Need a Last-Minute Anniversary Gift? These Options Offer a Fresh Take on Tradition

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Whether it’s the first or the 50th or any year in between, wedding anniversaries are meant to be celebrated! Much as birth stones and birth month flowers are associated with each month of the year, certain gifts are connected with specific wedding anniversaries.

It’s not known when or how the concept of anniversary gifts by year appeared, though it’s long been a tradition in many cultures. Mentions of specific wedding anniversaries start to show up in the 19th century, such as in a British article from 1811 describing a celebration that is “a common custom in Holland when a couple has lived together 25 years…to give a festival on the occasion; this is called a silver wedding.” An 1843 magazine article mentions a similar 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Germany when the wife was gifted a silver crown.

The custom continued to evolve so that by the end of the century, many different etiquette books listed wedding anniversaries and the appropriate gifts for each year. In 1923, Emily Post’s book Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home outlined suggestions. Also in the ‘20s and ‘30s, trade organizations such as jewelers hopped onto the trend in order to encourage the giving of specific jewelry pieces for each anniversary.

Traditional anniversary gifts by year may change, depending on who’s compiling the list. But regardless of whether or not these ideas are based on old traditions, etiquette rules, or marketing tactics, it’s still fun to give something that symbolizes the celebration of another year of marriage. Of course, these ideas are simply suggestions. Any thoughtful and tasteful gift that commemorates the occasion is appropriate. Whether it’s for your own SO or your parents or grandparents, read on to learn about traditional interpretations of anniversary gifts by year.

First Anniversary: Paper

The gift of paper indicates the fact that a marriage is new and is starting with a clean slate. This symbolizes that the couple is beginning to write their very own history together.

Gift ideas: Custom stationary, star map of your first date, or photo book

Embossed Stationery

Personalized Stationary

Medium Paper Album

Second Anniversary: Cotton

Cotton is the traditional gift for the second anniversary, indicating the couple has continued to weave together threads of their story. Interestingly, cotton also is a crop that takes the longest to grow, symbolizing a long union ahead.

Gift ideas: Luxe cotton sheets, a cotton throw for snuggling together, matching cotton robes

Wavelength Robe

Cotton Percale Pillow Sham

Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

Third Anniversary: Leather

Leather is tough yet soft and flexible, which is exactly like marriage in its third year. By this time, couples likely have seen and overcome some challenges, learning to adapt and bend to what life has thrown their way.

Gift ideas: Leather-wrapped photo frame, personalized leather bracelets, leather-bound journal, a fancy handbag

Faux Shagreen Picture Frames

Made Solid Leather-Wrapped Vase

Monogram Matelassé Leather Pouch

Fourth Anniversary: Fruit and Flowers

By the fourth year of marriage, true love has continued to grow and bear fruit as evidenced by a couple’s continued dedication to a shared life.

Gift ideas: A live citrus tree, indoor herb garden, monthly bouquet subscription

Anellabees Pollinator Seed Packets, Set of 3

The Firecracker

Serene Porcelain Vase

Fifth Anniversary: Wood

The traditional gift of wood for the fifth anniversary demonstrates how durable a marriage is. The grains of wood also show the underlying complexity of the relationship.

Gift ideas: Furniture, wooden photo frame, charcuterie board with engraved wedding date

Wood Burl Jewelry Box

Mott Chair

Andrew Pearce Handcrafted Champlain Bowl

Sixth Anniversary: Candy

Marriage has many sweet moments, which is the reason that candy is the traditional gift for a sixth anniversary. Choose your sweetheart’s favorite from childhood, or elevate the gift by selecting a more luxe confectionary.

Gift ideas: Liqueur-filled chocolates, exotic truffles, classic heart-shaped box of candy

sugarfina Pop The Champagne 4-Piece Gift Box at Nordstrom

10 Piece Signature Truffle Gift Box

L.A. Burdick Chocolate Mice

Seventh Anniversary: Wool

Wool is cozy and comfortable, just like a marriage that’s hitting its stride in year seven. Wool also is a great insulator, just as a strong marriage protects a couple against the uncertainties of life.

Gift ideas: Handmade sweater, wool blanket throw, wool slippers

Recycled Wool Blanket

Felt Coasters

Berry Knitted Sweater

Eighth Anniversary: Bronze

Bronze is an alloy, composed of copper and tin, which symbolizes the melding of two lives. It’s a substance made stronger by this combination, just like a couple celebrating eight years together.

Gift ideas: Candlesticks, book ends, cuff bracelet

Rio Bronze Taper Holders

Italian Serveware

Wise Owl Bookends

Ninth Anniversary: Pottery

Pottery is made from clay, a substance that’s malleable yet strong once fired. This gift reflects how a marriage has been made into something both attractive and durable by the ninth year.

Gift ideas: Handmade matching mugs, tableware, outdoor planter

Weeknight Serving Bowl

Umbria Urn

SIN Wyat Candelabra

10th Anniversary: Tin

After a whole decade of marriage, the traditional gift of tin symbolizes the resilience of a marriage. Tin also has a subtle shine, symbolizing the quiet luster of a long marriage.

Gift ideas: Customized world map, metal art print, cookware set

Levain Cookie Tin Bundle

Sheet Show

Custom Star Map Print

11th Anniversary: Steel

Steel is strong and tough, just like a marriage that has endured and thrived. Steel also represents the fact that nothing can cut through this marriage.

Gift ideas: Engraved pocketknife, luxury cutlery, new cookware

Bloom Botanica Vase

11-Piece Cookware Set

Milano Champagne Bucket

12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen

These luxury materials emphasize the warmth and welcome of a couple's home–both literally and figuratively—that a couple has created together by the 12th year of marriage.

Gift ideas: Duvet cover, sofa throw, pajamas

Washable Silk Cami Pant Set

Flora print silk twill scarf

Harlem Toile Silk Pillowcase

13th Anniversary: Lace

Sophisticated patterns in lace reflect the deepening intricacies of marriage at 13 years. Lace also symbolizes the beauty of a long marriage.

Gift ideas: Robe, vintage lace, crocheted throw

White Lalita Linen Sheet Set

UNDERWIRE BRA

Hand-Embroidered Tablecloth

14th Anniversary: Faux Ivory

Ivory-colored items or faux ivory pieces symbolize the purity and strength of a marriage celebrating 14 years. While historically real ivory may have been given, today it’s illegal to purchase ivory in the U.S.

Gift ideas: Ivory-colored pottery, opal jewelry pieces, tablecloth

Laguiole 24-Piece Flatware Set Ivory

"Baby" Ivory -colored Ballpoint Pen

Nadia Bone Frames

15th Anniversary: Crystal

Clear and shining, crystal reflects the sparkle of a marriage that has reached the 15th anniversary. It’s a symbol of the many precious years they have shared together.

Gift ideas: Watch, toasting flutes, engraved vase

Volute Crystal Bowl

Thumbprint Glasses

Serpenti Seduttori Watch

20th Anniversary: China

Two decades together are celebrated by the traditional gift of china. This illustrates both the delicate beauty and fragility of a marriage that has been carefully tended through the years.

Gift ideas: Personalized porcelain photo frame, updated place settings, a special bottle of bubbly

Abi Dessert Plates

30 Montaigne

Il Viaggio Di Nettuno Mug - Pink

25th Anniversary: Silver

The 25th anniversary is a reason to celebrate! Of course, precious silver gifts are used to commemorate this day, reflecting the brilliance of this marriage.

Gift ideas: Silver jewelry, toasting flutes, wine chiller

Paloma Picasso® Olive Leaf Climber Earrings

Graffiti Picture Frame

Cable Bracelet

30th Anniversary: Pearl

Pearls represent wisdom and honesty, which are powerful reasons a relationship has thrived for three decades.

Gift ideas: Mother of pearl inlaid box, jewelry, watch

Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings

Mother of pearl cufflink, minimalism cufflinks, groom cufflink, wedding cufflink, bestmen cufflink, bestmen gift, round cufflink

Women's 18K White Gold Akoya White Pearl Ring - White Gold - Size 6.5 - White Gold - Size 6.5

35th Anniversary: Coral

Coral is a unique treasure, just like a marriage in its 35th year. The many forms and colors of coral also are unique, which symbolizes the special relationship the couple shares.

Gift ideas: Bouquet, pendant, bracelet

Coral Amulet with Pink Opal and 18K Yellow Gold

Footed Coral Candle

Branching Coral With Clear Glass Base

40th Anniversary: Ruby

Rubies symbolize passion, which is as vibrant as the enduring love a couple shares at 40 years of marriage.

Gift ideas: Ruby jewelry, roses, red cashmere throw

Elsa Peretti® Heart Paperweight

Engravable Birthstone Star Ridge Pendant Necklace - Ruby/July

Diamonds & Ruby Hamsa Bracelet

45th Anniversary: Emerald

Emeralds have a depth of beauty, much like a marriage that has thrived for 45 years. These sparkling gems also represent the rarity of a marriage that has endured and thrived.

Gift ideas: Emerald vase, live olive tree, bouquet

Umpu Vase

Emerald Forest Bouquet

Emerald Cut Gemstone Charm

50th Anniversary: Gold

Spending half a century together in love calls for pulling out all the stops! The 50th anniversary is a time to celebrate with gold, a precious metal that is as valuable as the couple’s lifetime of love together.

Gift ideas: Special bottle of bubbly, vintage wedding photo in gold frame, celebratory trip

Celebration Ice Bucket

Michael Aram Heart Dish

Wave Gallery Frame 11" X 14"

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