Whether you’re looking for a gift for your significant other or seeking a way to celebrate a happy couple, you may be wondering what the traditional and modern gifts are for each wedding anniversary. That’s why we’ve created this guide with gift ideas for every wedding anniversary by year.
The Traditional and Modern Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year
As you may already know, almost every wedding anniversary year from 1 to 15 and every 5 years from 15 to 50 has a special theme and gift idea that reflects the growing strength and value of a marriage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect gift for each milestone. Whether you give a symbolic gift that is in keeping with the meaning behind each year, or you give something creative and unique, we hope this guide to the traditional and modern gift ideas will help inspire you to celebrate your marriage milestones in a way that feels right to you.
1st Anniversary: Paper (Traditional) / Clocks (Modern)
The first anniversary is all about new beginnings, and traditionally, paper symbolizes this fresh start. You could give a personalized journal, a beautiful book, or a custom piece of art. For a modern twist, consider a stylish clock that symbolizes the timelessness of your love and the many moments yet to come. Check out all our gift ideas for the 1st wedding anniversary.
2nd Anniversary: Cotton (Traditional) / China (Modern)
Cotton represents the comfort and strength of a two-year-old marriage. Think cozy cotton sheets, a comfy throw, or personalized cotton towels. Modern gift-givers can opt for china, representing elegance and beauty. Check out all our gift ideas for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
3rd Anniversary: Leather (Traditional) / Crystal or Glass (Modern)
Leather signifies durability and flexibility, much like a three-year-old marriage. A quality leather wallet, handbag, or leather-bound journal could be a thoughtful gift. Modern options include crystal or glass, symbolizing clarity and transparency. While crystal is also reserved as a traditional gift, one could select a beautiful crystal vase or a set of elegant glassware. See more gift ideas for the third wedding anniversary.
4th Anniversary: Fruit/Flowers (Traditional) / Appliances (Modern)
Four years in, the gift of flowers or fruit symbolize is meant to represent the blossoming marriage. A plant, bouquet of the couple’s favorite flowers, or some jam or fruit basket could be a great gift for couples to exchange or to receive from well-wishing friends or family. Think in unique ways – a visit to a nearby historic garden, garden center, or even wildflowers picked on a walk could be one way to celebrate. In the modern symbol, practical appliances are suggested, perhaps a new coffee maker or a blender for shared culinary adventures. Combine the two ideas and give a blender with the gift of fruits to make a smoothie! See gift picks for the 4th wedding anniversary.
5th Anniversary: Wood (Traditional) / Silverware (Modern)
Wood represents the strength and solidified roots of a five-year marriage. A personalized wooden photo frame, any gift of a tree or a handcrafted item made from wood is a great ideas. Modern gift-givers can choose silverware, which is thought to symbolize harmony and beauty. For foodie couples, a set of cutlery or a unique serving piece would be fitting. See all of our gift idea suggestions for couples celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary.
6th Anniversary: Iron (Traditional) / Wood (Modern)
Iron signifies the strong bond in a six-year marriage. A cast iron skillet or a wrought iron decoration could be ideal gifts. Interestingly, the modern gift is wood, so you have the option to choose between a traditional iron item or a modern wooden piece, perhaps a wooden jewelry box or a unique wooden keepsake. See more gift ideas for a 6th wedding anniversary.
7th Anniversary: Wool/Copper (Traditional) / Desk Sets (Modern)
For your 7th anniversary, wool is the traditional gift and symbolizes the warmth and comfort of your love and relationship. Copper is another traditional gift for the 7th anniversary, while copper symbolizes durability and patina. A cozy wool blanket or a copper mug set might be perfect. Modern gifts focus on desk sets, ideal for a home office upgrade with a stylish and functional desk organizer or a sophisticated pen set.
8th Anniversary: Bronze (Traditional) / Linen/Lace (Modern)
Bronze, which is a blend of copper and tin, symbolizes a strong and resilient union. A gift made of bronze, like a sculpture, plaque or a piece of bronze jewelry could be special way to incorporate this bronze symbolism. Modern gifts include linen or lace, offering options like luxurious linen bedding or a a piece of clothing made of linen.
9th Anniversary: Pottery (Traditional) / Leather (Modern)
Pottery represents the shaping and molding of a nine-year marriage. A custom pottery piece or a beautiful ceramic vase would be meaningful. The modern gift is leather, so you could opt for a stylish leather accessory, such as a leather jacket or a personalized leather diary.
10th Anniversary: Tin/Aluminum (Traditional) / Diamond Jewelry (Modern)
Reaching a decade together is significant, and tin or aluminum represents flexibility and endurance. A decorative tin item, or even just a favorite drink or beer in a can could be a fun gift or an aluminum piece of art could be fitting. The modern choice is diamond jewelry, symbolizing enduring love and strength. A diamond ring or a pair of diamond earrings would be cherished.
11th Anniversary: Steel (Traditional) / Fashion Jewelry (Modern)
Steel symbolizes the strong and sturdy nature of an eleven-year marriage. A steel watch or a piece of steel home decor might be ideal. For modern gifts, fashion jewelry offers stylish and trendy options like a chic necklace or a pair of fashionable earrings.
12th Anniversary: Silk/Linen (Traditional) / Pearls (Modern)
Silk and linen signify the comfort and luxury of a twelve-year marriage. Consider a silk scarf or a linen set for the home. Modern gifts include pearls, symbolizing purity and beauty. A pearl necklace or a set of pearl earrings would be timeless gifts.
13th Anniversary: Lace (Traditional) / Textiles (Modern)
Lace represents the intricate and delicate nature of a thirteen-year marriage. A lace tablecloth or a piece of lace lingerie could be special. Modern options include textiles, offering cozy and luxurious items like a cashmere blanket or a faux fur throw. Fur used to be considered a gift, but again like ivory it’s outdated, and clearly only faux fur items should be given!
14th Anniversary: Ivory (Traditional) / Gold Jewelry (Modern)
Ivory is an outdated but traditional gift for the 14th anniversary. It was thought to symbolize purity and elegance, though due to animal cruelty and ethical considerations real ivory should certainly not be given. Alternatives like faux ivory items, elephant-themed gifts or gifts simply that have anivory color are popular. The modern gift is gold jewelry, perfect for a timeless and valuable a gold ring, bracelet or necklace, or something your partner will love like decorative item or accessory in a shade of gold.
15th Anniversary: Crystal (Traditional) / Watches (Modern)
Crystal represents the clear and sparkling love of a fifteen-year marriage. A crystal vase or a set of crystal glasses might be ideal. Modern gifts include watches, symbolizing the precious time spent together. A luxury watch would be a cherished gift. See more of our crystal gift ideas for your 15th wedding anniversary.
After the 15th anniversary, the symbolic gifts are only designated for every 5 year increments. However, it’s still certainly a great idea to continue to celebrate with thoughtful gifts, a card or a meal for
20th Anniversary: China (Traditional) / Platinum (Modern)
China signifies the beauty and elegance of a twenty-year marriage. A fine china tea set or a decorative china plate could be meaningful. The modern choice is platinum, symbolizing strength and endurance. A platinum ring or a piece of platinum jewelry would be perfect.
25th Anniversary: Silver (Traditional & Modern)
Both traditional and modern gifts for the twenty-fifth anniversary are silver, symbolizing the shine and resilience of a long-lasting marriage. Consider silver jewelry, a silver picture frame, or a silver home decor item.
30th Anniversary: Pearl (Traditional) / Diamond (Modern)
Pearls represent the beauty and rarity of a thirty-year marriage. A pearl necklace or a set of pearl earrings would be timeless. The modern gift is diamond, symbolizing strength and endurance. A diamond ring or a pair of diamond earrings would be cherished.
35th Anniversary: Coral (Traditional) / Jade (Modern)
Coral symbolizes protection and longevity in a thirty-five-year marriage. A piece of coral jewelry or a coral-themed home decor item could be special. Modern gifts include jade, offering options like a jade bracelet or a jade sculpture.
40th Anniversary: Ruby (Traditional & Modern)
Both traditional and modern gifts for the fortieth anniversary are ruby, symbolizing passion and love. A ruby ring, necklace, or a pair of ruby earrings would be perfect to celebrate this milestone.
45th Anniversary: Sapphire (Traditional & Modern)
The symbol45th anniversary is the blue sapphire. Sapphires represent wisdom and loyalty, making them ideal for a forty-five-year marriage. Consider a sapphire ring, necklace, or a pair of sapphire earrings as a beautiful and meaningful gift. If you’re hosting a party for the couple,
50th Anniversary: Gold (Traditional & Modern)
Reaching the fiftieth anniversary is a monumental achievement, and gold symbolizes the prosperity and strength of such a long-lasting marriage. A gold necklace, bracelet, or a pair of gold earrings would be timeless and treasured gifts.
More Ideas for Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Choosing the perfect gift for a wedding anniversary can be a meaningful way to celebrate the enduring love and commitment between a couple. Whether you opt for a traditional gift that reflects the history and symbolism of each year or a modern gift that fits the contemporary lifestyle, the thought and effort you put into your choice will be appreciated and cherished. Remember, it’s the love and memories you share that truly make each anniversary special.
Quick Reference Guide for Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Want to come up with your own gift idea? Here is a list of traditional and modern gifts for wedding anniversaries from year 1 to 50:
Traditional Anniversary Gifts:
1st Anniversary: Paper
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
3rd Anniversary: Leather
4th Anniversary: Fruit/Flowers
5th Anniversary: Wood
6th Anniversary: Iron
7th Anniversary: Wool/Copper
8th Anniversary: Bronze
9th Anniversary: Pottery
10th Anniversary: Tin/Aluminum
11th Anniversary: Steel
12th Anniversary: Silk/Linen
13th Anniversary: Lace
14th Anniversary: Ivory
15th Anniversary: Crystal
20th Anniversary: China
25th Anniversary: Silver
30th Anniversary: Pearl
35th Anniversary: Coral
40th Anniversary: Ruby
45th Anniversary: Sapphire
50th Anniversary: Gold
Modern Anniversary Gifts:
1st Anniversary: Clocks
2nd Anniversary: China
3rd Anniversary: Crystal/Glass
4th Anniversary: Appliances
5th Anniversary: Silverware
6th Anniversary: Wood
7th Anniversary: Desk Sets
8th Anniversary: Linen/Lace
9th Anniversary: Leather
10th Anniversary: Diamond Jewelry
11th Anniversary: Fashion Jewelry
12th Anniversary: Pearls
13th Anniversary: Textiles/Furs
14th Anniversary: Gold Jewelry
15th Anniversary: Watches
20th Anniversary: Platinum
25th Anniversary: Silver
30th Anniversary: Diamond
35th Anniversary: Jade
40th Anniversary: Ruby
45th Anniversary: Sapphire
50th Anniversary: Gold
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