While your actual wedding is an important milestone for your relationship, your wedding anniversaries are also the perfect opportunity to remind yourselves and each other why you made that commitment as well as commemorate the love you still feel for each other, whatever the ups and downs of married life bring.
Each wedding anniversary year has an allocated theme (think ruby wedding anniversaries or diamond anniversaries) and these themes were chosen to help couples find anniversary presents for each other. Read on to learn what these wedding anniversary years are and feel inspired for your upcoming anniversary.
Why do we give anniversary gifts
In the majority of cultures around the world, wedding anniversaries are considered important and are a way for couples to remind themselves of their commitment to each other.
The origins of presenting loved ones with gifts on a wedding anniversary dates back to the middle ages, when husbands in the Roman Empire would present a wreath of silver to their wives on their 25th wedding anniversary, and a gold one to mark 50 years of married life.
During the 1920s, an American writer Emily Post included a list of suggested wedding anniversary themes in her 1922 book, entitled "Etiquette". Only the 1st, 5th and every five years up to the silver wedding (the 25th anniversary) were included so in 1937, the American National Retail Jewelery Association added to this list and made it longer, including every year up to the 14th anniversary and then filling in every 5th year up to the golden wedding (the 50th anniversary). Over time, each year has been given a theme from 1 to 25 years of marriage and, from then on, every fifth year up until the 60th anniversary and there are even modern alternative themes for those who aren’t worried about straying from tradition.
What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year
Each of the wedding anniversary years has its own specific theme for gifts to be inspired by. Usually, these themes revolve around various materials that were once considered expensive or were coveted for a particular quality that they possess. Some presents such as gold or diamond years speak for themselves while others are much more open to creative licence.
1st Anniversary: Paper
The traditional theme for the first anniversary is paper, representing the blank slate you’re starting on and the time you both have ahead of you. Paper is the perfect medium for personalised gifts (think custom prints or handwritten letters).
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
Celebrating your second anniversary means gifting your beloved something made of cotton. Cotton is malleable but still durable, representing the importance of adaptability in your marriage and the threads of your life that are still weaving together. Treat your love to a fresh set of luxurious cotton bedsheets or an item of clothing made from organic cotton.
3rd Anniversary: Leather
Leather is the theme for a third wedding anniversary. Leather was traditionally used as a protective layer against bad weather, so the third-anniversary theme is about security and shelter. Leather is also a material known for being long-lasting, just like your marriage will be. Gift ideas could include a monogrammed wallet, a nice leather handbag, or personalised leather luggage tags.
4th Anniversary: Fruit & Flowers
Bunches of blooms or chocolate-covered strawberries, your 4th wedding anniversary is the celebration of a still-blossoming relationship. If your other half has a green thumb, this is a great opportunity to buy them gardening tools but if they prefer eating the produce to growing it, then they might appreciate a bottle of their favourite wine or an indulgent fruit basket instead.
5th Anniversary: Wood
On your 5th anniversary, the traditional gift theme is wood. Trees, where wood comes from, of course, are a symbol of strength, wisdom, and standing the test of time – all things a solid marriage has. Traditional gifts might include wooden sculptures or furniture but for a more modern approach, a bottle of wine in a nice wooden presentation box might be a good option or a wooden picture frame featuring a photo of you both.
6th Anniversary: Sugar
After 6 years, your marriage is really sweet which is why the theme for the year is sugar. Treat your love to afternoon tea, an indulgent box of chocolates, or book you both onto a baking course.
7th Anniversary: Wool
Wool is warm and comfortable, just as your relationship should be so giving your love something made of wool is the perfect theme for your 7th anniversary. Blankets and throws are soft and cosy while hand-knitted jumpers offer comfort when you’re not there.
8th Anniversary: Salt
Once upon a time, salt used to be precious and expensive, just as your partner is to you. It also adds flavour to a dish just like your relationship adds flavour to your life. A fancy salt shaker could make a lovely gift or they may appreciate a Himalayan salt lamp to set the mood.
10th Anniversary: Tin
If you’ve made it to your 10-year anniversary, congratulations! A decade of marriage is no small feat. The use of tin as a 10th anniversary comes from the fact that tin is durable, doesn’t corrode, and is used to preserve food. Home decor and kitchenware made out of tin are great gift ideas for a 10th anniversary.
11th anniversary onwards
The list of anniversary themes continues up until the diamond anniversary (60 years)!
11th anniversary onwards
The list of anniversary themes continues up until the diamond anniversary (60 years)!
| 16th Anniversary |
Coffee/Tea |
Silverware |
Silver |
| 17th Anniversary |
Wine/Spirits |
Furniture |
Yellow |
| 16th Anniversary |
Appliances |
Porcelain |
Blue |
| 16th Anniversary |
Jade |
Bronze |
Bronze |
| 16th Anniversary |
China |
Platinum |
Emerald |
| 16th Anniversary |
Silver |
Silver |
Silver |
| 16th Anniversary |
Pearl |
Diamond |
Pearl |
| 16th Anniversary |
Coral |
Jade |
Emerald |
| 16th Anniversary |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Red |
| 16th Anniversary |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
Blue |
| 16th Anniversary |
Gold |
Gold |
Gold |
| 16th Anniversary |
Emerald |
Emerald |
Emerald-Green |
| 16th Anniversary |
Diamond |
Diamond |
Diamond-White |
If you’re celebrating a big anniversary, or even if you’re not, making your loved one feel appreciated and special sets you up for another great year together.
Sometimes, coming up with gift ideas can be difficult which is why this wedding anniversary gift ideas list is useful however, if none of them suits your partner or isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to stray from tradition! Shop our stunning range of customisable diamond rings, diamond earrings, and necklaces instead to find the perfect, special gift to make them look and feel incredible no matter how many years you’re celebrating.
If you’re celebrating a big anniversary, or even if you’re not, making your loved one feel appreciated and special sets you up for another great year together.
Sometimes, coming up with gift ideas can be difficult which is why this wedding anniversary gift ideas list is useful however, if none of them suits your partner or isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to stray from tradition! Shop our stunning range of customisable diamond rings, diamond earrings, and necklaces instead to find the perfect, special gift to make them look and feel incredible no matter how many years you’re celebrating.
Explore Austen & Blake’s range of diamond setting types here to find the perfect ring.
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While your actual wedding is an important milestone for your relationship, your wedding anniversaries are also the perfect opportunity to remind yourselves and each other why you made that commitment as well as commemorate the love you still feel for each other, whatever the ups and downs of married life bring.
Each wedding anniversary year has an allocated theme (think ruby wedding anniversaries or diamond anniversaries) and these themes were chosen to help couples find anniversary presents for each other. Read on to learn what these wedding anniversary years are and feel inspired for your upcoming anniversary.
Why do we give anniversary gifts
In the majority of cultures around the world, wedding anniversaries are considered important and are a way for couples to remind themselves of their commitment to each other.
The origins of presenting loved ones with gifts on a wedding anniversary dates back to the middle ages, when husbands in the Roman Empire would present a wreath of silver to their wives on their 25th wedding anniversary, and a gold one to mark 50 years of married life.
During the 1920s, an American writer Emily Post included a list of suggested wedding anniversary themes in her 1922 book, entitled "Etiquette". Only the 1st, 5th and every five years up to the silver wedding (the 25th anniversary) were included so in 1937, the American National Retail Jewelery Association added to this list and made it longer, including every year up to the 14th anniversary and then filling in every 5th year up to the golden wedding (the 50th anniversary). Over time, each year has been given a theme from 1 to 25 years of marriage and, from then on, every fifth year up until the 60th anniversary and there are even modern alternative themes for those who aren’t worried about straying from tradition.
What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year
Each of the wedding anniversary years has its own specific theme for gifts to be inspired by. Usually, these themes revolve around various materials that were once considered expensive or were coveted for a particular quality that they possess. Some presents such as gold or diamond years speak for themselves while others are much more open to creative licence.
1st Anniversary: Paper
The traditional theme for the first anniversary is paper, representing the blank slate you’re starting on and the time you both have ahead of you. Paper is the perfect medium for personalised gifts (think custom prints or handwritten letters).
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
Celebrating your second anniversary means gifting your beloved something made of cotton. Cotton is malleable but still durable, representing the importance of adaptability in your marriage and the threads of your life that are still weaving together. Treat your love to a fresh set of luxurious cotton bedsheets or an item of clothing made from organic cotton.
3rd Anniversary: Leather
Leather is the theme for a third wedding anniversary. Leather was traditionally used as a protective layer against bad weather, so the third-anniversary theme is about security and shelter. Leather is also a material known for being long-lasting, just like your marriage will be. Gift ideas could include a monogrammed wallet, a nice leather handbag, or personalised leather luggage tags.
4th Anniversary: Fruit & Flowers
Bunches of blooms or chocolate-covered strawberries, your 4th wedding anniversary is the celebration of a still-blossoming relationship. If your other half has a green thumb, this is a great opportunity to buy them gardening tools but if they prefer eating the produce to growing it, then they might appreciate a bottle of their favourite wine or an indulgent fruit basket instead.
5th Anniversary: Wood
On your 5th anniversary, the traditional gift theme is wood. Trees, where wood comes from, of course, are a symbol of strength, wisdom, and standing the test of time – all things a solid marriage has. Traditional gifts might include wooden sculptures or furniture but for a more modern approach, a bottle of wine in a nice wooden presentation box might be a good option or a wooden picture frame featuring a photo of you both.
6th Anniversary: Sugar
After 6 years, your marriage is really sweet which is why the theme for the year is sugar. Treat your love to afternoon tea, an indulgent box of chocolates, or book you both onto a baking course.
7th Anniversary: Wool
Wool is warm and comfortable, just as your relationship should be so giving your love something made of wool is the perfect theme for your 7th anniversary. Blankets and throws are soft and cosy while hand-knitted jumpers offer comfort when you’re not there.
8th Anniversary: Salt
Once upon a time, salt used to be precious and expensive, just as your partner is to you. It also adds flavour to a dish just like your relationship adds flavour to your life. A fancy salt shaker could make a lovely gift or they may appreciate a Himalayan salt lamp to set the mood.
10th Anniversary: Tin
If you’ve made it to your 10-year anniversary, congratulations! A decade of marriage is no small feat. The use of tin as a 10th anniversary comes from the fact that tin is durable, doesn’t corrode, and is used to preserve food. Home decor and kitchenware made out of tin are great gift ideas for a 10th anniversary.
11th anniversary onwards
The list of anniversary themes continues up until the diamond anniversary (60 years)!
11th anniversary onwards
The list of anniversary themes continues up until the diamond anniversary (60 years)!
If you’re celebrating a big anniversary, or even if you’re not, making your loved one feel appreciated and special sets you up for another great year together.
Sometimes, coming up with gift ideas can be difficult which is why this wedding anniversary gift ideas list is useful however, if none of them suits your partner or isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to stray from tradition! Shop our stunning range of customisable diamond rings, diamond earrings, and necklaces instead to find the perfect, special gift to make them look and feel incredible no matter how many years you’re celebrating.
If you’re celebrating a big anniversary, or even if you’re not, making your loved one feel appreciated and special sets you up for another great year together.
Sometimes, coming up with gift ideas can be difficult which is why this wedding anniversary gift ideas list is useful however, if none of them suits your partner or isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to stray from tradition! Shop our stunning range of customisable diamond rings, diamond earrings, and necklaces instead to find the perfect, special gift to make them look and feel incredible no matter how many years you’re celebrating.
Explore Austen & Blake’s range of diamond setting types here to find the perfect ring.