Anniversaries are a celebration of the journey a couple embarks on together. With each passing year, love deepens, and the gifts associated with these milestones reflect the growth, resilience, and beauty of marriage. Over time, both traditional and modern gift ideas have evolved, offering couples a blend of classic charm and contemporary creativity.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts from the 1st to the 60th year.

1st Anniversary: Paper / Clocks
Traditional: Paper represents a blank canvas, symbolising the fresh start of a marriage.
Modern: Clocks represent the passage of time and the moments shared together.
Gift Ideas: Personalised stationery, a photo album, or an elegant wall clock.

2nd Anniversary: Cotton / China
Traditional: Cotton symbolises the intertwining of lives and durability.
Modern: China represents the beauty and fragility of love.
Gift Ideas: Cotton robes, high-quality cotton bed sheets, or a fine china tea set.

3rd Anniversary: Leather / Crystal
Traditional: Leather signifies protection and warmth.
Modern: Crystal symbolises clarity and transparency in a relationship.
Gift Ideas: Leather accessories such as handbags or jackets, or crystal vases and glasses.

4th Anniversary: Fruit & Flowers / Appliances
Traditional: Fruit & Flowers represent growth, blossoming love, and nurturing.
Modern: Appliances symbolise the comfort and ease of modern married life.
Gift Ideas: A beautiful bouquet, fruit baskets, or kitchen gadgets.

5th Anniversary: Wood / Silverware
Traditional: Wood symbolises strength and solid foundations.
Modern: Silverware represents refinement and dining together.
Gift Ideas: A wooden photo frame, a piece of carved wooden art, or a silverware set.

6th Anniversary: Iron / Wood
Traditional: Iron represents the strength and resilience of a relationship.
Modern: Wood carries the same traditional meaning of solidity.
Gift Ideas: Iron sculptures, wooden home decor, or furniture.

7th Anniversary: Wool / Desk Sets
Traditional: Wool symbolises warmth and comfort.
Modern: Desk Sets represent practicality and organisation in married life.
Gift Ideas: A cosy wool blanket or jumper, or a luxury desk set for work or study.

8th Anniversary: Bronze / Linen
Traditional: Bronze symbolises durability and strength.
Modern: Linen represents comfort and quality.
Gift Ideas: Bronze sculptures, linen tablecloths or napkins, or high-quality bedding.

9th Anniversary: Pottery / Leather
Traditional: Pottery represents the shaping and moulding of a relationship.
Modern: Leather continues to symbolise protection and durability.
Gift Ideas: Handmade pottery, a personalised leather bag, or leather-bound journals.

10th Anniversary: Tin / Diamond Jewellery
Traditional: Tin symbolises preservation and longevity.
Modern: Diamond jewellery represents the resilience and sparkle of a long-lasting marriage.
Gift Ideas: Tin keepsakes, vintage tin items, or diamond rings, necklaces, or cufflinks.

11th Anniversary: Steel / Fashion Jewellery
Traditional: Steel symbolises strength and durability.
Modern: Fashion jewellery offers a more modern and flexible interpretation.
Gift Ideas: Steel home decor, stainless steel appliances, or chic fashion jewellery.

12th Anniversary: Silk / Pearls
Traditional: Silk symbolises the elegance and luxurious quality of a strong marriage.
Modern: Pearls represent purity and enduring beauty.
Gift Ideas: Silk scarves or bedding, pearl earrings or necklaces.

13th Anniversary: Lace / Textiles
Traditional: Lace symbolises intricate beauty and delicate care.
Modern: Textiles offer practical and decorative possibilities.
Gift Ideas: Lace lingerie or home decor, or personalised textiles such as cushions or throws.

14th Anniversary: Ivory / Gold Jewellery
Traditional: Ivory symbolises purity, though many opt for ethical alternatives today.
Modern: Gold jewellery represents luxury and timelessness.
Gift Ideas: Ethical ivory substitutes, gold necklaces, or bracelets.

15th Anniversary: Crystal / Watches
Traditional: Crystal symbolises clarity and transparency.
Modern: Watches represent the time shared and the time to come.
Gift Ideas: Crystal glassware or home decor, luxury watches.

Major Milestone Anniversaries:

20th Anniversary: China / Platinum
Traditional: China represents beauty and elegance.
Modern: Platinum symbolises rarity and enduring strength.
Gift Ideas: Fine china sets, platinum jewellery.

25th Anniversary: Silver
Traditional & Modern: Silver symbolises the radiance and durability of a 25-year-long marriage.
Gift Ideas: Silver jewellery, engraved silver photo frames.

30th Anniversary: Pearl / Diamond
Traditional: Pearl symbolises the wisdom and beauty developed over time.
Modern: Diamond continues to represent strength and brilliance.
Gift Ideas: Pearl necklaces or earrings, diamond jewellery.

35th Anniversary: Coral / Jade
Traditional: Coral symbolises protection and longevity.
Modern: Jade represents serenity and longevity.
Gift Ideas: Coral-inspired artwork, jade jewellery or decor.

40th Anniversary: Ruby
Traditional & Modern: Ruby symbolises the passion and fire that still burns after four decades.
Gift Ideas: Ruby rings, necklaces, or home decor with red accents.

45th Anniversary: Sapphire
Traditional & Modern: Sapphire represents loyalty and trust in the relationship.
Gift Ideas: Sapphire jewellery or a holiday to a destination known for its sapphire blue waters.

50th Anniversary: Gold
Traditional & Modern: Gold symbolises the richness and warmth of a 50-year relationship.
Gift Ideas: Gold jewellery, a golden-themed anniversary party, or golden home decor.

55th Anniversary: Emerald
Traditional & Modern: Emerald symbolises eternal love and renewal.
Gift Ideas: Emerald jewellery, or an experience in a lush, green destination.

60th Anniversary: Diamond
Traditional & Modern: Diamond represents an unbreakable bond, shining brightly after six decades of marriage.
Gift Ideas: Diamond jewellery or a grand celebration with family and friends to honour the milestone.

Each year of marriage is a new chapter in your love story, and these thoughtful, symbolic gifts reflect the journey you’ve shared and the adventures still to come. Whether you choose timeless traditions or modern interpretations, every gift is a celebration of your enduring commitment.

Read some more of our articles in our Marriage Advice & Tips section for more insights.