Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year

Anniversary celebrations that include gift-giving are a longstanding tradition amongst married couples. But did you know that there is a set of gifting “rules” that some couples abide by? Similar to an anniversary gift list – paper for the first year as a traditional anniversary gift, silver for the 25th, and gold for the 50th anniversary – there’s a special memento for every lap around the sun. But just because there is a traditional wedding gift per year doesn’t mean you can’t spruce things up and come up with your own modern anniversary gifts.

Whether you’re about to celebrate your own anniversary or thinking about a gift for another important event, think of this list as a gift suggestion guide for each anniversary year. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of this tradition and fill you in on the top wedding anniversary gifts by year.

Where Did Anniversary Gifts by Year Originate?

While it’s hard to say for certain, many historians believe that this tradition was first practiced by people in Ancient Rome and Germany in the middle ages. However, in English-language regions, the trend was first seen in the 1800s.

Director of Research and Public Education for the Council on Contemporary Families, Stephanie Coontz, said the following, “(This idea) originated in the late 19th century, during the Victorian era, it makes total sense. This was a period when it became an exchange of gifts or gifts from other people because this was the period when the love match was triumphing. When the love match was first invented it was very destabilizing and traditional conservatives were horrified by the idea. What in the world will we do to get people married if love is the main reason? And so there began to be this emphasis on building love and commitment.”

Why Do We Still Practice Traditional Anniversary Gifting? 

Despite the less than romantic origin, the concept of a yearly gift theme caught on and people still practice it to this day. Not married yet? Try looking for meaningful necklaces for your girlfriend instead. That’s not to say that the anniversary gift ideas haven’t evolved over the years, the list will change here and there to accommodate our more modern ways of life. Each year is broken down into two categories – traditional anniversary gifts and modern anniversary gifts – to indicate which gifts are more old-fashioned and which are more current.

Today, couples who give these gifts see them as a symbol of their relationship’s resilience and strength.

Modern and Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts By Year

So what exactly are the wedding anniversary gifts by year? Whether you’re starting fresh with your first wedding anniversary gift ideas for him and her or are looking to implement this long-standing tradition into your relationship, this gift guide will show you what you need to know about yearly anniversary gifting etiquette.

 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Paper –

Paper, a traditional wedding anniversary gift during the first year, serves as a reminder that your life together is a blank slate. Together, newlyweds will write their unique story, page by page. The 1st anniversary represents completing the first “chapter” in a marriage.

Modern Gift: Clocks –

 A clock represents the passage of time. Isn’t it funny how quickly that first year together flew by? With time comes good times and bad times, but most importantly, time together is time well spent.

Gemstone:

 Kick off your first year together with the luxurious gift of gold. Popular trinkets for this anniversary include cufflinks for him and a gold bracelet or necklace for her.

2nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Cotton –

As the 2nd anniversary rolls around, cotton is given as to symbolize how interconnected you and your partner have become. As time goes on and your relationship grows, you will learn to become more flexible.

Modern Gift: China –

Beautiful yet delicate, the gift of china represents the weaknesses and strengths of a relationship.

Gemstone: Garnet –

Garnet is available in a variety of colors, however, red is the hue most closely associated with the 2nd anniversary. Gift your spouse a piece of jewelry featuring red garnet for your second year together.

3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Leather –

 A leather gift is said to symbolize the shelter and security that marriage offers. It’s an appropriate gift for the 3rd anniversary because year three is often a transition period for the couple. You’re still in the newlywed stage but have been together long enough to get to know and tolerate each other’s habits.

Modern Gift: Crystal or Glass –

Undeniably gorgeous, both crystal and glass signify beauty and light

Gemstone: Pearl –

Pearls are recognized for their wisdom and beauty. Popular gift ideas for year three include pearl earrings, bracelets, white pearl cufflinks and pearl-colored pocket squares.

4th Wedding Anniversary Gifts 

Traditional Gift:  Fruit or Flowers –

As a couple celebrates their 4th anniversary, their relationship is reaching full bloom. Traditionally, the 4th anniversary gift should symbolized this using flowers or ripe fruit.

Modern Gift: Appliances –

For the practical gift giver, appliances represent the comfort that is felt by the fourth year. You’ve established a life together and feel settled in your relationship

Gemstone: Blue Topaz –

Blue topaz is associated with romance and affection. This stone looks great set in almost any piece of jewelry.

5th Wedding Anniversary Gifts 

Traditional Gift: Wood –

Similar to the beginnings of a mighty tree as your 5th anniversary draws near you have sprouted roots. You’re ready to endure anything and 5th anniversary gift of wood represents your resilience.

Modern Gift: Silverware –

Think of the good times you’ve enjoyed together, do many of them involve food? The gift of silverware is a nod to these memories and the continued fun that awaits.

Gemstone: Sapphire –

Available in blue, yellow, purple, orange and green hues, sapphire brings some variety to the gemstone gifting game. This stone represents a relationship’s strength and makes the perfect gift for year five.

6th Wedding Anniversary Gifts 

Traditional Gift: Iron –

The traditional gift of iron is all about strength. When you reach your 6th anniversary, your bond is stronger than ever.

Modern Gift: Wood Objects –

Similar to iron, the 6th anniversary gift can also be of wood because it can represent the strength of a relationship

Gemstone: Amethyst –

A purple variety of quartz, amethyst looks great in the form of necklaces, bracelets and even rings. After six years of gifts your jewelry collection might feel like it’s rapidly growing. Give your partner a sizable chunk of raw amethyst for an eye-catching stone that you can use as decor around the home.

7th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Copper or Wool –

The gift of copper or wool is all about those warm fuzzy feelings that are associated with love. Metal creates heat and wool is amongst the coziest of textiles.

Modern Gift: Desk Sets –

Ok, this modern theme gift is not as cutesy as the traditional gift idea for the 7th anniversary, however, it is extremely practical. Work is a big part of living life together and a desk set will remind them of you each day while they grind away at their 9-5.

Gemstone: Onyx–

 Written about in Ancient Greek mythology, onyx is said to have appeared after Cupid clipped Venus’ toenails and turned them into rocks. Strangely enough, this was an act of love as the newfound stone would mean that Venus would never perish.

Thanks to its dark hue, onyx looks absolutely striking in any jewelry setting.

8th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Bronze or Pottery –

As you’ll see with many of the metals for the 8th anniversary gift, the gift of bronze is a representation of strength. Alternatively, you can choose to give your sweetie the gift of pottery, an item that began as a lump of clay but was formed into something beautiful over time.

Modern Gift:  Linen or Lace –

Often admired for their beauty, linen and lace are delicate and sophisticated.

Gemstone: Tourmaline –

Tourmaline is said to re-energize a marriage as the stone is long-lasting and resilient to damage. Give them a set of tourmaline cocktail glasses for a gift that everyone can enjoy. Or, if your SO enjoys styling their hair, you can even purchase hair straighteners crafted using tourmaline.

9th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Willow or Pottery –

Another variety of wood, willow is known for its flexibility. This 9th anniversary gift lets your loved one know that you’ll be there for them, whatever way the wind may blow.

Modern Gift: Leather –

Leather is admired for its endurance, a trait shared by your marriage as you enter the ninth year.

Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli –

A gem with origins in feng shui, lapis lazuli balances positive and negative energies. If your spouse is into skincare, give them a face roller made from this precious stone. However, you really can’t go wrong giving the gift of Lapis Lazuli in jewelry form as the stone features a striking blue tone that looks nothing short of majestic.

10th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Aluminum or Tin –

Aluminum and tin are resistant to rust. These alloys won’t wear down making them the perfect symbol of preservation

Modern Gift: Diamond Jewelry –

A milestone as big as the 10th anniversary is worthy of celebration. And what better way to celebrate than with diamond jewelry?

Gemstone: Diamond –

Again, the big 1-0 is a pretty big deal. Don’t be afraid to go all out. The 10th anniversary, also known as the diamond anniversary, is a great opportunity to surprise your loved one with a set of lab grown diamond stackable bands, a dazzling pair of earrings or a fresh new diamond necklace. Lab diamonds are visually and chemically identical to natural diamonds but better for the earth and better for your wallet — there’s no doubt why lab diamonds are better. Another popular anniversary gift idea is a diamond-encrusted watch to ensure that they’re keeping track of time with style.

11th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Steel –

Your bond is unbreakable by year 11. Steel is the traditional gift for the 11th anniversary thanks to its unmatched strength and durability.

Modern Gift: Fashion Jewelry –

A piece to pair with your diamonds from year 10, fashion jewelry is a wearable reminder of the love that you share.

Gemstone: Turquoise –

Turquoise is worn to bring good health, fortune and peace. If they’re fashion forward, gift your spouse something a little more flashy this year like a turquoise belt buckle or a chunky gemstone ring.

12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Silk or Linen –

Two staples of the home, silk and linen represent the life that you’ve built together.

Modern Gift: Pearl –

Hidden away in the mouth of a clam, pearls are an unexpected surprise. This modern anniversary gift serves as a reminder of how lucky you are to have found love in each other

Gemstone: Jade –

Said to attract protection, love and prosperity, Jade is the perfect gem to celebrate the 12th anniversary. A gorgeous green stone, jewelry set with jade is sure to please.

13th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Lace –

Associated with elegance and beauty, lace is strong and represents your unbreakable bond.

Modern Gift: Textiles or (Faux) Furs –

Similar to a thick coat of fur, the 13th anniversary brings a special comfort and warmth.

Gemstone: Citrine –

 Yellow in appearance, citrine is used to bring joy and love into one’s life. This stone is also known to attract wealth and abundance. Gift your partner a piece of raw citrine that they can use to decorate their workstation to help them manifest their professional goals and ambitions. Hey, it’s worth a shot, right?

14th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Ivory –

Believed to signify luck and protection, elephant-themed gifts and off-white materials are given for year 14.

Modern Gift: Gold Jewelry –

Gold jewelry is given as a representation of eternal unification, whether you choose yellow gold, white gold,  or rose gold.

Gemstone: Opal –

Opals are a captivating stone. Multicolored beauties, opals symbolize love, passion and desire. The gift of an opal ring, earrings or bracelet is sure to wow your partner on the 14th anniversary.

15th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Crystal –

The gift of crystal brings attention to the required clarity and transparency to make a relationship work. Especially for 15 years.

Modern Gift: Watches –

A memento for the time that you’ve spent together and the time that’s yet to come

Gemstone: Ruby –

Burning hot like the fire of your love, rubies represent the flame in your relationship. Try a ruby tie clip or ring for him and a pair of bright ruby red earrings for her

16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Wax

Melded by the flames of your love, wax represents the warmth in your relationship.

Modern Gift: Silver Holloware –

Take date night at home to a whole new level with the gift of silver holloware. Silver holloware represents any dinner table item that isn’t silverware – think bowls, serving trays, and home decor.

Gemstone: Peridot –

A gorgeous green stone, peridot represents undying love and devotion.

17th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Furniture –

After 17 years together the least you deserve is some fresh furniture. Meant to represent the comfort and familiarity of a long-lasting marriage, furniture is a practical gift.

Gemstone: Carnelian –

Carnelian is used to summon joy and warmth, it’s even said to bring good humor to a relationship.

18th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Porcelain –

18 years of marriage requires a lot of hard work. Elegant yet oh-so fragile, porcelain reminds couples to continue to handle their relationship with care.

Gemstone: Cat’s Eye –

Similar to a cat’s eye in appearance, this gem is touted for its ability to combat melancholy and bring happiness into one’s life. Look for a vintage ring in this style for a truly unique 18th anniversary gift.

19th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Bronze –

11 years later and it’s back to bronze. Just like the eight-year of marriage, bronze reminds you that your relationship is growing ever stronger. Alternatively, some believe that bronze has healing properties and represents a relationship’s health.

Gemstone: Aquamarine –

Aquamarine is a protection stone. Wear this gem to keep bad mojo far away from you and your relationship.

Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli –

A gem with origins in feng shui, lapis lazuli balances positive and negative energies. If your spouse is into skincare, give them a face roller made from this precious stone. However, you really can’t go wrong giving the gift of Lapis Lazuli in jewelry form as the stone features a striking blue tone that looks nothing short of majestic.

20th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: China –

Love is fragile. The gift of china reminds you to nurture your relationship, it must be handled carefully so that it will not break.

Modern Gift: Platinum –

One of the toughest metals around, stackable platinum bands will not break or bend even through the most difficult of times.

Gemstone: Emerald –

With ties to the goddess Venus, emerald is the stone of love. For the 20th anniversary, give gifts in dark green hues including glassware, jewelry and even clothing.

25th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Sterling Silver –

The 25th anniversary is known as the “silver anniversary”. What better way to celebrate than with a trinket made of this precious metal.

Gemstone: Silver –

 While not technically a type of gemstone, it’s only fitting that silver remains the gift of choice for year 25. Give her a bracelet made of sterling silver. Give him a silver letter opener or a flask to store his favourite beverage.

30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Pearl –

 Beautiful pearls can take anywhere from months to even years to form. Gifting a pearl to your love on your 30th anniversary is a reminder of your long-lasting admiration that gets better with time.

Modern Gift: Diamond –

Diamonds are so tough that they can cut through glass. This strength is admired in year 30’s modern gift and a man made diamond represents the endurance of your relationship.

35th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Coral  –

Found at the bottom of the sea, coral is said to have magical healing powers.

Modern Gift: Jade –

Give the gift of jade to attract good fortune, wealth, wisdom, and passionate love.

Gemstone: Emerald –

No, your eyes don’t deceive you, emerald is making another appearance as the featured gemstone for the 35th anniversary. Symbolizing long-lasting love and perseverance, emeralds ooze romance.

40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Ruby –

 The fieriest of all the gemstones, rubies are believed to possess a flame that can never be extinguished.

Gemstone: Ruby –

For something off the beaten gifting path, give them a ruby cactus for their 40th anniversary. Or, celebrate this milestone year with the gift of jewelry as rubies make for a beautiful centerpiece in nearly every fine jewelry setting.

45th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Sapphire –

 If you make it to 45 years you deserve to be treated like royalty. Luckily, the gift of sapphire is just the ticket as it has been worn by royals around the globe for centuries.

Gemstone: Sapphire –

 The colors for the 45th anniversary are blue and red, two colors that can also be found in sapphires. Tell them that you still love them as much today as you did the day that you said, “I do,” with a bright blue sapphire ring or a fiery red sapphire pendant.

50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Gold –

There’s a reason that gold jewelry is always in style, it’s a classic. Besides, the only thing luxurious enough to celebrate 50 years together is the gift of gold. Go ahead, celebrate your 50th anniversary in style. You could even mark your marriage milestone by adding engravings to your wedding rings. Take a look at some engraving ideas for wedding rings to commemorate your 50-year union.

Gemstone: Gold –

Everything is golden by year 50 and there are tons of 50th anniversary gift options to fit the theme. Stick with tradition and give them a piece of gold jewelry or a golden watch. Or try something a little different like gold clothing and accessories, gold home decor or even, golden-tinted beers and alcohols.

55th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional and Modern Gift: Emerald –

 Emeralds represent true love and devotion making them the absolute best choice for celebrating the 55th anniversary.

Gemstone: Alexandrite  –

Known to ward off bad vibes, Alexandrite will bring some fresh positivity into your relationship. This gemstone is super unique in coloring with hues that go from purple to blue to green depending upon the light.

60th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift and Modern: Diamond –

 If you’ve made it to your 60th anniversary you deserve nothing but the best. Shower your spouse with lab created diamonds, a stone that represents everlasting love.

Gemstone: Diamond –

Nothing says, “I love you,” like diamonds. After all these years, one of the best gifts remains diamond trinkets and fine jewelry. With these gift suggestions, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect anniversary gift. At Luxyverse, we’re here to help you celebrate every milestone anniversary with gifts for each year regardless of whether it’s the fifth anniversary, seventh anniversary, 35th anniversary, or 60th anniversary. Congratulations!