When anniversaries come around, it’s a unique kind of holiday—one that feels deeply personal and earned. Unlike birthdays or general holidays, an anniversary marks a shared milestone, a testament to choosing each other day after day. Celebrating these milestones with anniversary gifts becomes extra meaningful, especially when you consider incorporating the charm of tradition. Like many couples discovering the joys of early marriage, we also decided to explore the world of Anniversary Gifts By Year, aligning our presents with the traditional themes. There’s something wonderfully appealing about participating in a gift-giving custom that stretches back centuries.
The tradition of anniversary gifts by year offers a beautiful framework for marking time and making gift selection a little more focused. It’s a guide that adds depth and significance to each year of your journey together. And as we approached our thirteenth anniversary, themed around lace, the anticipation of a thoughtful and perhaps even a little daring gift was definitely part of the excitement.
If you’re inspired to explore this meaningful tradition of giving anniversary gifts by year, consider this guide your starting point. We’ve compiled ideas and insights to refresh your understanding of these time-honored symbols.
Anniversary Gifts by Year Traditional and Modern Themes
Anniversary Gifts By Year: Traditional Themes
- 1st Year: Paper
- 2nd Year: Cotton
- 3rd Year: Leather
- 4th Year: Fruit & Flowers, or Linen & Silk
- 5th Year: Wood
- 6th Year: Iron / Candy
- 7th Year: Wool/ Copper
- 8th Year: Bronze
- 9th Year: Pottery
- 10th Year: Tin/ Aluminum
- 11th Year: Steel
- 12th Year: Silk
- 13th Year: Lace
- 14th Year: Ivory (Modern is Gold Jewelry)
- 15th Year: 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
Let’s delve into creative and modern interpretations of traditional anniversary gifts by year, focusing on the first decade of marriage.
Year One Anniversary Gift: Paper
The first anniversary, symbolized by paper, represents the blank pages of your shared story, ready to be filled with adventures and memories. Paper gifts can be incredibly versatile and meaningful, ranging from sentimental to practical.
Personalized Song Lyric Art on Paper for 1st Anniversary
- Lyric Vinyl Record Print: Capture your first dance song or a tune that defines your relationship with a foil-printed lyric art on luxurious paper. It’s a harmonious blend of music and visual art, perfect for commemorating your first year.
Custom Floral Stationery Set for Paper Anniversary
- Custom Stationery Set: For the partner who appreciates the art of handwritten notes, a custom notebook and notecards set is a thoughtful and stylish gift. Personalize it to make it even more special.
Cookbook and Fancy Books as Paper Anniversary Gifts
- Books: Consider gifting The Newlywed Cookbook for couples still exploring culinary adventures together. Alternatively, fancy hardcover editions of favorite books or even a sophisticated cocktail recipe book make excellent paper anniversary gifts.
Recycled Paper Necklace for First Anniversary
- Recycled Paper Jewelry: Wearable art that’s also eco-friendly. Recycled paper jewelry is unique, beautiful, and a conversation starter.
Walnut Desktop Calendar Paper Anniversary Gift Idea
- Desktop Calendar: Turn cherished wedding photos into a practical and sentimental gift with a desktop calendar. It’s a great way to enjoy those memories throughout the year.
Year Two Anniversary Gift: Cotton
Cotton, the symbol for the second anniversary, represents comfort, adaptability, and the growing strength and intertwining of your lives together. Cotton gifts are all about warmth, familiarity, and everyday luxury.
Love is Art Kit Cotton Anniversary Gift
- Love Is Art Kit: Celebrate two years of love with a creative and intimate experience using a Love Is Art Kit. Create a unique piece of art together, symbolizing your shared passion.
Custom Dog Pillow Cotton Anniversary Gift for Pet Lovers
- Custom Pet Pillow: For pet-loving couples, a Custom Reserved Dog Pillow ($95) is a fun and personalized cotton gift, acknowledging your furry family member.
Artistic City Map Bandana Cotton Anniversary Gift
- Cotton Scarf or Bandana: Represent your hometown or a special place with an LA and Sister Cities scarf or opt for a super soft cotton scarf for everyday comfort and style.
Comfortable Hammock Cotton Anniversary Gift
- Hammock: Enhance relaxation and togetherness with a hammock. Perfect for lazy afternoons and creating a cozy outdoor or indoor retreat.
Canvas Weekender Bag Cotton Anniversary Gift for Travel Lovers
- Canvas Weekender Bag: Encourage adventures with a best-selling canvas weekender bag. It’s a practical and stylish gift for couples who love to travel and explore together.
Year Three Anniversary Gift: Leather
Leather, the traditional third-anniversary gift, symbolizes durability, resilience, and the protective nature of your growing bond. Leather gifts offer a sense of sophistication and enduring style.
Leather Scented Candle Anniversary Gift Idea
- Leather Scented Candle: Embrace the essence of leather in a subtle and sensory way with a leather scent collection from Malin+Goetz. It’s a unique and modern take on the traditional theme.
Personalized Leather Wallet Anniversary Gift
- Leather Wallet: Celebrate adulting together with a wallet with ample space. Add a personal touch by customizing it with initials.
Moroccan Leather Poufs Leather Anniversary Gift
- Leather Poufs: Enhance your home décor with stylish and functional Moroccan leather poufs, perhaps in a metallic silver for a modern twist.
Leather Boots Anniversary Gift Idea
- Leather Boots: A timeless and fashionable gift, a great pair of leather boots never goes out of style and represents enduring quality.
Homebrew Journal Leather Anniversary Gift for Beer Lovers
- Home-brew Journal: For the home brewing enthusiast, a Home-brew journal is a practical and thoughtful leather gift to keep track of their creations.
Year Four Anniversary Gift: Fruit/Flowers or Linen/Silk
The fourth anniversary offers a choice of themes: fruit and flowers, symbolizing blossoming love and growth, or linen and silk, representing comfort and luxury. Both themes celebrate the beauty and refinement of a relationship at four years.
Farmgirl Flowers Anniversary Gift Bouquet
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Farmgirl Flowers: Embrace the traditional flower theme with a stunning bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers. Their arrangements are known for being generous and beautiful, using locally sourced blooms. For a lasting floral tribute, consider limited edition floral fine art prints.
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Wine Club Subscription: Wine, derived from fruit, makes a sophisticated and enjoyable gift. Explore a wine club like Winc Wine Club for a gift that keeps giving throughout the year.
Gold Flower Ring Floral Anniversary Gift
- Floral Jewelry: Combine flowers and lasting beauty with a custom Secret Garden Ring featuring chosen flowers in a stunning design.
Pomegranate Necklace Fruit Anniversary Gift Idea
- Pomegranate Jewelry: Pomegranates symbolize love, making a charm necklace featuring this fruit a meaningful and unique fourth-anniversary gift.
Floral Earrings Flower Anniversary Gift
- Floral Earrings: Gift lasting blooms with stunning floral earrings by Lele Sadoughi. These offer enduring elegance compared to fresh flowers.
Year Five Anniversary Gift: Wood
Wood for the fifth anniversary symbolizes strength, stability, and deep roots. Wooden gifts represent the solid foundation you’ve built together and the enduring nature of your relationship.
Wooden Wine Glasses 5th Anniversary Gift
- Wooden Wine Glasses: Elevate your wine experience with unique wooden wine glasses. They offer a rustic yet refined touch to celebrations.
Wooden Bicycle Rack Functional Art Anniversary Gift
- Wooden Bike Rack: Functional art that’s perfect for cycling enthusiasts. A wooden bike rack combines practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Custom Wood Map Art Sentimental Anniversary Gift
- Custom Map Art: A sentimental and personalized wooden gift, custom map art captures a special place in your shared history.
Victrola Bluetooth Gramophone Wood Anniversary Gift for Music Lovers
- Bluetooth Gramophone: Play your wedding song or favorite tunes in style with a Victrola Bluetooth gramophone. It blends vintage aesthetics with modern technology.
Geometric Wood Wall Art Modern Anniversary Gift
- Wood Wall Art: Add a touch of magic to your home with geometric wood wall art. It’s a visually striking and contemporary wooden gift.
Year Six Anniversary Gift: Iron/Candy
The sixth anniversary is symbolized by iron, representing strength and durability, or candy, for sweetness and joy. This pairing offers a playful balance of robust and delightful gift options.
Cast Iron Skillet Colorful Anniversary Gift for Home Chefs
- Cast Iron Skillet: For culinary couples, a colorful cast iron skillet is a practical and enduring gift, perfect for creating anniversary breakfasts and beyond.
Iron Bookshelf Anniversary Gift for Book Lovers
- Iron Bookshelf: Use the anniversary theme as an excuse to upgrade your home with an iron bookshelf or a smaller version. It’s a stylish and functional gift for shared spaces.
Iron Candle Holders Rustic Anniversary Gift
- Iron Candle Holders: Create a romantic ambiance with iron candle holders. They bring rustic charm and warmth to any setting.
Artisanal Candy Box Sweet Anniversary Gift
- Artisanal Candy Box: Indulge in sweetness with a box of artisanal candy. It’s a delightful and celebratory treat to share.
Workman's Lantern Iron Anniversary Gift
- Workman’s Lantern: A symbolic gift representing light and guidance, a workman’s lantern is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Year Seven Anniversary Gift: Wool/Copper
Wool and copper represent the seventh anniversary, with wool symbolizing comfort and warmth, and copper representing beauty and durability. These themes highlight the cozy and lasting aspects of a seven-year marriage.
Monogrammed Copper Mugs Anniversary Gift for Cocktail Lovers
- Copper Moscow Mule Mugs: Enhance your home bar with Moscow Mule copper mugs. They are perfect for celebratory drinks and add a touch of elegance.
Wool Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit Anniversary Gift for DIY Lovers
- Wool Infinity Scarf Kit: Gift an experience with a wool infinity scarf kit. It’s perfect for partners who enjoy crafting and creating something together.
Copper Wall Mirror Geometric Anniversary Gift
- Copper Wall Mirror: Add a decorative touch with a copper wall mirror. Pair it with copper art shelves for a stylish bedroom update.
Wool Fedora Stylish Anniversary Gift
- Wool Fedora: For the stylish partner, a wool fedora is a fashionable and classic gift, channeling a bit of adventure.
Chunky Knit Wool Blanket Cozy Anniversary Gift
- Merino Wool Blanket: For ultimate comfort, a Merino wool roving chunky blanket is a luxurious and cozy gift, perfect for snuggling up together.
Year Eight Anniversary Gift: Bronze
Bronze, the symbol for the eighth anniversary, signifies durability and lasting strength, as well as beauty and endurance. Bronze gifts are often seen as a testament to a relationship that has weathered time and grown stronger.
Custom Bronze Fishing Lure Anniversary Gift for Fishermen
- Bronze Fishing Lure: For the fishing enthusiast, a bronze fishing lure, customized with your anniversary date, is a unique and lasting keepsake.
Custom Bronze Belt Buckle Personalized Anniversary Gift
- Bronze Belt Buckle: A personalized and stylish accessory, customized bronze belt buckles are a winning gift for everyday wear.
Steampunk Bronze Pocket Watch Unique Anniversary Gift
- Bronze Pocket Watch: A timeless and personal gift, a custom engraved bronze pocket watch offers vintage charm and lasting value.
Bronze Fire Pit Outdoor Anniversary Gift
- Bronze Fire Pit: Extend your living space outdoors with a fire pit. It’s a gift that enhances gatherings and creates cozy evenings for years to come.
The Thinker Statue Bronze Anniversary Gift Idea
- Trip to See The Thinker: Celebrate eight years with a memorable experience. Tickets to Paris to see The Thinker at the Musée Rodin is an unforgettable cultural gift.
Year Nine Anniversary Gift: Pottery
Pottery for the ninth anniversary symbolizes the shaping and molding of your lives together. Pottery gifts represent the beauty and functionality that comes from careful crafting and nurturing.
Ceramic Paper Bag Vase Art Anniversary Gift
- Ceramic Paper Bag Vase: A whimsical and artistic gift, the ceramic paper bag vase is a conversation-starting piece of home décor.
Ceramic Beer Steins Anniversary Gift for Beer Enthusiasts
- Ceramic Beer Steins: For beer aficionados, legitimate beer steins add a touch of tradition and fun to their enjoyment.
Ceramic Coasters Cocktail Themed Anniversary Gift
- Ceramic Coasters: Complete a cocktail-themed gift set with stylish ceramic coasters. They are both practical and decorative.
Retro Serving Dishes Pottery Anniversary Gift
- Retro Serving Dishes: Make dining more fun with retro serving dishes. They bring a playful and vibrant touch to meal times.
Ceramic Wall Pocket Planter Pottery Anniversary Gift
- Ceramic Wall Pocket Planter: Enhance your indoor or outdoor greenery with a ceramic wall pocket. It’s a stylish way to display plants and add life to your space.
Year Ten Anniversary Gift: Tin/Aluminum
Tin and aluminum for the tenth anniversary symbolize durability, flexibility, and preservation. These metals represent a decade of resilience and the ability to adapt and last.
Chai Tea Kit Tin Anniversary Gift for Tea Lovers
- Chai Tea Kit: For tea enthusiasts, a Chai Tea Kit is a warm and comforting gift, perfect for cozy moments together.
Citrus Press Aluminum Anniversary Gift for Brunch Lovers
- Citrus Press: Elevate weekend brunches with a countertop citrus press. It’s a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen.
BBQ Briefcase Aluminum Anniversary Gift for Grilling
- BBQ Briefcase: For grilling aficionados, a BBQ briefcase is a fun and functional gift, perfect for outdoor cooking adventures.
Pasta Maker Aluminum Anniversary Gift for Foodies
- Pasta Maker: Create perfect date nights at home with a pasta maker. It’s a gift that encourages culinary creativity and shared meals.
Engraved Flask Tin Anniversary Gift Sarcastic
- Engraved Flask: A custom engraved flask is a cheeky and personal gift, perfect for toasting to ten years and many more to come.
Celebrating anniversaries with anniversary gifts by year adds a layer of thoughtfulness and tradition to your relationship. It’s a beautiful way to honor your journey together, year after year, with gifts that carry symbolic meaning and create lasting memories. Whether you stick strictly to tradition or add your modern twist, the most important aspect is the love and intention behind the gift.
