Gifts by year: anniversary ideas for your loved ones

Celebrating a wedding anniversary is an annual reminder of the special day when a couple tied the knot. Whether you’re looking for an anniversary gift for your wife, husband, parents or friends, the list of anniversary gifts by year have helped inspire many gift givers with symbolic presents for the happy couple. Here are 11 ideas to help you pick a heartfelt and meaningful gift, whether it’s for a first anniversary, or 50th.

What are the gifts by year?

There are two types of anniversary gifts for each year: traditional gifts and modern gifts. Traditional anniversary gifts are represented by different materials which increase in value as each year passes, from paper to diamonds. Modern anniversary gifts were created to reflect the need for more practical, less symbolic gifts.

Year

Traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year

Modern anniversary gifts by year

1st

Paper

Clocks

2nd

Cotton

China

3rd

Leather

Cystal/Glass

4th

Fruit & Flowers

Linen/Appliances

5th

Wood

Silverware

6th

Sugar

Iron

7th

Copper/Wool

Desk Set

8th

Bronze

Linen and Lace

9th

Willow/Pottery

Leather

10th

Tin/Aluminium

Diamond

11th

Steel

Jewellery

12th

Silk

Pearls

13th

Lace

Textiles/Fur

14th

Ivory

Gold Jewellery

15th

Crystal

Watches

16th

Wax

Silver Holloware

17th

Furniture

18th

Porcelain

19th

Bronze

20th

China

Platinum

21st

Brass/Nickel

22nd

Copper

23rd

Silver Plate

24th

Silver

Musical Instruments

25th

Silver

30th

Pearl/Ivory

Diamond

35th

Coral

Jade

40th

Ruby

45th

Sapphire

50th

Gold

55th

Emerald

60th

Diamond

Wedding anniversary gift ideas

1st Anniversary: Paper

Paper anniversary gifts are traditionally given to represent the blank pages of a couple’s marriage. In the modern list, clocks are given for a similar reason - to symbolise all the time together couples have to look forward to. For a playful spin on the paper theme, treat your loved one to items such as notepads, books, or even posters and wall art.

2nd Anniversary: Cotton

The way cotton is intertwined imitates the way the couple’s lives have become woven together by their second wedding anniversary. For an extra special second wedding anniversary gift, items made from cotton could include sumptuously soft blankets or bedding to snuggle up in together, or a cotton pyjama set for her.

3rd Anniversary: Leather

Leather is a durable material that has typically been used for protection. So for the third wedding anniversary, leather gifts represent the strength of the matrimony. A leather, or faux leather, watch, bag or shoes make the a stylish anniversary gift for her. And if you prefer to go by the modern list, gifts made from glass or crystal could include shimmering gin, champagne or whisky glasses for the couple.

5th Anniversary: Wood

The fifth year of marriage is represented by wood. Trees are seen as a symbol for strength and wisdom, reflecting the couple’s deep rooted union. You could mark this milestone with a statement piece of wood furniture or silver gifts such as silver 925 jewellery if you prefer to go by the modern list.

10th Anniversary: Tin

10 years of marriage is traditionally celebrated with gifts made from aluminium. Items stored inside tin are prolonged, a symbol to recognise the way a couple’s love has endured for a decade. Going by the modern anniversary gift, diamonds can also be gifted to celebrate the milestone, or jewellery with cubic zirconia gems make a beautiful and affordable alternative.

15th Anniversary: Crystal

Crystal mimics the clear and sparkling love between a couple on their 15th wedding anniversary. Glass gifts make a more affordable option, sets of drinks glasses or decadent glass tableware are both thoughtful ideas for wedding anniversary gifts. Or, for the modern alternative, a watch represents the time you’ve spent together, and have ahead of you.

20th Anniversary: China

China is a fragile material, but when it’s cared for properly it will stand the test of time. Ceramic gifts such as striking serveware and small trinkets make a pretty and practical 20th anniversary gift for couples as a reminder of their two decades together.

25th Anniversary: Silver

Silver represents 25 years of marriage in both the traditional anniversary gifts list and the modern version making it a timeless choice for a gift. If you’re searching for a wedding anniversary gift for your wife, a piece of silver jewellery will be a sparkling addition to her jewellery box.

30th Anniversary: Pearl

Pearl is valued for its beauty and rarity making it the perfect representation for 30 years of marriage. A shining piece of pearl jewellery is one gift idea that will remind her of three decades with the person she loves. Or, if you’re shopping for anniversary gifts for couples, homeware accessories such as a lamp with pearlescent shades make an eye-catching shared present.

40th Anniversary: Ruby

Ruby red is the colour of passion and romance so for the 40th wedding anniversary, look for gifts in a rich red or love and heart themed presents to celebrate this amorous achievement.

50th Anniversary Gifts: Gold

50 years marks the golden wedding anniversary and a gift in glittering gold is said to represent the wealth of spending a lifetime together. So, for the couple who have spent 5 decades together, a gold mirror or gold-plated jewellery make an anniversary gift they’ll cherish.