ANNIVERSARY GIFTS BY YEAR
Another happy year has gone by and you want to treat your partner with the perfect anniversary gift. Whether you’re still celebrating your newlywed status or you’ve been together for decades, these traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year will inspire you to find a gift that shows them how much you care.
WHY BUY BY YEAR?
The practice of offering something symbolic for each wedding anniversary dates back as far as the Middle Ages. As you’ll see from the gift ideas below, the materials from which the gifts are made are fragile at first but become stronger. Much like your relationship as the years go on. Time does change and so do traditions. If you’re tired of the traditional styles, shake things up and check out the modern anniversary gifts by year.
1ST YEAR
TRADITIONAL
PAPER
Nothing means more than a handwritten note. Jot something down inside the cover of a book, a journal, or leave a sweet post-it on the mirror in the morning.
Gift ideas: Postcards, luxury stationery, bookmarks, engraved journals and notebooks. Starting your own new family photo album for extra brownie points.
MODERN
TIME
That is, in the form of clocks or watches. A part of your marriage vows is “time." To love that person until the end of time. How do we keep time?
Gift ideas: A decorative clock, a new watch, or take it figuratively and give them a spa day. Time for yourself is important.
2ND YEAR
TRADITIONAL
COTTON
A perfect year to settle in and cozy up with something soft.
Gift ideas: A clear choice for the second year of marriage by traditional standards is clothing. Look for fun socks, sweaters, a plush blanket, or new robe.
MODERN
CHINA
It may be delicate but, when it’s cherished and looked after, it becomes rare and invaluable.
Gift ideas: China! Need I say more? Think of all the beautiful dinners in your future.
3RD YEAR
TRADITIONAL
LEATHER
Leather lasts. It can be both luxurious and strong.
Gift ideas: Think a new wallet, weekend bag, dopp kit, belts, or shoes. Casual watch wearers will always appreciate a new band for their favorite timepiece.
MODERN
GLASS
Beautifully cut glass items symbolize fragility, but also invisible protection and transparency.
Gift ideas: New wine glass set, decorative mirror, custom holiday ornaments, or perhaps something for the house like new windows.
4TH YEAR
TRADITIONAL
FRUITS / FLOWERS
Thank goodness for Edible Arrangements! Am I right?
Gift ideas: A bouquet of flowers or a bouquet of fruit. Treat your sweetheart to chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne for an extra romantic evening.
MODERN
HOME GADGETS / APPLIANCES
Something for the home means more you can to do together.
Gift ideas: No one was ever disappointed by a new lawn mower or blender. A practical option, yet a way to continue to build the home you’re creating together.
5TH YEAR
TRADITIONAL
WOOD
Wow, five years! You've made it to an exciting milestone. Which means it's a great time for a super unique gift.
Gift ideas: home decorations, furniture, sustainable gifts; try a wooden watch or wooden sunglasses!
MODERN
SILVERWARE
Here’s to all your romantic dinners and all the others to come!
Gift ideas: New silverware, duh! You could even pick out some beautiful engraved pieces.
10TH YEAR
TRADITIONAL
ALUMINUM
Have you seen the world together? Perhaps this is the year to start.
Gift ideas: Consider a joint gift; a teardrop camper to travel in. Homebodies? Go for designer jewelry or home decorations
MODERN
DIAMONDS
After ten years, your relationship is just as rare and valuable as a diamond. You’ve made it this far. Go big.
Gift ideas: Reset their ring. Redesign a family heirloom. A new pair of earrings or cufflinks.
15TH YEAR
TRADITIONAL
CRYSTAL
Crystals are strong. They can be interpreted in so many ways. They're unique and rare. Just like a 15 year marriage.
Gift ideas: crystal tableware, a decanter and glasses, accessories, or jewelry with their birthstone. You could even get them some healing crystals and a book for their bedside.
MODERN
PEARLS
Pearls; a symbol of long life and perfection making them the perfect anniversary gift for a strong, happy marriage.
Gift ideas: A pearl necklace, ring, watch with a pearl face...take them deep diving to find a rare clam. Whatever you do, make it special.
25TH YEAR
TRADITIONAL & MODERN
"THE SILVER WEDDING"
Silver. In terms of the incredible 25th milestone, the traditional and modern gifts go hand in hand.
Gift ideas: Silver jewelry, accessories, home decor, or engraved picture frames.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
TRADITIONAL & MODERN
"THE GOLDEN WEDDING"
Much like the 25th anniversary gifts, the 50th anniversary offers the same traditional and modern gift. Gold. One of the strongest materials in the world. A lifetime, like your 50 year marriage.
Gift ideas: Gold...anything gold.
