Anniversary Gifts By Year: Traditional and Modern Ideas

Whether you are in the first days of marriage or have already experienced a rich life together, it is important to celebrate milestones. Each year is linked with a gift idea. Below we will provide examples for anniversary gifts by year and briefly explain why each object represents the passage of varying amounts of time.

Traditional gifts became a symbolic metaphor to mark the years. As time passed, the gifts associated with each anniversary evolved alongside society. Modern gift ideas reflect items that have become more popular for couples today. Some of them offer practical alternatives to luxury items.

Click on a year below to learn more about each gift.

Year	Traditional	Modern
1	Paper	Clock
2	Cotton	China
3	Leather	Crystal/Glass
4	Fruit/Flowers	Appliances
5	Wood	Silverware
6	Candy/Iron	Wood
7	Copper	Desk Set
8	Bronze	Linens/Lace
9	Pottery	Leather
10	Tin/Aluminium	Diamond Jewelry
11	Steel	Fashion Jewelry
12	Silk/Linen	Pearls
13	Lace	Textile/Furs
14	Animal/Animal Items	Gold Jewelry
15	Crystals	Watches
20	China	Platinum
25	Silver	Silver
30	Pearl	Pearl
35	Coral	Coral
40	Ruby	Ruby
45	Sapphire	Sapphire
50	Gold	Gold
60	Diamond	Diamond

Traditional Modern

Paper

Clock

The first year of marriage is still considered to be a clean slate and a new beginning. Paper symbolizes the ability to write your own story.

Gifts for Her

A signed book, a love note, monogrammed stationery

Gifts for Him

Tickets to a concert or sporting event

Your marriage has just begun! A clock represent the eternal amount of time you have together.

Gifts for Her

A wristwatch

Gifts for Him

A small clock for his desk

1 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Cotton

China

Cotton, slightly more durable than paper, shows the couple’s lives becoming more intertwined.

Gifts for Her

A bathrobe, a cotton throw pillow

Gifts for Him

Monogrammed towel, a sweatshirt from his alma mater

China is elegant and beautiful like the first years of marriage.

Gifts for Her

A fine china vase, a vintage perfume bottle

Gifts for Him

An engraved mug

2nd Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Leather

Crystal/Glass

Leather covers and protects from the elements, much as a marriage should offer security.

Gifts for Her

A handbag, leather boots, a leather bound notebook

Gifts for Him

A leather belt, a wallet

Glass is a reminder of the fragility of love and the care it requires.

Gifts for Her

Crystal jewelry, crystal candle holders

Gifts for Him

A pair of sunglasses, personalized wine glasses

3 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Fruit/Flowers

Appliances

After four years, the relationship begins to blossom and ripen! Fruit or flowers represent the state of bliss after four years together.

Gifts for Her

Rose or fruit-scented perfume, an edible bouquet

Gifts for Him

Tickets to the Rose Bowl, an Apple iPad

Appliances have become popular gifts for decorating your new home together. With so much new technology, you can also opt for a fun gadget!

Gifts for Her

An espresso machine, a GoPro camera

Gifts for Him

An Apple iPad, portable speakers

4th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Wood

Silverware

Roots and strength are now established. Strength and wisdom will continue to grow and flourish just like a tree continues to grow.

Gifts for Her

A wooden serving tray (with breakfast in bed), a wooden vase

Gifts for Him

A wooden rocking chair

New silverware is a sensible gift idea as the original wedding set is likely to be worn or tarnished after five years of use.

Gifts for Her

A new set of silverware

Gifts for Him

An engraved flask

5th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Candy/Iron

Wood

Candy is sweet and serves as a reminder to keep the romance alive. Iron symbolizes the strength of a marriage that is now well-established.

Gifts for Her

Decadent truffles, a candy bouquet, an iron jewelry holder

Gifts for Him

Customized candies, golf clubs

Wood is strong, long-lasting and continuously growing, much like a marriage.

Gifts for Her

A customised cutting board, a wooden framed photo

Gifts for Him

Barrel-aged whiskey, a wooden wall hanging

6 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Copper

Desk Set

Cooper is a great conductor of heat which represents warmth, comfort and safety - all part of a strong foundation.

Gifts for Her

Artisan copper jewelry, fine art with copper detailing

Gifts for Him

Mule mugs, a copper desk set

Another practical gift, a desk set, is often combined with something useful for the office like pens or a desk organizer.

Gifts for Her

Engraved letterhead, a desk organizer

Gifts for Him

A copper desk set, an engraved fountain pen

7 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Bronze

Linens/Lace

Bronze is a blend of copper and tin and symbolizes the union of two lives.

Gifts for Her

A bronze vase, a bronze necklace

Gifts for Him

A bronze bottle opener

Linens serve as another replacement for old wedding gifts, like a nice set of sheets for your home. Alternatively, many opt for lace items like a new lace dress to make your wife feel beautiful.

Gifts for Her

A lace dress, fresh bed linens

Gifts for Him

A linen tie

8 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Pottery

Leather

Pottery is carefully molded from clay to create a piece of art, much as a marriage is shaped by experiences to create a life together.

Gifts for Her

A vase full of flowers, a customized coffee mug

Gifts for Him

A clay desk sculpture

Leather, on the other hand is durable, strong and flexible signifying the stability of a relationship.

Gifts for Her

A monogrammed leather wallet

Gifts for Him

A leather-banded watch

9 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Tin/Aluminium

Diamond Jewelry

Tin was once used to protect iron from rust and corrosion. After 10 years together, a couple has proven their ability to protect each other and fight life’s battles together.

Gifts for Her

New cookware

Gifts for Him

Grilling tools, a tin of his favorite treats

Diamonds reflect beauty and symbolize how precious a relationship is.

Gifts for Her

Simple diamond bracelet, diamond earrings

Gifts for Him

Diamond studded cufflinks

10 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Steel

Fashion Jewelry

Steel is a super strong substance, marking the durability of a relationship after 11 years together.

Gifts for Her

Stainless steel pots and pans, steel bottle opener

Gifts for Him

A Swiss army knife, steel cigar holder

Fashion jewelry, on the other hand, is a way to flash your affection with a trendy item.

Gifts for Her

A trendy necklace

Gifts for Him

A fitness tracking bracelet

11th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Silk/Linen

Pearls

Many difficulties have been faced together after 12 years. Now it’s time for some smooth sailing and enjoying the finer things in life.

Gifts for Her

A silk slip, matching monogrammed silk robes

Gifts for Him

A silk tie, silk boxers, matching monogrammed silk robe

A pearl is a rare treasure which symbolizes the value of your relationship and the 12 years you've spent together.

Gifts for Her

A pearl necklace

Gifts for Him

Dinner at an oyster bar

12th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Lace

Textile/Furs

Lace is both beautiful and elegant and symbolizes the perfection of a long-lasting relationship.

Gifts for Her

A lace shawl, a lace dress

Gifts for Him

New tennis shoes with bright laces

If you opt for the modern 13th anniversary gifts, we recommend faux furs or textiles. There are fabulous faux fur coats, throws and shawls.

Gifts for Her

A faux fur jacket

Gifts for Him

A new suit, fur-lined gloves

13th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Animal/Animal Items

Gold Jewelry

Originally, ivory was the traditional gift for 14th wedding anniversaries but was modified to animals once the cruelty of the ivory industry was exposed.

Gifts for Her

A donation to a local animal shelter, horseback riding

Gifts for Him

A safari, a puppy

As such a valuable metal, gold jewelry shows your spouse how much they are worth to you.

Gifts for Her

A gold bracelet

Gifts for Him

A gold tie clip

14 Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Crystals

Watches

Crystal is the first costly gift of the traditional items. The investment of time deserves the investment of money!

Gifts for Her

Crystal champagne flutes, crystal frame with a photo of you together

Gifts for Him

A crystal decanter

The investment of time deserves the investment of money. This gift celebrates your years together - and to many more!

Gifts for Her

A watch

Gifts for Him

A watch

15th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

China

Platinum

China is fragile just like love. It requires care and serves as a reminder to not take a marriage for granted.

Gifts for Her

An updated set of China

Gifts for Him

A trip to China

Platinum is a strong metal that endures just as a 20 year marriage has endured the test of time.

Gifts for Her

A platinum ring with your wedding date

Gifts for Him

An engraved platinum flask

20th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Silver

For year 25, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Silver

For year 25, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Silver is a precious metal and is prized the world over. Remember to value marriage and allow the relationship to shine like the surface of this metal.

Gifts for Her

Engraved silver jewelry, silver flatware, a silver frame

Gifts for Him

Silver cufflinks, silver money clip

Silver is a precious metal and is prized the world over. Remember to value marriage and allow the relationship to shine like the surface of this metal.

Gifts for Her

Engraved silver jewelry, silver flatware, a silver frame

Gifts for Him

Silver cufflinks, silver money clip

Silver Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Pearl

Diamond

A pearl is a treasured gem, hidden in the shell of an oyster. The pearl represents peace and beauty. Another valuable gem, diamonds, also symbolize great beauty.

Gifts for Her

A pearl necklace, a mother-of-pearl vase

Gifts for Him

A seafood dinner, a snorkelling adventure to find your own pearls

Another valuable gem, the diamond, also symbolize great beauty.

Gifts for Her

Dazzling diamond earrings

Gifts for Him

Tickets to see Neil Diamond

30th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Coral

Jade

In ancient societies, coral was said to protect from sickness and harm. May this gift bring you health and safety!

Gifts for Her

A coral necklace, nautical themed gifts

Gifts for Him

A trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Jade was once used as a form currency in Chinese culture and is now considered a symbol of luck.

Gifts for Her

A jade bracelet, a jade vase

Gifts for Him

A jade tie clip, a mini jade desk statue

35th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Ruby

For year 40, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Ruby

For year 40, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

The red ruby symbolizes love and passion. Keep the flames of marriage burning.

Gifts for Her

Ruby red roses, ruby earrings, a red scarf

Gifts for Him

A case of his favorite red wine, a visit to the ruby mines in North Carolina

The red ruby symbolizes love and passion. Keep the flames of marriage burning.

Gifts for Her

Ruby red roses, ruby earrings, a red scarf

Gifts for Him

A case of his favorite red wine, a visit to the ruby mines in North Carolina

40th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Sapphire

For year 45, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Sapphire

For year 45, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

As the stone of royalty, sapphire is a worthy way of celebrating a monumental anniversary!

Gifts for Her

A sapphire necklace, a deep blue crystal bowl, a sapphire bracelet

Gifts for Him

An exotic cruise, a sapphire blue cashmere sweater

As the stone of royalty, sapphire is a worthy way of celebrating a monumental anniversary!

Gifts for Her

A sapphire necklace, a deep blue crystal bowl, a sapphire bracelet

Gifts for Him

An exotic cruise, a sapphire blue cashmere sweater

45th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Gold

For year 50, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Gold

For year 50, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Gold is the most prized metal and 50 years together should be celebrated with a most prized possession.

Gifts for Her

A gold necklace, a heart-shaped pendant

Gifts for Him

A gold tie clip, a gold nugget, a gold watch

Gold is the most prized metal and 50 years together should be celebrated with a most prized possession.

Gifts for Her

A gold necklace, a heart-shaped pendant

Gifts for Him

A gold tie clip, a gold nugget, a gold watch

Golden Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Modern

Diamond

For year 60, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

Diamond

For year 60, the anniversary gift is the same for both traditional and modern.

In Greek, the word diamond means unconquerable. After 60 years together you have proven your relationship is unconquerable which deserves the most magnificent jem.

Gifts for Her

A diamond ring to celebrate your life together, a diamond brooch

Gifts for Him

Diamond cufflinks, a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the Hope Diamond

In Greek, the word diamond means unconquerable. After 60 years together you have proven your relationship is unconquerable which deserves the most magnificent jem.

Gifts for Her

A diamond ring to celebrate your life together, a diamond brooch

Gifts for Him

Diamond cufflinks, a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the Hope Diamond

60th Anniversary Gifts

If you are looking for even more anniversary ideas, check out all of our personalized anniversary gifts. You can also get a little inspiration from our gift guide that offers suggestion based on personality type.

To see both traditional and modern gifts for each decade of celebration, click the button to download a simplified visual.