Wedding anniversary gifts have been exchanged since Roman times, with traditional annual milestone gifts each designed to represent a new stage of married life.
Anniversary Gifts by Year
What are the milestone anniversary years? From the special 1st anniversary paper gift through to the giving of valuable gold on the 50th anniversary and diamonds on the 60th, as the years pass each anniversary is marked with a traditional gift. Although silver, pearls, rubies, diamonds, and gold are all highly valuable milestone gifts, in many marriages the gifts which are truly treasured and remembered are the thoughtful personalised paper items.
The traditional 1st anniversary paper gifts symbolise the start of a new beginning and a life together, however in our opinion every wedding anniversary is a representation of a fresh new year and the start of a new chapter in your life together.
Below is a list of all the milestone anniversary years, materials, metals, stones and precious gems! Along with some gift ideas for inspiration.
| Year | Symbolic Gift | Gift Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Anniversary | Paper | 1st anniversary print |
| 2nd Anniversary | Cotton | Clothing |
| 3rd Anniversary | Leather | Wallet or Purse |
| 4th Anniversary | Fruit or flowers | Vase |
| 5th Anniversary | Wooden | Cheese Board |
| 6th Anniversary | Sugar or candy | Jelly beans |
| 7th Anniversary | Copper | Personalised copper mugs |
| 8th Anniversary | Bronze or pottery | Personalised flower pot |
| 9th Anniversary | Willow pattern or pottery | Ceramic vase |
| 10th Anniversary | Tin | Personalised tin flower pot |
| 11th Anniversary | Steel | Cutlery |
| 12th Anniversary | Silk & fine linen | Linen scented candle |
| 13th Anniversary | Lace | Table runner |
| 14th Anniversary | Ivory | Candle |
| 15th Anniversary | Crystal | Champagne flutes |
| 20th Anniversary | China | Personalised mugs |
| 25th Anniversary | Silver | Jewellery or 25th anniversary print |
| 30th Anniversary | Pearl | Jewellery |
| 35th Anniversary | Coral & Jade | Jewellery |
| 40th Anniversary | Ruby | Jewellery or 40th anniversary print |
| 45th Anniversary | Sapphire | Jewellery |
| 50th Anniversary | Golden | Jewellery or 50th anniversary print |
| 55th Anniversary | Emerald | Jewellery |
| 60th Anniversary | Diamond | Jewellery or 60th anniversary print |
| 65th Anniversary | Blue Sapphire | Ring |
| 70th Anniversary | Platinum | Jewellery |
| 75th Anniversary | Diamond | Jewellery |
| 80th Anniversary | Oak | Engraved Plaque |
Tips on How to Make Your Milestone Anniversary Special
Milestone anniversaries are special moments shared between couples. To make your anniversary even more special, it’s important to plan ahead and think of creative and unique ideas.
Whether you’re looking for romantic or creative ways to celebrate your anniversary, there are plenty of ideas that can help make the occasion extra special. From candlelit dinner dates at home to creating a photo collage of your happy memories together, there are many inspiring and unique celebration ideas that you can use to commemorate the day with your partner.
Celebrating a milestone anniversary is an unforgettable experience. Whether it is your first, fifth, tenth or even fifty-year wedding anniversary, making the most memorable celebration for your significant other is essential. But with so many creative and romantic ideas out there, it can be hard to narrow down which ones are suitable for you and your partner. In this article, we will explore some unique and creative anniversary ideas that will help you make your special day truly unforgettable. From romantic ideas at home to unique celebration ideas outside the box, you are sure to find something that will make your milestone anniversary truly special.
What’s the 1st anniversary gift?
The 1st anniversary gift traditionally is paper, symbolising the blank pages of a new life together. Modern options include clocks, representing the time shared and future moments to come. Both gifts celebrate the beginning of a couple’s journey.
What’s the 5th anniversary gift?
The 5th anniversary gift traditionally is wood, symbolising strength and growth in a relationship. Modern interpretations include silverware, representing the shared meals and moments. Both gifts celebrate five years of enduring love and shared experiences.
What’s the 10th anniversary gift?
The 10th anniversary gift traditionally is tin or aluminium, symbolising durability and flexibility in a marriage. Modern choices include diamond jewelery, representing the enduring and precious nature of the relationship. Both gifts honour a decade of love and commitment.
What’s the 15th anniversary gift?
The 15-year anniversary gift traditionally is crystal, symbolising clarity and transparency in the relationship. Modern options include watches, representing the precious time spent together. Both gifts commemorate a significant milestone and the enduring bond between a couple.
What’s the 20th anniversary gift?
The 20th anniversary gift traditionally is china, symbolising the beauty and elegance of a lasting marriage. Modern interpretations include platinum, representing the strength and endurance of two decades together. Both options celebrate a significant milestone in a couple’s journey.
