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.

4th-anniversary gift ideas:

• 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.

5th-anniversary gift ideas:

• 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

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.

10th-anniversary gift ideas:

• 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.

15th-anniversary gift ideas:

• 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

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.