Wedding Anniversary Gifts: What Does Each Anniversary Year Mean?
Here, you will find out which anniversary years are associated with which modern and traditional gifts, as well as the gemstones and flowers that match.
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When it comes to shopping for wedding anniversary gifts, your decision doesn't need to be a complete stab in the dark. Of course, you can opt for something your partner absolutely adores, but if you want even more sentimental meaning behind your present, consider using the traditional and modern anniversary gifts as a guide.
Choosing the right gift can be a struggle, and nowadays, there is a lot of pressure around choosing the perfect gift. In fact, according to our recent poll*, we found that more than 1 in 10 Brits admit to forgetting an anniversary, with nearly two thirds saying that they'd be angry if their anniversary was forgotten!
That's why we've created this complete guide to choosing the perfect anniversary present for your other half, starting at the first anniversary and finishing all the way up to 90 years of marriage.
Each of the wedding anniversaries and gifts has a different traditional meaning and gift associated with it, depending on how many years you’re celebrating. There are also wedding anniversary stones associated with each year, like diamonds for your 60th and so on.
Whether you're celebrating one of the milestone wedding anniversaries, or know someone who may be reaching one of the key wedding anniversary years, our guide to wedding anniversary UK gifts by year has everything you need to know - including the difference between the UK's traditional anniversary gifts and those in the United States.
In a hurry? Skip to the bit you need here...
- Wedding Anniversary Gifts: A Year by Year Modern & Traditional Guide
- 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 10th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- 11th Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 20th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- 21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 70th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Anniversary Gifts by Year: Out Traditional & Modern Wedding Anniversary Guide
Our year-by-year anniversary gift guide features both traditional wedding anniversary gifts, and modern takes on each of the anniversary years with advice from the 1st wedding anniversary all the way up to the 90th! Read on to learn everything you need to know about wedding anniversary UK milestones and their meanings.
Take a look at our list of wedding anniversary years – from the 1st to 90th. We've listed the traditional anniversary gifts by year, and some suggestions for modern alternatives associated with each year's theme.
Those celebrating wedding anniversaries in the UK, can follow this list, but if you're celebrating in the United States, or buying an anniversary gift for a couple living across the Atlantic, be aware that there are a few minor differences.
For example, US wedding anniversaries and gifts only go up to 75 years, silk can replace linen, and swap china for pottery. But it's your wedding anniversary - so ultimately you can celebrate with whatever traditional gifts or alternatives that suit you!
Anniversary | Traditional | Modern
1st Paper Clocks
2nd Cotton China
3rd Leather Crystal
4th Fruit/Flowers Linen/Appliances
5th Wood Silverware
6th Sugar Iron
7th Copper/Wool Desk Set
8th Bronze Linen/Lace
9th Willow/Pottery Leather
10th Tin/Aluminium Diamond
11th Steel Jewellery
12th Silk Pearls
13th Lace Textiles/Fur
14th Ivory Elephants
15th Crystal Watches
16th Wax Silver Holloware
17th - Furniture
18th - Porcelain
19th - Bronze
20th China Platinum
21st - Furniture
22nd - Porcelain
23rd - Silver Plate
24th - Musical Instruments
25th Silver Silver
30th Pearl/Ivory Diamond
35th Coral Jade
40th Ruby Ruby
45th Sapphire Sapphire
50th Gold Gold
55th Emerald Emerald
60th Diamond Diamond
65th Sapphire Sapphire
70th Platinum Platinum
75th Diamond Diamond
80th Oak Oak
85th Wine Wine
90th Stone Stone
1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 10th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Whether it's your first anniversary or your tenth, it never stops being special. Here we go through the modern and traditional anniversary gifts for the first ten years of a relationship or marriage.
1st Wedding Anniversary – Paper
Traditional 1st anniversary gift: Whoever devised the meanings of anniversaries and gifts probably figured newlyweds would be pretty broke after paying for the wedding – so the 1st wedding anniversary is nicely affordable. Paper also represents your new marriage as like a blank sheet ready to be coloured in!
Our favourite twist is to give tickets to an experience – print them out and it totally counts as a paper gift. Virgin Experience Days offer everything from a trip to London landmarks like the Shard to a romantic break away for two. We love the food and drink experiences – there are so many different cuisines, classes and experiences to choose from, you could spend your entire first year of marriage trying them all out.
Modern 1st anniversary gift: For a modern spin, couples can gift each other clocks. This is said to represent their eternal love for one another - how cute?! In terms of colours, gold represents the standard first anniversary colour, while pansies and orange blossoms are the known flowers.
You could combine the traditional colours and flowers with the modern gift by opting for a gold watch with floral details for a first anniversary gift that truly covers all bases.
2nd Wedding Anniversary – Cotton
Traditional 2nd anniversary gift: For those who want to stick to tradition, cotton is the 2nd wedding anniversary gift for this milestone. Cotton is made from lots of thread woven together and the longer you are married the more your life becomes intertwined.
It represents how marriage brings couples closer together and the material is both strong and flexible, symbolising adaptability and a strengthening relationship. There are plenty of sweet 2nd anniversary gifts to choose from, such as personalised pillowcases or co-ordinating robes (check out The White Company), which you can snuggle down in.
If your partner loves to give or receive flowers, then these cute cotton blooms from Little Foundry will be their favourite gift and they’ll last a lifetime. You can also order a sweet personalised oak charm to go with them.
Modern 2nd anniversary gift: The modern alternative to cotton is china, and the second year of marriage is represented by the colour red and the lily of the valley blooms. These can absolutely be incorporated together to gift the perfect present after two years of marriage. Think pretty china sets, a china vase for a bouquet of lily's or a fancy dinnerware set.
3rd Wedding Anniversary – Leather
Traditional 3rd anniversary gift: The traditional 3rd anniversary gift is leather, said to represent the durability of a marriage or relationship.
Leather is durable, strong and has a sense of resiliency - three things that a marriage should also have. Traditionally, it has been used as a material to protect things, like couples protect one another. As your marriage matures your relationship becomes much stronger, so giving your partner a leather gift for 3rd wedding anniversaries is a perfect way to represent this.
If you’re looking for a timeless leather anniversary gift, then a classic handbag, purse or wallet from Mulberry is perfect. The Bayswater handbag is a staple from Mulberry, but a purse, wallet or leather iPhone case are also brilliant.
Ideal leather anniversary gifts also include a belt or hip flask – Aspinal of London have lots of gorgeous leather gifts and accessories that can be monogrammed to make them even more personal.
Modern 3rd anniversary gift: The modern 3rd anniversary gift is crystal or glass, which is said to represent the multiple facets that every relationship has. In contrast to leather, it pays homage to the fragility of a relationship, and the fact that it takes great care in order to maintain it. But glass and crystal withstand time, making it a great gift to mirror your relationship.
Three years together is also represented by bright fuschia flowers, and pearls which also make for lovely anniversary gifts.
4th Wedding Anniversary – Fruit or Flowers
Traditional 4th anniversary gift: As your marriage blossoms and your partnership ripens following four years of marriage, it makes sense to give an 4th anniversary gift of fruit or flowers (or both, if you're feeling generous!). This has to be one of the most romantic wedding anniversary years when it comes to the gifts.
If you're opting for flowers over fruit, roses traditionally represent how much your love has blossomed so take your present-giving to the next level by naming a rose after your love. You choose the name, it’s officially registered, and then you receive a pack of seeds to grow your own roses.
Bloom and Wild offer a huge range of gorgeous bouquets or flower gift subscriptions for 4th wedding anniversaries if your fingers aren’t quite so green.
Modern 4th anniversary gift: Flowers not their thing? The modern alternative for 4th wedding anniversary gifts is appliances. Is there anyone whose morning wouldn’t be improved with a brand new coffee machine? The idea behind this is to simplify home life and leave you with more time to spend together, building on your connection.
In terms of colours and stones, it's blues and greens that are synonymous with four years together. If gemstones are the way to your love's heart, blue topaz is the 'feeling stone' and perfectly fits this period in your relationship.
5th Wedding Anniversary – Wood
Traditional 5th anniversary gift: The idea of using wood to celebrate your 5th wedding anniversary comes from the fact that trees were seen to be strong and symbolised wisdom. Your marriage is solid and you have deep roots that are entwined. How wise you both are by the time you celebrate this wedding anniversary!
A romantic sign to hang in your home will be a cute gift for your other half or, even better, is this miniature wooden signpost marking all the major moments in your journey together. From your first date to when you bought a house, it’s a great way to tell the story of the first five years of your marriage.
If you’re feeling sentimental about your wedding day, why not celebrate with a bottle of the wine you had on your big day presented in a personalised oak box? Or choose a wooden photo frame to give your wedding pictures a new lease of life. If homeware isn't your style, then why not plan an anniversary pamper night with a skincare kit infused with sandalwood from Spa Ceylon?
Modern 5th anniversary gift: The modern anniversary gift for five years is silverware, which may seem a bit old fashioned, but it's actually got a really sweet reason behind it. The idea is that you buy new silverware to represent all of the meals you've shared over the five years you've been together.
Sapphire is the gemstone that represents 5th anniversaries, with pink and blue being the traditional colours. Sapphires symbolise sincerity and being faithful, two things well worth celebrating as a couple. For flowers, it's daisies, which are the perfect bloom if your anniversary falls in spring.
6th Wedding Anniversary – Sugar
Traditional 6th anniversary gift: Traditionally, the sixth anniversary gift is sugar - we can definitely get on board with this. Life is thought to be getting sweeter by the time you reach your sixth wedding anniversary, so you and your partner can indulge in some sugary treats - this has to be one of the best wedding anniversary years, right?
Hotel Chocolat have some delicious and seriously stylish gift ideas, while Virgin Experience Days have amazing afternoon tea deals across the country.
Modern 6th anniversary gift: The modern alternative to sugar is iron, so why not choose something romantic like this iron-influenced wall art featuring the sheet music from your first dance? A timeless cast iron casserole dish is brilliant gift idea for someone who loves cooking - it will last you for decades and makes a lovely sixth anniversary gift.
The amethyst stone is the gem that symbolises six years of marriage. It's known to have protective properties and is said to act as a shield for negative energy - we don't need any of that in our relationships, right?
7th Wedding Anniversary – Copper & Wool
Or for something wool, The White Company have some gorgeous cashmere throws that are perfect for snuggling under while you watch a film.
Modern 7th anniversary gift: If you’d rather go for the modern alternative for a 7th wedding anniversary gift, it’s a desk set…yes, really! Suited best to those who are now part of the working-from-home crew, these gifts are symbolic of the pride in the work you've done together as a married couple.
Browse the amazing selection at Debenhams for the perfect, modern 7th wedding anniversary gift or a Wayfair desk to work from.
When choosing colours to celebrate with, yellow is the shade of choice for seven years together, along with healing onyx stones which are said to help with eliminating stress and aid sleeping - we all know how easily grouchy arguments happen when we haven't gotten a good night's sleep, don't we?
8th Wedding Anniversary – Bronze
Traditional 8th anniversary gift: Bronze is the chosen 8th anniversary gift as it’s very strong – in fact, it’s a mixture of two metals (copper and tin) that are stronger together than separately. Traditionally, it was said to hold healing powers and represents good health and the sustenance that you give each other as a couple.
Choose a keepsake that will take pride of place on a shelf forever, like this miniature bronze stag statue - they even do a gorgeous spaniel one for dog-loving couples. Alternatively, you could gift these gorgeous copper initial cufflinks or, for a couple, a personalised copper framed print.
Modern 8th anniversary gift: The modern alternative for 8th wedding anniversary gifts is linen and lace. There’s nothing nicer than slipping into fresh, clean sheets at night and your partner will love some elegant linen bedding from Marks and Spencer. Just make sure it’s a fancy set like these and add some rose petals for the perfect mood-setter.
If you're into your gemstones, it's tourmaline, a stone known for shielding a person from unwelcome energies and balancing one's mood - lovely stuff.
9th Wedding Anniversary – Pottery or Willow
Traditional 9th anniversary gift: What's the 9th wedding anniversary in the UK? Pottery and willow are the two traditional gifts to celebrate a 9th anniversary. Pottery is moulded by hand and the painstaking process results in a work of art, whereas willow is flexible but strong and can be woven to create beautiful things - representing teamwork and harmony within a relationship.
This willow basket from Sostrene Grene is the perfect 9th wedding anniversary gift - take it on a date and toast to making it almost a decade in wed. If you would prefer to go for pottery, then how about a pottery-making lesson for two?
Modern 9th anniversary gift: Leather is the modern alternative for 9th wedding anniversaries, so if you didn’t get leather gifts for your third anniversary now is the time. Appropriate for both leather, pottery and willow altogether, is the terracotta colour scheme that symbolises nine years of marriage.
Along with this, you can also celebrate with the vibrant poppy - why not get a clay vase to put a bouquet of them in?
10th Wedding Anniversary – Tin or Aluminium
Traditional 10th anniversary gift: The traditional 10th anniversary gift is tin. Tin was used to store and preserve things which is why it is used to mark ten years of marriage. When another metal is coated in tin, it prevents it from corroding and can prolong the life of what it's storing.
Mark a decade of a strong and resilient marriage by giving a tin gift such as this garden accessory from Not On The High Street can be personalised with your initials and will look amazing in your garden.
Modern 10th anniversary gift: If tin isn’t your thing, you might like to know the modern alternative for 10th anniversary gifts is diamond - which is well deserved after an entire decade together. We’re lusting after the Monica Vinader rose gold Riva diamond hoop ring, which will look perfect alongside your wedding and engagement ring.
You might be wondering, what's a 10 year wedding anniversary flower? The traditional 10 year flower is daffodil which represents happiness, and colours to look out for are silver and blue. Metallics seem very appropriate for such an important milestone, don't you think?
11th Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 20th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Don't let the excitement dampen when you get here - more than ten years of marriage or a relationship is well worth celebrating - and here are the modern and traditional anniversary gifts to mark it with.
11th Wedding Anniversary – Steel
Traditional 11th anniversary gift: To celebrate 11 years of marriage, why not gift the traditional 11th anniversary gift of steel which is valued for its durability and strength. Entering a second decade of marriage (it's not as scary as it sounds!), you might immediately think of a watch, stainless steel cufflinks or a hip flask, but there are lots of interesting gift ideas out there.
Think outside the box: horseshoes are made of steel, so what about a horse riding experience day? Skis also have steel edges – what about a ski break? If you want to stick with the theme, a personalised tie clip, swiss army knife or cocktail shaker set, like this stainless steel one, are great.
Modern 11th anniversary gift: The modern 11th anniversary gift is jewellery - we're sure you have plenty of ideas for this. Perhaps you want to give your engagement or wedding ring an upgrade, or have a piece of jewellery from your wedding day restored.
If you want to combine the modern gift with the traditional stone, you'll be pleased to know it's turquoise, one of the most beautiful gemstones out there, considered sacred by many. The traditional flower is actually morning glories, which are famously known for their short lifespan of 24 hours. This is said to remind us of precious moments and the importance of time.
12th Wedding Anniversary – Silk
This luxurious material symbolises protection, security, comfort, and the strength of a relationship, represented by the interwoven threads silk contains. Silk pyjamas, robes or lingerie are a romantic gift to give to your partner, and, as fine linen counts too, a linen shirt or accessory would also work perfectly. These gorgeous cream silk pyjamas can come monogrammed too.
Modern 12th anniversary gift: The modern equivalent is elegant pearl. We love everything from Olivia & Pearl who specialise in contemporary pearl jewellery. For men, mother-of-pearl works great as an inlay into gifts like fountain pens, shaving kits, cufflinks – even on a Fender guitar.
The colour synonymous with a 12th wedding anniversary works perfectly with the modern gift - it's oyster white - and the gemstone to look out for is jade, a semi-precious stone which ranges from mid to dark green, although there are rare nephrite gems which include white jade, too.
13th Wedding Anniversary – Lace
Traditional 13th anniversary gift: Lace is the traditional 13th wedding anniversary gift, and there are plenty of options for giftinghere. It's chosen because the interlacing fibres of lace (and the modern equivalent of textiles or fur) represent the close bond that couples have at 13 years into their marriage.
Lace can make for very sensual gifts and you can’t go wrong with lace underwear from a brand like La Perla or Boux Avenue.
Modern 13th anniversary gift: The modern take on 13th wedding anniversary gifts is fur. Real fur is out of the question for most - but textiles and faux fur are great materials for gifts. They represent the warmth and comfort most will feel after 13 years of marriage.
Consider gifts such as faux fur-lined gloves, a silk scarf or a leather jacket. A rug or throw, briefcase or handbag, or even something out there like a camping trip in a canvas tent all count as well.
The 13th year is a pretty stylish anniversary in terms of gifts, and the matching stones, flowers and colours are just as chic. White shades and elaborate bouquets of hollyhock are recommended, and the citrine gemstone adds warmth to this colour palette. Citrine is said to resemble positive and optimistic attitudes and good for those who practise manifestation.
14th Wedding Anniversary – Ivory
Modern 14th anniversary gift: Instead, the elephant or the colour ivory is often taken as the 14th anniversary gift theme, with elephants reflecting the stability, patience and dignity inherent in a long marriage, and the colour ivory having an association with weddings.
We love this personalised ivory leather photo album that you can add your names, wedding date or another special date to and fill with pictures of your life together, as well as this personalised ceramic ivory token.
If the symbolic elephant is more your vibe, consider these adorable elephant tea light holders or a gorgeous personalised elephant anniversary cushion for your sofa or bedroom.
Gems to look out for after 14 years of marriage are opals which have strong links to loyalty and faithfulness, very fitting for our elephant-themed anniversary.
15th Wedding Anniversary – Crystal
Traditional 15th anniversary gift: To celebrate 15 years of marriage, you could consider the traditional 15th wedding anniversary gift of crystal. Crystal is the traditional pick for couples as it's a luxurious product, chosen for its clarity and purity: as a transparent product it represents how the couple sees each other clearly after 15 years together.
Crystal jewellery will always be a welcome gift – we love this gold drop crystal hoop earrings from Lily & Roo.
Modern 15th anniversary gift: For those who aren’t a fan of crystal, the modern anniversary alternative is to give a watch. Olivia Burton has several beautiful watches in different finishes, including a crystal watch - win-win! For the gents, there are loads of stylish watches on offer that will last a lifetime. We've got some great wedding watches you can be inspired by!
In-keeping with the opulent theme is the traditional gemstone for 15th anniversaries - the ruby. Known for being one of the most durable gemstones (coming in at just a tad softer than a diamond!), these stones represent durability and stability. Marriages lasting 15 years and counting show much strength and the ruby really represents that.
To match, pair a ruby gift with a simple red rose, which is the traditional flower and colour for this milestone.
16th Wedding Anniversary – Wax
Traditional 16th anniversary gift: Yes, you read that right, wax is the traditional 16th anniversary gift, and it might seem a tricky symbol to buy for, but that isn’t the case at all.
Wax for your 16th wedding anniversary represents how you’ve moulded your lives together after this many years; wax can melt, bend and change shape, just as you have to be flexible to make a marriage work. This is why luxury candles are such a lovely gift idea: try Jo Malone, Diptyque and Neom. It’s especially nice if you choose a scent that was also in your wedding flowers.
Modern 16th anniversary gift: And the modern gift is silver holloware (which basically just means any tableware that isn’t flat). For silver holloware, what about a Champagne and wine cooler and a bottle of the wine you drank at your wedding, to make it extra special?
Wax feels like quite a regal gift, as does silver holloware, making the colour schemes of silver and emerald green super appropriate. The peridot gemstone symbolises 16 years, so pair that with some silver jewellery and you have yourself a perfect gift.
17th Wedding Anniversary – Furniture
Traditional 17th anniversary gift: There’s no traditional option for this anniversary year, but the modern one makes up for the lack of tradition!
Modern 17th anniversary gift: The modern 17th wedding anniversary gift is furniture. If you bought a new bed or sofa a few years into your marriage, now’s the time to refresh your space. We adore the idea of adding a loveseat into a living room – it’s so cosy and romantic – or perhaps you want to redecorate your bedroom as an anniversary treat and buy a new bed frame.
Think outside the box with this one too. How about adding a cool dresser? If you love being outside, what about some garden furniture? A lovely new coffee table or dining room table are ideal if you like having guests over.
Giving you all the marriage confidence in the world is this year's traditional gemstone, the carnelian, known for restoring vitality and motivation, adding that new lease of life 17 years into marriage.
18th Wedding Anniversary – Porcelain
Traditional and modern 18th anniversary gift: Both the traditional and modern 18th wedding anniversary gift, Porcelain is long-lasting and durable, just like your marriage after 18 years together.
Made by clay being heated to an extremely high temperature, there's something special about a beautiful material coming from such humble beginnings. It’s incredibly elegant too, and lends itself to everything from jewellery to home accessories.
After 18 years, you’ll know exactly how the other one likes their brew, so a porcelain teapot could be just the ticket, like this sweet teapot. There’s so many bits for the home that come in porcelain too, which you can match with your colour scheme. Try a large porcelain salad bowl for your lounge or bedroom, or what about some new door numbers for outside your house.
If you're both a gemstone-enthusiast and a cat person, you'll love that the 18th wedding anniversary gemstone is the cat's-eye!
19th Wedding Anniversary - Bronze
Modern 19th anniversary gift: There's only a modern 19th wedding anniversary gift, and that's bronze. Hopefully, you haven't exhausted the bronze gifts from your eighth anniversary!
Cufflinks, watches, sculptures, vases and jewellery are all excellent options, but if you're looking for something a bit different, we adore this engraved sun dial which makes a statement focal point for a garden. Gardening lovers will also love this plant pot buddy - a little bronze hedgehog ornament to adorn your pots. The snail one is pretty great too.
If you're into florals, the 19th wedding anniversary flower is the chrysanthemum - you can order a gorgeous bunch from Bloom & Wild. And as for gemstones, it's the year of the aquamarine - making it a perfect anniversary for gifting presents that celebrate earthy tones and ocean-inspired hues.
20th Wedding Anniversary – China
Traditional 20th anniversary gift: So, what is the 20th wedding anniversary? To celebrate two decades of marriage, the 20th wedding anniversary traditional gift is china. Now, china is fragile but, when looked after properly, it can stand the test of time. After two decades together, you may have your moments (who hasn't!?) but if you take care, your relationship can stand the test of time.
Giving each other china based gifts is a good way to remind yourselves of that – we love this personalised china plate and these super cute matching china mugs!
Modern 20th anniversary gift: Couples with more expensive tastes will be pleased to know the modern alternative for 20 years of marriage is platinum. Ernest Jones have a wonderful selection of platinum earrings and eternity rings, which symbolise the strength of your marriage or relationship.
If you really want to splash out, why not opt for a platinum ring with an emerald gemstone in, as that's the traditional pick for two decades together. You can also gift daylilies for this milestone.
21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
With more than 20 years of marriage under your belt, a real celebration is in order. Here are all of the traditional and modern anniversary gifts for milestones between 21 and 50 years together.
21st Wedding Anniversary – Brass or Nickel
Modern 21st anniversary gift: Your 21st anniversary doesn't have a traditional gift, but there is a modern alternative for 21 years of marriage.
Toast to your 21st wedding anniversary by swapping brass or nickel anniversary gifts, think along the lines of brass jewellery or a brass watch and you can’t go wrong. A brass bottle opener or a personalised brass photo print will also go down a treat, we promise.
For most couples, reaching this point in your marriage won't have come without a fair share of hurdles to overcome, so what better stone to celebrate with than iolite, a stone which is said to help direct people through life's processes.
25th Wedding Anniversary – Silver
Traditional and modern 25th anniversary gift: Silver the traditional and modern 25th anniversary gift. Silver is a precious metal, and no matter how old it is, if it’s treated properly and polished regularly, it will continue to gleam. There is no modern alternative, showing how timeless silver is as a 25th anniversary gift.
Of course, you could buy silver jewellery - this silver necklace from Moore Jewellery is handmade and would be very well received. As an alternative, what about a personalised silver Armada dish or an engraved sterling silver bookmark?
For blooms, the traditional flower is Iris, and the colour is (no surprise here!) silver.
30th Wedding Anniversary – Pearl or Ivory
Traditional 30th anniversary gift: When it comes to gemstones, what is the 30th wedding anniversary gift? For three decades of committed marriage, it's the timeless pearl. Pearls are a symbol of hidden beauty – they are cultivated over time within the not-so-pretty oyster, but once you open it up you find something precious inside.
After three decades together it’s unlikely you’ll appear the same as you did when you first met, but it’s what’s inside counts. Pearl-inspired anniversary gifts are the way to mark this occasion and we love this stunning Amalfi pearl necklace.
Pearls are also the associated gemstone with this wedding anniversary, with lily being the suggested traditional flower.
Modern 30th anniversary gift: Diamonds are considered to be the modern alternative for 30 years of marriage, an eternity ring or a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings would be the ideal gift to mark 30 years.
35th Wedding Anniversary – Coral
Traditional 35th anniversary gift: Coral is known as the traditional 35th anniversary gift because it's a very precious substance and was once believed to have magical properties to protect against illness and danger.
It is still precious and protected today so think carefully when it comes to choosing a coral-inspired anniversary gift and maybe choose something inspired by the beautiful colour or shape of coral as opposed to the real thing.
You can either choose a white decorative piece of coral or take a more practical approach and book an incredible holiday somewhere where you can scuba dive in a coral reef. Be sure to book with a trusted retailer that runs sustainable and environmentally-friendly excursions.
Modern 35th anniversary gift: The modern alternative for a 35th anniversary gift is jade, still a vibrant colour but more environmentally friendly. This bright and sustainable jade bracelet from Wolf & Badger is a beautiful statement gift. A similar hue to jade, emeralds are the gemstone that represent 35 years of marriage.
40th Wedding Anniversary – Ruby
Traditional and modern 40th anniversary gift: The wedding anniversary gift to celebrate your 40th year wed is none other than the gorgeous ruby. Ruby is both the traditional and modern 40th anniversary gift. Red is a colour often associated with love, and a rich red ruby is the perfect way to symbolise your love.
This beautiful ruby ring is made using ethically sourced materials so you can feel good about saving the planet at the same time as wearing it. For a suit accessory, why not opt for a wonderful pair of ruby cufflinks would be a great addition to their wardrobe.
And it's no surprise that ruby is also in fact the traditional stone associated with this anniversary, so basically anything ruby-related will hit the mark!
45th Wedding Anniversary – Sapphire
Traditional and modern 45th anniversary gift: For a 45th anniversary gift, the traditional, modern and gemstone gift given is the stunning blue sapphire. Beautiful blue sapphires were once the preserve of royalty, making them a luxurious, aspirational item. Give the gift of sapphires to celebrate an impressive 45 years together, as it’s used for traditional and modern anniversary celebrations.
This sapphire and diamond cluster pendant from Goldsmith’s is a perfect choice.
If you’d like somewhere to store all the beautiful jewellery and accessories you’ve been given across the years, then a stylish leather watch and jewellery case is fantastic for beside your bed or to take away with you.
50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts - 70th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Wow, anyone celebrating more than 50 years of marriage deserves the ultimate celebration. That's an entire lifetime together for most, so here are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts to celebrate your relationship with.
50th Wedding Anniversary – Gold
Traditional and modern 50th anniversary gift: After a lifetime together, there’s only one gift that can do it justice – gold. Gold is the traditional and modern 50th anniversary gift because it's one of the most precious metals and symbolises lots of things, including prosperity and strength.
Gold jewellery is always a wonderful choice - and these waterproof pieces from By Rae Jewellery make lovely gifts - but there are plenty of other options out there like this gold decanter and matching tumblers! It’s perfect to serve wine, spirits or even water from.
For flowers, violets are said to symbolise modesty, affection and faith as you head into the next year of marriage.
55th Wedding Anniversary – Emerald
Traditional and modern 55th anniversary gift: The gift for 55th wedding anniversaries is the sumptuous emerald. Green is considered to be the most calming of all colours, and represents growth. After 55 years together your life may not be as hectic as it once was, but you’ve grown together so give emerald or emerald-inspired gifts to recognise that.
These emerald leaf earrings by World Three Studio is a stylish statement. An emerald wedding anniversary blanket is a timeless gift that any couple would enjoy.
60th Anniversary – Diamond
Traditional and modern 60th anniversary gift: 60th anniversary gifts are diamonds, both traditionally and in modern times. As one of the strongest materials on Earth, diamonds flourish under pressure and are extremely hard-wearing – just like your relationship will be after six decades of marriage. It is considered to be invincible and is associated with love and wealth.
After 60 years of happy marriage, you'll have a wealth of experience and love so celebrate with diamond-inspired anniversary gifts.
Alternatively, a personalised 60th anniversary print is a lovely piece of artwork to add to your walls. You can also buy a 60th anniversary photo frame and fill it with pictures from your wedding day. If you want to go outside of tradition, you can buy a gift set with a newspaper from the day of your wedding and a vintage bottle of Bordeaux.
65th Anniversary – Sapphire
Traditional and modern 65th anniversary gift: Just like your 45th, your 65th anniversary calls for sapphire gifts. You simply can’t go wrong with some jewellery or a watch inlaid with sapphire, nor with a lovely bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and some special new crystal glasses.
You can book a tour round the wonderful Bombay Sapphire distillery in Hampshire too if you’re big gin fans.
70th Wedding Anniversary – Platinum
Traditional and modern 70th anniversary gift: Representing seven decades of marriage is platinum, the traditional and modern 70th anniversary gift. Platinum is a metal that resists wear and is incredibly hard to tarnish, making it the perfect pick for 70th wedding anniversary gift. It’s one of the rarest metals, making it exclusive and is a symbol of endurance.
What better way to describe 70 years of marriage? Celebrate by giving each other platinum gifts.
Featuring a diamond on a delicate platinum chain, this will become an heirloom you’ll want to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
What Are the Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year?
Here, we have all of the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year from your 1st wedding anniversary all the way up to your 90th. We've also included the modern alternatives for the milestones which have them, giving you plenty of options on what to gift your love.
What Can I Do For My Wedding Anniversary?
If our gift ideas above don’t automatically spark an idea, there are lots of romantic activities you can do for your anniversary. Here are 25 anniversary date ideas you’ll both love – some of them are free so you’ll be able to celebrate even if you have no money.
What are the Major Wedding Anniversary Years?
The first few years of your marriage up to 10 years are all considered major anniversary landmarks. After that, the big celebrations usually come every 5 and 10 years.
The anniversary where the traditional wedding anniversary gifts start becoming more precious is your 25th, when silver is the traditional material. Any anniversary from 30 years upwards is incredibly special. Ruby marks your 40th anniversary, gold for your 50th, diamond for your 60th and platinum for your 70th.
These precious gems also correspond to your “anniversary colours”. If you can’t afford real silver for your 25th anniversary or something emerald for your 55th, you can instead get your other half a gift or experience that incorporates those colours.
Do you think things have changed since you walked down the aisle? Read our article of things that change after saying 'I do'.
*Informal Instagram poll of 180 participants conducted on the Hitched account on 07/07/2024
