Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide for the First 10 Years of a Relationship or Marriage
When it comes to shopping for wedding anniversary gifts, your decision doesn't need to be a complete stab in the dark. Of course, you can opt for something your partner absolutely adores, but if you want even more sentimental meaning behind your present, consider using the traditional and modern anniversary gifts as a guide. Each of the wedding anniversaries has a different traditional meaning and gift associated with it, depending on how many years you're celebrating. There are also wedding anniversary stones associated with each year, like diamonds for your 60th and so on. Our year-by-year anniversary gift guide features both traditional wedding anniversary gifts, and modern takes on each of the anniversary years with advice from the 1st wedding anniversary all the way up to the 90th! Read on to learn everything you need to know about wedding anniversary milestones and their meanings.
Take a look at our list of wedding anniversary years – from the 1st to 90th. We've listed the traditional anniversary gifts by year, and some suggestions for modern alternatives associated with each year's theme.
Whether it's your first anniversary or your tenth, it never stops being special. Here we go through the modern and traditional anniversary gifts for the first ten years of a relationship or marriage.
1st Wedding Anniversary – Paper
Traditional 1st anniversary gift- Whoever devised the meanings of anniversaries probably figured newlyweds would be pretty broke after paying for the wedding – so the 1st wedding anniversary is nicely affordable. Paper also represents your new marriage as like a blank sheet ready to be coloured in! Our favourite twist is to give tickets to an experience – print them out and it totally counts as a paper gift.
Virgin Experience Days offer everything from a trip to London landmarks like the Shard to a romantic break away for two. We love the food and drink experiences – there are so many different cuisines, classes and experiences to choose from, you could spend your entire first year of marriage trying them all out.
Modern 1st anniversary gift- For a modern spin, couples can gift each other clocks. This is said to represent their eternal love for one another - how cute?! In terms of colours, gold represents the standard first anniversary colour, while pansies and orange blossoms are the known flowers. You could combine the traditional colours and flowers with the modern gift by opting for a gold watch with floral details for a first anniversary gift that truly covers all bases.
2nd Wedding Anniversary – Cotton
Traditional 2nd anniversary gift- For those who want to stick to tradition, cotton is the 2nd wedding anniversary gift for this milestone. Cotton is made from lots of thread woven together and the longer you are married the more your life becomes intertwined. It represents how marriage brings couples closer together and the material is both strong and flexible, symbolising adaptability and a strengthening relationship. There are plenty of sweet 2nd anniversary gifts to choose from, such as personalised pillowcases or co-ordinating robes (check out The White Company), which you can snuggle down in. If your partner loves to give or receive flowers, then these cute cotton blooms from Little Foundry will be their favourite gift and they’ll last a lifetime. You can also order a sweet personalised oak charm to go with them.
Modern 2nd anniversary gift- The modern alternative to cotton is china, and the second year of marriage is represented by the colour red and the lily of the valley blooms. These can absolutely be incorporated together to gift the perfect present after two years of marriage. Think pretty china sets, a china vase for a bouquet of lilies or a fancy dinnerware set.
3rd Wedding Anniversary – Leather
Traditional 3rd anniversary gift- The traditional 3rd anniversary gift is leather, said to represent the durability of a marriage or relationship. Leather is durable, strong and has a sense of resiliency - three things that a marriage should also have. Traditionally, it has been used as a material to protect things, like couples protect one another. As your marriage matures your relationship becomes much stronger, so giving your partner a leather gift for 3rd wedding anniversaries is a perfect way to represent this. If you’re looking for a timeless leather anniversary gift, then a classic handbag, purse or wallet from Mulberry is perfect. The Bayswater handbag is a staple from Mulberry, but a purse, wallet or leather iPhone case are also brilliant.
Ideal Leather Anniversary Gifts
Ideal leather anniversary gifts also include a belt or hip flask - Aspinal of London have lots of gorgeous leather gifts and accessories that can be monogrammed to make them even more personal.
Modern 3rd Anniversary Gift
The modern 3rd anniversary gift is crystal or glass, which is said to represent the multiple facets that every relationship has. In contrast to leather, it pays homage to the fragility of a relationship, and the fact that it takes great care in order to maintain it. But glass and crystal withstand time, making it a great gift to mirror your relationship. Three years together is also represented by bright fuschia flowers, and pearls which also make for lovely anniversary gifts.
Traditional 4th Anniversary Gift
As your marriage blossoms and your partnership ripens following four years of marriage, it makes sense to give a 4th anniversary gift of fruit or flowers (or both, if you're feeling generous!). This has to be one of the most romantic wedding anniversary years when it comes to the gifts. If you're opting for flowers over fruit, roses traditionally represent how much your love has blossomed so take your present-giving to the next level by naming a rose after your love. You choose the name, it’s officially registered, and then you receive a pack of seeds to grow your own roses. Bloom and Wild offer a huge range of gorgeous bouquets or flower gift subscriptions for 4th wedding anniversaries if your fingers aren’t quite so green.
Modern 4th Anniversary Gift
Flowers not their thing? The modern alternative for 4th wedding anniversary gifts is appliances. Is there anyone whose morning wouldn’t be improved with a brand new coffee machine? The idea behind this is to simplify home life and leave you with more time to spend together, building on your connection. In terms of colours and stones, it's blues and greens that are synonymous with four years together. If gemstones are the way to your love's heart, blue topaz is the 'feeling stone' and perfectly fits this period in your relationship.
The 5th Anniversary Gift
The idea of using wood to celebrate your 5th wedding anniversary comes from the fact that trees were seen to be strong and symbolised wisdom. Your marriage is solid and you have deep roots that are entwined. How wise you both are by the time you celebrate this wedding anniversary! A romantic sign to hang in your home will be a cute gift for your other half or, even better, is this miniature wooden signpost marking all the major moments in your journey together. From your first date to when you bought a house, it's a great way to tell the story of the first five years of your marriage. The modern anniversary gift for five years is silverware, which may seem a bit old fashioned, but it's actually got a really sweet reason behind it. The idea is that you buy new silverware to represent all of the meals you've shared over the five years you've been together. Sapphire is the gemstone that represents 5th anniversaries, with pink and blue being the traditional colours. Sapphires symbolise sincerity and being faithful, two things well worth celebrating as a couple. For flowers, it's daisies, which are the perfect bloom if your anniversary falls in spring.
The 6th Anniversary Gift
The traditional sixth anniversary gift is sugar - we can definitely get on board with this. Life is thought to be getting sweeter by the time you reach your sixth wedding anniversary, so you and your partner can indulge in some sugary treats - this has to be one of the best wedding anniversary years, right?
The 7th Anniversary Gift
Copper and wool are the traditional 7th anniversary gift and have been chosen for their ability to conduct heat. After seven years together, your marriage is warm and comforting, much like an evening cup of hot chocolate in bed from this personalised copper mug from Not On The High Street. Or for something wool, The White Company have some gorgeous cashmere throws that are perfect for snuggling under while you watch a film.
The 8th Anniversary Gift
Bronze is the chosen 8th anniversary gift as it's very strong - in fact, it's a mixture of two metals (copper and tin) that are stronger together than separately. Traditionally, it was said to hold healing powers and represents good health and the sustenance that you give each other as a couple. Choose a keepsake that will take pride of place on a shelf forever, like this miniature bronze stag statue - they even do a gorgeous spaniel one for dog-loving couples.
8th Wedding Anniversary – Linen or Lace
Alternatively, you could gift these gorgeous copper initial cufflinks or, for a couple, a personalised copper framed print.
Modern 8th anniversary gift- The modern alternative for 8th wedding anniversary gifts is linen and lace. There's nothing nicer than slipping into fresh, clean sheets at night and your partner will love some elegant linen bedding from Marks and Spencer. Just make sure it's a fancy set like these and add some rose petals for the perfect mood-setter.
If you're into your gemstones, it's tourmaline, a stone known for shielding a person from unwelcome energies and balancing one's mood - lovely stuff.
9th Wedding Anniversary – Pottery or Willow
Traditional 9th anniversary gift- Pottery and willow are the two traditional gifts to celebrate a 9th anniversary. Pottery is moulded by hand and the painstaking process results in a work of art, whereas willow is flexible but strong and can be woven to create beautiful things - representing teamwork and harmony within a relationship.
This willow picnic hamper is the perfect 9th wedding anniversary gift - take it on a date and toast to making it almost a decade in wed. If you would prefer to go for pottery, then how about a pottery-making lesson for two?
Modern 9th anniversary gift- Leather is the modern alternative for 9th wedding anniversaries, so if you didn't get leather gifts for your third anniversary now is the time. Appropriate for both leather, pottery and willow altogether, is the terracotta colour scheme that symbolises nine years of marriage.
Along with this, you can also celebrate with the vibrant poppy - why not get a clay vase to put a bouquet of them in?
10th Wedding Anniversary – Tin or Aluminium
Traditional 10th anniversary gift- The traditional 10th anniversary gift is tin. Tin was used to store and preserve things which is why it is used to mark ten years of marriage. When another metal is coated in tin, it prevents it from corroding and can prolong the life of what it's storing.
Mark a decade of a strong and resilient marriage by giving a tin gift such as this garden accessory from Not On The High Street can be personalised with your initials and will look amazing in your garden.
Modern 10th anniversary gift- If tin isn't your thing, you might like to know the modern alternative for 10th anniversary gifts is diamond - which is well deserved after an entire decade together. We're lusting after the Monica Vinader rose gold Riva diamond hoop ring, which will look perfect alongside your wedding and engagement ring.
- The traditional 10 year flower is daffodil which represents happiness, and colours to look out for are silver and blue.
- Metallics seem very appropriate for such an important milestone, don't you think?
12th Wedding Anniversary – Silk or Linen
The traditional flower for a wedding anniversary is said to be morning glories, known for their short lifespan of 24 hours to remind us of precious moments and the importance of time.
The traditional 12th anniversary gift is silk, which symbolises the way a couple's relationship has strengthened over twelve years and encourages them to luxuriate in the finer things in life. Silk pyjamas, robes, or lingerie makes for a romantic gift. As fine linen counts too, a linen shirt or accessory would also work. The modern equivalent for 12th anniversaries is pearl, a luxurious material that symbolises protection, security, comfort, and the strength of a relationship.
13th Wedding Anniversary – Fur or Textiles
The modern 13th anniversary gift is fur or textiles, which represent the warmth and comfort most couples feel after 13 years of marriage. Consider gifts such as faux fur-lined gloves, a silk scarf, or a leather jacket. The matching stones, flowers, and colours are oyster white and hollyhock, with the citrine gemstone adding warmth to the colour palette.
14th Wedding Anniversary – Elephant or Ivory
The traditional 14th anniversary gift has been replaced due to animal rights issues, and is now usually the elephant or the colour ivory symbolising stability, patience, and dignity. Gifts could include a personalised ivory leather photo album or a personalised ceramic ivory token, or for something out of the ordinary a camping trip in a canvas tent. The opal gemstone is associated with loyalty and faithfulness.
15th Wedding Anniversary – Crystal
The traditional 15th anniversary gift is crystal, chosen for its clarity and purity to represent how the couple sees each other clearly after 15 years together.
Crystal jewellery will always be a welcome gift - we love this matching necklace and earrings set from Goldsmiths.
Modern 15th Anniversary Gift
For those who aren't a fan of crystal, the modern anniversary alternative is to give a watch. For the gents, there are loads of stylish watches on offer that will last a lifetime. In-keeping with the opulent theme is the traditional gemstone for 15th anniversaries - the ruby. Known for being one of the most durable gemstones, these stones represent durability and stability. To match, pair a ruby gift with a simple red rose, which is the traditional flower and colour for this milestone.
16th Wedding Anniversary - Wax
Yes, you read that right, wax is the traditional 16th anniversary gift, and it might seem a tricky symbol to buy for, but that isn't the case at all. Wax for your 16th wedding anniversary represents how you've moulded your lives together after this many years; wax can melt, bend and change shape, just as you have to be flexible to make a marriage work. The modern gift is silver holloware (which basically just means any tableware that isn't flat). For silver hollowware, what about a Champagne and wine cooler and a bottle of the wine you drank at your wedding, to make it extra special?
17th Wedding Anniversary - Furniture
The modern 17th wedding anniversary gift is furniture. If you bought a new bed or sofa a few years into your marriage, now's the time to refresh your space. We adore the idea of adding a loveseat into a living room - it's so cosy and romantic - or perhaps you want to redecorate your bedroom as an anniversary treat and buy a new bed frame. Think outside the box with this one too. How about adding a cool dresser? If you love being outside, what about some garden furniture? A lovely new coffee table or dining room table are ideal if you like having guests over.
18th Wedding Anniversary - Porcelain
Both the traditional and modern 18th wedding anniversary gift is Porcelain. It is long-lasting and durable, just like your marriage after 18 years together. Made by clay being heated to an extremely high temperature, there's something special about a beautiful material coming from such humble beginnings. It's incredibly elegant too, and lends itself to everything from jewellery to home accessories. After 18 years, you'll know exactly how the other one likes their brew, so a porcelain teapot could be just the ticket, or some new door numbers for outside your house.
19th Wedding Anniversary - Bronze
There's only a modern 19th wedding anniversary gift, and that's bronze. Hopefully, you haven't exhausted the bronze gifts from your eighth anniversary! Cufflinks, watches, sculptures, vases and jewellery are all excellent options, but if you're looking for something a bit different, we adore this engraved sun dial which makes a statement focal point for a garden. Gardening lovers will also love this plant pot buddy - a little bronze hedgehog ornament to adorn your pots. The snail one is pretty great too. The 19th wedding anniversary flower is the chrysanthemum - you can order a gorgeous bunch from Bloom & Wild. And as for gemstones, it's the year of the aquamarine - making it a perfect anniversary for gifting presents that celebrate earthy tones and ocean-inspired hues.
20th Wedding Anniversary – China
The 20th wedding anniversary traditional gift is china. Now, china is fragile but, when looked after properly, it can stand the test of time. After two decades together, you may have your moments (who hasn't!?) but if you take care, your relationship can stand the test of time. Giving each other china based gifts is a good way to remind yourselves of that – we love this personalised china plate and these super cute matching china mugs! The modern alternative for 20 years of marriage is platinum. Ernest Jones have a wonderful selection of platinum earrings and eternity rings, which symbolise the strength of your marriage or relationship. If you really want to splash out, why not opt for a platinum ring with an emerald gemstone in, as that's the traditional pick for two decades together. You can also gift daylilies for this milestone.
21st Wedding Anniversary - Brass or Nickel
Modern 21st anniversary gift - Your 21st anniversary doesn't have a traditional gift, but there is a modern alternative for 21 years of marriage. Toast to your 21st wedding anniversary by swapping brass or nickel anniversary gifts. Think along the lines of brass jewellery or a brass watch, a brass bottle opener, or a personalised brass photo print.
For most couples, reaching this point in your marriage won't have come without a fair share of hurdles to overcome, so what better stone to celebrate with than iolite, a stone which is said to help direct people through life's processes.
25th Wedding Anniversary - Silver
Traditional and modern 25th anniversary gift - Silver is the traditional and modern 25th anniversary gift. Silver is a precious metal, and no matter how old it is, if it’s treated properly and polished regularly, it will continue to gleam. There is no modern alternative, showing how timeless silver is as a 25th anniversary gift.
Of course, you could buy silver jewellery, cufflinks or a watch as a gift – and they’d be very well received. As an alternative, what about a personalised Champagne bottle or an engraved sterling silver bookmark? For blooms, the traditional flower is Iris, and the colour is (no surprise here!) silver.
30th Wedding Anniversary - Pearl or Ivory
Traditional 30th anniversary gift - The 30th anniversary gift for three decades of committed marriage is the timeless pearl. Pearls are a symbol of hidden beauty – they are cultivated over time within the not-so-pretty oyster, but once you open it up you find something precious inside.
After three decades together it’s unlikely you’ll appear the same as you did when you first met, but it’s what’s inside counts. Pearl-inspired anniversary gifts are the way to mark this occasion and we love this stunning pearl rose gold plated bracelet. Pearls are also the associated gemstone with this wedding anniversary, with lily being the suggested traditional flower.
Modern 30th anniversary gift - Diamonds are considered to be the modern alternative for 30 years of marriage. Treat your loved one to a special piece of pearl jewellery. An eternity ring or a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings would be the ideal gift to mark 30 years.
35th Wedding Anniversary - Coral
Traditional 35th anniversary gift - Coral is known as the traditional 35th anniversary gift because it's a very precious substance and was once believed to have magical properties to protect against illness and danger.
Modern 35th anniversary gift - The modern alternative for a 35th anniversary gift is jade, still a vibrant colour but more environmentally friendly.
40th Wedding Anniversary - Ruby
Traditional and modern 40th anniversary gift - The wedding anniversary gift to celebrate your 40th year wed is none other than the gorgeous ruby.
45th Wedding Anniversary - Blue Sapphire
Traditional and modern 45th anniversary gift - For a 45th anniversary gift, the traditional, modern and gemstone gift given is the stunning blue sapphire.
50th Wedding Anniversary - Gold
Traditional and modern 50th anniversary gift - After a lifetime together, there's only one gift that can do it justice – gold.
55th Wedding Anniversary - Emerald
Traditional and modern 55th anniversary gift - The gift for 55th wedding anniversaries is the sumptuous emerald.
60th Wedding Anniversary - Diamonds
Traditional and modern 60th anniversary gift - Diamonds are the wedding anniversary gifts to celebrate your 60th year wed, both traditionally and in modern times.
As one of the strongest materials on Earth, diamonds flourish under pressure and are extremely hard-wearing - just like your relationship will be after six decades of marriage. It is considered to be invincible and is associated with love and wealth. After 60 years of happy marriage, you'll have a wealth of experience and love so celebrate with diamond-inspired anniversary gifts. Alternatively, a personalised 60th anniversary print is a lovely piece of artwork to add to your walls. You can also buy a 60th anniversary photo frame and fill it with pictures from your wedding day. If you want to go outside of tradition, you can buy a gift set with a newspaper from the day of your wedding and a vintage bottle of Bordeaux.
65th Wedding Anniversary - Sapphire
Traditional and modern 65th anniversary gift - Just like your 45th, your 65th anniversary calls for sapphire gifts. You simply can't go wrong with some jewellery or a watch inlaid with sapphire, nor with a lovely bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and some special new crystal glasses.
Wedding Anniversaries
Wedding anniversaries are a special way to celebrate the love shared between two people. While modern traditions have changed over the years, each anniversary still has its own special theme of traditional and modern gifts. The meaning behind the traditional gifts can vary between countries; for example, the United Kingdom has some very distinct differences compared to the United States. There are also unique suggestions for anniversaries from the first to the ninetieth. Symbolism of flowers, colours, and guide to traditional and modern gifts have become a popular way to celebrate.
70th Wedding Anniversary - Platinum
Representing seven decades of marriage is platinum, the traditional and modern 70th anniversary gift. Platinum is a metal that resists wear and is incredibly hard to tarnish, making it the perfect pick for 70th wedding anniversary gift. It's one of the rarest metals, making it exclusive and is a symbol of endurance. What better way to describe 70 years of marriage? Celebrate by giving each other platinum gifts. Featuring a diamond on a delicate platinum chain, this will become an heirloom you'll want to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
What Can I Do For My Wedding Anniversary?
If our gift ideas above don't automatically spark an idea, there are lots of romantic activities you can do for your anniversary. Here are 25 anniversary date ideas you'll both love - some of them are free so you'll be able to celebrate even if you have no money.
What are the Major Wedding Anniversary Years?
The first few years of your marriage up to 10 years are all considered major anniversary landmarks. After that, the big celebrations usually come every 5 and 10 years. The anniversary where the traditional gift starts becoming more precious is your 25th, when silver is the traditional material. Any anniversary from 30 years upwards is incredibly special. Ruby marks your 40th anniversary, gold for your 50th, diamond for your 60th and platinum for your 70th. These precious gems also correspond to your ""anniversary colours"". If you can't afford real silver for your 25th anniversary or something emerald for your 55th, you can instead get your other half a gift or experience that incorporates those colours.
Additional Anniversary Options
You can book a tour round the wonderful Bombay Sapphire distillery in Hampshire too if you're big gin fans.