Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: Traditional and Modern Ideas

Trying to figure out what to get your spouse for your anniversary? There’s a fun tradition that makes shopping a whole lot easier: wedding anniversary gifts by year! Each anniversary has its own traditional gift, and many years have a modern alternative, too. Think paper for your first anniversary, wood for your fifth, silver for your 25th, and diamonds for your 60th. Pretty sweet, right?

I’ve put together the traditional and modern anniversary gift lists below. You’ll find what each year represents, plus plenty of ideas to help you find something your favorite person will love.

Let’s find the perfect anniversary gift! ❤️

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year

Wondering what the traditional gift is for each wedding anniversary? There’s a special theme for nearly every milestone! From paper for your first anniversary to gold for your 50th, these traditional anniversary gifts have been passed down through generations. Use this list to find the traditional gift for your year of marriage, along with the modern alternative.

Note: Anniversary gift lists can vary slightly by tradition and source. The list above follows commonly published American traditional and modern anniversary themes.

Why Are There Traditional Anniversary Gifts for Each Year?

The tradition of giving a specific gift for each wedding anniversary dates back generations. Each year is represented by a material or theme, beginning with simple gifts like paper and cotton and gradually moving toward more precious materials like silver, gold, and diamonds. The idea is that a marriage grows stronger and more valuable with every year spent together.

Today, couples often put their own spin on these traditions. You might give a handwritten love letter for your first anniversary, a cozy cotton blanket for your second, or a beautiful piece of silver jewelry for your 25th. You don’t have to follow the tradition exactly. It’s simply a fun way to make each anniversary feel a little more meaningful!

Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts by Year

Now for the fun part: finding a gift! I’ve rounded up ideas inspired by the traditional anniversary themes, with a mix of personalized finds, beautiful everyday luxuries, and thoughtful surprises. Whether you’re shopping for your husband, wife, or favorite couple, there’s something here worth getting excited about.

1st Anniversary: Paper

One year married! Your first anniversary is traditionally celebrated with paper, which opens up so many sweet possibilities. Think beyond a greeting card and choose something that tells your story.

Anniversary Journal

1st Anniversary Paper Card

Folded Book Art

Need more inspiration? Check out these paper anniversary gifts for even more thoughtful first-anniversary ideas!

2nd Anniversary: Cotton

For your second anniversary, cotton is the traditional gift. This is your excuse to upgrade something you use every day or choose something cozy to enjoy together.

Cotton Push Pink Map

Personalized Cotton Throw Blanket

Cotton Paper Custom Sheet Music

Looking for more ideas? See these cotton anniversary gifts for even more inspiration.

3rd Anniversary: Leather

Leather is the traditional third anniversary gift. It’s practical, timeless, and easy to personalize. Look for something they’ll carry, wear, or use for years.

Personalized Leather Wallet

Engraved Leather Valet Tray

Monogrammed Leather Toiletry Bag

Leather Travel Watch Case

Personalized Leather Keychain

Want more ideas? I’ve rounded up even more leather anniversary gifts worth checking out!

4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers

Four years together deserves something colorful! Fruit and flowers are the traditional fourth anniversary themes, so think beautiful blooms, garden-inspired gifts, and little luxuries that brighten up the day.

Hand-Blown Glass Birth Flower Bouquet

Preserved Roses in Gift Box

Birth Flower Necklace

Stained Glass Birth Flower Plant Stake

Need more inspiration? Take a look at these 4th anniversary gift ideas!

5th Anniversary: Wood

Five years! Wood symbolizes strength and the roots you’ve put down together. For this milestone, choose something beautifully made that deserves a permanent spot in your home.

Engraved Wood Tray

Personalized Wooden Sign with Name and Wedding Date

Wood Keepsake Box

Engraved Maple Wood Cutting Board

Wood Watch with Engraved Gift Box

See even more wood anniversary gifts for this special milestone.

6th Anniversary: Iron

Iron represents the strength of your marriage after six years. Look for something with an interesting design or a little industrial character.

Hand-Forged Iron Key Bowl

Iron Rose

Iron Engraved Padlock

Custom Metal Date Wall Art

7th Anniversary: Copper or Wool

Seven years calls for something warm and special. Copper and wool are the traditional themes, making this a great year for cozy home finds and beautiful handcrafted pieces.

Copper Rose

Hammered Copper Mug

Engraved Copper Cuff Bracelet

Copper Infinity Love Knot Sculpture

Copper Penny Keychain

8th Anniversary: Bronze

Bronze is the traditional eighth anniversary gift. It’s a lovely opportunity to find something artistic, sculptural, or a little unexpected.

Engraved Bronze Bookmark

Personalized Bronze Bolt Action Pen

Bronze Pottery Whiskey Glass

9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery

Nine years together! Willow and pottery inspire some especially pretty gift ideas. Think handmade ceramics, pieces for the home, and things that are both beautiful and useful.

Willow Tree Glass

Willow Cutting Board

Handmade Pottery Mug with Stamped Name

10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum

A decade of marriage! That’s a milestone worth celebrating. Tin and aluminum are traditional, while diamond jewelry is the modern gift. You can go sentimental, practical, or a little glamorous.

Engraved Aluminum Collar Stays

Tin License Plate Sign

Aluminum Love Knot Necklace

11th Anniversary: Steel

Steel represents strength and durability, making it a fitting theme for eleven years together.

Personalized Intertwined Horseshoe Wall Hanging

Small Steel Heart

Stainless Steel Watch

Oval Trinket Tray

Stainless Steel Earrings

12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen

For year twelve, silk and linen are the traditional themes. This is a wonderful excuse to bring a little luxury into the bedroom or wardrobe.

Silk Embroidered Pillowcase

Personalized Photo Silk Tie

100% Mulberry Silk Sheets

13th Anniversary: Lace

Lace is the traditional 13th anniversary gift. Delicate, detailed, and timeless, it offers plenty of inspiration for a thoughtful present.

Lace Pendant Necklace

Lace Stained Glass

Black Lace Tie

Personalized Lace Ornament

14th Anniversary: Ivory

Ivory is the traditional theme for the 14th wedding anniversary. Today, you can honor the tradition with ivory-colored gifts instead of anything made from animal ivory. Think creamy neutral accessories, elegant home décor, or a personalized keepsake in a soft ivory shade.

Ivory-Colored Pocket Knife

Couples Ivory-Colored Painted Elephant Keychains

Ivory-Colored Stone Cuff Bracelet

15th Anniversary: Crystal

Fifteen years deserves a little sparkle! Crystal is the traditional gift, while watches are the modern alternative. Choose something they’ll enjoy displaying or wearing.

Engraved Crystal Coupe Champagne Glasses

Engraved Crystal Vase

Traditional Milestone Anniversary Gifts

Some wedding anniversaries are especially well-known for their traditional gifts. These milestone years often feature precious metals, gemstones, and other meaningful materials:

• 10th anniversary: Tin or aluminum
• 15th anniversary: Crystal
• 20th anniversary: China
• 25th anniversary: Silver
• 30th anniversary: Pearl
• 35th anniversary: Coral
• 40th anniversary: Ruby
• 45th anniversary: Sapphire
• 50th anniversary: Gold
• 55th anniversary: Emerald
• 60th anniversary: Diamond

These traditional anniversary gifts make wonderful starting points when you’re shopping for your spouse. You can follow the material literally or choose a gift inspired by its color, meaning, or symbolism.

20th Anniversary: China

Twenty years married! China is the traditional gift, while platinum is the modern choice. This is a lovely milestone for a special piece you’ll treasure for years.

Hand-Painted Dinnerware

25th Anniversary: Silver

A quarter century together! The 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with silver, and there are so many beautiful ways to mark this occasion.

Hand-Forged Silver Heart Gift

Custom Engraved 25th Sundial

Handmade Sterling Silver Guitar Pick with Stand

Hand-Stamped Silver Spoons

30th Anniversary: Pearl

Pearl Wall Clock

Pearl Drop Earrings

Pearl Tree Sculpture

35th Anniversary: Coral

The traditional 35th anniversary theme is coral. Bring the color into a thoughtful gift with warm coral shades, beautiful accessories, or an experience inspired by the ocean. Choose coral-colored designs rather than gifts made from actual coral.

Coral Picture Frame

Coral Ring Dish

Coral Cufflinks

40th Anniversary: Ruby

Forty years of marriage deserves something extraordinary. Ruby is the traditional 40th anniversary gemstone, representing passion, love, and devotion.

Marquise Ruby Eternity Band

Ruby Pendant Necklace

Gold Band with Ruby

Floral Ruby Wrap Ring

45th Anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphire is the traditional 45th anniversary gemstone. Its beautiful blue color makes this a wonderful year for a classic jewelry gift or a thoughtful experience.

Sapphire Stud Earrings

Personalized Sapphire Necklace

Raw Sapphire Cufflinks

Wristwatch with Shades of Blue

50th Anniversary: Gold

Fifty years of marriage! The 50th wedding anniversary is known as the golden anniversary, and gold is its traditional gift. It’s a pretty remarkable milestone, so this is the year to make your present feel extra meaningful. Think gold jewelry, a personalized keepsake, or something special your spouse can treasure for years to come.

Gold Diamond Huggie Earrings

Gold Birth Flower Locket Necklace

Gold Monogrammed Cufflinks

Mens Gold Watch

Personalized Gold and Glass Cutting Board

55th Anniversary: Emerald

Emerald is the traditional 55th anniversary gemstone. Its rich green color makes it a beautiful choice for a meaningful present celebrating a lifetime of memories.

You can choose any gift here, but honestly? A trip to Ireland. Go see those emerald rolling hills. :)

60th Anniversary: Diamond

Sixty years of marriage is something extraordinary. The traditional 60th wedding anniversary gift is diamond, a fitting symbol of a love that has lasted a lifetime. A diamond anniversary gift doesn’t have to be extravagant, either. Consider a diamond pendant, a pair of earrings, a personalized keepsake with a diamond detail, or a special experience celebrating all the years you’ve shared.

Shopping for a couple celebrating their diamond anniversary? A thoughtful photo album, a framed family portrait, or a meaningful gift that brings everyone together can make the occasion even more memorable.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: FAQs

What is the traditional gift for each wedding anniversary?

Each wedding anniversary has a traditional gift theme. The first anniversary is paper, the second is cotton, the third is leather, the fifth is wood, and the tenth is tin or aluminum. Milestone anniversaries have their own traditional gifts, too, including silver for the 25th, gold for the 50th, and diamond for the 60th. You can use these themes as inspiration when choosing a meaningful present for your spouse.

What is the 25th wedding anniversary gift?

Silver is the traditional gift for a 25th wedding anniversary, which is why it is often called the silver anniversary. Silver jewelry, engraved keepsakes, picture frames, and personalized home accents are all lovely ways to celebrate 25 years together.

Are traditional and modern anniversary gifts different?

Yes! Traditional and modern anniversary gift lists offer different themes for many years. For example, paper is the traditional first anniversary gift, while clocks are the modern alternative. The traditional fifth anniversary gift is wood, while silverware is the modern choice. Both lists are meant to inspire you, so you can follow one tradition, combine the two, or choose a gift that feels meaningful to your relationship.

Do you have to give the traditional anniversary gift?

Not at all! Traditional anniversary gifts are a fun way to find inspiration, but there are no rules saying you have to follow them. You can choose something made from the traditional material, pick a modern anniversary gift, or give your spouse something completely different that celebrates your life together.

What are the biggest milestone wedding anniversaries?

Some of the best-known milestone anniversaries include the 10th anniversary (tin or aluminum), 25th (silver), 30th (pearl), 40th (ruby), 50th (gold), and 60th (diamond). These traditional themes make it easy to find a gift that feels connected to the occasion.

For more inspiration, browse these wedding gifts couples will love and use every day.