Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year

Your wedding anniversary is a beautiful milestone to celebrate your partnership and look back on the time you’ve spent together so far, so finding a fitting gift can feel a little daunting! 

If you don’t know where to begin, our list of wedding anniversary gifts by year is here to help. Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, or looking for a gift for someone’s special milestone, we’ve got you covered with traditional gifts, modern alternatives and flowers that fit the bill. 

While traditional wedding anniversary gifts serve as good inspiration, the best gifts are the ones that truly represent your love. Remember, these traditions have changed and evolved over time and will probably change again, just like your relationship! 

Image credit: Unsplash

Table of Contents

Origins of Wedding Anniversary Gifts

1st to 10th Anniversary Gifts

11th to 20th Anniversary Gifts

25th to 45th Anniversary Gifts

50th to 90th Anniversary Gifts

Origins of Wedding Anniversary Gifts 

The concept of giving wedding anniversary gifts stretches back further than you might expect – all the way to the Middle Ages! Husbands would present their wives with silver wreaths for 25 years of marriage, and gold wreaths for 50 years. 

The idea evolved further during the Victorian era, then Emily Post’s 1922 etiquette guide was published, which recognised eight core anniversaries – the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th and 60th. 

As the 20th century wore on, the list was expanded further. In 1937, the American National Retail Jewellers Association published their own version with a much more extensive set of milestones – ensuring repeated custom from couples long after they’d purchased their engagement and wedding rings. 

Traditional wedding anniversary gift lists serve as handy inspiration, and can be fun to try and follow each year. Some couples follow these traditions to the letter, others might opt for a nod to the list, while some ignore it entirely! 

In more recent years, a “modern” list has emerged, offering updated options better suited to our current lifestyles, like appliances, desk sets, or fashion jewellery. 

As we take you through each year, we will discuss the traditional gift, and list the modern alternative as well as the anniversary flower for each. 

1st to 10th Anniversary Gifts

These traditional and modern anniversary gifts are a fabulous way to mark your first decade of marriage.

1st Anniversary: Paper

Traditional: Paper | Modern: Clock | Flower: Carnation

The gift for your first ever anniversary happens to be one we know a thing or two about! 

The significance of paper is the threads within, symbolising the strength and connectivity of your relationship. It also represents a blank canvas to start writing your own story together. 

To celebrate your first anniversary as a married couple and incorporate the paper theme, why not get your partner a Framed Print from your wedding day? Or, if your home is already overflowing with mementos from the big day, why not get them a Wedding Photo Book to see all your favourite pictures in one place?

For more inspiration, check out our blog: Paper Anniversary: First Anniversary Gift Ideas.

2nd Anniversary: Cotton 

Traditional: Cotton | Modern: China | Flower: Cosmos

Your second anniversary gift is cotton. The significance being that the threads of your relationship are weaving together to form something stronger and more resilient than individual fibres. 

Create your own design and get it printed on a T-Shirt for a fun, thoughtful gift! 

For something more subtle, you could get them a Giclee Fine Art Print on one of our cotton Paper Stocks, such as Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl, made from 100% cotton, or Laid, which includes 10% cotton fibres. 

Want some more ideas? Read our blog: Cotton Anniversary Gift Ideas: Memorable Gifts for Your 2nd Year Together.

3rd Anniversary: Leather 

Traditional: Leather | Modern: Crystal/Glass | Flower: Sunflower

It’s thought that leather represents the durability of your marriage. It also is a protective material, which symbolises the protection you offer one another in your partnership. 

Leather gift ideas include a handbag, wallet or purse. A leather phone case is another great option, or you can’t go wrong with a classic leather hip flask! 

4th Anniversary: Fruit and Flowers

Traditional: Fruit & Flowers | Modern: Linen/Appliances | Flower: Geranium

At four years, your marriage is blossoming and ripening into maturity, hence the gift of flowers or fruit. This is a nice easy one to find a gift for, but if you don’t want to go down the route of a bunch of flowers, look out for floral or fruity designs on longer-lasting items. Alternatively, flower subscriptions are thoughtful and remind your partner you’re thinking of them and value your marriage. 

5th Anniversary: Wood 

Traditional: Wood | Modern: Silverware | Flower: Daisy

The traditional 5th anniversary gift is wood – symbolising the strength, wisdom, and deep roots of your marriage. Wood-themed gifts can include a wooden sign, frame, ornament or box. You could also get them a personalised chopping or serving board. 

Image credit: Bark and Birch

6th Anniversary: Sugar

Traditional: Sugar | Modern: Iron | Flower: Calla Lily

It’s thought that married life should be pretty sweet by your sixth anniversary! It’s an easy year for gift buying – sweets, chocolates and sugary treats are the perfect way to commemorate your sixth year together. If you wanted to step it up a notch, you could look for experience days involving sweets, like chocolate making or an afternoon tea. 

7th Anniversary: Copper or Wool

Traditional: Wool/Copper | Modern: Stationery | Flower: Freesia

Copper and wool are the traditional 7th year gifts, chosen for their ability to conduct heat. This symbolises the warmth and comfort that has developed in your marriage. Lean into this theme with copper-coloured mugs for a comforting hot drink, or a lush wooly blanket for cosying up together. 

The modern alternative is certainly something we can help with! Our collection of Stationery has plenty of lovely ideas for your 7th anniversary gift. You could create a Calendar using your wedding photos, or your favourite memories from the last seven years together.

8th Anniversary: Bronze 

Traditional: Bronze | Modern: Linen/Lace | Flower: Clematis

The traditional pick for your eighth year together is bronze – a biblical symbol of strength. Bronze is an alloy metal, a combination of copper and tin that are stronger together than they are separately. It signifies the coming-together of two lives to become one strong partnership. 

Bronze-themed gifts may include cufflinks, keyrings, ornaments or picture frames. 

9th Anniversary: Willow or pottery 

Traditional: Willow/Pottery | Modern: Leather | Flower: Poppy 

For your ninth anniversary, you can choose between willow or pottery. Like marriage, pottery goes through a lengthy, careful process to reach its beautiful end product. Willow is a material known for its strength and durability, just like your relationship after 9 years!

10th Anniversary – Tin 

Traditional: Tin | Modern: Diamonds | Flower: Daffodil

You’ve reached double figures! Tin is for ten due to its resistance to rust – symbolising the hardiness and durability of your marriage. Good gift options include tin jewellery, or luxury items in personalised tins, such as champagne or some fancy chocolates. 

Image credit: No Ordinary Gift

11th to 20th Anniversary Gifts

Your second decade of married life is something to be celebrated!

11th Anniversary: Steel

Traditional: Steel | Modern: Jewellery | Flower: Morning Glory

As one of the strongest metals in the world, steel is valued for its durability, representing the steely resolve your marriage has developed in your 11 years together. When thinking of steel-themed gifts, you could look for stainless steel kitchenware, or a small accessory like a personalised keyring. 

Image credit: Kyleemae Designs

12th Anniversary: Silk 

Traditional: Silk | Modern: Pearl | Flower: Peony

The traditional 12th anniversary gift is silk. Elegant and timeless, constructed with interwoven threads that signify the strength, protection and comfort of marriage. Silk is a nice gift to receive too, with plenty of options like pyjamas and loungewear to choose from. 

13th Anniversary: Lace 

Traditional: Lace | Modern: Textiles/Fur | Flower: Chrysanthemum

Lace is the traditional 13th anniversary gift as it is said to represent the intricate details of your relationship and the gentle care it needs to remain strong. Lace gifts can include filigree on jewellery or watches, or clothing and accessories with lace details.

14th Anniversary: Animals 

Traditional: Ivory/Animals | Modern: Gold | Flower: Dahlia

Originally, the traditional 14th anniversary gift was ivory. Of course, this is now a hugely problematic industry, and so the list was amended to encourage an animal theme. Thoughtful ideas here include donating to an animal charity, spending the day volunteering together, or ensuring any animal-related materials aren’t real to keep it cruelty-free! 

15th Anniversary: Crystal 

Traditional: Crystal | Modern: Watch | Flower: Rose

Crystal represents purity, clarity and sparkle, symbolising how clearly you see one another after 15 years wed. Crystal gift ideas include jewellery, watches and glassware.

16th Anniversary: Wax

Traditional: Wax | Modern: Silver Hollowware | Flower: Statice

Wax is chosen to represent how you have moulded your lives together. It can be melted, it bends and changes shapes and forms, symbolising the flexibility a marriage requires. A candle is a great gift idea, with options for every budget. 

20th Anniversary: China 

Traditional: China | Modern: Platinum | Flower: Aster

20 years is a major milestone, and china is a fitting tribute to your lasting dedication to one another. China is fragile, but stands the test of time when properly looked after, just like your relationship. There are plenty of options for china gifts, from fancy teacups to trinket dishes. You can always shop secondhand too to keep it budget friendly. 

Image credit: John Lewis

25th to 45th Anniversary Gifts

Reaching a quarter of a century of marriage is more than deserving of these traditional and modern gifts.

25th Anniversary: Silver 

Traditional & Modern: Silver | Flower: Iris

Your 25th anniversary calls for celebration! This year’s traditional gift is silver, a metal that requires careful treatment and regular TLC to continue shining – just like your marriage. The tradition of giving silver dates back to the Middle Ages, when men would commemorate the anniversary by gifting their wives a wreath of silver to be worn as a hair accessory. 

The modern gift is also silver for this anniversary. Silver jewellery is a classic choice here, but if your partner doesn’t wear much silver, you could get them a sterling silver bookmark or photo frame. 

Image credit: Coach House Forge

30th Anniversary: Pearl 

Traditional: Pearl | Modern: Diamond | Flower: Lily

Pearl is the traditional gift of choice for your 30th anniversary. This gem symbolises innocence, honesty, purity and wisdom. Again, jewellery is a classic choice, but you could also get a bit inventive. Pearls come from oysters, so how about trying a snorkelling or scuba diving experience? 

35th Anniversary: Coral 

Traditional: Coral | Modern: Jade

Coral is historically believed to have magical properties – perfect for a special anniversary. Of course, real coral is endangered, so choosing coral-inspired gifts is the way to go. 

You could choose a coral Printed Cushion , or coral coloured clothing, accessories or homewares. 

No specific flower, but coral coloured flowers work! 

40th Anniversary: Ruby 

Traditional & Modern: Ruby | Flower: Gladioli

Ruby is a beautiful way to commemorate 40 years together. Red has been associated with love and passion for a very long time, even within ancient mythology. There are plenty of ways to incorporate ruby into your gifts, whether it be the stone itself or the rich hues. Ruby jewellery is a real treat, but rich red flowers or accessories also fit the bill. 

There is no modern alternative, it’s ruby all round! 

45th Anniversary: Sapphire 

Traditional & Modern: Sapphire | Flower: Blue flowers

The traditional and modern gift for 45 years of marriage is sapphire – a luxurious gemstone that represents strength, faithfulness and sincerity. The deep blue hue is said to symbolise the deep and endless love within your marriage. 

Again, jewellery is an obvious choice, but other options like glassware, a sundial or even a rich blue bouquet of flowers are sure to be a winner. 

No flower for the 45th anniversary, but a blue-themed arrangement or a bunch of their favourites will surely never go amiss. 

Image credit: Misoa Jewelry

50th to 90th Anniversary Gifts

50 years or more of marriage is very deserving of a celebration! There are no more modern alternatives at this stage, so explore traditional wedding anniversary gifts for these amazing milestones. 

50th Anniversary: Gold 

Flower: Yellow roses and violets

This incredible milestone is more than deserving of the golden theme! Similarly to the 25th anniversary, the origins of the golden gift began in medieval times when wives were presented with a golden wreath to commemorate 50 years of marriage. This precious metal symbolises the enduring strength of your long-lasting partnership. 

Gold provides plenty of options for gifting, from jewellery to gold-infused spirits and skincare, there is lots to choose from! 

Image credit: No Ordinary Gift

55th Anniversary: Emerald 

For your 55th anniversary, emerald is the traditional gift – representing true love, devotion and growth. Emeralds have also been linked to the goddess Venus and are considered to be amulets of love and hope. As with many of these big milestone anniversaries, jewellery is an obvious choice, but there are plenty of other ways to make a nod to emerald in your gift. 

An emerald green photo album for your wedding photographs is a lovely idea, or perhaps a luxurious green blanket or bedding. 

60th Anniversary: Diamond 

Flower: Orchid

After six whole decades of marriage, diamond feels like a fitting gift! As the hardest and most coveted gem, it represents the invincibility of your marriage. Any gift featuring a real diamond is sure to please, but there are lots of other ways to commemorate this incredible milestone. Perhaps a Framed Print of your favourite wedding photo, or an archived newspaper from your wedding day is a thoughtful touch. 

At 60 years, you can request a congratulatory card from The King! An extra special way to commemorate the occasion. You can also apply for a message on your 65th and 70th anniversaries, then each year thereafter. 

65th Anniversary: Blue Sapphire 

Flower: Blue Hydrangea

The blue sapphire represents 65 years of marriage. There are plenty of blue-themed gifts you could go with, from blue glassware to something more out there like a boat trip on beautiful blue waters, or jet-setting through the blue sky! 

70th Anniversary: Platinum 

Platinum is an incredibly hard-wearing metal with a beautiful shine, the perfect symbol of seven decades of marriage. Anything platinum will make a lovely gift, but you could switch it up by inviting your family to a platinum anniversary photoshoot. Creating beautiful memories with your family that they can keep forever, ensuring your long-lasting love is celebrated for generations to come. 

75th Anniversary: Diamond 

75 years was the original diamond anniversary, however this changed after Queen Victoria celebrated her diamond jubilee in 1897, and the gemstone became associated with 60 instead. However, at 75 years, more diamonds are nothing to be frowned upon! 

80th Anniversary: Oak

Oak is renowned for its incredible strength, making it a fitting symbol for 80 years of marriage. Oak furniture is always a great idea, but there are other romantic options that give a nod to this sturdy material. You could get a door number engraved in oak for the home you share together for a truly sentimental gift. 

85th Anniversary: Wine

Wine gets better with age, just like a marriage! If your spouse isn’t a wine lover, something wine-coloured is a great alternative.

90th Anniversary: Granite

A 90th wedding anniversary is an incredibly rare milestone to hit! While it’s known traditionally as the granite anniversary, diamonds are often gifted for this remarkable achievement – quite right, too! 

Here for Your Wedding and Beyond

Printed.com is here to help with every step in your relationship journey, from the early plans to milestone anniversaries – Your Wedding Print is our speciality. 

Our After the Day print is the perfect place to start when looking for a meaningful anniversary gift. We have an amazing selection of products that help you commemorate your special day, whether it’s your first anniversary or your 50th! 

Explore today and find plenty of wedding anniversary gift ideas, or take a look at our full range of Wedding Print and find what you need for every stage of your journey together.