The list of anniversary gifts by year goes as far back as the Middle Ages. Each wedding anniversary gift gradually increases in value every year, representing how a couple’s marriage strengthens as time passes.
If you want to know the meaning behind each gift or are looking for some unique anniversary gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. You will find a complete break down of all the traditional and modern anniversary gifts here, including all the anniversary gemstones, anniversary flowers, and anniversary colors.
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- Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts By Year
- 1 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 2 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 3 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 4 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 5 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 6 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 7 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 8 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 9 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 10 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 11 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 12 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 13 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 14 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 15 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 16 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 17 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 18 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 19 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 20 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 25 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 30 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 35 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 40 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 45 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 50 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 55 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 60 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 65 Year Anniversary Gifts
- 70 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts By Year
Here’s the full list of traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year.
1 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Paper
Paper represents how your marriage is still in its beginning stages, and is delicate. Together you’ve only just completed the first year of marriage – there are many more blank pages for the two of you to fill.
Modern Gift – Clock
The clock is a fitting symbol of your endless love. It represents how 12 months have passed, but more importantly, there are many years still to come.
Gemstone – Gold
While gold is technically neither a gem nor stone, who doesn’t love gold jewelry? Gold jewelry is the perfect gift for your other half for your first milestone.
Flower – Carnations
To complement your first wedding anniversary gift, add some bright and passionate carnations as the blooms of choice. It’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!
Color – Gold or Yellow
If you haven’t guessed it by now, we are all about gold, yellow and anything along these lines!
2 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift– Cotton
Durable and versatile, cotton holds the qualities of a marriage that’s made it to its second year. Cotton gifts symbolize that your marriage needs to stay strong and intertwined like interwoven cotton fibers even when faced with difficult changes.
Modern Gift – China
China represents how your marriage is beautiful and elegant but still in the beginning stages. Your marriage is delicate and fragile – take care of it or it might break!
Gemstone – Garnet
Though the garnet stone comes in a wide variety of colors, red garnet is the most popular kind of garnet for the second year.
Flower – Cosmos
The perfect flora is the beautiful cosmos flower, gentle and elegant, and a daisy-lookalike.
Color – Red
While you might have expected a gentler color like white, it’s actually a fiery and passionate red, no wonder the most popular garnet is the red garnet!
3 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Leather
Leather represents the shelter and security that has come from your three years of marriage together. Leather is a durable material that protects us from the elements, just as you are both protect each other.
Modern Gift – Crystal or Glass
Just as you can see your reflection in crystal and glass, so it is time to reflect on the past three years. But be careful in your analysis!
Gemstone – Pearl
A symbol of strength and enduring love.
Flower – Sunflowers
Cheerful sunflowers are the perfect flowers to celebrate 3 years of happiness and joy together.
Color – White or Jade
White is a symbol for your pure love towards each other while jade symbolises abundance.
4 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Fruit & Flowers
Four years! At this stage, your marriage has really started to blossom and ripen. That means it’s time for some gorgeous fruit and flowers.
Modern Gift – Appliances
By the time your 4th anniversary comes along, you and your partner should be well and truly settled. This makes the occasion a good one to acknowledge the domestic side of marriage. You can do that by giving the modern gift of an appliance that will come in handy around the house.
Gemstone – Blue Topaz
A symbol of love and affection, blue topaz is the perfect fourth anniversary gem.
Flower – Hydrangea or Geranium
While all flowers are suitable considering the theme, the beautiful geranium or hydrangea is particularly appropriate.
Color – Blue or Green
Anything blue or green is perfect for the occasion!
5 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Wood
Trees symbolize strength, wisdom, and time. With deep roots firmly cemented in the ground, your marriage can endure anything.
Modern Gift – Silverware
The gift celebrates the meals you’ve enjoyed together, the meals you will enjoy together, and the ways you make each other shine.
Gemstone – Sapphire
One of the most durable gemstones is sapphire, in line with the symbol of strength for this 5th anniversary.
Flower – Daisy
The center symbolizes the couple’s bond and the petals all the wonderful ways in which a couple will still grow.
Color – Turquoise, Blue or Pink
You have 3 colors to choose from this time so mix and match as you wish!
6 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Sugar or Iron
Six blissful years together. How sweet! Sugar serves as a reminder of how sugary sweet your love for one another is while iron symbolizes the strength and durability of your marriage.
Modern Gift – Wood
6 years of married life may not seem like a long time, but even that takes personal growth and resilience. You know what else has the qualities of growth and resilience? Trees.
Gemstone – Amethyst
Be inspired by the striking purple hues of amethyst, a popular variety of quartz that commemorates this milestone.
Flower – Calla Lilies
A classic flower known for its elegance and sophistication, calla lilies are the 6th anniversary flower. Different colored calla lilies have different meanings, so choose the one that expresses your feeling best.
Color – Purple, White or Turquoise
If you’re not a fan of purple, you can also go for turquoise and white.
7 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Copper or Wool
Copper is an excellent heat conductor, symbolizing the heat, warmth, and stability of your seven years together. Similarly, cozy, fluffy wool symbolizes the comfort, durability, and security you provide each other.
Modern Gift – Desk Sets
For most people, work is an inescapable part of modern life. Make sure you’re present in your partner’s thoughts at the office by giving them the modern 7th wedding anniversary gift of a desk set.
Gemstone – Onyx
This dark, cool stone is said to offer up powerful vibrations of protection and strength, perfect to keep your marriage going strong.
Flower – Freesias
For a floral affair, opt for a gorgeous bouquet of freesias.
Color – Yellow or Off-white
Sweet, gentle colors to celebrate the special occasion.
8 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Bronze
Did you know that bronze is a blend of copper and tin? Bronze represents the blending of two hearts, combined to become a single strong entity.
Modern Gift – Linen or Lace
They may look delicate and fragile, but linen and lace are surprisingly strong, thanks to many individual threads woven together. Individually, you and your partner are weaker, but together, you’re strong AND beautiful.
Gemstone – Tourmaline
Tough and long-lasting just like 8 years of marriage! You can choose pink tourmaline, black tourmaline, or even watermelon tourmaline!
Flower – Clematis
A delicate flower that symbolizes your mental beauty and intelligence as a couple.
Color – Bronze
It’s the theme of this milestone isn’t it?
9 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Pottery
Your relationship may have started as a lump of clay, but over the nine years spent together, it’s turned into something beautiful. Having gone through thick and thin, and the metaphorical furnace of life, together the two of you can handle anything.
Modern Gift – Leather
Humans have used leather since ancient times because of its versatility, durability, and protective qualities. After your 9th year of marriage, you’ve got to know that your relationship is durable and versatile.
Gemstone – Lapis Lazuli
Said to be a powerful gemstone, the lapis lazuli will guard your relationship.
Flower – Poppies
Add some poppies to your vase for a match made in heaven!
Color – Terracotta
The perfect earthenware for this ceramic-filled anniversary.
10 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Tin or Aluminum
Tin doesn’t rust or wear down, just like your marriage after a decade. It’s also traditionally used to store and preserve things, a nod to the preservation of your love. On the other hand, aluminum is a malleable metal representing the flexibility and durability require in 10 years of marriage.
Modern Gift – Diamond Jewelry
Pressure’s not always a bad thing, because without it, we wouldn’t have diamonds. Give a piece of diamond jewelry to your spouse and let them know that all the pressure has been worth it.
Gemstone – Diamond
Just as what the modern gift suggests!
Flower – Daffodils
A bouquet of symbolic daffodils won’t go unappreciated this special anniversary.
Color – Silver or Blue
Elegant colors, how about a blue diamond?
11 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Steel
After 11 amazing years together and they are steel the one! Representing resistance and durability, steel is a reminder of the incredible strength of your love for your 11th wedding anniversary.
Modern Gift – Fashion Jewelry
It’s all about the simple anniversary wishes that are conveyed whenever your partner wears that piece of jewelry – “We’re never separate, even when we’re apart. I love you.”
Gemstone – Turquoise
This gem will protect your marriage and bring you peace.
Flower – Morning Glory
Morning glory flowers are representative of this year, a cheerful bloom symbolic of love and affection.
Color – Turquoise
You guessed it when you saw the gemstone right?
12 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Linen or Silk
Luxurious linen is strong, durable, and expensive. On the other hand, sultry silk is as strong as it is sexy. Although your marriage is durable and reliable, you’ve still got that burning desire for each other.
Modern Gift – Pearls
Prized for their beauty and rarity, gifting pearls for your 12th anniversary represents that your relationship is unlike any other. Finding your partner may have been as difficult as hunting for a natural pearl, but oh how it’s worth it!
Gemstone – Jade
Associated with the heart chakra, jade is prized in Chinese culture for its durability and good luck.
Flower – Peonies
Keep the lucky vibes flowing with a dozen fluffy, fragrant peonies.
Color – Oyster White or Jade
Oysters make pearls and jade is this anniversary’s gemstone – nothing particularly surprising here.
13 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Lace
An intricate and sensual material, lace signifies unity and the complexity of marriage. Working with delicate fabric requires time and dedication, just as your relationship requires special care.
Modern Gift – Textile or Faux Fur
After 13 years with your partner, your marriage is a source of comfort and warmth, which makes the modern gift of textile or faux fur a fantastic option when shopping for a present.
Gemstone – Citrine
Known as the gem of optimism and renewal, citrine takes its name from the French word citron, meaning lemon, signifying brightness and joy!
Flower – Chrysanthemum
For a vibrant floral arrangement, pick out some brilliantly bright chrysanthemums.
Color – White
The thirteenth year is traditionally represented by the color white, although the bright yellow hues of citrine works well too.
14 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Ivory
In African culture, ivory is a symbol of status and opulence. The majestic elephants are renowned for their wisdom, long memories, and loyalty, so it’s no surprise they’re symbolic of your devotion after all these years.
Modern Gift – Gold Jewelry
Gold wouldn’t be nearly as valuable if it was found in easily obtainable abundance. Instead, it takes a considerable amount of effort to mine it. Likewise, you need to put time, effort, and commitment into finding the real gold in a marriage.
Gemstone – Opal
Opal gemstones reign supreme and symbolize passion and desire.
Flower – Dahlias
These flowers signal elegance and dignity on your 14th anniversary.
Color – Ivory
Well, duh?
15 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Crystal
Sturdy yet delicate, like your marriage, crystal symbolizes the sparkling love the two of you have for each other. There is full transparency in your marriage at this point, and you’re stronger for it.
Modern Gift – Watches
When you give a lavish watch to your partner, you’re letting them know that you’ve appreciated every second together and that you’re looking forward to the time you will spend together.
Gemstone – Ruby
The red hot romance continues with rubies, the iconic gemstone of passion and love.
Flower – Rose
Best if red, because…
Color – Red
Yeap, it’s the color for the 15th year because it just speaks romance and passion!
16 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Wax
A wonderful way to honor the fiery passion of your relationship and the sparks in them!
Modern Gift – Silver Holloware
Don’t get confused by the term “silver holloware” – it just refers to any silver tableware or serving piece that isn’t flatware. This includes things like teapots, sugar bowls, candlesticks, butter plates or food covers. Much like your marriage, silver holloware is constructed for its durability and elegance.
Gemstone – Peridot
A beautiful symbol of devotion.
Flower – Statice
A symbol of remembrance and all the memories you two have shared.
Color – Silver or Emerald Green
A symbol of harmony and unity.
17 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift– Furniture
Like a good piece of furniture, your partner brings beauty and support, which is why both the modern and traditional wedding anniversary gift is furniture.
Gemstone – Carnelian
This special carnelian stone bring joys and warmth to the relationship even after all these years!
Flower – Red Carnation
Carnations are symbol of love and bliss.
Color – Yellow
A happy color for a joyous occasion!
18 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift– Porcelain
After 18 years, your marriage is a thing of beauty, but like the traditional 18th anniversary gift, it must be cherished.
Gemstone – Cat’s Eye
This unique gemstone features tiny inclusions that resemble a cat’s eye, just purrr-fect for a wedding anniversary gift.
Flower – Deep Red Flowers
While there is no official flower for this milestone, roses or carnations are perfect!
Color – Blue
Maybe you can choose porcelain pieces with blue details.
19 Year Anniversary Gifts
Tradition and Modern Gift – Bronze
Beautiful and durable, bronze is the traditional and modern gift for the occasion, and it’s more than appropriate. Celebrate a marriage that’s lasted through good times and bad.
Gemstone – Aquamarine
Beautifully bright aquamarine gemstones are associated with hope and fidelity.
Flower – Chrysanthemum
A symbol of many things good including loyalty, devoted love, long life and joy.
Color – Bronze
Based off the traditional and modern theme.
20 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – China
Elegant and beautiful, but also delicate and fragile, china is an overall representation of your marriage after two decades. Do not take it for granted or mishandle it, or it shall break.
Modern Gift – Platinum
A symbol of achievement, durability, and true love, platinum is an appropriate choice because spending two decades with the same person is an achievement that’s not possible without the endurance and commitment that spring from true love.
Gemstone – Emerald
Known to preserve love, this gem is said to allow you to celebrate many more years together!
Flower – Aster
The aster flowers come in a variety and generally represent love, faith and wisdom.
Color – Emerald Green
Just look what the gemstone suggests.
25 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Silver
Silver needs hardly any introduction, as one of the most popular precious metals around. Having reached your 25th anniversary, the value of your marriage has reached new heights.
Gemstone – Silver
Technically not a gemstone, silver represents a clear future for the two of you.
Flower – Iris
The iris flower is long associated with royalty.
Color – Silver
It’s no wonder the 25th anniversary milestone is commonly known as the “silver jubilee.”
30 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Pearl
Do you know where pearls come from? Hidden in the depths of the ocean, these precious white gems are known for their beauty, but also the considerable amount of time required to form. After three decades together, something beautiful – your marriage – has been created through longevity.
Modern Gift – Diamond
Being the hardest substance on earth, a diamond gift is a powerful symbol of endurance to celebrate 30 years of marriage. You won’t find a better symbol of purity, perfection, and commitment.
Gemstone – Pearl
A classic to celebrate 30 years of marriage.
Flower – Lilies
Surprise them with a bouquet of lilies beforehand, the classic flower that holds so many meanings. There are many types of lilies to choose from so take your pick!
Color – Green
Always growing, even after 30 years.
35 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift – Coral
This beautiful material is regarded as the stone of peace and transformation. It symbolizes longevity and strength, two traits that are certainly present in a marriage that has lasted this long.
Modern Gift – Jade
In many Asian cultures, beautiful green jade is a symbol of longevity, good luck, wealth, and wisdom.
Gemstone – Emerald
A symbol of long-lasting love. After 35 years, who’s to say your love isn’t going to last forever?
Flower – Anything
There is no flower for this milestone, so just choose your partner’s favourite ones!
Color – Coral
A vibrant color just like how the past 35 years have been!
40 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Ruby
A symbol of your deep and unwavering love for one another. Also known as the Ruby Anniversary, 40 years of marriage is a serious milestone celebration.
Gemstone – Ruby
Ruby is the stone of love and passion, and what could be more special than a glamorous ruby red in color?
Flower – Gladioli
Gladioli or gladiolus is a charming flower fitting for this special occasion.
Color – Red
Ruby red is the best kind of red this time, no questions asked.
45 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Sapphire
A symbol of royalty and longevity after 45 years!
Gemstone – Sapphire
It is said that should the wearer’s love begin to diminish, the color of the stone will gradually transition from blue into green. When giving a blue sapphire on this anniversary, they represent the lasting nature of your adoration for one another.
Flower – Anything
There isn’t an official flower according to our records but no one is stopping you from gifting a lovely bouquet of flowers!
Color – Blue
Sapphire blue or even sapphire red will do.
50 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Gold
Gold represents the strength, wisdom, prosperity, and significance of your marriage. As one of the most precious substances on the planet, it is a symbol of 50 years of marriage – something that cannot be replaced.
Gemstone – Gold
Especially valuable just like your marriage.
Flower – Yellow Roses or Violets
These flowers complement each other perfectly just like how two of you do!
Color – Gold
The 50th anniversary is called the golden wedding anniversary for a reason.
55 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Emerald
The perfect way to signify devotion.
Gemstone – Alexandrite
A rare gem just like your marriage.
Color – Emerald Green
Just like what the theme suggests once again, it’s popular for sure.
60 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Diamond
Fun fact: the word diamond in Greek translates to “unconquerable”. As is your love for one another. Shining bright like a diamond, your marriage has stood the test of time.
Gemstone – Diamond
This precious stone symbolizes strength, affection, and your undying love for one another.
Color – Diamond White
Not just any white but diamond white.
65 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Blue Sapphire
Similar to the 45th anniversary theme, this rare and beautiful blue gemstone is a symbol of inner peace and loyalty, both of which are qualities that help a couple stay together through 65 years of marriage. A 65th anniversary is a relatively rare celebration, so celebrate your special day with gusto (and with a sumptuous blue sapphire gift, of course)!
70 Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional and Modern Gift – Platinum
More valuable than gold or silver, platinum is the quintessential symbol of prestige, luxury, and achievement. No wonder the precious metal, which also symbolizes true love, integrity, truth, and endurance. Your relationship with your spouse is enduring, and your love for them is true. Spoil them with platinum-themed traditional gifts.