Gemstone: Amethyst
Mark your 6th year of marriage with amethyst. This soothing purple stone is believed to have healing and calming properties.
10TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Non-Traditional: Diamond Jewelry
Congratulations, you have made it into double digits! The 10th wedding anniversary is definitely a time to look back at the past decade and celebrate. Aluminum and tin are the traditional gifts for this year, but a more modern (and sparkly) idea is diamond jewelry.
15TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Non-Traditional: Watches
Crystal is the classic gift for your 15th wedding anniversary but this is truly a moment to reflect on time gone by, so it’s fitting that a watch is the modern gift idea for the 15th wedding anniversary.
“It’s a moment to be thankful for what you have and remember how far you have come,” says the team at WoodWatch, makers of sustainable, personalized watches. “Personalize your WoodWatch with a unique engraving for an extra special anniversary gift — the day you met, a cherished location or perhaps a meaningful quote. Add a heart emoji for a romantic touch!”
Gemstone: Ruby
The fiery crimson red of rubies makes them the perfect gift for your 15th wedding anniversary.
20TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Non-Traditional: Platinum
China is the traditional gift for the 20th wedding anniversary but we think platinum is a much stronger symbol of your bond over the past two decades. From rings to cuff links and bracelets, platinum is an incredible strong and durable precious metal, just like your union.
Gemstone: Emerald
The official gemstone for the 20th wedding anniversary is the rich green emerald.
30TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
![5 strands of Premier Akoya, Pink Freshwater, and Tahitian pearls displayed on a white background](https://bluenile-blog.r2net.com/wp-content/uploads/50967_49250_40801_40775_51116_HERO_B_122215.jpg)
Traditional: Pearls
The official gift for the 30th wedding anniversary is pearls. These rare gifts from the sea are known for their incredible luster and brilliance, representing the long-lasting beauty of your union. When choosing a gift for your loved one, ensure you choose the best quality, like freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian cultured pearls.
40TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Ruby
This special occasion is classically marked with the fiery red of rubies. Coveted for its opulent red color and durability, rubies sit just as well in a pendant as they do in a vintage style ring.
50TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Gold
What an occasion the 50th wedding anniversary is — half a century of marriage! Often called the ‘Gold Wedding Anniversary’, this is truly a milestone moment in any couples’ life and one to be celebrated with family, friends and beautiful gifts. Gold is the classic gift for this anniversary, which signifies strength, wisdom and prosperity. Thankfully, this precious metal is incredibly versatile and comes in various shades, from white to rose and yellow, so you are sure to find the perfect gift for your lifelong soul mate.
59TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Charity
We couldn’t resist slipping this one in because the theme for the 59th year of marriage is charity. You have given so much to each other, and this year is a chance to give to someone else. Everyone has a cause that’s close to their heart, whether that be social, environmental or medical, so this is a great opportunity to do something really meaningful.
“Wedding anniversaries are a time to reflect and give thanks. For our donors, it can also be a time to pass on the gift and spread love to communities around the world,” says the team at Heifer International, whose goal it is to end world hunger and poverty.
60TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
Traditional: Diamonds
The Diamond Wedding Anniversary is an occasion like no other — sixty years of marriage, with all the joys and trials that come with it. To reflect your ever-lasting love, this wedding anniversary is traditionally marked with diamonds, the strongest and most valuable stones in the world.
When it comes to choosing something truly special for your loved-one, make sure you choose GIA-graded, conflict-free diamonds. Opt for something ready-made that you know your partner will love or create your own custom-made piece to mark this momentous occasion.
Anniversary Flower Ideas
Each anniversary can also be associated with specific flowers, gemstones or jewelry metals. Refer to the following list of wedding anniversary flowers, gemstones or jewelry styles to help with your gift shopping.
Anniversary Year | Flower | Gemstone or Jewelry |
1 Year Anniversary Gift | Carnation | Gold |
2 Year Anniversary Gift | Cosmos | Garnet |
3 Year Anniversary Gift | Sunflower | Pearl |
4 Year Anniversary Gift | Geranium | Blue Topaz |
5 Year Anniversary Gift | Daisy | Sapphire |
6 Year Anniversary Gift | Calla Lilies | Amethyst |
7 Year Anniversary Gift | Freesia | Onyx |
8 Year Anniversary Gift | Clematis | Tourmaline |
9 Year Anniversary Gift | Poppy | Lapis Lazuli |
10 Year Anniversary Gift | Daffodil | Diamond |
15 Year Anniversary Gift | Rose | Ruby |
18 Year Anniversary Gift | Roses or Tulips | Cat’s-Eye Chrysoberyl |
20th Anniversary Gift | Aster | Emerald |
25th Anniversary Gift | Iris | Silver |
30th Anniversary Gift | Lily | Pearl |
35th Anniversary Gift | Coral Roses | Emerald |
40th Anniversary Gift | Gladiolus | Ruby |
45th Anniversary Gift | Blue Iris | Sapphire |
50th Anniversary Gift | Yellow Roses or Violets | Gold |
55th Anniversary Gift | Green Foliage | Alexandrite |
60th Anniversary Gift | Orchids | Diamond |
Many people also love giving the gift of birthstone jewelry as an anniversary present. To take the birthstone route, choose the gem that corresponds to the month in which you got married.
DIY and Homemade Anniversary Gift Ideas
A quality gift comes from the heart, and many gifts can be made by hand for a special touch of extra meaning. Consider making a DIY piece of pottery at your local crafting studio, with many cities having studios where couples can paint pottery together to celebrate their 9th or 18th wedding anniversary.
Many wood anniversary gifts can also have a DIY touch, such as presents that are custom-built for your spouse. This can include a ring tray, charcuterie board or other home décor items you customize for your partner. For DIY cotton anniversary gifts, consider crafting cross-stitch wall art or ordering a customized blanket for your significant other.
Many great do it yourself wedding anniversary gifts aren’t necessarily in the themes of their respective years. A homecooked meal that replicates your wedding catering menu is a heartfelt gift that brings meaning without matching the annual gift themes.
Celebrating Wedding Anniversaries
There are many different ways to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Some couples opt for exchanging traditional or modern gifts while others favor experiential celebrations like a special vacation or meal together. Every couple is unique, so the best approach to celebrating your anniversary is to focus on what means the most to you and your spouse.