A wedding anniversary is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a celebration of a journey, an ode to shared memories, and a testament to the commitment two people have made to one another.
Every year marks a milestone that deserves a unique celebration, encapsulated in an unforgettable gift. But with so many different traditions and modern interpretations, how do you choose the perfect present that symbolises your bond?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to anniversary gifts – from paper to diamond, and from clock to ruby, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a fan of time-honoured customs, prefer a contemporary twist, or like the allure of a beautiful gemstone, this guide will help you find the perfect symbol for each passing year.
Traditional wedding gifts by year
These traditional gifts, with their roots in medieval Europe, were meant to symbolically strengthen the couple’s marriage with each passing year. Starting with simple, readily available materials like paper for the first anniversary, the gifts gradually increase in substance and value, reflecting the growing depth and strength of the marriage. From paper to tin to gold, each gift embodies a distinct facet of a couple’s journey.
- 1st Year – PAPER
- 2st Year – COTTON
- 3rd Year – LEATHER
- 4th Year – LINEN
- 5th Year – WOOD
- 6th Year – IRON
- 7th Year – COPPER
- 8th Year – BRONZE
- 9th Year – POTTERY
- 10th Year – TIN
- 11th year – STEEL
- 12th Year – SILK/ FINE LINEN
- 13th Year – LACE
- 14th year – IVORY
- 15th Year – CHINA/CRYSTAL
- 20th Year – CHINA
- 25th Year – SILVER
- 30th Year – PEARL
- 35th Year – CORAL
- 40th Year – RUBY
- 45th Year – SAPPHIRE
- 50th Year – GOLD
- 55th Year – EMERALD
- 60th Year – DIAMOND
- 65th Year – BLUE SAPPHIRE
- 70th Year – PLATINUM
- 75th Year – DIAMOND
- 80th Year – OAK
- 85th Year – WINE
- 90th Year – STONE
Modern wedding anniversary gifts by year
- 1st Year – CLOCKS
- 2st Year – CHINA
- 3rd Year – CRYSTAL/GLASS
- 4th Year – APPLIANCES
- 5th Year – SILVERWARE
- 6th Year – WOODEN OBJECTS
- 7th Year – DESK SETS
- 8th Year – LINEN/LACE
- 9th Year – LEATHER
- 10th Year – DIAMOND
- 11th year – JEWELLERY
- 12th Year – PEARLS/GEMS
- 13th Year – TEXTILES
- 14th year – GOLD JEWELLERY
- 15th Year – WATCHES
- 20th Year – PLATINUM
- 25th Year – SILVER
- 30th Year – DIAMOND
- 35th Year – JADE
- 40th Year – RUBY
- 45th Year – SAPPHIRE
- 50th Year – GOLD
- 55th Year – EMERALD
- 60th Year – DIAMOND
- 80th Year – DIAMOND AND PEARL
- 85th Year – DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE
- 90th Year – DIAMOND AND EMERALD
- 95th Year – DIAMOND AND RUBY
- 100th Year – 10ct DIAMOND
Gemstone
- 1st Year – GOLD
- 2st Year – GARNET
- 3rd Year – PEARL
- 4th Year – BLUE TOPAZ
- 5th Year – SAPPHIRE
- 6th Year – AMETHYST
- 7th Year – ONYX
- 8th Year – TOURMALINE
- 9th Year – LAPIS or JASPER
- 10th Year – DIAMOND
- 11th year – TURQUOISE
- 12th Year – JADE
- 13th Year – CITRINE
- 14th year – OPAL or AGATE
- 15th Year – RUBY
- 16th Year – PERIDOT
- 17th Year – CARMELIAN
- 18th Year – CAT’S EYE
- 19th year – AQUAMARINE
- 20th Year – EMERALD
- 21st Year – LOLITE or AMBER
- 22nd Year – SPINEL
- 23rd Year – IMPERIAL TOPAZ
- 24th Year – TANZANITE
- 25th Year – SILVER JUBILEE
- 30th Year – PEARL JUBILEE
- 35th Year – EMERALD
- 40th Year – RUBY
- 45th Year – SAPPHIRE
- 50th Year – GOLDEN JUBILEE
- 55th Year – ALEXANDRITE
- 60th Year – DIAMOND JUBILEE
- 65th Year – STAR SAPPHIRE
- 75th Year – DIAMOND
Flower anniversary gifts by year
- 1st Year – ORANGE BLOSSOM
- 2st Year – DAISY
- 3rd Year – CARNATION
- 4th Year – VIOLET
- 5th Year – PANSIES
- 6th Year – TULIP
- 7th Year – CAMELLIA
- 8th Year – CAT’S TAIL
- 9th Year – HOLLYHOCK
- 10th Year – SWEET PEA
- 11th year – LILAC
- 12th Year – LILY
- 13th Year – HYDRANGEA
- 14th year – DAFFODIL
- 15th Year – CALLA LILY
- 20th Year – IRIS
- 25th Year – YELLOW ROSE
- 30th Year – AMARYLLIS
- 35th Year – POPPY
- 40th Year – PEONY
- 45th Year – MUM
- 50th Year – RED ROSE
- 55th Year – JASMINE
- 60th Year – WHITE ROSE
- 100th Year – 100 RED ROSES
