Introduction
Choosing an anniversary present can feel difficult, especially when you want the gift to have a special meaning. One easy way to find inspiration is to follow anniversary presents by year.
Each wedding anniversary is traditionally connected with a particular material or theme. The first anniversary is linked with paper, the second with cotton, the fifth with wood, the 25th with silver, the 50th with gold and the 60th with diamonds.
Modern anniversary lists also provide alternative gift themes, giving couples more choice.
The tradition has changed over time, and different countries and sources sometimes use slightly different anniversary themes. Today, most people treat the list as inspiration rather than a strict rule.
Anniversary Presents by Year at a Glance
Here is a simple guide to some of the most widely recognised traditional and modern wedding anniversary presents.
| Anniversary | Traditional Present | Modern Present |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | Clocks |
| 2nd | Cotton | China |
| 3rd | Leather | Crystal or Glass |
| 4th | Fruit or Flowers | Appliances |
| 5th | Wood | Silverware |
| 6th | Iron | Wood |
| 7th | Copper or Wool | Desk Sets |
| 8th | Bronze or Pottery | Linen or Lace |
| 9th | Willow or Pottery | Leather |
| 10th | Tin or Aluminium | Diamond Jewellery |
| 11th | Steel | Fashion Jewellery |
| 12th | Silk or Linen | Pearl |
| 13th | Lace | Textiles |
| 14th | Ivory Theme | Gold Jewellery |
| 15th | Crystal | Watches |
| 16th | Wax | Silver Holloware |
| 17th | Furniture | Furniture |
| 18th | Porcelain | Porcelain |
| 19th | Bronze | Bronze |
| 20th | China | Platinum |
| 25th | Silver | Silver |
| 30th | Pearl | Diamond |
| 35th | Coral Theme | Jade |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby |
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| 50th | Gold | Gold |
| 55th | Emerald | Emerald |
| 60th | Diamond | Diamond |
These themes closely match current anniversary guides published by The Knot and UK retailer John Lewis.
1st Anniversary: Paper
The traditional first wedding anniversary gift is paper.
Paper may seem simple, but that is part of its meaning. A new marriage is still at the beginning of its story, with many blank pages waiting to be filled.
Good paper anniversary presents include:
- A handwritten love letter
- A personalised photo book
- Wedding photographs
- Concert or theatre tickets
- A framed map of a special place
- A personalised calendar
- A favourite book
The modern first anniversary theme is clocks, representing time spent together and the years still ahead.
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
The traditional second anniversary present is cotton.
Cotton is made from threads woven together, making it an easy symbol of two lives becoming more closely connected.
Gift ideas include:
- Personalised cushions
- Cotton robes
- Luxury bedding
- Matching T-shirts
- Embroidered towels
- A cotton blanket
The modern second anniversary gift is china.
3rd Anniversary: Leather
Leather is the traditional third anniversary theme.
It is valued for its strength and durability, making it a popular symbol for a relationship becoming stronger.
Possible presents include:
- Leather wallet
- Leather handbag
- Personalised journal
- Watch strap
- Leather travel bag
- Keyring
The modern third anniversary theme is crystal or glass.
4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
For the fourth wedding anniversary, the traditional themes are usually fruit and flowers.
They can represent a relationship that continues to grow.
Simple ideas include:
- A beautiful bouquet
- Fruit basket
- Flower subscription
- Garden plant
- Fruit tree
- Romantic picnic
The modern alternative is an appliance, which can make this anniversary surprisingly practical.
5th Anniversary: Wood
The fifth anniversary is traditionally associated with wood.
Wood can represent strong roots and continued growth, making it one of the most popular anniversary themes.
Gift ideas include:
- Personalised wooden photo frame
- Wooden jewellery box
- Engraved chopping board
- Wooden watch
- Handmade furniture
- Wooden keepsake box
The modern fifth anniversary theme is silverware.
6th Anniversary: Iron
The sixth anniversary is commonly associated with iron.
Iron represents strength and durability.
You could choose:
- Cast-iron cookware
- Decorative iron artwork
- Metal garden decoration
- Personalised iron sign
- Iron candle holder
Some traditional lists also associate the sixth anniversary with sugar or sweets, so the exact theme can vary.
7th Anniversary: Copper or Wool
The seventh anniversary traditionally uses copper or wool.
Copper can represent strength and flexibility, while wool brings ideas of warmth and comfort.
Gift ideas include:
- Copper jewellery
- Copper mugs
- Wool blanket
- Wool scarf
- Handmade copper decoration
- Cosy wool jumper
The modern theme is a desk set or workplace accessory.
8th Anniversary: Bronze or Pottery
The eighth wedding anniversary is associated with bronze or pottery.
This gives you plenty of creative choices.
Consider:
- Handmade pottery
- Ceramic mugs
- Bronze sculpture
- Decorative vase
- Personalised pottery bowl
- Bronze jewellery
The modern themes include linen or lace.
9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery
Traditional ninth anniversary gifts are often based on willow or pottery.
Willow is flexible while remaining strong, which makes it a meaningful relationship symbol.
Possible gifts include:
- Willow picnic basket
- Handmade ceramic vase
- Pottery dinnerware
- Willow garden feature
- Ceramic keepsake
The modern theme is leather.
10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminium
Reaching ten years of marriage is an important milestone.
Traditionally, the tenth anniversary uses tin or aluminium.
These materials are strong, useful and resistant to everyday wear.
Gift ideas include:
- Personalised metal sign
- Aluminium photo print
- Engraved tin keepsake
- Metal artwork
- Decorative tin
- Aluminium jewellery
For the modern tenth anniversary, diamond jewellery is a popular theme.
11th Anniversary: Steel
After 11 years, the traditional anniversary material becomes steel.
Steel is strongly associated with strength.
Ideas include:
- Stainless-steel watch
- Steel jewellery
- Personalised kitchen tools
- Metal sculpture
- Engraved steel keepsake
The modern theme is fashion jewellery.
12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen
The traditional themes for year 12 are silk and linen.
Both materials can make elegant and comfortable gifts.
Consider:
- Silk scarf
- Silk pyjamas
- Linen bedding
- Linen clothing
- Personalised linen cushion
The modern theme is pearl.
13th Anniversary: Lace
Lace is the traditional 13th anniversary present.
Possible gifts include lace clothing, decorative textiles or personalised home accessories.
If traditional lace does not suit your partner, you can simply use the idea as inspiration rather than following it exactly.
14th Anniversary: Ivory Theme
Traditional lists have historically connected the 14th anniversary with ivory.
However, buying real ivory should be avoided. A better modern interpretation is to use the ivory colour, elephant-inspired artwork or another ethical symbolic gift.
The modern theme is gold jewellery. Current anniversary guides specifically recommend using ivory-themed alternatives rather than real ivory.
15th Anniversary: Crystal
The 15th anniversary is traditionally represented by crystal.
Gift ideas include:
- Crystal glasses
- Crystal vase
- Crystal ornament
- Jewellery
- Personalised glassware
The modern theme is watches, making a quality watch another popular option.
16th Anniversary: Wax
Wax is an unusual but creative 16th anniversary theme.
Popular ideas include:
- Luxury scented candles
- Personalised candles
- Handmade candle sets
- Romantic candlelit dinner
The modern alternative is silver hollowware, such as decorative bowls or serving pieces.
17th Anniversary: Furniture
Furniture is commonly listed as both a traditional and modern 17th anniversary gift.
It can be an excellent opportunity to buy something meaningful for the home together.
Ideas include a favourite chair, bedside table, handmade cabinet or another piece you will use for many years.
18th Anniversary: Porcelain
The 18th anniversary is associated with porcelain.
Possible presents include:
- Porcelain vase
- Dinnerware
- Decorative ornament
- Personalised mug
- Collectable porcelain piece
Porcelain is listed as both the traditional and modern theme in widely used anniversary guides.
19th Anniversary: Bronze
Bronze returns as the theme for the 19th anniversary.
You could choose bronze jewellery, a decorative sculpture, personalised artwork or another bronze-coloured keepsake.
20th Anniversary: China
Twenty years of marriage is traditionally celebrated with china.
Popular ideas include:
- Fine china dinnerware
- Decorative plates
- China tea set
- Personalised ceramic piece
- Collectable tableware
The modern gift is platinum, which opens the door to jewellery, rings and other lasting keepsakes.
Important Anniversary Milestones
After the first 20 years, gift guides usually focus more heavily on the major milestone anniversaries.
25th Anniversary: Silver
Twenty-five years of marriage is famously known as the silver anniversary.
Silver is used for both the traditional and modern gift theme.
Popular presents include:
- Silver jewellery
- Silver photo frame
- Personalised silver keepsake
- Silver watch
- Engraved jewellery
30th Anniversary: Pearl
The traditional 30th anniversary theme is pearl.
Pearl jewellery is an obvious choice, but you can also use pearl colours and designs if jewellery is not suitable.
The modern gift is diamond.
35th Anniversary: Coral
The traditional 35th anniversary theme is coral, while the modern theme is jade.
Rather than buying natural coral, consider coral-coloured gifts, artwork or responsibly made alternatives.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
Forty years of marriage is known as the ruby anniversary.
Ruby is both the traditional and modern theme.
Ruby jewellery is popular, but a gift does not need to contain a real gemstone. Red flowers, personalised red gifts or a special experience can also fit the theme.
45th Anniversary: Sapphire
The 45th wedding anniversary is associated with sapphire.
Sapphire jewellery is a classic choice, while blue-themed presents can provide a more affordable alternative.
50th Anniversary: Gold
Few wedding anniversaries are as famous as the 50th.
Known as the golden anniversary, both traditional and modern lists use gold for this milestone.
Ideas include:
- Gold jewellery
- Gold watch
- Personalised gold photo frame
- Golden keepsake
- Anniversary party
- Special holiday
Gold represents one of the most significant marriage milestones.
55th Anniversary: Emerald
The 55th wedding anniversary is associated with emerald.
Emerald jewellery is a classic option, but emerald-green clothing, home decorations or personalised gifts can also follow the theme.
60th Anniversary: Diamond
Sixty years of marriage is known as the diamond anniversary.
Diamond is both the traditional and modern theme for this remarkable milestone.
Possible presents include jewellery, an anniversary ring, a personalised keepsake or a special family celebration.
How to Choose the Best Anniversary Present
The traditional anniversary list is useful, but you do not have to follow it exactly.
The best anniversary present should feel personal.
Think about:
- Your partner’s interests
- Memories you share
- Something they have wanted for a long time
- Your budget
- Experiences you can enjoy together
- The meaning behind the anniversary year
For example, a paper first-anniversary present does not have to be a simple sheet of paper. It could be plane tickets for a holiday, a printed wedding photograph or a handwritten letter.
A wooden fifth-anniversary gift could be anything from an engraved keepsake to a weekend in a woodland cabin.
Use the theme creatively.
Are Traditional or Modern Anniversary Gifts Better?
Neither is better.
Traditional anniversary presents are ideal if you enjoy history, symbolism and meaningful keepsakes.
Modern gifts may be more practical and easier to match with someone’s lifestyle.
You can also combine both.
For example, for a tenth anniversary, you might give a small personalised tin containing a piece of diamond jewellery. This combines the traditional tin theme with the modern diamond theme.
Do You Have to Follow Anniversary Gift Traditions?
No.
Anniversary gift themes are traditions, not rules.
Different anniversary lists can also vary slightly between countries and publishers. A UK guide may show a slightly different material or interpretation from an American guide.
What matters most is choosing something that has meaning for the couple.
A thoughtful meal, handwritten message, family photograph or shared experience may be more memorable than an expensive gift.
Anniversary Presents by Year for Parents
If you are buying an anniversary present for your parents, you can still follow the traditional themes.
Good ideas include:
- Family photo album
- Personalised family tree
- Framed wedding photograph
- Anniversary memory book
- Engraved keepsake
- Weekend break
- Restaurant experience
- Family celebration
For major anniversaries such as the 25th, 40th, 50th or 60th, involving the whole family can make the occasion especially meaningful.
Affordable Anniversary Present Ideas
A meaningful anniversary present does not need to be expensive.
Budget-friendly ideas include:
- Handwritten letter
- Homemade dinner
- Framed photograph
- Memory jar
- Personalised playlist
- Picnic
- Favourite homemade dessert
- Small themed keepsake
- Recreation of your first date
Personal meaning often matters more than price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the traditional anniversary presents by year?
The best-known early anniversary themes are paper for the first year, cotton for the second, leather for the third, fruit or flowers for the fourth and wood for the fifth. Later major anniversaries include silver for 25 years, pearl for 30, ruby for 40, gold for 50 and diamond for 60.
What is the 1st anniversary present?
Paper is the traditional first wedding anniversary present. Clocks are commonly listed as the modern alternative.
What is the traditional gift for 5 years of marriage?
Wood is the traditional fifth wedding anniversary gift. It is often associated with the strength and roots developed during the first five years of marriage.
What anniversary is silver?
The 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the silver anniversary.
What anniversary is ruby?
The 40th wedding anniversary is known as the ruby anniversary.
What anniversary is gold?
The 50th wedding anniversary is known as the golden anniversary.
What anniversary is diamond?
The 60th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the diamond anniversary.
Can I give an experience instead of a traditional anniversary present?
Yes. The traditional material can simply inspire the gift. Tickets, holidays, meals, activities and other shared experiences can make excellent anniversary presents.
Final Thoughts
Looking at anniversary presents by year can make choosing a meaningful gift much easier.
The themes begin with simple materials such as paper, cotton and leather before moving towards stronger and more valuable symbols such as wood, silver, ruby, gold and diamond.
However, you do not have to follow the list perfectly.
Use the traditional or modern anniversary theme as inspiration, then choose something that reflects your relationship, memories and the person receiving the gift.
The most memorable anniversary present is usually not the most expensive one. It is the gift that tells your shared story.
