wedding anniverasary

A Year-by-Year Guide to Traditional and Modern Wedding Anniversary Gifts

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Choosing the perfect gift for an anniversary can be hard. You want it to show how much you care. We know that every year of marriage is special, and each year has its own symbol, like paper for the first year or gold for the fiftieth.

This tradition started a long time ago. Our blog talks about what gift fits each anniversary year. From your first to your sixtieth, we have ideas that will make your partner happy. You’ll find both old and new types of gifts here. Let’s find the best gift together!

Year-by-Year Wedding Anniversary Gifts:

Anniversary YearTraditional GiftModern AlternativeOur Recommendation
1stPaperClocksPersonalized journal or framed artwork
2ndCottonChinaCustomized cotton blanket or dinnerware
3rdLeatherCrystal/GlassLeather wallet or crystal wine glasses
4thFruit/FlowersAppliancesFruit basket or high-quality kitchen appliance
5thWoodSilverwareWooden keepsake box or silver cutlery
6thIronWoodCast iron skillet or custom wooden furniture
7thCopperDesk SetsCopper cookware or luxury desk set
8thBronzeLinen/LaceBronze sculpture or linen bed set
9thPotteryLeatherPottery class experience or leather jacket
10thTin/AluminumDiamond JewelryPersonalized tin keepsake box or diamond earrings
11thSteelFashion JewelryStainless steel watch or trendy jewelry
12thSilkPearlsSilk robe or pearl necklace
13thLaceTextilesLacy lingerie or luxury bedding set
14thIvoryGold JewelryEthical ivory substitute (e.g., faux ivory) or gold bracelet
15thCrystalWatchesElegant crystal vase or luxury watch
16thWaxSilver HollowarePersonalized scented candles or silver candle holders
17thFurnitureWatchesCustom-made furniture or luxury watch
18thPorcelainAppliancesFine porcelain dinnerware or high-end kitchen appliance
19thBronzeAquamarineBronze sculpture or aquamarine jewelry
20thChinaPlatinumFine china dinnerware or platinum jewelry
25thSilverSilverSilver photo frame or silver jewelry set
30thPearlDiamondPearl necklace or diamond ring
35thCoralJadeCoral-themed jewelry or jade pendant
40thRubyRubyRuby earrings or a ruby-encrusted bracelet
45thSapphireSapphireSapphire ring or a sapphire necklace
50thGoldGoldGold watch or gold cufflinks
55thEmeraldEmeraldEmerald pendant or emerald earrings
60thDiamondDiamondDiamond ring or diamond-studded bracelet

1st Anniversary: Paper

Paper shows a new start, like the blank pages of a book waiting to be written on. It stands for how starting married life is simple yet full of hope and growth. Back in Victorian times, people already saw this beauty in paper as a gift.

This kind of present reminds couples that their journey together is just beginning. They have many pages left to fill with memories and love stories. So, giving something made of paper isn’t just easy or traditional; it’s deeply meaningful.

Related: 1-Year Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your Spouse

2nd Anniversary: Cotton

The 2nd anniversary is all about cotton. This fabric shows how a couple grows together, becoming soft, comfortable, and strong over time. Cotton gifts can be fun and meaningful. For example, you might get or make watercolor travel maps on 100% cotton canvas. These special gifts show the journey of your relationship.

Related: Celebrate 2nd Wedding Anniversary with These Winsome Gifts

3rd Anniversary: Leather

Leather is the traditional 3rd anniversary gift, representing durable love that grows more beautiful over time. A personalized handcrafted leather wallet makes a thoughtful gift to symbolize commitment and flexibility. 

You could also choose a stylish Apple Watch band made of fine leather. These meaningful 3rd anniversary presents celebrate a marriage only getting stronger and more supple after three wonderful years together.

Related: Gifts to Make Your 3rd Anniversary Unforgettable

4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers

The 4th anniversary is about growing and caring in a marriage. It uses fruit or flowers as symbols. You can pick fresh fruit arrangements or gourmet baskets for this special day. These gifts show the beauty of nurturing each other.

Plants are great too. They last longer than flowers and remind you to keep your relationship strong. Choosing meaningful gifts like these helps celebrate four years together well.

5th Anniversary: Wood

After celebrating four years with fruit or flowers, wood marks the fifth year of marriage. This material shows durability and wisdom. Wooden gifts like picture frames or bookends are great choices.

Another special idea is planting a tree. Picking a pine, oak, or maple can mean love that lasts forever. Wood stands for strong bonds in marriage. It’s perfect for this anniversary milestone.

Related: 5th Anniversary Gift Guide: The Best Traditional and Modern Gifts

6th Anniversary: Iron

Iron is for the 6th anniversary. It stands for strength. This metal makes a strong gift. Think about how iron lasts and keeps its shape. It’s like saying your love is tough and will last.

The colors for this year are purple, white, or turquoise. Also, amethyst is the gemstone linked with it. So, choosing gifts in these colors or with this stone can add meaning to your present.

7th Anniversary: Wool or Copper

For your 7th anniversary, wool or copper gifts are perfect. They show strength and comfort. Think about getting a cozy blanket for those chilly nights together. Or choose something made of copper to decorate your home.

One cool idea is personalized sheet music wall art. It’s a gift that can remind you of your favorite song as a couple. The gemstone for this year is onyx, adding a touch of elegance to any present.

8th Anniversary: Bronze or Pottery

For the 8th anniversary, couples often choose bronze or pottery gifts. Bronze shows strength. Pottery is about craftsmanship. These materials are unique and last long. You can find bronze jewelry and sculptures that feel earthy and strong.

This year’s gemstone is tourmaline, which adds a special touch to any gift. The flower linked with this anniversary is clematis, adding beauty to the tradition of giving. 

9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery

The traditional 9th anniversary gifts highlight flexibility and care in a marriage. Willow represents bending without breaking – being able to adapt to changes together. And pottery symbolizes nurturing love that holds you up. 

The more modern gift for year nine is leather, also durable and strong. Additionally, vibrant red poppies capture devotion still blooming after nine years. These meaningful symbols celebrate a relationship able to flex and grow stronger with time.

Related: 10 Impressive 9th Anniversary Gift Ideas That Your Spouse Will Love

10th Anniversary: Aluminum or Tin

The 10th anniversary marks a decade together. It’s special and celebrated with aluminum or tin gifts. These metals show how your marriage is strong, flexible, and shines bright. Think about items like an aluminum wall decor or kitchen gadgets in these materials.

Daffodils are the flower for this milestone, representing joy after ten years. We recommend you to pick something shiny and durable to last another decade together.

Related: Unique 11th-anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the milestone

11th Anniversary: Steel

For the 11th anniversary, steel is key. It shows strength and lasting love. Think about how tough and strong steel is. This metal can last a long time without breaking or bending much.

Steel gifts could be things that you use every day or special items just for marking this day.

The flower for this year is the tulip, which adds beauty to the strength theme. The gemstone is turquoise. It means good luck and health. Adding these to a steel gift makes it more special. You could give steel jewelry or decorative items with these touches for an added surprise.

Related: 22 Unique 11th-anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the milestone

12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen

Silk or linen are gifts for the 12th anniversary. They show the life you built together. Silk is smooth and strong. Linen cloth lasts a long time and gets better with age. This mirrors a marriage that grows stronger over time.

A pearl is the modern gift for this year. Jade is the gemstone linked to it. Both add special meaning to your 12 years together, showing beauty and strength in your relationship.

13th Anniversary: Lace

Lace has special meaning for a 13th wedding anniversary. Its intricate weaving represents how two lives are closely intertwined after spending over a decade together. 

A delicate lace pendant necklace makes a thoughtful gift to celebrate the bonds of love after 13 years of marriage. It’s a unique way to say “Our lives are woven together and I still cherish you.”

14th Anniversary: Ivory

After lace marks 13 years, ivory follows for the 14th anniversary. It stands for luck and safety. Ivory is rare and precious. People often think of elephant tusks when they hear about it.

But today, getting real ivory isn’t easy due to protection laws for elephants.

For this special year, opal is the gemstone, and dahlia is the flower. Both are unique and beautiful choices for gifts. They can make this anniversary memorable without using actual ivory.

15th Anniversary: Crystal

For the 15th anniversary, crystal is the gift. It stands for clarity and transparency. This tradition comes from the Victorian era which shows love and commitment. Crystal jewelry makes this year’s celebration special. Its clear symbol marks 15 years of marriage beautifully. The choice of a crystal gift brings out the beauty of a long-lasting relationship.

Related: 15th Anniversary Gifts Sorted out for You – Modern & Traditional Gift Ideas Included!

16th Anniversary: Wax

Moving from the sparkle of crystal, we now explore the warmth of wax for the 16th year. Wax stands for adapting and staying strong. You can pick gifts like candles or jackets made with waxed cotton.

People use beeswax, paraffin, and other types to make cool stuff. Think about giving a handcrafted candle or maybe something fun like a wax seal kit. This choice lets you celebrate with light and love, showing how much you care in a creative way.

17th Anniversary: Furniture

Furniture marks the 17th anniversary. It stands for security and comfort in your home. You might think of getting a new couch or dining table. These pieces can change how a room feels and works.

For something different, consider an ergonomic adjustable standing desk. This choice mixes well-being with style, showing care for your partner’s comfort during work.

Adding furniture to your home is like adding stories that last years. A red carnation is this year’s flower, matching nicely with new home furnishings. 

18th Anniversary: Porcelain

The 18th anniversary is special with porcelain gifts. Porcelain stands for care and attention. It can be both cheap and costly. You might pick a beautiful vase or a set of dishes. These gifts are often handmade and fragile.

There are many kinds of porcelain items to choose from. Think about dishware, tableware, or ornamental pieces for the home. Hallmark gives ideas for these gifts too. They show that you pay attention to what makes your partner happy.

19th Anniversary: Bronze

After celebrating with porcelain on the 18th anniversary, it’s time for bronze. This marks 19 years together. Bronze shows a strong and lasting marriage. For gifts, think about bronze jewelry or items for the home. The gemstone for this year is aquamarine. These are great ways to celebrate 19 years of being together.

20th Anniversary: China

The 20th Anniversary marks two decades of love and commitment. It’s a big deal. This year, China is the theme. It stands for elegance and beauty in your marriage. People often choose fine ceramic dishes and sets as gifts. These dishes can make dinner feel special.

China symbolizes how your relationship has grown strong over 20 years. Eating from fine china can remind you of this milestone each day. Celebrate with a gift that shows just how much these years mean.

25th Anniversary: Sterling Silver

The 25th anniversary is known as the Silver Anniversary. It celebrates a quarter-century of love and commitment between two people. For this special occasion, sterling silver jewelry stands out as a popular gift choice. This precious metal reflects the clarity, strength, and beauty of a relationship that has flourished over twenty-five years.

Adding to the celebration, the iris flower serves as a symbol for this anniversary. Its elegance complements the radiant shine of silverware, making both excellent ways to commemorate such an important milestone in marriage.

Related: 20 Stunning Silver Anniversary Gifts (25th Year) for Him & Her

30th Anniversary: Pearl

The 30th anniversary is special because it stands for love that lasts. Pearls are the symbol for this big day. They show that your love can stand the test of time, just like a pearl grows strong in an oyster.

For gifts, think about giving a personalized pearl handbag to show how much you care and value your years together.

Other gift ideas include a diamond necklace or a poesy ring. These gifts mix beauty with meaning. A diamond necklace shines bright, reminding you of your love’s strength. A poesy ring carries sweet words, making it a personal touch to this milestone celebration.

35th Anniversary: Coral

For a 35th anniversary, coral is the traditional gift. People often choose jade as the modern option. Also, emerald is the special gemstone for this year. The flower that matches this anniversary is the coral rose.

These gifts are all about celebrating love that has lasted 35 years. Coral represents long-lasting support and internal beauty. Jade stands for luck and protection. Choosing any of these gifts can show how much you care and value your time together.

40th Anniversary: Ruby

The 40th anniversary is special and celebrated with ruby. This gemstone stands for passionate love. People often pick ruby jewelry as a gift. It shines bright red, showing deep affection. Some also suggest giving ruby-hued wines. This adds a unique touch to the celebration. It mixes tradition with a taste of romance and joy.

45th Anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphire is the gemstone for the 45th anniversary. It stands for wisdom and being true. This blue stone is very hard, getting a 9 on the Mohs scale. For flowers, choose ones with blue colors like delphiniums. They match the sapphire theme well.

50th Anniversary: Gold

Celebrating 50 years together is a big deal. It’s known as the golden anniversary. People often give gold jewelry or personalized items to mark this special occasion. Gold stands for the beauty and strength of a 50-year-long journey in marriage.

Flowers like yellow roses and violets add color to this celebration. These gifts show love and respect for the half-century milestone. Choosing gold gifts or flowers makes the 50th anniversary memorable.

55th Anniversary: Emerald

Emeralds are precious green gemstones. They stand for true love and a forever promise. For the 55th anniversary, people often choose emerald gifts. One popular choice is the Emerald Forever Rose.

This gift blends the beauty of an emerald with the symbol of love, a rose. The 55th anniversary is special because it celebrates long-lasting commitment with luxury. Emerald jewelry adds sparkle to this celebration of love that has stood the test of time.

60th Anniversary: Diamond

The 60th anniversary is special. It’s the diamond anniversary. This stands for strong love that lasts and shines bright, like a diamond. Diamonds are not just beautiful but also very tough. They show how couples who reach this milestone have an unbreakable bond.

Some people choose lab-grown diamonds as a kind choice for the earth. These diamonds are good for those who think about the planet but still want something sparkly to celebrate their long time together.

Conclusion

Choosing wedding anniversary gifts gets easier now. Each year has a theme, like paper or gold. This matches the years you’re married. It adds meaning to your gift. Think about these themes when picking out something special. They show thought and fit the year’s symbol well. Looking for more interesting ideas, check out Callie’s collection of personalized wedding anniversary gifts to surprise your partner with an extraordinary gift this year!

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