30 Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts Year by Year

The tradition of giving traditional anniversary gifts by year serves as a way to honor and celebrate the milestones of a couple’s relationship. It provides an opportunity to express love and appreciation for one another through the gift-giving process.

These materials symbolize the different stages of marriage and the growth and changes that occur over time.

What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?

The tradition of giving anniversary gifts by the year can add meaning and significance to the occasion, as the gift reflects the couple’s enduring love and commitment.

Wedding anniversary gifts by year represent a specific attribute or aspect of the couple’s relationship. For example, paper for the first anniversary is a symbol of a new beginning, while gold for the 50th is a symbol of enduring love.

30 traditional and modern anniversary gifts year by year 

Here are the traditional and modern gifts for the anniversary by year:

1st Anniversary

1. Traditional: Paper

Couples celebrating their first wedding anniversary might exchange meaningful handwritten letters, books, artwork, or other paper-based gifts to mark the occasion. The idea behind the paper as an anniversary gift by year is that it symbolizes a blank page and the possibility of writing a new story together as a couple.

2. Modern: Clocks

Couples might give each other traditional clocks or engraved timepieces. The idea behind a clock gift symbolizes the importance of spending it together as a couple.

2nd Anniversary

3. Traditional: Cotton

Couples can exchange cotton clothing, linens, or other cotton-based gifts to mark the occasion. The ideology behind the cotton gift is that it symbolizes durability, versatility, and the comfort that marriage can provide.

4. Modern: China

To mark the occasion, you can exchange fine china with your partner, such as dinnerware, tea sets, or other porcelain gifts. China symbolizes elegance and delicacy and also represents the beauty and strength of a couple’s bond.

3rd Anniversary

5. Traditional: Leather

Couples can exchange leather jackets, wallets, bags, or other leather-based gifts to mark the occasion. The leather gift symbolizes the durability and flexibility of a marriage, as well as the protection and security that a marriage can provide.

4. Modern: Crystal or Glass

Celebrate that special day with your partner by giving them crystal or glass vases, stemware, picture frames, or other gifts made from these materials to mark the occasion. Glass gift represents the timelessness and beauty of marriage.

4th Anniversary

5. Traditional: Fruit or Flowers

Couples might give each other a bouquet, a potted plant, or a fruit basket to mark the occasion. Fruit or flowers as a gift symbolizes the growth and blossoming of a relationship and the sweetness and beauty that a couple can bring to each other’s lives.

6. Modern: Appliances

This might seem unromantic, but the ideology behind this is sweet. Appliances as a gift recognize the practical needs and accomplishments of a couple’s home life and celebrate how they have built a life together.

5th Anniversary

7. Traditional: Wood

Wood represents the idea of carving out a life together and the importance of building a solid foundation for a relationship. It can be a reminder of the importance of creating a home and the joy of working together to make a beautiful and functional space.

8. Modern: Silverware

Silverware is a durable and long-lasting material representing the strength and endurance of a couple’s commitment to each other. In addition, silver is associated with wealth and prosperity, which symbolizes how a couple’s love can bring good fortune to their lives.

6th Anniversary

9. Traditional: Candy or Iron

Couples might give each other candy-based gifts or something made of iron. The candy and iron gifts may seem odd, but they represent the balance between sweetness and strength necessary for a successful and happy marriage.

10. Modern: Wood

The traditional gift of wood symbolizes the strength and stability of a marriage, as well as growth and renewal. Just as a tree grows and thrives over time, a marriage can become stronger and more resilient each year.

7th Anniversary

11. Traditional: Wool or Copper

Wool is a warm and cozy material, symbolizing the comfort and security that marriage can provide. On the other hand, copper is a strong and durable metal representing a marriage’s strength and resilience.

12. Modern: Desk sets

A desk set represents the idea of work and productivity and the importance of communication in a marriage. It is meant to be a practical and functional gift that can help a couple to stay organized and on track in their daily lives.

8th Anniversary

13. Traditional: Bronze or Pottery

Bronze is a strong and durable metal representing a marriage’s strength and resilience. In comparison, pottery represents the idea of craftsmanship and creativity. Both gifts emphasize the importance of strength, creativity, and craftsmanship in marriage and building a beautiful life.

14. Modern: Linens or Lace

Linens are a practical gift representing comfort, while lace is a delicate material depicting a marriage’s beauty and intricacy. They both emphasize the importance of beauty and elegance in marriage and create an inviting and visually appealing home.

9th Anniversary

15. Traditional: Pottery or Willow

Pottery symbolizes building a life together, while willow is a flexible and graceful material representing resilience and adaptability in a marriage. Overall, they both emphasize the importance of resilience and adaptability in a marriage.

Related Reading: 10 Ideas to Write An Anniversary Letter For Partner

16. Modern: Leather

Leather is a versatile and durable material representing a marriage’s strength and resilience. It symbolizes protection, warmth, and adaptability in marriage as both partners learn to adjust to changing circumstances and situations.

10th Anniversary

17. Traditional: Tin or Aluminum

Tin and aluminum are metals that represent a marriage’s durability and flexibility. They can also symbolize strength and resilience, as both metals are known for their ability to withstand wear and tear.

18. Modern: Diamond jewelry

Diamonds are a symbol of enduring love and commitment, and they are a popular choice for couples celebrating their 10th anniversary. They are also one of the most durable and precious materials and are often seen as a sign of strength and resilience.

11th Anniversary

19. Traditional: Steel

Steel represents the idea of a strong and enduring partnership. It represents the strength and resilience needed to weather the challenges of time.

20. Modern: Fashion jewelry

Fashion jewelry symbolizes individuality within a partnership. It is a reminder that each partner brings their unique qualities and strengths to the relationship and that these qualities should be celebrated and appreciated. 

12th Anniversary

21. Traditional: Silk or Linen

The traditional gifts for the 12th anniversary are silk or linen. These materials represent the elegance and comfort of a long-lasting and strong marriage.

22. Modern: Pearls

Pearls are a symbol of elegance, beauty, and timelessness. They are also commonly associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom, making them a popular choice as a gift.

13th Anniversary

23. Traditional: Lace

Lace represents the intricate beauty and delicate nature of a special relationship.

24. Modern: Textiles or Furs

Textiles or furs reflect the importance of warmth, comfort, and luxury in a long-lasting relationship. A gift idea includes a cozy fur blanket or coat.

14th Anniversary

25. Traditional: Ivory

Ivory symbolizes purity, fidelity, and enduring love. Ivory has been used for centuries to create intricate carvings and sculptures. Gifting such an item is seen as a symbol of status and wealth.

26. Modern: Gold jewelry

Gold is a precious metal that has long been associated with wealth, power, and beauty. It represents the value and importance of a long-lasting and loving relationship.

15th Anniversary

27. Traditional: Crystal

Crystal represents the clarity and transparency important in a successful and long-lasting marriage. Overall, the crystal represents elegance, beauty, and strength.

28. Modern: Watches

Watches represent the passing of time and the enduring nature of a long-lasting relationship. Watches are often seen as luxury items, which makes them a great gift to celebrate a significant milestone.

Related Reading: 150+ Heartfelt Wedding Anniversary Wishes for Your Wife

16th Anniversary

29. Traditional: Wax

Wax is a symbol of endurance and preservation in a relationship. It represents the idea of a couple still being able to keep the flame of love burning after many years together.

30. Modern: Silver holloware

Silver is a valuable metal associated with luxury, elegance, and longevity. Silver holloware can be engraved with personal messages or names, making it a personalized and sentimental gift.

17th Anniversary

31. Traditional: Furniture

By the 17th anniversary, a couple may have built a life together, and furniture symbolizes that home and life. It provides a sense of security and represents the couple’s commitment to each other and their future.

32. Modern: Furniture

Furniture represents the home a couple has built together, including comfort and stability.

18th Anniversary

33. Traditional: Porcelain

Porcelain is a ceramic material that has been highly valued for its strength, delicacy, and beauty. It is the perfect choice to celebrate 18 years of marriage.

34. Modern: Porcelain

Porcelain is a symbol of elegance, refinement, and purity. When choosing a porcelain gift, consider something that is not only beautiful but also practical and useful, like a porcelain tea set.

19th Anniversary

35. Traditional: Bronze

Whether you choose a sculpture or jewelry, a bronze gift is a meaningful and lasting way to express your love and appreciation for your partner.

36. Modern: Bronze

Bronze is a metal alloy made from copper and tin known for its strength, durability, and beauty. A bronze gift is a great way to mark your 19th anniversary and celebrate the strength and durability of your relationship.

20th Anniversary

37. Traditional: China

China is known for its delicate and beautiful appearance. It symbolizes the elegance and fragility of a long-term relationship.

38. Modern: Platinum

Platinum is a rare and precious metal highly valued for its durability and strength. It symbolizes the strength and endurance of a marriage.

21st Anniversary

39. Traditional: Brass

Brass symbolizes strength and resilience, which are essential qualities in a relationship. It represents the ability to withstand challenges and emerges even stronger.

40. Modern: Nickel

Nickel is a strong and durable metal that can resist wear and tear, making it an ideal material for items that will be used and admired for years. 

22nd Anniversary

41. Traditional: Copper

Copper is often associated with wealth and prosperity and is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. This conductivity is a reminder of the importance of communication and connection in a successful marriage.

42. Modern: Copper

Copper symbolizes the enduring love and commitment that has sustained your relationship for over two decades.

25th Anniversary

43. Traditional: Silver

Silver is a valuable and highly prized metal used for currency or trade. Its value is a reminder of the preciousness and worth of the marriage and the commitment shared by the couple.

44. Modern: Silver

Silver is a versatile metal that can be used in various applications. This versatility symbolizes the adaptability and flexibility needed to maintain a successful marriage.

Related Reading: 25th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for a Joyous Celebration

30th Anniversary

45. Traditional: Pearl

The traditional symbol for the 30th anniversary is pearls, representing the beauty of maturity and the timelessness of a long-lasting relationship.

46. Modern: Diamond

Diamond represents the strength and resilience of a couple’s love. They are known for their durability and endurance, just like a marriage that has lasted for 30 years.

35th Anniversary

47. Traditional: Coral

Coral is a beautiful and valuable material formed by accumulating tiny marine organisms over time. Like coral, a marriage that has lasted for 35 years results from many small acts of love and dedication that have accumulated over time.

48. Modern: Jade

Jade represents the strength, durability, and longevity of a couple’s love. It symbolizes good luck and is believed to bring harmony, balance, and prosperity to those who possess it.

Related Reading: 30 Best Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for Wife

40th Anniversary

49. Traditional: Ruby

Ruby symbolizes love and passion, believed to bring wealth and happiness. Ruby represents a couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other.

50. Modern: Ruby

Ruby represents a couple’s deep and passionate love after 40 years of marriage.

45th Anniversary

51. Traditional: Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its beauty and durability. It symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and truth in marriage.

52. Modern: Sapphire

It’s a fitting choice for a 45th-anniversary gift, representing the strength, durability, and beauty of a couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other. 

50th Anniversary

53. Traditional: Gold

Gold is a precious metal that symbolizes the strength, beauty, and endurance of a long-lasting marriage.

54. Modern: Gold

Gold represents the richness and value of the love and commitment that a couple shares with each other. It is a cherished reminder of the couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other.

55th Anniversary

55. Traditional: Emerald

Emerald is a precious gemstone that symbolizes love, hope, and loyalty,

56. Modern: Emerald

The green color of emerald represents growth, balance, and harmony. It is an excellent reflection of a long-lasting marriage that has weathered the ups and downs of life together.

60th Anniversary

57. Traditional: Diamond

Diamond is a precious gemstone that symbolizes strength, durability, and everlasting love. This makes it a fitting choice for couples celebrating 60 years of marriage.

58. Modern: Diamond

The sparkling brilliance of a diamond reflects the beauty and value of a couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that this list of anniversary gifts by year are just a guide, and couples can choose to celebrate their anniversary in whatever way is most meaningful to them.

FAQs

Do couples have two anniversaries?

It is possible for couples to have more than one anniversary, especially if they want to celebrate multiple significant milestones in their relationship. Here are some examples of how couples may have multiple anniversary dates:

Wedding anniversary

For married couples, their wedding anniversary is an important date that marks the day they tied the knot. This a day they exchange anniversary gifts by year.

Engagement anniversary

Some couples celebrate the anniversary of their engagement, which marks the day they became engaged to be married.

Ultimately, it’s up to the couple to decide which anniversaries to celebrate and the anniversary presents by year. This video teaches you how to celebrate your anniversary.

Do anniversary dates matter?

Anniversary dates can be meaningful and essential to many people. These dates represent a milestone in a relationship, such as a wedding anniversary or the anniversary of when two people began dating. They can be an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and give anniversary gifts yearly.

That being said, whether or not anniversary dates matter is a personal preference. What matters most is how the people in the relationship feel about it and what it means to them.

Final thought

Anniversary dates serve as a reminder to appreciate and cherish the relationship. Giving anniversary gifts by year is a way to strengthen the bond between two people, create new memories, and reaffirm their commitment to each other.

However, you and your partner can go for relationship counseling if you are at odds on the need to celebrate your anniversary.