Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year to Show Your Love

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As someone who has been married for 25 years, I can tell you this: Getting married is fun, but staying married is where the real work comes in. So you should celebrate every year that you and your beloved are together—it’s a real accomplishment. And what better way to commemorate your wonderful relationship than with traditional anniversary gifts?

“For couples who use gifts as part of their love language, using the traditional anniversary gifts by year as a guideline is a wonderful place to start,” says Jodi R. R. Smith, a wedding etiquette coach and the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

Big anniversary gifts are typically used to celebrate the “milestone” anniversaries: your first anniversary and then every five years spent together, and after your 30th anniversary, every 10 years. However, there are gifting guidelines for every single year, and you can celebrate these middle anniversaries with smaller gifts.

Where did the traditional wedding anniversary gift guidelines start?

The anniversary tradition of giving gifts is an ancient practice, but this type of “wedding anniversary gifts by year” list didn’t become popular until Victorian times—something that becomes apparent when you look at the items. Does anyone even have a separate china set anymore? Is there a couple desperately seeking tin? Who wants anything made out of wax as a gift?

In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association came out with a more “modern” list of anniversary gift ideas, based off a 1922 advice column by Emily Post. The jewelers also added a gemstone suggestion for each anniversary. Not long after, the floral industry got in on the action and added anniversary flowers and colors. So trust us when we say there are many options to draw inspiration from!

How to choose the perfect anniversary gift

You can use this list as a way to generate gift ideas, but don’t feel obligated to stick to it. It’s also a fun opportunity to get creative with your interpretation of the theme, says etiquette expert Nick Leighton, host of the podcast Were You Raised by Wolves? A modern spin can include booking plane tickets or creating a custom sculpture for your home. Done right, these gifts can showcase your sense of humor and how well you understand your spouse.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or opt for a more modern take, our experts are here to help. We asked Smith to provide more traditional suggestions, while Leighton offers some modern takes. Add a tag with one of these happy anniversary messages and you’re golden! (OK, technically gold is just for your 50th anniversary, but you know what we mean!) Ahead, you’ll find the most meaningful anniversary gift ideas your significant other is sure to love.

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1st anniversary: Paper

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One year in and most of your relationship is still a blank book, waiting to be written together. There are plenty of paper goods that can provide a fun way to highlight and celebrate your future together, like tickets to a show or boarding passes for a vacation. A more budget-friendly option is a love journal—a notebook where you can chronicle your first year. Try writing a funny or thoughtful prompt and then challenging your partner to fill it in. Then switch! This list of love questions can help.

While many of the options above seem like modern takes on the traditional paper gift, the actual modern gift is a clock. Go sentimental with an antique grandfather clock, or techy with an atomic clock—both will mark the time of your romance.

2nd anniversary: Cotton

By the time you’ve gotten through the second year of marriage, you’re really starting to weave together the fabric of your lives. (See what we did there?) But while cotton is the traditional wedding-anniversary choice, any fiber is fine, says Smith. Get each other a favorite item of clothing, new bedding or a hammock for two. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s comfy and big enough for both of you to snuggle in or under. You might also want to consider getting something in red, since that’s traditional color for this anniversary year.

Interestingly, china is the modern take on a second-anniversary gift, which seems rather traditional. Did you register for a china set for your wedding? This is the year to buy a new piece to add to your collection. Otherwise, opt for a beautiful china figurine or perhaps even … a trip to China?

3rd anniversary: Leather

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Leather is tougher than fabric, and by the end of year three, so is your marriage. You can gift a real leather item—a designer bag, nice shoes, a new belt—or choose a vegan leather alternative if that aligns better with your values (or budget). His-and-hers leather wristwatches or bracelets are a modern way to commemorate this anniversary while still sticking with tradition. You can even get the date engraved! Then, every time you look at your wrist, you can remember how much time the two of you have spent together.

The modern gift of crystal or glass embodies some interesting symbolism: These materials can shatter if not handled carefully—and so can your marriage. Good options might be a new set of wine glasses or a crystal decanter. Cheers to a good year ahead!

4th anniversary: Fruit or flowers

Get romantic with chocolate-dipped strawberries and rose petals, or get creative with an edible fruit arrangement or a perennial to plant in your garden that will bloom year after year. Or it certainly wouldn’t hurt to stay traditional for this one by choosing a beautiful bouquet from one of the best online flower-delivery services. Keep in mind that each anniversary has its own flower, and for your fourth wedding anniversary, those are geraniums, so you might want to feature some in your gift.

Year four’s modern anniversary gift should come with a caveat: If you’re showing your devotion with a new blender, vacuum or dishwasher, make sure you’re sending the right message by picking out this gift together or making it very clear that you’ll be using it too. That being said, while appliances may not be the most romantic gifts, taking care of daily tasks is a powerful way of showing love—and hey, you probably need a few new ones by now anyhow!

5th anniversary: Wood

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The beautiful thing about live wood is that it keeps growing and getting stronger over time, even through storms, making it an elegant metaphor for your relationship. For a meaningful take on this traditional anniversary gift, you can buy a sapling and plant it together, preferably somewhere you can watch it grow over the years. As a green option, try donating to a charity that plants trees around the world.

For a modern alternative, silver is a great way to symbolize the many meals you have shared together as a couple so far! Silver is also durable, and you could even combine both anniversary-gift ideas with a set of silver and wood utensils.

6th anniversary: Iron

While iron may seem like an odd choice for an anniversary gift, it makes sense when you think about it: It’s one of the strongest metals on Earth, making it strong and enduring, like your love. For a gift, says Leighton, “does it get more romantic than a visit to the Eiffel Tower?” Probably not, but for something a little more affordable, delight your partner with an iron necklace pendant, paperweight, golf club or sculpture (perhaps a tiny Eiffel Tower?). If your spouse likes puns, give them an actual iron—just be sure to include a coupon to do all of their ironing for a month.

7th anniversary: Wool or copper

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Forget the seven-year itch. Yes, you’ve likely settled into a comfortable daily routine together, but that’s a good thing! You’re building your home together, so you want to add beautiful and durable items to it—in materials like wool and copper. (For these traditional anniversary gifts, think: blankets and rugs, or pots and faucets.) And practical gifts don’t have to be boring or unromantic, says Smith. For instance, you can opt for a a set of copper mugs, perfect for Moscow mules, with your names and anniversary engraved on them.

As for the modern anniversary gift, a desk set doesn’t seem all that personal until you take into account just how much time we all spend at work. This is something your loved one will see every day—and think of you when they do! Choose a set that fits their personality and style, and turn it into a personalized gift by having it etched or embossed with your wedding date.

8th anniversary: Bronze

Bronze isn’t a metal of its own; it’s a mixture of copper, tin and sometimes other metals as well. Eight years in, your marriage is likely also a beautiful blend of your different families, cultures and personalities. And just like bronze is stronger than copper or tin, so are the two of you together. Celebrate this year with a bronze lamp, bottle opener or sculpture.

Or if pretty little things are more your thing, go for lace or linen to add a touch of class and beauty. For a gift: Lingerie or a tablecloth—choose wisely!

9th anniversary: Pottery or willow

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Good pottery is crafted by hand, with care, and then cured in the heat of a kiln. Nearly a decade together means you’ve been through some tough stuff and come out of it—and your relationship is stronger for being forged in the fire. Commemorate these memories by going to a pottery-painting studio for a date night or buying a beautiful planter. Consider filling the latter one with willow, another traditional ninth-anniversary option that’s known for its strength and flexibility (and clear symbolism). Or go whimsical with the traditional flowers for this year: pretty poppies!

10th anniversary: Tin or aluminum

No. 10 is a milestone anniversary, so it may call for a bigger celebration, like a big vacation or a weekend at a charming bed and breakfast, says Smith. While you’re there, make it fun by incorporating a tin or aluminum theme. For instance, you could watch Tin Cup or Rin Tin Tin together by the light of candles set in tin candlesticks, or go for a hike with your matching aluminum water bottles. Or for some silly fun, make a sculpture out of aluminum foil.

Of course, you really can’t go wrong with the modern 10th-anniversary gift: diamond jewelry. Diamonds are the wedding anniversary gift, and this is a huge milestone, so go big if your budget allows.

11th anniversary: Steel

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Forged in fire, steel is one of the strongest metals we have—there’s a reason buildings are built on steel frames. Your relationship likely now has its own steel scaffolding, built of compromise, acts of service and quality time together. Honor your strength and heat as a couple with a new stainless steel grill. Or keep it smaller with some steel tools. Appliances don’t feel romantic enough? Try matching steel rings.

If you know these ideas for traditional anniversary gifts won’t be a hit, try fashion jewelry instead. A little bling can go a long way in brightening your spouse’s day. Opt for turquoise, if possible, since that’s year 11’s signature gemstone and color, which can make this gift even more special.

12th anniversary: Silk or linen

It takes about 40 hours to make one strand of pure silk. Multiply this by the amount of silk needed to make a tie or dress, and you can appreciate all the work and careful effort. Think of your marriage as a precious thing built silken thread by silken thread. It didn’t become beautiful overnight, but together you are weaving a gorgeous tapestry. Celebrate this softness with silky bathrobes or lingerie, or matching silk pillowcases and sheets that feel cool and luxurious.

For a modern gift idea, try pearls. Pearls start as an irritation and turn into something beautiful, just like your marriage. (We’re kidding!) But it is true that by working together, you can turn those everyday minor annoyances into something that strengthens your relationship over time. Commemorate this work with pearl earrings, a necklace or cuff links.

13th anniversary: Lace

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Delicate lace is the epitome of romance and can remind you that even after 13 years together, it’s important to treat each other with care and gentleness. You can get creative and take a tatting class together or do a date night at a history museum to learn more about this lost art. Or lacy lingerie is always a popular anniversary item.

For a modern twist, choose a gift in a different fabric that your partner adores. A (faux) fur coat, perhaps? Or a corduroy apron? Lace is beautiful, but its utility is limited, since it is fragile and mainly decorative, Smith says, so the modern option offers a wider range of gifts that are both durable and beautiful, just like your marriage.

14th anniversary: Ivory

Many species of elephants are endangered, and the ivory trade is cruel to both humans and animals—not something you necessarily want associated with your everlasting love. Skip the real ivory and go for something ivory-colored, whether that’s clothing or a sentimental photo album that you fill with your favorite memories. Or maybe an ivory-colored elephant ring holder will honor the ivory anniversary in spirit and prevent your wedding rings from getting lost.

If your partner loves puns and gag gifts, give them a wrapped box of Ivory soap. Just be sure to give them a real gift as well!

15th anniversary: Crystal or watches

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Each type of crystal is beautiful based on the unique lacy structure of atoms that makes it up, and after 15 years, your marriage is similarly beautiful and strong. Rose crystal (light pink quartz) symbolizes universal and unconditional love. If you really want to splurge (or want an excuse to get away), take your true love on a romantic getaway to India, Germany or Madagascar, homes to some of the biggest rose-quartz sites in the world. Or keep it simple at home with rose-quartz crystal candles or jewelry.

The modern gift for a 15th wedding anniversary? Watches. After all, this milestone year is definitely one you want to mark in time.

16th anniversary: Wax

Wax may not seem like the most romantic emblem, but hear us out. It’s soft, squishy and adapts to the shape and color of whatever surrounds it—and flexibility and compromise are the bedrocks of a healthy relationship. These are skills you’ve probably gotten pretty good at after 16 years of being with someone. Celebrate your love with a candlelit dinner. Or for a creative gift, get your own family wax seal; you can use it to seal love notes to each other or letters to family, or just add a fancy flair to bills if you like.

The modern gift for this anniversary is silver holloware. If you just said, “What?” that’s understandable. (We had to look it up too.) Holloware is anything you use for a dinner table that isn’t plates, cups or utensils. Buy your beloved a silver gravy boat, serving tray, candlestick set or pitcher.

17th anniversary: Furniture

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Buying furniture together is a real test of your relationship. Can you blend your styles? Stick to a budget? Shop together without someone wandering off to find free cookies? On a practical level, by year 17, you probably need to replace some of the things you bought when you were first married, and this is the perfect anniversary to invest in a new loveseat, a larger bed or perhaps a giant bean bag built for two. If it goes with your decor, consider getting something yellow, which is the designated color for this anniversary year.

18th anniversary: Porcelain

We’re not sure if the powers-that-be ran out of ideas or if it’s just a coincidence, but for year 18, the modern and traditional anniversary gifts are the same. Porcelain is a ceramic that’s been treated with high heat, usually over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Nearly two decades of marriage and you will walk through fire for each other. Commemorate this anniversary with porcelain dinnerware or figurines. Or for a modern twist, gift your love a porcelain Christmas ornament emblazoned with your anniversary date or wedding venue.

19th anniversary: Bronze

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Anyone else feeling a little bit of déjà vu? Bronze is making another appearance on this list, both for a traditional and modern anniversary gift, and for good reason: Bronze is an amalgamation of copper (which represents luck) and tin (which represents durability), making it a great way to symbolize long-lasting good fortune in your relationship. Some people also believe that copper has healing powers and may symbolize health and wellness in a marriage.

So what kind of gift ideas come in bronze? Consider a bronze door knocker with your last name engraved on it, matching bronze jewelry, or a bronze embossed journal to save mementos of your adventures for this year.

20th anniversary: China

Two decades is a major life and relationship milestone. Many couples choose to honor this anniversary with a second honeymoon trip or vow-renewal party. To incorporate this tradition, you could go to China (the country) or use china (the dinnerware). Or keep it simple with matching Mr. and Mrs. mugs.

For a modern gift, opt for platinum jewelry. Elegant and durable, this metal is a powerful symbol of your elegant and durable romance. Other options include a platinum (or platinum-colored) serving tray, jewelry holder or picture frame.

25th anniversary: Sterling silver

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Here’s an interesting bit of marriage trivia: Sterling silver became the symbol of a quarter-century of love during the Middle Ages. On their 25th anniversary, men would give their wives a wreath of silver to wear in their hair. A silver wreath would still be fun, but there are plenty of shiny, pretty things to express your love. Consider silver jewelry, candlesticks, an engraved anniversary platter or a silver 25th-anniversary picture frame with spots for your original wedding picture alongside a current snap of you as a couple.

30th anniversary: Pearl

Other than an oyster, pearls take two things to grow: a grain of sand and time. At three decades, your marriage has taken something small—a spark of love when you were younger—and grown it into something of great worth. Whether necklaces, earrings or cufflinks, pearl jewelry is a popular gift for this anniversary. For a fun activity together, buy pearl oysters and harvest the gems. If you live close to the ocean, you can visit a local shop, while landlocked lovers can buy a kit online.

Another huge marriage milestone, a 30th anniversary may also call for diamonds, according to modern gifting guidelines. After all, diamonds have become the go-to gem of true love, and this is a biggie! Get stacking diamond rings or a charm bracelet so you can add a new ring or charm for each subsequent milestone anniversary.

35th anniversary: Coral

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You are now officially the couple that other couples go to for relationship advice. You’ve had your ups and downs, but you’ve learned to weather any storm together. Celebrate this milestone with a romantic trip to a coral reef in Hawaii or Australia. For a frugal option, check out the coral displays at your local aquarium or hang up a coral-painted plaque with a sweet message.

On second thought, why pick just the traditional anniversary gift when coral and jade (the modern option) go so well together? Look for jewelry or art featuring these two beautiful colors, or go with this anniversary’s even richer color and gemstone: emerald.

40th anniversary: Ruby

Red rubies symbolize power and love, making them a beautiful way to mark four decades of true love. You can stick with traditional gifts of ruby jewelry or decor, or get creative with ruby-colored fruits (like pomegranates and ruby grapefruits), throws or clothing items. “Ruby” is also a popular ingredient in many fragrances, so for a modern take on this theme, consider gifting your love a ruby-infused air freshener or perfume.

45th anniversary: Sapphire

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Heavenly skies, abundance and peace are just a few of the things this beautiful blue gemstone symbolizes—and are all traits that describe a marriage that has lasted this long. This anniversary warrants a romantic cruise on a Sapphire Princess ship or perhaps a trip to somewhere with sapphire-blue waters. Another beautiful option that evokes the immortality of the heavens is a custom star map, with a special constellation to commemorate you as a couple.

And while this gemstone is typically associated with deep blue, did you know it also comes in a wide range of color varieties, including pink, yellow, green, purple, orange and even colorless (known as white sapphires)? A piece of jewelry featuring several shades of sapphire—perhaps the birthstone colors of your children—is another idea for a heartfelt gift.

50th anniversary: Gold

Half a century together and you are golden! You’ve achieved a feat not many do; fewer than 6% of all marriages make it to the 50-year mark, according to the latest U.S. Census data. This calls for a celebration of grand proportions, or at least a gold-themed party with your family and friends. Keep your loved ones close with a gold-painted “heart box”—a shadow box in the shape of a heart. Set out gold markers so each guest can sign a heart and drop it into the display. Every day after that, you can see all of the little hearts that your marriage’s big heart brought together.

Prefer to keep things between just the two of you? You can’t miss with gold jewelry, but golden-hued art or flowers are also sure to be a hit. Here’s a handy cheat sheet on flower meanings to make sure you’re choosing the perfect blooms.

55th anniversary: Emerald

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This deep green gemstone symbolizes protection and intuition, two things you need as you move forward in your sixth decade together. Emerald cuff links, tie pins or brooches are a twist on the traditional jewelry and add a pop of color to any outfit. Though, that said, traditional emerald jewelry will also stun. Why mess with a classic?

60th anniversary: Diamond

Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, forged after centuries of intense pressure. So, too, has your relationship become stronger than ever. Sixty years together is an accomplishment to be celebrated, whether with diamond jewelry, a diamond cruise or both. For a unique way to commemorate your love and create a fun work of art, craft or commission a custom “diamond painting” of your favorite picture of you as a couple.

Why trust us

For over 100 years, Reader’s Digest has explored the nuances of relationships, working with such luminaries as Dr. Ruth Westheimer, John Gottman, PhD, and Leo Buscaglia (“Dr. Love”). We ran a decade-long relationships column and have published a compendium of features, Love and Marriage: The Reader’s Digest Guide to Intimate Relationships. For this piece on modern and traditional anniversary gifts, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as an etiquette and relationships writer. We support this information with credentialed experts and primary sources such as government and professional organizations, peer-reviewed journals and our writers’ personal experience where it enhances the topic. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Jodi R. R. Smith, wedding etiquette coach and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
• Nick Leighton, etiquette expert and host of Were You Raised by Wolves?

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