Anniversary gifts by year

Wedding anniversaries are milestones that deserve to be celebrated in a special way. Whether you’re making your own or searching for the perfect gift for a favourite couple, each anniversary carries its own unique meaning and tradition. From the simplicity of paper for year one to the grandeur of gold for year fifty, these traditional themes represent the journey of love. If you’re feeling stuck on gift ideas, we’ve gathered plenty of thoughtful, personalised options to help you celebrate in style.

Wedding anniversary gifts by year

Wedding anniversaries have been celebrated for centuries, with traditions evolving over time. The custom of giving gifts tied to specific years dates back to the Romans, who marked 25 years of marriage by exchanging silver wreaths.

Today, each anniversary is associated with a different gift theme, symbolising the qualities that make a relationship last – whether it’s the simplicity of paper, the strength of wood, or the shine of silver. We’ve created a complete list of these traditional themes and unique anniversary gift ideas to make every milestone one to remember.

Complete list of wedding anniversary gifts

• 1st Anniversary: Paper
• 2nd Anniversary: Cotton
• 3rd Anniversary: Leather
• 4th Anniversary: Fruit/Flowers
• 5th Anniversary: Wood
• 6th Anniversary: Iron
• 7th Anniversary: Wool/Copper
• 8th Anniversary: Bronze
• 9th Anniversary: Pottery
• 10th Anniversary: Tin/Aluminium
• 11th Anniversary: Steel
• 12th Anniversary: Silk/Linen
• 13th Anniversary: Lace
• 14th Anniversary: Ivory-inspired
• 15th Anniversary: Crystal
• 20th Anniversary: China
• 25th Anniversary: Silver
• 30th Anniversary: Pearl
• 35th Anniversary: Coral-inspired
• 40th Anniversary: Ruby
• 45th Anniversary: Sapphire
• 50th Anniversary: Gold
• 55th Anniversary: Emerald
• 60th Anniversary: Diamond
• 65th Anniversary: Blue Sapphire
• 70th Anniversary: Platinum
• 75th Anniversary: Diamond
• 80th Anniversary: Oak

Special wedding anniversary milestones

1st wedding anniversary gift: Paper

Your first year together is like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with memories, laughter, and all the little moments that make life sparkle. Paper is traditionally seen as the perfect symbol for this milestone, representing the start of a new chapter as a couple.

For a thoughtful first-anniversary gift idea, a personalised photo book capturing your first year of marriage is a beautiful way to relive those special moments. If you’re looking for something for friends or family, custom stationery or a notebook adds a lovely personal touch. Or keep it simple: a heartfelt card with a few well-chosen words will always hit the right note.

5th wedding anniversary gift: Wood

Wood – strong, sturdy, and ever-growing – is the traditional symbol for the 5th wedding anniversary milestone. For a meaningful anniversary gift idea, think about something with a natural touch. A framed photo in a stylish wooden frame is a timeless way to keep favourite memories front and centre.

Want to get a little more creative? A custom-engraved wooden chopping board is a fantastic choice – practical, personal, and perfect for those who love to cook Whether it’s for your partner, family, or besties, this gift will be used and loved for years.

10th wedding anniversary gift: Tin/Aluminium

Tin or aluminium are the traditional symbols that represent ten years of love. For a creative 10th-anniversary gift idea, turn your favourite photo of the happy couple into sleek aluminium wall art. It’s a modern and eye-catching way to showcase a big moment in your favourite couple’s life.

Looking for something a little more subtle? A personalised tin keepsake box is a thoughtful option for storing special mementoes, whether it’s old love letters, concert tickets, or holiday snaps that never fail to bring a smile.

20th wedding anniversary gift: China

Celebrating 20 years together is no small feat, and China symbolises the lasting qualities of a long relationship: beautiful, delicate, and worth looking after. For a classic 20th anniversary gift, a set of china dishes or a couple of teacups is a thoughtful way to honour tradition.

For something a little more creative, have a crafts afternoon and paint your own china with the kids. A DIY set of personalised photo mugs or plates decorated with hand-drawn designs or little messages is a fun way to mark the occasion. It’s a gift that’s not just personal but also a great way to get everyone involved in celebrating.

25th wedding anniversary gift: Silver

Reaching 25 years together is a huge milestone, and silver – the traditional symbol for this anniversary – represents the radiance and strength that comes with a quarter-century of love. It’s a chance to look back on all the moments that have made your relationship shine over the years.

For a classic 25th anniversary gift idea, try printing a special picture or a whole series of snaps, and find the perfect silver frame to accompany them. Personalised silver jewellery is also a great gift: think of a bracelet, necklace, or ring engraved with a meaningful date, initials, or a short message.

30th wedding anniversary gift: Pearl

Celebrating 30 years together is something truly special. This milestone is symbolised by the pearl – known for its rarity, beauty, and the time it takes to form. If you’re looking for a pearl anniversary gift for your partner, you can’t go wrong with a thoughtful piece of pearl jewellery paired with a heartfelt card.

Or, for a simple yet meaningful 30th-anniversary gift idea for parents, friends, or family, a photo frame with pearl accents is a lovely way to showcase a favourite memory from over the years. Pair it with a customised card that showcases some of their best moments over the past 30 years, and you have the perfect anniversary present.

Whether you’re celebrating your own milestone or helping loved ones mark theirs, choosing the right gift can make any anniversary extra special. From thoughtful keepsakes to creative, personalised touches, these anniversary gifts not only reflect the years gone by but also celebrate the moments yet to come. Whatever stage of the journey, a heartfelt gift – big or small – reminds us all of the lasting power of love and commitment.