Anniversary Gifts by Year: Modern and Traditional Guide
Every year of marriage is a new chapter in a love story. It's filled with laughter, tears, adventure, and a whole lot of ‘us.’ These special occasions offer a chance to reflect on shared memories, express gratitude, and recommit to a love story that continues to unfold.
Anniversaries are milestones worthy of celebration, traditionally linked to specific gifts, flowers, colors, and even gemstones. From the sweet simplicity of your first year to the golden glow of decades-long love, you reflect the changing nature of relationships and societal values.
Traditional anniversary gifts offer a touch of timeless charm, but we understand that modern tastes can call for something a little different. In this guide, we’ll explore both traditional and modern gift ideas for each wedding anniversary year, inspiring you to find the perfect present to commemorate your special milestone. Mixbook is your partner in creating unique and heartfelt keepsakes that capture every magical moment.
1st anniversary: Paper
People often describe the first year of marriage as delicate and fragile, much like paper. It's a year filled with new experiences, shared dreams, and the foundation of a lifelong partnership. The paper anniversary symbolizes the blank pages of your future together, waiting to be filled with beautiful memories. Modern interpretations, like clocks and gold accents, add a touch of contemporary elegance.
1st-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Personalized photo book, handcrafted love letters, framed wedding vows, or a personalized scrapbook
Modern gifts: Couple's watches, personalized wall clock, or a digital photo frame
Metal or gemstone: Gold-plated paperweight
Flower: Carnations
2nd anniversary: Cotton
Just as cotton provides comfort and warmth, the second year of marriage is a time for deepening your bond and creating a cozy, supportive relationship. Cotton symbolizes the growing comfort and familiarity that develops between partners as their lives become intertwined. For a modern touch, consider the elegance of china or the timeless charm of garnet as an alternative gift.
2nd-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Cotton bath towels with embroidered initials, cotton bathrobes, or a custom-made cotton throw blanket
Modern gifts: Dinnerware set, personalized china mugs, or engraved serving knives
Metal or gemstone: Garnet necklace or a garnet bottle vase
Flower: Cosmos
3rd anniversary: Leather
Leather, the traditional gift for the third anniversary, symbolizes a marriage’s growing force and flexibility. Just as leather grows richer and more supple with age, a marriage deepens and matures over time. Crystals and pearls, the modern and gemstone interpretation, represent grace, wisdom, and sophistication.
3rd-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Leather bound photo album, leather wallet or passport holder, or a leather watch band
Modern gifts: Crystal vase or bowl, crystal glassware set, or personalized glass blown ornaments
Metal or gemstone: Pearl earrings
Flower: Sunflowers
4th anniversary: Fruit or flowers
The 4th anniversary celebrates the blossoming of your love. Traditionally marked by fruit or flowers, it's a time to appreciate the sweetness and beauty of your relationship. Appliances offer modern conveniences, while blue topaz adds a hint of elegance.
Traditional gifts: Basket of fresh, seasonal fruit, indoor herb garden kit, or a fruit-themed charcuterie board
Modern gifts: Coffee maker or espresso machine, smart kitchen appliances, or a robot vacuum cleaner
Metal or gemstone: Blue topaz bracelet
Flower: Geraniums
5th anniversary: Wood
Celebrating five years of marriage is a milestone marked by resilience and growth. Wood, the traditional 5th-anniversary gift, symbolizes the sturdy foundation of your relationship. The modern gift of silverware reflects the elegance and practicality of your partnership, while sapphire, the gemstone, brings luxury and loyalty.
Traditional gifts: Custom-made wooden cutting board or serving tray, personalized wooden jewelry box, or a wooden wine rack
Modern gifts: Personalized silver-plated cutlery set, silver-plated barware set, or silver-plated candle holders
Metal or gemstone: Sapphire cufflinks
Flower: Daisies
6th anniversary: Iron
Six years of marriage forge a bond as strong as iron. Much like iron, your relationship has weathered challenges and emerged even stronger. This traditional gift represents resilience and stability, while wood and amethyst complement the modern theme, adding warmth, beauty, and spiritual depth.
6th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, iron candle holder or lantern, or iron wall art or sculpture
Modern gifts: Wooden wall clock or decorative shelf, plant stand or indoor planter, or a wood table or bench
Metal or gemstone: Amethyst tie clip
Flower: Calla Lilies
““I got my photo book as an anniversary present for my s/o, capturing our year together and it was amazing! The quality was impeccable and it was so easy to create. I plan on making this a yearly gift. And customer support was hands down the best I’ve ever received on any ecommerce platform. They were quick and efficient! I’ll recommend Mixbook to everyone!””
7th anniversary: Wool or copper
The traditional materials wool and copper symbolize the warmth, comfort, and security you have found in your partner's love. These qualities mirror the solidity and comfort that have grown within your seven-year partnership. Modern gifts, like leather, showcase sophistication and luxury, while the gemstone onyx symbolizes refinement and power.
7th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Wool blanket or high-quality copper kitchenware
Modern gifts: Leather desk pad with accessories, desk organizer with pen holders and trays, or a desk calendar or planner
Metal or gemstone: Onyx paperweight
Flower: Freesias
8th anniversary: Bronze
Bronze, the traditional gift for the 8th anniversary, represents the resilience of your love. Like bronze, your relationship has weathered challenges and grown stronger over time. Linen or lace, representing elegance and comfort, offer modern alternatives. Tourmaline, a gemstone known for its variety of colors, adds a touch of brilliance.
8th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Bronze sculpture or statue, bronze wind chimes, bronze key ring or bottle opener, or a bronze paperweight
Modern gifts: Linen bedding or bath towels, linen tablecloth or napkins, or a linen throw blanket
Metal or gemstone: Tourmaline-colored accessories (scarf, tie, cufflinks)
Flower: Clematis and Lilacs
9th anniversary: Pottery
The ninth anniversary celebrates the transformative power of love through the art of pottery. Like formless clay can be molded into a beautiful and functional work of art, your relationship has transformed over time. Leather, a modern interpretation, brings luxury and durability, while the gemstone lapis lazuli symbolizes wisdom and depth.
9th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Porcelain hummingbird feeder or a casserole baking dish
Modern gifts: Leather journal or notebook or a leather jacket or bag
Metal or gemstone: Lapis lazuli-inspired artwork or prints
Flower: Poppies and Birds of Paradise
10th anniversary: Aluminum or tin
Marking a decade of love and partnership, the 10th anniversary traditionally calls for gifts of tin or aluminum. These metals symbolize the adaptability and flexibility that have allowed your relationship to thrive. Diamond, as a modern and gemstone choice, adds a glimmer of brilliance.
Traditional gifts: Personalized aluminum or tin wall art, aluminum or tin water bottles, or aluminum or tin garden decor
Modern gifts: Diamond-encrusted couple’s watches, diamond stud earrings, or a diamond cuff bracelet
Metal or gemstone: Diamond-themed jewelry box or keepsake
Flower: Daffodils
11th anniversary: Steel
Steel, the traditional gift, symbolizes stability and flexibility. It's a fitting representation of a relationship that has weathered life's challenges and emerged even stronger in 11 years. Whether a personalized gift for wives or a statement piece for your home, steel offers endless possibilities for a meaningful and enduring anniversary present. Additionally, fashion jewelry adds a modern style to this milestone.
11th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: High-end knife set, engraved metal ring dish, or stainless steel cookware
Modern gifts: Statement rings or cuffs or a personalized charm bracelet
Metal or gemstone: Turquoise studded earrings
Flower: Morning Glories
12th anniversary: Silk or linen
Silk and linen, the traditional gifts, symbolize luxury, comfort, and the refined nature of your relationship. These soft and elegant materials reflect the warmth and intimacy you share. Modern gift options, such as pearls and jade, add a touch of sophistication to your 12th anniversary.
12th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Linen bedding, embroidered silk loungewear, or a customized linen tote bag
Modern gifts: Pearl wire tree, pearl tile picture frame, or a classic pearl necklace
Metal or gemstone: Jade tie clip
Flower: Peonies
13th anniversary: Lace
For your 13th anniversary, the traditional gift lace symbolizes the delicate and intricate nature of a long-lasting relationship. A modern take, textiles or faux furs offer warmth and comfort. Citrine, the gemstone, brings a touch of optimism and energy to this anniversary year.
13th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Lace-trimmed tablecloths, lace fabric cufflinks, or a lace porcelain plate set
Modern gifts: Weighted knit blanket, high-quality soft and plush bathrobes, or a textile wall hanging
Metal or gemstone: Citrine hoop earrings
Flower: Chrysanthemums
14th anniversary: Ivory
The 14th anniversary is a milestone marked by elegance and purity. Ivory, the traditional gift, symbolizes purity and innocence, while gold, a modern interpretation, adds a touch of luxury and opulence. The gemstone opal brings a unique and mystical element.
14th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Ivory planter or an ivory-colored travel luggage set
Modern gifts: Gold bangle set, custom gold necklace, or gold cufflinks
Metal or gemstone: Opal forever rose
Flower: Dahlias
15th anniversary: Crystal
The 15th anniversary shines with the brilliance of crystal. This milestone celebrates the clarity of communication, the brilliance of shared experiences, and the enduring light of your love. Watches and rubies add a modern take of luxury and timelessness to this special occasion.
Traditional gifts: Crystal vase or bowl, crystal decanter or glassware set, or a crystal engraved photo cube
Modern gifts: Couple's watches with matching designs, watches with engraved messages, or working clock cufflinks
Metal or gemstone: Ruby-embellished watch
Flower: Roses
20th anniversary: China
Many couples celebrate two decades of love and commitment with timeless elegance of china dinnerware. China embodies the enduring power and beauty that your relationship has developed over the years. Platinum, a modern and luxurious choice, and the emerald, a gemstone symbolizing love and growth, complement the traditional china, representing strength and durability.
20th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Delicate china teacup and saucer set, vintage chine earrings, or a porcelain trinket box
Modern gifts: Platinum-plated home decor accents, platinum-inspired smartwatch band, or platinum-inspired wall art
Metal or gemstone: Emerald-cut ring
Flower: Asters
25th anniversary: Sterling silver
A quarter-century of love is a remarkable achievement. Sterling silver, the traditional and modern gift for this anniversary, symbolizes strength, purity, and enduring beauty. It reflects a relationship that has weathered life's challenges and emerged even more radiant.
25th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Sterling silver box chain necklace, sterling silver flatware set, or a silver serving tray
Modern gifts: Silver cufflinks or tie clips, metal soundwave art, or a wind chime
Metal or gemstone: Engraved silver photo frame
Flower: Irises
30th anniversary: Pearl
Your 30th wedding anniversary signifies a deep and enduring love that has weathered the tests of time. The pearl, the traditional gift, perfectly embodies the essence of a 30-year marriage, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and longevity. Diamonds, a modern and luxurious choice, add brilliance and sparkle to the occasion.
30th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Stainless steel pearl watch, pearl drop earrings, or pearl cufflinks
Modern gifts: Diamond forever rose, diamond whisky tumblers, or a diamond-studded watch
Metal or gemstone: Pearl sculpture home decor
Flower: Lilies
““I created two books to record our 30th anniversary trip. One was for us and one for a couple who joined us. I was able to create and edit each one into a unique keepsake that will be cherished. We are very happy with the books and the ease and speed of the Mixbook process.””
35th anniversary: Coral
Celebrating 35 years of marriage is a testament to a love that has emerged even more vibrant. Coral, the traditional gift, symbolizes growth, resilience, and beauty. Jade, a modern interpretation, adds wisdom, harmony, and prosperity to this occasion.
35th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Embroidered coral handbag, wooden coral-themed coasters, or coral-colored wine glasses
Modern gifts: Hand-crafted jade lovebirds decor or jade-colored soundwave wall art
Metal or gemstone: Custom engraved emerald ring
Flower: Coral Roses
40th anniversary: Ruby
Reaching a 40th wedding anniversary signifies a love of exceptional depth in a traditional and modern way. The ruby, with its fiery glow and enduring red color, perfectly embodies the passion and commitment that sustains a marriage of this caliber.
40th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Ruby tree sculpture, red leather wallet, or ruby-colored wine glasses
Modern gifts: Ruby-hued bottle of wine or a red Dutch oven
Metal or gemstone: Ruby tennis bracelet
Flower: Gladioli
45th anniversary: Sapphire
The sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and steadfastness—qualities that define a relationship that has endured the test of time. Sapphire is renowned for its enduring beauty and strength, the perfect representation of a love that has grown deeper and more precious each year.
45th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Sapphire-studded watch or cufflinks, sapphire forever rose, or sapphire-colored glassware or dinnerware
Modern gifts: Sapphire-colored fashion accessories, blue bottle wind chime, or a sapphire-colored sundial
Metal or gemstone: Sapphire eternity ring
Flower: Blue Irises
50th anniversary: Gold
Half a century of love is a golden milestone. Gold, the ultimate symbol of luxury and enduring value, perfectly captures the essence of a 50-year marriage. Like this precious metal, your love has been refined over time, becoming increasingly rare and precious. This anniversary is a testament to your unwavering commitment, unlocking positive memories, and the enduring beauty of your relationship.
50th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Gold-plated ice bucket, gold family tree ornament, or gold-plated tableware or serving pieces
Modern gifts: Gold champagne flutes or gold-inspired designer handbags
Metal or gemstone: Gold locket
Flower: Yellow Roses and Violets
55th anniversary: Emerald
Celebrating 55 years of marriage is a testament to enduring love. Emerald, the traditional and modern take for this anniversary, symbolizes growth, renewal, and prosperity. Its vibrant green hue reflects the richness and depth of a relationship that has stood the test of time.
55th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Emerald designer purse, emerald anniversary plate, or an emerald green tie
Modern gifts: Green packing cubes or an emerald green bed set
Metal or gemstone: Sterling-silver watch with emerald face
Flower: "Green Goddess" Calla Lilies
60th anniversary: Diamond
The diamond, a symbol of eternal love and unyielding strength, perfectly captures the essence of a 60-year marriage. Just as this precious gem is formed under immense pressure, your love has deepened and matured through life's challenges, emerging even more radiant.
60th-anniversary gift ideas:
Traditional gifts: Diamond hoop earrings, diamond dining ware, or an engraved diamond photo frame
Modern gifts: Diamond hurricane vase or commemorative anniversary coins
Metal or gemstone: Raw diamond necklace
Flower: Orchids
Beyond the gift: Adding a personal touch
While traditional and modern gift ideas provide a solid foundation, a truly memorable anniversary gift often lies in personalization. Incorporating names, initials, dates, or inside jokes can transform a present into a cherished keepsake. A personalized scrapbook, photo book, jewelry with birthstones, or custom artwork can elevate your gift, creating a deeper emotional connection.
Remember, the most meaningful anniversary gifts come from the heart. By combining traditional and modern elements with a personal touch, you can craft a gift that perfectly captures the essence of your love story.
Mixbook Studio makes it easy to transform your favorite photos into cherished keepsakes. Create stunning anniversary photo books, wall art, and more with just a few clicks. Simply upload your images, choose a design, and personalize them with text and captions to tell your unique story.
