Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: A Traditional and Modern Guide
Because every year is worth a special celebration.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Let's be clear: Every single wedding anniversary is special, whether it's your first or your 50th. When Ree and Ladd Drummond celebrated their 25th anniversary a few years ago, she summed it up: "That whole 'love' thing—the love that deepens, expands, and becomes more firmly rooted over time—is definitely there." And taking the time to acknowledge that special connection each year is important, even if it is a small gesture. For the Drummonds, it's usually a steak dinner. "We're both pretty low key with celebrations," she explains.
There's no right way to celebrate, of course. Do what you both prefer most! Of course, an anniversary gift or two couldn't hurt either. And thankfully, there are both traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts by year that you can reference if you aren't quite sure what to get. They each symbolize something different regarding your marriage as it grows and matures. In fact, some of the meanings have been around since the 1500s.
While some of the anniversary gifts by year are quite obvious like silver and gold, some are more abstract like cotton and iron. You can get as literal or as abstract as you want. Here, you'll find not only the meanings behind anniversary gifts but some suggestions as well, so you're not stuck wondering what on earth to buy that's made of tin. So go ahead and browse and remember when all else fails, give something from the heart. That's what you gave on your wedding day, after all!
Keep the celebration going:
Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year
Many of the traditional (and modern!) wedding anniversary gifts by year symbolize strength, which is why you'll see several metals included. The longer you've been together, the more precious the metals become, too. And yes, that's on purpose! That is also why you'll see gem stones and highly coveted materials like porcelain and crystal on this list. Each of these items has a quality worth cherishing, just like your marriage. Some of the modern ideas differ in the earlier years, but consider yourselves lucky! That way, you can mix and match ideas to suit your taste and budget.
Your first year of marriage is like a blank slate, ready for you two to write your love story. That's why paper is the traditional gift and also why an anniversary journal makes an excellent gift idea. Take the literal meaning and use this journal to document your story throughout the years. It has guided prompts and space for photos, for a family heirloom in the making.
Modern gift: Clock
Cotton represents how your bond during the second year becomes stronger yet remains soft and how your lives are now woven together. Why not snuggle up to that comforting idea with cozy robes? Brooklinen makes super plush robes made from 100% Turkish cotton and a unisex fit so you can both enjoy them equally.
Modern gift: China
By the third year, your relationship is a little more worn in but still strong and flexible. Sounds a lot like leather, doesn't it? And at this point, you two probably deserve a nice vacation away to reconnect. Monogrammed leather luggage tags will help you easily identify your bags at the airport, no matter where you decide to go!
Modern gift: Crystal or glass
As your relationship continues to blossom, it's only fitting that flowers and fruit are the symbols of a fourth anniversary. Of course, let's be honest, flowers are always a good idea. But why not up the ante this year and gift a flower subscription? Each month, Bouqs will send seasonal farm-fresh flowers to your door with free shipping. Cancel anytime!
Modern gift: Appliances
Halfway to ten years: That certainly shows how solid your relationship is. And yet, you're still growing as a couple, much like a tree. So wood has a double meaning come your fifth year. Do you enjoy your coffee time together in the morning or a cocktail out on the porch? Then pretty wooden coasters are the way to go!
Modern gift: Silverware
Ah, how sweet your love is! That's why candy is one option for your sixth anniversary. No one would ever say no to a nice box of chocolates. But why not give something to symbolize how strong your bond is, like cast iron? A sturdy Dutch oven will last for years (just like your marriage!). Plus, it will make the most delicious meals no matter who does the cooking.
Modern gift: Wood
The comfort of your marriage by the seventh year feels like a warm, cozy wool blanket. Buying a quality, monogrammed one for your living space is an easy and quite literal translation. Or you can try something copper, which is an excellent conductor of heat and therefore symbolizes that same warmth.
Modern gift: Desk set
Copper and tin form a strong bond to create bronze, a symbol of your lasting strength together. And hopefully by now, you've settled into your home and put down roots. A bronze address plaque for the front of your house is thoughtful not only for your significant other, but for first-time guests looking to locate your place.
Modern gift: Linens or lace
Anyone who knows the movie Ghost understands that creating pottery as a couple can be downright romantic. This fun and easy beginners kit will be a fun date night activity! Pottery symbolizes the molding of your relationship, much like clay, into something of lasting beauty. It doesn't matter if the pot you make isn't the prettiest, either, because it's the act of working together that makes it beautiful.
Modern gift: Leather
10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
More metals, more signs of strength―and after ten years, that is more meaningful than ever! Executing the gift idea might seem a little tough but you could consider a new nonstick cookware set (they're made with aluminum!) or a cute tin (get it?) of cookies. Or maybe just go with the modern gift idea on this one. It feels extra special.
Modern gift: Diamond
Steel is one of the strongest metals on earth. And as you enter your second decade together, your relationship is even stronger. Renew that bond with a fun stay-at-home date idea with a personalized stove. Cozy up on the patio, maybe roast some marshmallows, and enjoy each other's company with a bonfire that's less hassle and less dangerous.
Modern gift: Fashion jewelry
Isn't it such a luxury knowing you have a life partner? You know what else is luxurious? Silk... and sleep! A silk pillowcase helps you get your beauty rest―literally! It has anti-aging, anti-sleep crease, and anti-bedhead properties to make your look refreshed and ready to go each morning. And since linen is also an option, why not upgrade your full bedding set?
Modern gift: Pearl
Lace symbolizes the delicate and intricate relationship you've created after so many years. While you could go a little flirtier with some lingerie, you could also go less obvious and find something with a lace pattern on it. Why not bring some of that beauty to your everyday with a new dinnerware set? It'll elevate anything you're eating, and plus, it's dishwasher safe!
Modern gift: Textiles
Ivory symbolizes luck and protection. Since ivory from animal tusks is illegal, you can still show that same sentiment by finding something ivory in color. How about modern picture frames to display your favorite family photos, both old and new? These are handcrafted to look as elegant as real ivory.
Modern gift: Gold jewelry
Celebrate good times, come on! Getting to 15 years is worth an extra glass of champagne for sure. Investing in new crystal champagne flutes will keep the celebration going for years to come. They'll symbolize the clarity you have in your relationship as well as that residual sparkle.
Modern gift: Watch
Consistently solid but malleable when it needs to be, wax is a lot like marriages that reshape when they have to. And what better way to keep that flame alive than with a candle? Go with a romantic scent or get creative with a personalized version to commemorate the big day.
Modern gift: Holloware
By now, you have built a home. Wherever it is and whoever lives there, it should be filled with love... and furniture! Now is as good a time as any to upgrade your space, whether you need a new cozy couch or want to splurge on a piece that lets the two of you escape outside for a bit like a porch swing.
Modern gift: Furniture
Like clay is tested by fire and is stronger in the end when it becomes porcelain, so will be your marriage. Through the ups and downs, you will come out stronger and that's worth a special gift. A collectable porcelain vase is an excellent idea, as it will be a reminder of your love each time you receive flowers.
Modern gift: Porcelain
Yes, bronze repeats itself on this list. And it's on here for the same reasons it was in the beginning of your relationship, as it only gets stronger with time. A bronze figurine depicting your family at this moment in your relationship will be an enduring symbol of how far you've come.
Modern gift: bronze
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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