It is believed that anniversary gifts have been given and received since as far back as Roman times. However, they didn’t start gaining traction until the victorian era. Originally, anniversaries were only celebrated every five years after the first year of marriage. But in this day and age it’s important to celebrate every year.

When you look at this list of “traditional” gift ideas, you may wonder what the thought process was behind it.

Even though the first gift is simple (paper), you may notice that each year after that builds in significance and gets bigger and better. In the same way, the marriage bonds becomes better and stronger each year. What a great concept!

So, if you’re a traditionalist (like me) or just need some help finding that perfect gift, you’ll find the traditional/modern gift element listed below and a few gift ideas to go along with it. Ideally, after ten or fifteen years together, you should have a good grip on what your other half likes or dislikes. However, I won’t hold it against you if you need help in your search!

Words of Advice

First, cookware or a vacuum cleaner is never a good choice…unless it is specifically requested!

Second, concerning the men in your life, they may need new socks and t-shirts but they’d probably rather have that autographed item from their favorite sports team.

Third, when funds are low and gift ideas won’t come, you can’t go wrong with just spending time together as a couple. For certain, there is nothing more valuable than time spent with someone you love. Above all, make sure your time together is spent doing something you both enjoy.

So, have fun checking out this list. Also, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you found this list helpful. Have a great idea for an anniversary gift? I’d love to hear it!

Enjoy!

lisa

1st Anniversary – Paper:

Traditionally, couples celebrated the first anniversary with a gift made of paper.  Paper represented a fresh, clean start. Like most newlyweds, money may be tight when you’re first starting out. Try writing a love letter to your partner reminding him/her why they’re so special. This vintage stationary would be perfect for such a letter! Another option is the old standby, love coupons. Love coupons grant the recipient a free back rub, a night off from cooking or a night out..it’s up to you. And really, it’s the little things, folks! Another paper option: tickets to a play, movie or special event they’ve been wanting to attend.

2nd Anniversary – Cotton:

Still simple yet affordable are gifts they can wear. If you’re two peas in a pod, matching hoodies or t-shirts with a favorite saying or team logo would be sweet. Or how about matching bathrobes…with monograms!

3rd Anniversary – Leather:

You have so many options here! An RFID wallet or braided bracelet for him. This vintage journal or leather necklace for her. For the couple that travels, how about passport holders, hanging toiletry bag or car seatback organizers.

4th Anniversary – Fruit/Flowers:

Nothing says love like a dozen red roses with one white rose stuck in the middle. It lets her know she’s “one in a million”! If you’re sweetie isn’t into flowers that eventually die, give a living rose bush or a pot of her favorite flower! Another option is a picnic basket filled with goodies to munch and a bottle of wine to wash it down. You provide the romantic location…a favorite place in the park, the place you went on your first date, where you shared your first kiss or where you became engaged.

5th Anniversary – Wood:

If the budget is still tight, try making a picture frame with your own two hands and add a photo from your wedding day or honeymoon. Likewise, a personalized cutting board, cheese board  or wall art that expresses a sentiment both can relate to, would make a nice gift for the couple. Alternatively, you can give the gift of wood in the form of a real, living tree. The tree will grow as the marriage grows. Just make sure allergies are not an issue and that it has plenty of space to branch out.

6th Anniversary – Sugar:

If a restricted diet is not an issue, a gift basket with several different kinds of candy might be the ticket. Make sure to include a good selection of favorites along with a few “new” items to try. And don’t skimp…gourmet chocolate lets them know they’re worth it!  Salted Caramels make a nice addition as well. Bonus points if you add a bottle of wine to the basket. Chianti or Port pairs well with dark chocolate and a sweet red or Chenin Blanc will go well with milk chocolate and caramel. Take a trip back in time by taking your significant other to an old-fashioned taffy pulling. Another option is a tour of their favorite candy factory. Que the Willy Wonka flashback!

7th Anniversary – Wool/Copper:

Wool represents warmth, comfort and security which are vital elements for a happy, long-lasting marriage. Cashmere is the ultimate in warm luxury. If a sweater or scarf in their favorite color is too boring, how about a unisex Bluetooth beanie? For the person who can’t put down their device, try these unisex texting gloves.  A cashmere throw blanket just big enough for two would make a nice gift for the couple. Copper options could be this set of copper grill mats for him. (Pssst…my hubby loves these!)  For her, how about a pair of copper infinity hoop earrings. And for the couple, this copper mug set would really make a statement.

8th Anniversary – Bronze/Pottery:

Bronze is believed to have healing powers which fits right in with the “in sickness and in health” part of the marriage vows. Pottery, as an anniversary gift, is meant to symbolize the shaping of the marriage into something solid and reliable. This bronze DaVinci Code Mini Cryptex can hold a secret message or gift for him or her. This bronze kissing couple or family tree photo display would make a nice gift for the couple. For the crafty person, give the gift of learning a new skill with this book on Pottery and Ceramics. Or simply have your picture taken while recreating the famous pottery scene from the movie “Ghost”. The photo would look great in this bronze frame.

9th Anniversary – Willow:

Willow is very flexible. In the same way, two very different people who have chosen to share a life, must also be flexible. So celebrate this anniversary by filling a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and just be lazy on a blanket somewhere. Willow figurines are extremely popular and you can find one for just about any occasion.

10th Anniversary – Aluminum/Tin:

Lots of options here! Go old school with a vintage lunch box. The popcorn lover might appreciate a large popcorn tin filled with a variety of their favorite snack. The movie or gardening buff might appreciate this garden sculpture of the Tin Man. Or how about this tin wall plaque that expresses how you feel about this major milestone!

11th Anniversary – Steel:

For her, this stainless steel watch might be the ticket. Additionally, this stainless bracelet is not only practical, it’s pretty too! For the men (or the man cave) this flask set , beer chillers or these cool whiskey stones might be appreciated. For the wine-drinking couple, this wine opener set or these stemless goblets are sure to be a hit. Here’s something different: Wrap up a horse shoe and add a brochure and tickets for a trail ride or riding lessons.

12th Anniversary – Silk:

Lingerie or silk boxers are so obvious and (dare I say?) overdone. Think classy with a silk robe or pajamas for him or her. Satin sheets may be overdone as well but they scream luxury. Or, you could skip the unmentionables altogether and get him something he can wear in public. Gifting a silk tie is acceptable only if he needs to enlarge his collection. Just make sure he wears it to the anniversary dinner!

13th Anniversary – Lace:

Lace represents the intricate pattern that your life together has created. So give the gift of a lace scarf or cardigan. How about a lace cover up for the beach lover. The creative person might appreciate a basket of different threads and a book on how to knit lace.  When it comes to the guys, it’s more about the laces…like the ones on this motorcycle vest. Finally, for the couple, give them a beautiful lace tablecloth to help showcase the anniversary dinner.

14th Anniversary – Ivory:

Due to its illegal trade practices, I don’t advise giving any gift made of real ivory. Therefore, I suggest a gift that is the same color as ivory. He might appreciate an “ivory” handle pocket knife  or this grooming set. She might like this beautiful “ivory” bracelet or this rose pendant. Get the gaming couple this set of ivory dominoes.

15th Anniversary – Crystal:

Go small with a crystal sun catcher or a crystal rose for her desk. Or go big with this crystal chandelier. for her hobby room, dressing room or even the bathroom!  Additionally, you can bling out her ride with this eye-catching steering wheel cover. He might appreciate this decanter set for his man cave or maybe a galaxy ball for his own desk. Also, a beautiful vase, wine glasses or this crystal picture frame would make an excellent gift for the happy couple.

20th Anniversary – China:

If you couldn’t afford a nice set of china when you started out, pick out a set together now. Already have a set of china but would like to add an extra serving bowl or two? Maybe replace missing or broken pieces? You should check out replacements.com. Seriously, I have found them to be a reliable source for just about every china pattern known to man! You might even find some specialty pieces like a tea kettle or fancy serving tray in your pattern. Any additional piece you can add to an existing collection would make an excellent gift!

25th Anniversary – Silver:

Congratulations, 25 years together is a great achievement! Traditionally, wives were presented with silver wreaths on this occasion. So continue the tradition by giving a silver ring engraved with a special saying or both of your initials. Silver also works in the form of a heart-shaped serving bowl, a picture frame (with photo of the happy couple) a silver fountain pen (have it engraved and add some personalized stationary) or wall art. Certainly, you’ll want to gift wrap any items in silver wrapping paper and add a silver bow!

30th Anniversary – Pearl:

Pearl is such a classic element and looks great in any piece of jewelry! Similarly, Mother of Pearl would also be acceptable. How about an oyster diving excursion for the adventurous couple! If that’s not in the budget, try this beautiful jewelry box, or carved rose earrings for her. For him, cuff links or maybe a pearl-handled pocket knife. This beautiful serving tray would make a great gift for the couple. When all else fails, oysters on the half shell or a nice seafood dinner might suffice!

35th Anniversary – Coral/Jade:

Surprise your significant other with a scuba diving excursion to check out the coral reefs! A night out at a fancy seafood restaurant would fit the bill as well. Having dinner in? Then decorate the table with coral napkins, candles or tablecloth. She might appreciate this matching jewelry set while he would look snazzy wearing this coral tie to dinner. For the couple, how about a comfy throw and accent pillow covers.

40th Anniversary – Ruby:

Surprise her with this beautiful ruby necklace or a giant ruby paperweight for her desk. Give him a ruby/diamond anniversary band or cuff link and tie pin set. Get the couple a set of red wine glasses and matching photo frame. Here’s something really different…red fire glass for a couple that loves their fireplace or outdoor fire pit! Lastly, don’t forget to wrap it all up in some shiny red paper and a big red bow!

45th Anniversary – Sapphire:

Go big and plan a vacation to the “blue lagoon” of your choice. If a getaway isn’t in the cards, try this lovely sentiment necklace. It might just make her want to marry you all over again! He might appreciate this blue quartz watch. Also, this sapphire blue lotus flower would make an eye-catching centerpiece for the couples home.

50th Anniversary – Gold:

Congratulations! You have reached a milestone that less than 10% of married couples ever reach. Thus, it’s time to celebrate! Show her you would marry her all over again with this gold anniversary ring or this gold mesh bracelet. Show him he’s still the best with an anniversary ring of his own or a gold watch. Gift ideas for the couple: First, start by throwing a party, complete with gold napkins, candles and gold centerpieces.

Second, if they’re okay with the extra attention, put an announcement in the local newspaper.

Third, put together a photo collage or scrap book of their wedding and anniversaries.

Fourth, get family and friends who attend the celebration to write a short note of congratulations on a tablecloth with a permanent marker. Or go the traditional route with a guest book for everyone to sign.

Finally, give the gift of a professional photographer or schedule a sitting for a formal portrait to commemorate the big event!

If you’ve made it to 55 years and beyond, way to go!

Respectively, Emerald, Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Platinum are the traditional elements for 55, 60, 65 and 70 years. So, if you can’t find a suitable gift with any of these elements, you’re not looking hard enough! LOL

Last but not least, if you want to write thank you notes for all those gifts you received, you should check out my personally designed thank-you note expressions…for when you can’t think of anything to write.

Print them out on white card stock from your own printer. I recommend these non-foldable cards for quick and easy note-writing. They’re perfect for any occasion.