Your Guide to the Best Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year

Wedding anniversary gifts are one of the few so-called traditions I actually try to follow. While it can sometimes be weird to figure out what to get your spouse that’s “paper” or “copper,” it’s nice to have a guideline to go by. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to holiday, birthday, or Valentine’s Day gifts for my husband, I’m always racking my brain trying to come up with a creative and unexpected option. Above all, it’s nice to have a general direction to get you started. So here are the best anniversary gifts by year!

The thing that I love most about anniversary gift traditions is that they give you a creative challenge rather than a blank slate. “Leather” sounds limiting until you realize it could be a passport holder for a trip you’ve been dreaming about, or a wallet with a hidden love note tucked inside. That’s the fun of it — the material is just the starting point.

In this guide, you’ll find the complete traditional and modern gift list for every anniversary year (from year one all the way to your 75th — yes, really), plus the associated color and gemstone for each, specific gift ideas for years one through ten, and a section on how much to actually spend. Whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or a major milestone, there’s something here to get you started.

A History of Anniversary Gifts by Year

So where did the tradition of exchanging wedding anniversary gifts every year start? While nobody can say for sure, it was believed to have started in medieval Germany. For example, it was tradition for a husband to give his wife a silver wreath for their 25th anniversary, and their 50th was gold. In addition, another theory was that what we now refer to as our “traditional” list of gifts started in Victorian Era England. This traditional gift list once only included gifts for the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th, and 75th anniversaries.

However, it was etiquette guru Emily Post who recognized a growing trend of celebrating additional anniversaries. In fact, she referred to it as a “symbolic anniversary gift for each of the first fifteen years of marriage and one for every five years after that,” according to one source. So, we can actually thank Post for the continued gift-giving!

While the origins of the “traditional” list of anniversary gifts might be a bit fuzzy, we know that the “modern” list was created in 1937 by the American National Retail Jewelry Association.

On their list, practical gifts tended to be given in the early years when a couple was still establishing their home. Then, more “luxury” gifts were given later on in the marriage. That seemed to be a win-win for the Jewelry Association! LOL. After that, the librarians at the Chicago Public Library merged both the “traditional” and “modern” lists to end up with what we use today!

Also Read: 16 of the Best Macy’s Dresses for Mom

Modern vs. Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Which One is Better?

There’s no right answer when it comes to choosing a traditional or modern gift. I tend to switch back and forth between the modern and traditional lists, which I think is totally OK (and a bit more fun).

You’ll also notice a few odd gift choices while scrolling through this list that don’t seem to fit. (Like that original poetry tribute?!) In other words, you might have to put up with some random gifts for a year or two. Just know that if you make it to your 100th anniversary, the gift is a 10-carat diamond, which ain’t too shabby.

WGM Says: In addition to modern vs. traditional gift suggestions, each anniversary also has an associated color and gemstone. If that’s more your style, we’ve included those options in our ‘At a Glance’ section, below!

My personal approach? Use the material as a jumping-off point, not a literal instruction. For our third anniversary (leather), there’s a lyric in The Smiths’ “This Charming Man” — my husband’s favorite band — that goes “leather runs smooth on the passenger seat.” So I hunted down a vintage poster for that song and framed it. It wasn’t technically leather, but it was rooted in the idea of it in a way that actually meant something. That’s the version of this tradition worth following.

No matter if you’re celebrating your first wedding anniversary or your 50th, you can use this handy guide to help you pick out the perfect modern or traditional gift!

Also Read: Here’s what you need to know about Manly Bands

Do you have to give an anniversary gift each year?

No! Whether or not you exchange gifts is completely up to you and your partner. Just make sure you’re on the same page about it. If your partner is expecting a gift and you decide this is a year you’re going to skip, there might be some hurt feelings involved. It’s always a good idea to talk about what the gift exchange plan is before any anniversary. That way you can talk about budget, anniversary plans, etc.

What is a budget-friendly anniversary gift?

There have been several years when my husband and I have been downright lazy about giving anniversary gifts and decided to do something completely different. For instance, some years when we’re traveling or just know we won’t have time to shop for gifts, we decide to write down things we love about the other person, with the number corresponding to our anniversary (IE: 12 things I love about you.). It works because we both talked about it ahead of time (as noted above), and do it together. And it doesn’t get more budget-friendly than free!

How Much Should You Spend on an Anniversary Gift?

Honest answer: there’s no universal rule, and anyone who tells you otherwise is probably trying to sell you something. What you spend should reflect your budget, your relationship, and how big a deal the milestone feels to both of you. That said, having a rough benchmark helps, especially in the early years when you’re still figuring out your rhythm as a couple.

Here’s a general range to work from — not gospel, just a realistic starting point:

• Years 1–4: $50–$150. You’re still building your home and your savings. Thoughtful and personal beats expensive every time at this stage.
• Years 5–9: $100–$300. You’ve got some history to celebrate. This is a great range for an experience (a weekend trip, a cooking class, a nice dinner) plus a smaller physical gift.
• Year 10: $200–$500+. Double digits deserve a real moment. Whether that’s jewelry, a getaway, or something deeply personal, go a little bigger here if you can.
• Years 15, 20, 25: $300–$1,000+. These are milestone anniversaries — the ones people actually throw parties for. Budget accordingly, and don’t be shy about asking for input from your partner if you’re not sure what they want.
• Years 50+: Truly open-ended. If you’ve made it to a golden anniversary, spend whatever feels right to mark it. This is a celebration, full stop.

WGM Says: The best anniversary gifts aren’t the most expensive ones — they’re the ones that show you were paying attention. A $40 framed print of the city where you got engaged will almost always mean more than a $200 generic gift card. Lead with intention, not budget.

At a Glance: Anniversary Gifts by Year

WGM Says: Since there is no “official” list of gifts, it gets a little vague for some years (especially the higher ones). Some have the same modern and traditional gifts, while others lack a gemstone, color, or specific gift altogether. There are no rules when it comes to anniversary gifts, so you can celebrate the occasion as you see fit!

Now that we’ve gone over the entire list, let’s get into some fun ideas! We’ve come up with some great options for different anniversary gifts by year, below. Hopefully there’s something in here that is perfect for you and your partner!

Ideas for Every Wedding Anniversary Gift by Year

1st Anniversary Gifts

Traditional: Paper

Though paper may seem like an odd choice to celebrate a year of marriage, it makes sense when you consider the fragile nature of the material. How does the saying go? A relationship is delicate, but with proper care, it can last forever. Just like paper!

Gift Idea: Heart Snapshot Art

Personalize this heart print with 30 of your favorite snapshots from your first year of being married.

Modern: Clocks

Like paper, time is precious. Moreover, you’ll probably feel like your first year of marriage flew by, hence the clock.

Gift Idea: Custom Name/Date Wall Clock

You shouldn’t have a hard time finding a gift if you go the modern route! This elegant clock, made of steel and aluminum, preserves your names and wedding date while also making a great accessory for your home.

2nd Anniversary

Traditional: Cotton

Woven threads of cotton point to a couple becoming more intertwined and stronger together over time.

Gift Idea: Personalized Throw Blanket

Create a blanket with you and your partner’s initials, song lyrics, or a map of where you met.

Modern: China

Meanwhile, china encourages couples to recognize that every relationship has strengths and weaknesses.

Gift Idea: China Platter

Step up your hosting duties with a quality serving platter!

3rd Anniversary

Traditional: Leather

The symbolism of leather — which, historically, was used as a means of protection — is all about the shelter and security a relationship should provide.

Gift Idea: Leather Passport Holder & Luggage Tags

Book a trip to accompany these stylish genuine leather passport holders and luggage tags!

Modern: Crystal, Glass

There are a few different interpretations of the meaning behind crystal/glass. For instance, some say that they symbolize beauty and reflection. However, others say that crystal reminds a couple they can touch the lives of others. We like the meaning behind both!

Gift Idea: Candle Holders

Add some flair to your living room or kitchen with elegant candle holders.

4th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional: Fruit or Flowers

Fruit and flowers both represent the blooming nature of your marriage.

Gift Idea: Matching Eco Resin Rings

Opt for these handmade eco resin rings that contain dried wildflowers over regular jewelry!

Modern: Appliances

Most appliances are used for everyday practicalities. However, as an anniversary gift, they symbolize the simpleness and settled nature of a marriage.

Gift Idea: Nespresso

Looking for more anniversary gifts by year? Check out this list of incredibly unique ideas for your 4th anniversary.

You and your S.O. probably already have a coffee maker or Keurig, so why not become full-blown baristas with an espresso machine?

5th Anniversary

Traditional: Wood

Trees themselves are known to symbolize strength — something that couples celebrating a fifth wedding anniversary should absolutely be celebrating!

Gift Idea: Wooden Bath Tray

Take relaxation to a whole other level with a wooden bathtub tray. This one is fully adjustable to fit almost any tub. Moreover, it has built-in features like a wine glass holder and cellphone slot so you can relax with all your necessities around you.

Modern: Silverware

Silverware is known to represent strength. Likewise, it can also mean clarity and purity.

Gift Idea: Funny Forks

Already have a new silverware set? Instead, opt for these hilarious (and adorable!) hand-stamped forks that celebrate the five years you and your S.O. have spent together.

6th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional: Iron

Iron is another symbol of strength, though it’s also said to signify good luck.

Gift Idea: Vintage Cast Iron Frame

Scour your local antique store or turn to a shop like this one on Etsy for a vintage frame (or mirror!).

Modern: Wood

The meaning behind the modern iteration of a wooden anniversary gift isn’t really different than that of the traditional one. Again, it’s all about resilience!

Gift Idea: Wood Watch

A wood watch is unique in itself, and as an anniversary gift, it can be made even more personal if you engrave it.

7th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional: Copper

Copper can produce heat, so the gift for your seventh wedding anniversary is supposed to represent the warmth you and your S.O. provide each other.

Gift Idea: Love Note Wallet Insert

Write your S.O. a permanent love letter that they can carry with them everywhere they go!

Modern: Desk Sets

Like appliances, the idea behind desk sets is that of practicality and a day-to-day commitment.

Gift Idea: Laptop + Phone Stand

There are not many options that fall under the category of “desk sets” except for, well, desk sets. If you don’t want to buy one of those, get something a little more practical like this laptop and phone stand that can be used anywhere.

We’ve got even more ideas for your 7th wedding anniversary here!

8th Anniversary

Traditional: Bronze

Bronze is yet another reminder of the strength required to maintain and nurture a relationship, but particularly over time and as you mature.

Gift Idea: Push Pin Map

Make this gift — a map that allows you to document everywhere you and your S.O. have traveled together over the years — complete with some bronze push pins.

Modern: Linen or Lace

These are both known as objects of beauty that symbolize delicacy and purity.

Gift Idea: Bed Set

Give your bedroom a breath of fresh air with a linen bed set. This one comes in 12 different colors and can be used any season.

9th Anniversary

Traditional: Pottery or Willow

In the nine years that you and your S.O. have been together, your marriage has transformed from a ball of clay to a well-molded piece of pottery. Additionally, Willow is also an option because of its flexibility and connection to nature.

Gift Idea: Matching Mugs

Don’t overthink this one! There’s plenty of options for both of these gift types, but we like the idea of some cute coordinating mugs.

Modern: Leather

Similar to the traditional gift suggestion for your third wedding anniversary, leather is meant to represent stability — and, you guessed it, strength.

Gift Idea: Coasters

Gift your S.O. (and yourself, TBH) a set of durable leather coasters that are sure to last, whether you want to emboss a monogram or not.

Get our full list of unique 8th anniversary gifts!

10th Anniversary

Traditional: Tin or Aluminum

This a big one! Even the least nostalgic of people will find themselves looking back at the past decade when their 10-year wedding anniversary rolls around. Aluminum is supposed to be reminiscent of your relationship’s flexibility and durability, past, present, and future.

Gift Idea: Wedding Song Wall Decor

Searching for more anniversary gifts by year? We compiled our ALL-TIME favorite 10th anniversary gifts here!

Commemorate your wedding vows or the song you and your S.O. chose for your first dance with this aluminum print.

Modern: Diamond Jewelry

Again, a ten year anniversary is a big and beautiful one, so you’re meant to get a gift that’s just that.

Gift Idea: Diamond Anniversary Band

What better anniversary than your tenth to upgrade your wedding ring?

Gift Ideas for Milestone Anniversaries: Years 11, 15, 20 & 25

The traditional list gets a little sparse once you pass year ten, but these are actually some of the most meaningful anniversaries to celebrate. If you’re in the 11–25 year range, here are some genuinely good ideas to get you started.

11th Anniversary Gifts (Steel + Fashion Jewelry)

Steel represents unbreakable strength — which, honestly, feels earned after eleven years. You’re past the adjustment phase, you’ve weathered some real life together, and you know each other in a way that early-marriage couples simply don’t yet. The modern list goes in a different direction with fashion jewelry, which is a fun excuse to get something a little bold and personality-driven rather than classic.

Traditional idea: A personalized steel piece — engraved steel cufflinks for him, a steel-and-stone bracelet for her, or a custom steel print of a meaningful date or location. You can find beautiful options on Etsy that don’t look like industrial hardware.

Modern idea: Statement jewelry that reflects their actual style. A chunky turquoise ring (turquoise is also the 11th anniversary gemstone), a sculptural gold-fill necklace, or a personalized charm bracelet all land beautifully here.

Pro tip: If you’re planning something bigger, consider combining the steel theme with an experience — like a dinner at a restaurant with a stunning steel-and-glass design, or booking a trip to a city known for its architecture.

15th Anniversary Gifts (Crystal + Watches)

Fifteen years is a genuine milestone, and crystal is actually a lovely one to work with. It represents clarity, light, and the idea that your relationship has been refined over time — like something cut from rough stone into something that catches the light. The modern alternative, watches, is equally symbolic: time well spent.

Traditional idea: Crystal champagne flutes engraved with your names and anniversary date, a Waterford crystal vase, or a custom crystal map of the city where you got married. For a more personal take, some jewelers will set crystal into a ring or pendant.

Modern idea: A quality watch is genuinely one of the best gifts you can give. For him, brands like Seiko, Hamilton, or Tissot offer beautiful options in the $300–$600 range. For her, a classic gold-tone watch from Fossil or a splurge on a Cartier Tank (if the budget allows) never goes out of style.

Smart move: Pair the watch with an engraved message on the back. “15 years. Still my favorite.” is free to write and priceless to receive.

20th Anniversary Gifts (China + Platinum)

Two decades. That deserves real acknowledgment. The traditional gift is china, which circles back to an earlier theme — strength that looks delicate from the outside — and the modern gift is platinum, which is about as lasting as it gets.

Traditional idea: A beautiful piece of china you’ll actually use — a serving bowl, a set of soup plates, or a hand-painted platter from a small maker. If you already have china, consider a weekend away somewhere known for its ceramics and pottery traditions, like the Hudson Valley or coastal Maine.

Modern idea: Platinum jewelry is the obvious choice here, and a 20th anniversary is an excellent reason to upgrade or add to an existing ring stack. A platinum eternity band, a platinum pendant, or a custom piece with your wedding date set in stones are all worth considering. Expect to spend $500–$2,000+ depending on the piece and the stones involved.

Best for: Couples who love to entertain (china) or who want a lasting piece of jewelry to mark the occasion (platinum). Both feel appropriately significant for twenty years.

25th Anniversary Gifts (Silver)

The silver anniversary is the one people actually throw parties for — and rightly so. Twenty-five years of marriage is extraordinary, and silver has been the traditional material since the medieval German tradition that started this whole thing. Both the traditional and modern lists agree on silver here, which is rare and kind of perfect.

Gift ideas: Sterling silver jewelry is the most common route — a silver bracelet, a pair of earrings, or a silver pendant engraved with the date. For a more experiential take, consider a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go (silver-budget trip: think a long weekend in a beautiful city), or commission a custom piece of silver art from an independent maker.

Watch out for: Generic “25th anniversary” gifts that feel mass-produced. The silver theme is common enough that there’s a lot of forgettable merchandise out there. Go custom, go personal, or go experiential — anything that shows you thought about this specific person and this specific twenty-five years.

Budget range: For a 25th anniversary, most couples spend $300–$1,000+, with many opting for a trip or experience rather than (or in addition to) a physical gift.

For more great anniversary gifts by year, you can use our handy infographic, below!

So, What Actually Matters?

After going through all of this, here’s the honest takeaway: the material is just a prompt. The best anniversary gifts aren’t the most on-theme ones — they’re the ones that show your partner you actually know them. A “paper” gift that references their favorite song will land harder than an expensive clock every single time.

Use the list as a jumping-off point, not a checklist. Mix traditional with modern. Throw the whole thing out if you want and write 15 things you love about them instead. There’s no wrong way to celebrate the fact that you chose each other — and kept choosing each other, year after year.

Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out our guide to traditional wedding vows — a lovely thing to revisit on any anniversary.

Wedding Anniversary Gift FAQ

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