With one of our own recently celebrating her first wedding anniversary with a paper gift, we had the bright idea to share with you the traditional (and modern!) gifts for wedding anniversaries. We aren’t suggesting you can’t stray from this list, but for some couples, having a one stop shop for anniversary gifts takes the stress levels down and brings excitement back to your big day!
Anniversary Gifts
Year One
Traditional: Paper
Our planner gave her hubby a piece of art for their first anniversary, but if you’re not into that, we are in love with this idea from Minted. Your vows are sacred, especially if they’re handwritten. Why not keep a visual reminder of the promises you made to one another?
Modern: Clocks
A watch seems fitting for this modern first anniversary gift, but if you’re looking to spice things up a bit, an antique pocket watch might be the way to go!
Year Two
Traditional: Cotton
Can it get any cuter than this cotton canvas print from Etsy? Mapping your love is certainly a way to show affection on your second anniversary (and maybe encourage more travel?!)
Modern: China
If you didn’t register for china or perhaps didn’t get all the pieces you were looking for, adding to your set this year is the way to go. A gorgeous gravy boat, delicate serving spoons, or clean, white serving trays are sure to make any entertaining enthusiast giddy with excitement.
Year Three
Traditional: Leather
Oooh we are so in love with this traditional gift idea. From leather messenger bags to gorgeous jewelry, leather is super versatile for any man or woman!
Modern: Crystal/Glass
When you first start thinking of crystal or glass anniversary gifts, your mind might automatically go to cheesy engraved plaques that are sweet, but unwanted. Instead, we think a stained glass window or a gorgeous set of crystal glasses are the perfect choices for your third anniversary!
Year Four
Traditional: Fruit/Flowers
This gift seems so odd to us as flowers often accompany many anniversary and birthday presents, but if you’re going the traditional route this year, take things to the next level. We’re not suggesting you have to have a flower wall installed like Kayne did for Kim, but a grand bouquet of stunning orchids or plush peonies is sure to wow your partner.
Modern: Appliances
Tread carefully with this gift idea. While we’d be smitten with a gorgeous new kitchen mixer or Dyson vacuum, some appliances may be less attractive than others (i.e. your wife may not want a new toaster for your 4th anniversary, even if yours did just break last week).
Year Five
Traditional: Wood
Like leather, wood is such a versatile material. We are taken with the idea of having a palette or wooden box engraved for your honey. If you’re looking for someone local, one of our favorite talents, LB Artisan Engraving, can make some serious art using wood (and other materials) and her engraver.
Modern: Silverware
Unless you’re in need of some new flatware, chances are this modern gift might be unnecessary. If you’d like to take this route, though, why not get creative with adorable personalized forks such as these from Etsy?
Year Six
Traditional: Candy/Iron
Who doesn’t love candy? After six years of marriage, candy might just be what the doctor ordered! Surprise your lovebird with his/her favorite candy or perhaps really tickle their sweet tooth with an entire basket filled with goodies!
Modern: Wood
Well this is easy. If you went the modern route last year, take the modern route this year and check out our ideas for wooden gifts above!
Year Seven
Traditional: Wool/Copper
We’re sort of in love with the idea of a copper gift because the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you want to get your sweetie something for the house or a gorgeous piece of jewelry, chances are you can find it in copper. For the music lover in your life, we think this custom copper guitar pick is such a great find!
Modern: Desk Sets
Okay, this gift my seem odd to some, but as planners, we’d actually be super excited to receive a desk set. This eclectic set is funky and fun and would make going to work that much better!
Year Eight
Traditional: Pottery/Bronze
If you’re looking for something a little more unique than an actual piece of pottery, why not spend your eighth anniversary making and/or pottery together? Not only will you have a gorgeous piece to take home, but you’ll also have memories that’ll last forever!
Modern: Linens/Lace
Luxurious high thread count linens would be the gift that keeps on giving because there is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep on linens that feel like silk!
Year Nine
Traditional: Willow/Pottery
Well these are easy! Just take a few tips from Year Eight…
Modern: Leather
…and Year Three!
Year Ten
Traditional: Tin/Aluminium
Here’s where we suggest you get very creative. Use your DIY skills to use these materials to come up with something really neat for your hubby or wife. Not a big crafter? Check out Etsy for some seriously cool gift ideas this year.
Modern: Diamond Jewelry
Well, well, well. It only took ten years and we’re already to diamond jewelry! If your wallet can afford it, a gorgeous pair of diamond studs would be a great keepsake for this anniversary. For the gents? Diamond encrusted dog tags are an awesome and unique gift that he’s sure to love!
Year Eleven
Traditional: Steel
Ah, steel, a metal we love, particularly in the stainless variety. There are so many directions you take this gift, but we are obsessed with these stainless steel bottle opener cufflinks. How many purposes can these things serve?!
Modern: Fashion Jewelry
Another great gift idea! We are in love with the idea of fashion jewelry for Year Eleven, but be sure you keep it classy (5$ cocktail rings may not be a true expression of your love).
Year Twelve
Traditional: Silk/Linen
Remember when we mentioned those high thread count silky sheets? If you didn’t invest already, now is a great time to do so. Twelve years of marriage deserves a yummy night’s sleep.
Modern: Pearls
If your wife doesn’t own a strand already, a gorgeous pearl necklace is sure to impress. You can keep it classy with a strand of ivory pearls, or spice things up with a champagne, blush and ivory, multi-layered pearl necklace like this!
Year Thirteen
Traditional: Lace
Lace gifts can come in many forms, from a beautiful table runner to a sassy negligee. If you’re lucky and know someone who sews, a handmade lace gift can also be very sentimental and sweet!
Modern: Furs
Now, we’re not suggesting you skin any furry friends, here, but a faux fur jacket or a bag with faux fur accents can make your significant other feel rich and spoiled, while still saving the animals! Better yet, invest in a faux fur throw like this – perfect for cuddling together on the couch.
Year Fourteen
Traditional: Animals
When we saw this traditional gift idea, we were at first super confused, but then really excited (huge animal lovers over here). Apparently, the traditional gift for Year Fourteen used to be ivory, but since laws regulate against killing elephants for their tusks (thank goodness), animals have since replaced it as this year’s traditional gift. So, that being said, trip to the local shelter to rescue a new furbaby? Sounds great to us!
Modern: Gold Jewelry
If you’re allergic to animals or your landlord forbids them (because those are the only reasons we see why people wouldn’t want another little love), gold jewelry is a modern gift perfect for Year Fourteen. A gorgeous gold bangle like this one is sure to make her heart flutter!
Year Fifteen
Traditional: Crystal
A Year Three repeat…
Modern: Watches
…and a Year One! By this time, your honey is probably in need of a new watch anyway!
Year Twenty
Traditional: China
Gosh, they really make it easy in the later years! Take a look back at Year Two for some great China ideas. If you didn’t invest then, a new set of China would be a glorious gift or even a really nice piece to add to your collection!
Modern: Platinum
Ohhh, shiny. The Platinum year is one for the record books! 20 years of marriage calls for a gorgeous platinum band to add to your ring finger or perhaps a stunning necklace to adorn your neck!
Year Twenty-Five
Traditional and Modern: Silver
Year Twenty-Five is simply silver, traditionally and for the more modern gift giver. A stunning antique silver platter might strike your fancy or perhaps an eclectic teapot! Jewelry is always a great go-to, but for something different, hit your local antique shops and really get creative this year!
Year Thirty
Traditional: Pearl
Oh how we love a repeat. Stunning studs to match the pearl necklace from Year Twelve would be a great investment. For the guys, a money clip inlayed with pearl is sure to keep his cash oh-so-fancy!
Modern: Diamond
More diamonds? Yes, please!
Year Thirty-Five
Traditional: Coral
Year Thirty-Five seems like it would be a great time to splurge on a vacation get away! Using a different take on the “coral” gift, why not surprise your partner with a trip to the Caribbean, where he/she can snorkel along a coral reef?! We know, brilliant.
Modern: Jade
And while you’re snorkeling, check out the beautiful fish that are sure to be in beautiful shades of jade. Oh, did we do it again?
Year Forty, Forty-Five, and Fifty
Traditional and Modern: Ruby, Sapphire, and Gold
Rubies, sapphires, and gold. Is there anything more scrumshish? If you’re on a budget, how about a care package filled with ruby, sapphire, or gold colored sweets, treats, and presents? It’s thoughtful, and still meets the tradition. If you’re looking to splurge, a tennis bracelet in one of these stones is sure to be a hit.
Year Sixty
Traditional and Modern: Diamond
Let’s be honest, when you’ve made it this far, you deserve diamonds.