As couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries, it is important to recognize the milestone with a special gift. While traditional gifts are often associated with certain years, there are many creative and unique options available for each anniversary year. From the first to the sixtieth, this article will provide an overview of wedding anniversary gifts by year to help you find the perfect present for your loved one.
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What are Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year?
Wedding anniversaries are a special occasion, and the traditional gift for each year has its own meaning and significance. Even after many years of marriage, it’s still important to celebrate this milestone as a married couple. Common gifts range from paper to diamonds to precious stones, precious metals, photo album, sacred stone or just a favorite wedding photo, representing the journey and history you have traversed as a happy couple.
Anniversary gift themes by year can vary depending on culture and religion, but most often signify a material with specific significance based on how long the marriage has lasted. For example, when couples reach their first-year anniversary they receive paper as a symbol of their fragile yet strong bond just beginning to form.
The most iconic example is when couples hit their 60th or 70th anniversary—denoted with diamonds as a reminder of their everlasting love through decades of marriage. While your wedding day may feel like it was just yesterday, it’s important to recognize the years of commitment and love you have shared with your partner.
These traditional gifts mark the progression from fresh beginnings up to the diamond jubilee that offers true luminosity, a great way to look back on all those wonderful years spent together. Choosing an appropriate gift based on milestone anniversaries can be an incredibly thoughtful gesture that helps keep one’s partner feeling special about all those moments shared so far. Whether it’s fashion jewelry or a special dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s a gift list of anniversary gift ideas and what each year signifies:
Here’s a list of Anniversary Gift Ideas and What Each Year Signifies:
First Anniversary gift suggestion: Paper.
For your first anniversary gift, there couldn’t be a more apt gift than paper, as it’s the symbol of a fragile yet strong bond that’s just beginning to form. You could get creative and make a scrapbook of your memories together, or even write a love letter expressing all the reasons why you fell in love with each other. Gold is the color that marks your first year with orange blossoms or pansies as flowers.
The 2nd anniversary gift is cotton.
Cotton is the traditional gift for your second anniversary, as it symbolizes the strength and comfort that comes with two years of marriage. You could get your partner a cozy cotton blanket or a set of matching pajamas to keep them warm during those cold winter nights. The color associated with this anniversary is red, while the cosmos are the flowers of choice.
Celebrate your 3rd anniversary with a leather gift.
Leather is the traditional gift for your third anniversary, as it symbolizes the durability and strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a leather wallet or a stylish leather jacket to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is white, while fuchsia is the flower of choice. A great way to celebrate this milestone is to take a romantic weekend getaway together and make some new memories.
It’s the 4th anniversary – do you get fruit or flowers?
Fruit and flowers are traditional gifts for your fourth anniversary, as they symbolize the beauty and joy of your relationship. You could get your partner a bouquet of their favorite flowers or a basket of fresh fruit to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is blue, while geraniums are the flowers of choice. A great way to celebrate this milestone is to plan a romantic dinner for two and reminisce about all the wonderful times you’ve shared together.
Wood is the traditional gift for a 5th anniversary.
Wood is the traditional gift for your fifth anniversary, as it symbolizes the strength and stability of your relationship. You could get your partner a wooden watch or a set of handcrafted wooden furniture to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is green, while daisies are the flowers of choice. A great way to celebrate this milestone is to take a romantic walk in the park and enjoy the beauty of nature together. Blue topaz is the gemstone of choice for this anniversary.
The 6th anniversary gift is either candy or iron.
Candy and iron are the traditional gifts for your sixth anniversary, as they symbolize the sweetness and strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a box of chocolates or a set of cast iron cookware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is purple, while calla lilies are the flowers of choice. Planning a romantic picnic is an ideal way to celebrate this special occasion and spend quality time together. Lapis lazuli is the gemstone associated with this anniversary.
7th anniversary presents are woolen or copper items.
Wool and copper are traditional gifts for your seventh anniversary, as they symbolize the warmth and strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a cozy woolen scarf or a set of copper cookware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is yellow, while freesia are the flowers of choice. To commemorate this achievement, why not take a romantic trip and create some unforgettable memories?
The 8th anniversary is celebrated with a bronze gift.
Bronze is the traditional gift for your eighth anniversary, as it symbolizes the strength and durability of your relationship. You could get your partner a bronze sculpture or a set of bronze jewelry to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is pink, while lilies are the flowers of choice.
Celebrating 9th Anniversary – Pottery
Pottery is the traditional gift for your ninth anniversary, as it symbolizes the beauty and lasting strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a handcrafted pottery vase or a set of ceramic dinnerware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is terracotta, while gladioli are the flowers of choice.
10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Tin or Aluminum
Well, it’s your 10th anniversary, and it’s gotta be special. Look, you made it this far, and you deserve something special. Tin or aluminum are the traditional gifts for your tenth anniversary, as they symbolize the resilience of your relationship. You could get your partner a tin wind chime or a set of aluminum cookware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is silver, while daffodils are the flowers of choice.
11 years of marriage celebrated with steel.
Just like steel, your relationship has become stronger and more resilient over the years. Steel is the traditional gift for your 11th anniversary, as it symbolizes the tenacity of your relationship. You could get your partner a steel watch or a set of steel jewelry to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is turquoise, while tulips are the flowers of choice.
12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen
Silk and linen are the traditional gifts for your twelfth anniversary, as they symbolize the beauty and comfort of your relationship. You could get your partner a luxurious silk scarf or a set of linen sheets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is peach, while peonies are the flowers of choice. Jade is the gemstone associated with this anniversary.
13th Anniversary: Lace
Lace is the traditional gift for your thirteenth anniversary, as it symbolizes the beauty and elegance of your relationship. You could get your partner a delicate lace shawl or a set of lace lingerie to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is ivory, and white chrysanthemums are the flowers of choice. To commemorate this special occasion, why not plan a romantic getaway?
The 14th anniversary is celebrated with ivory.
Ivory is the traditional gift for your 14th wedding anniversary, as it symbolizes the purity and strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a beautiful ivory necklace or a set of ivory cufflinks to show them how much you care. The anniversary color is ivory, while daisies are the flowers of choice.
Celebrate 15th Anniversary with a Crystal gift.
Crystal is the traditional gift for your fifteenth anniversary, as it symbolizes the clarity and brilliance of your relationship. You could get your partner a stunning crystal vase or a set of crystal stemware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is crystal, while roses are the flowers of choice. This anniversary is associated with the gemstone blue sapphire.
The 16th anniversary gift is wax.
Wax is the gift for your sixteenth anniversary, as it symbolizes the flexibility and strength of your relationship. You could get your partner a beautiful wax candle or a set of wax figurines to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is wax, while lilies are the flowers of choice.
Furniture is the traditional 17th anniversary gift.
Furniture is the gift for your seventeenth anniversary, as it symbolizes the stability and longevity of your relationship. You could get your partner a beautiful piece of furniture, such as a sofa or armchair, to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is yellow, while carnations are the flowers of choice. To commemorate this special occasion, why not plan a romantic dinner?
Celebrate 18 years together with Porcelain.
Porcelain is the gift for your 18th anniversary, as it symbolizes the delicacy and beauty of your relationship. You could get your partner a beautiful porcelain vase or a set of porcelain dinnerware to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is white, while daisies are the flowers of choice.
Celebrating 19 years together with the traditional gift of bronze.
Your 19th year of marriage is the bronze anniversary. You could get your partner a beautiful bronze sculpture or a set of bronze jewelry to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is bronze florals, while sunflowers are the flowers of choice.
20th Anniversary: China
Two decades of marriage are celebrated with china. You could get your partner a beautiful set of china dinnerware or a set of porcelain figurines to show them how much you care. The color associated with your 20th wedding anniversary is white, while roses are the flowers of choice.
Commemorate 25th Anniversary: Silver
You are halfway to your 50th anniversary, and it is time to celebrate with silver. Your 25th wedding anniversary is one of the most important milestones in your marriage, and you should get your partner a beautiful silver necklace or a set of silver cufflinks to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is silver, while irises are the flowers of choice. Your anniversary gemstone is, of course, silver even though it’s technically not a gemstone.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
30 years and still going strong. Celebrate with the traditional gift of a pearl. You could get your partner a beautiful set of pearl jewelry or a set of pearl cufflinks to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is white, while lilies are the flowers of choice. Pearls also mark the gemstone for this anniversary.
Celebrating 35 Years: Coral
Coral symbolizes vibrancy and energy, perfect for celebrating 35 years of marriage. You could get your partner a beautiful piece of coral jewelry or a set of coral figurines to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is coral, while violets are the flowers of choice. Emeralds would be the gemstone of your choice since it signifies compassion, loyalty, and friendship.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
Your 40th anniversary is the ruby anniversary, a symbol of love and passion. You could get your partner a beautiful set of ruby jewelry or a set of ruby goblets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is red, while gladioli are the flowers of choice. Rubies are also the gemstone of choice for this anniversary.
The 45th anniversary is symbolized by sapphire.
The 45th anniversary is symbolized by sapphire, a gemstone that signifies wisdom and loyalty. You could get your partner a beautiful set of sapphire jewelry or a set of sapphire goblets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is blue, while forget-me-nots are the flowers of choice.
Celebrating 50 Years: Gold
Your 50th anniversary is the golden anniversary, a symbol of strength and endurance. It’s a special milestone that calls for a beautiful set of gold jewelry or a set of gold goblets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is gold, while violets are the flowers of choice. Gold is also the gemstone for this special occasion, so make sure this sentiment is with a gift that will last a lifetime.
Celebrating 55 Years: Emerald
55 years of marriage is a milestone worth celebrating, and the traditional gift for this anniversary is an emerald. You could get your partner a beautiful set of emerald jewelry or a set of emerald goblets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is green, while daisies are the flowers of choice. Emeralds also signify hope, renewal, and growth.
Celebrate Your 60th anniversary with a Diamond.
Most people won’t make it this far, but if you do, consider yourself very lucky. Your 60th year is the diamond anniversary. You could get your partner a beautiful set of diamond jewelry or a set of diamond goblets to show them how much you care. The color associated with this anniversary is white, while roses are the flowers of choice. Diamonds also signify eternity and strength, making it the perfect gift for such an important milestone.
A Word About the Perfect Anniversary Gifts
Your anniversary gifts can be either modern or traditional. Modern gifts are often more practical and can be tailored to your partner’s interests. Traditional anniversary gifts are often more sentimental and can be used to honor the milestone you are celebrating. No matter what type of gift you choose, make sure it is something that will show your partner how much they mean to you. You also have the option to select either a modern theme or a traditional one for your celebrations. A modern theme will entail more modern decorations and activities, while a traditional theme will be more classic and timeless.
Summing Up
Wedding anniversary gifts by year can be a great way to show your partner how much you care. Whether you choose a modern or traditional gift, make sure it is something that will last a lifetime and remind them of the special bond you share. Ruby, sapphire, gold, emerald, and diamond are all traditional symbols of gemstones associated with each milestone year. The colors and flowers associated with each year are also important to consider when selecting a gift. So, make sure to pick something that will show your partner how much you care and celebrate the biggest moments of your life together.
