Celebrating wedding anniversaries is a time-honoured tradition dating back to medieval times. Originally believed to bring blessings of prosperity, anniversary gifts have evolved over the years to blend traditional symbolism with modern interpretations. Wondering what gift represents each year of marriage? Curious about the symbolism behind each milestone? We’ve got you with this comprehensive guide to wedding anniversary gifts that covers both traditional and modern interpretations, helping you find the perfect, thoughtful, and unique gift for your loved one.
First Wedding Anniversary: Paper
Traditional Gift: Paper
The first year of marriage is symbolised by paper, representing the blank canvas of a couple’s life together. The intertwined threads within paper signify the strength and connectivity of a blossoming relationship. Gifts could include a cookbook for newlyweds, a custom illustration, or tickets to a special event.
Quote: “Paper is a reminder of natural growth and the organic nature of a marriage.”
Modern Twist: Clocks
A contemporary interpretation of the first-anniversary gift is a clock, symbolising eternal love. The ticking hands remind us of the preciousness of time and the endless moments that the couple will share.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Gold
- Customary Flowers: Orange blossoms or pansies
- Gemstone: Gold (though not technically a stone)
Related article: Destination Wedding Gift Ideas That Are Thoughtful & Affordable
Second Wedding Anniversary: Cotton
Traditional Gift: Cotton
The second wedding anniversary is marked with a gift of cotton. This material, composed of interwoven fibres, represents the couple growing closer and their lives becoming increasingly intertwined.
Quote: “Cotton, with its interlinked fibres, is a symbol of the couple growing closer and their lives becoming more intertwined.”
Modern Twist: China
The modern gift for the second anniversary is China. Its beauty and sophistication reflect an enduring union, reminding couples of the delicate balance between strength and fragility in their relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Red
- Traditional Flower: Lily of the valley
- Gemstone: Garnet
Third Wedding Anniversary: Leather
Traditional Gift: Leather
Leather, durable and protective, is the traditional gift marking the third year of marriage. It symbolises the resilience of the relationship and the protective bond that strengthens over time.
Quote: “Leather embodies the strength and resilience of a marriage, symbolising the protective bond that strengthens over time.”
Modern Twist: Crystal or Glass
The modern gift for the third anniversary is glass or crystal, symbolising love’s beautiful yet delicate nature.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: White
- Traditional Flower: Fuchsia
- Gemstone: Pearl
Fourth Wedding Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
Traditional Gift: Fruit or Flowers
The fourth anniversary is symbolised by fruit or flowers, indicating a relationship that is blooming and maturing.
Quote: “Fruit and flowers represent the blooming and maturing of a relationship, mirroring the natural growth and nourishment that characterise this stage of marriage.”
Modern Twist: Appliances
In a modern twist, appliances are the recommended gift for the fourth anniversary. They symbolise the simplification of life at home and free up time to nurture the relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Colours: Blue and green
- Gemstone: Blue topaz
- Flower: Geranium
Fifth Wedding Anniversary: Wood
Traditional Gift: Wood
Wood represents the fifth year of marriage, mirroring the strength, growth, and endurance of the marital bond.
Quote: “Wood, as a living, growing entity, is a powerful metaphor for the dynamic, evolving nature of a committed relationship.”
Modern Twist: Silverware
For a modern twist, silverware is the gift of choice for the fifth anniversary. Sharing meals together is a central aspect of family life, and new silverware symbolises the couple’s shared experiences.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colours: Blue and pink
- Gemstone: Sapphire
- Flower: Daisy
Sixth Wedding Anniversary: Candy or Iron
Traditional Gift: Candy or Iron
The sixth anniversary is symbolised by candy, representing the sweetness of love, or iron, symbolising the strength and durability of the relationship.
Quote: “Candy, with its sweet taste, mirrors the sweetness of love, while iron, with its strength, reflects the enduring nature of a committed relationship.”
Modern Twist: Wood
In a modern interpretation, wood is the gift for the sixth anniversary. This symbolises the relationship’s continuous growth and resilience.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colours: White, turquoise, or purple
- Gemstone: Amethyst
- Flower: Calla lily
Seventh Wedding Anniversary: Wool or Copper
Traditional Gift: Wool or Copper
The seventh anniversary is symbolised by wool, which provides warmth and comfort, or copper, which conducts heat, reflecting the warmth and love in the relationship.
Quote: “Wool provides warmth and comfort, while copper, as a conductor of heat, mirrors the warmth and love that have grown over seven years of marriage.”
Modern Twist: Desk Set
A desk set is a modern gift for the seventh anniversary. It symbolises support for each other’s work and shared goals.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Yellow
- Flower: Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Gemstone: Onyx
Eighth Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
Traditional Gift: Bronze
Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is the symbol for the eighth anniversary. It signifies the blend of two lives into a stronger, singular entity.
Quote: “Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, signifies the merging of two lives into a stronger, singular entity – much like eight years of marriage.”
Modern Twist: Linen or Lace
The modern gift for the eighth anniversary is linen or lace. These materials represent refinement and elegance in the relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Bronze
- Flower: Clematis
- Gemstone: Tourmaline
Ninth Wedding Anniversary: Pottery or Willow
Traditional Gift: Pottery or Willow
Pottery or willow signifies the ninth anniversary. Pottery, moulded into beautiful forms, represents a relationship that has been shaped and evolved over time, while willow, flexible yet strong, signifies resilience and adaptability.
Quote: “Pottery and willow, with their inherent qualities of strength, adaptability, and beauty, perfectly mirror a relationship that has been shaped and evolved over nine years.”
Modern Twist: Leather
Leather, with its durability and flexibility, is the modern gift for the ninth anniversary, reflecting the strength and adaptability of the relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Terracotta
- Flower: Poppy
- Gemstone: Lapis lazuli
Tenth Wedding Anniversary: Tin or Aluminium
Traditional Gift: Tin or Aluminium
Tin or aluminium, known for their resistance to corrosion and decay, are the symbols for the tenth anniversary. They represent the durability and resilience of a decade-long marriage.
Quote: “Tin or aluminium, known for their resistance to corrosion and decay, represent the durability and resilience of a decade-long marriage.”
Modern Twist: Diamond Jewellery
Diamonds, symbolising strength and everlasting love, are the modern gift for the tenth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Silver
- Flower: Daffodil
- Gemstone: Diamond
Eleventh Wedding Anniversary: Steel
Traditional Gift: Steel
Steel, known for its strength and durability, is the symbol for the eleventh anniversary. It reflects the solid, unyielding bond that has been forged over eleven years of marriage.
Quote: “Steel, known for its strength and durability, reflects the solid, unyielding bond that has been forged over eleven years of marriage.”
Modern Twist: Fashion Jewellery
Fashion jewellery is the modern gift for the eleventh anniversary, reflecting the beauty and elegance of the relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Turquoise
- Flower: Morning glory
- Gemstone: Turquoise
Twelfth Wedding Anniversary: Silk or Linen
Traditional Gift: Silk or Linen
Silk or linen, known for their luxury and refinement, are the symbols for the twelfth anniversary. They reflect the comfort and elegance that characterise a relationship after twelve years.
Quote: “Silk or linen, known for their luxury and refinement, reflect the comfort and elegance that characterise a relationship after twelve years.”
Modern Twist: Pearls
Pearls, symbolising wisdom and elegance, are the modern gift for the twelfth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Oyster white
- Flower: Peony
- Gemstone: Jade
Thirteenth Wedding Anniversary: Lace
Traditional Gift: Lace
Lace, with its intricate and delicate patterns, is the symbol for the thirteenth anniversary. It reflects the beauty and complexity of a thirteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Lace, with its intricate and delicate patterns, reflects the beauty and complexity of a thirteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Textiles or Furs
Textiles or furs, symbolising warmth and comfort, are the modern gift for the thirteenth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: White
- Flower: Hollyhock
- Gemstone: Citrine
Fourteenth Wedding Anniversary: Ivory
Traditional Gift: Ivory
Ivory, with its rarity and enduring beauty, is the symbol for the fourteenth anniversary. It represents the unique and precious nature of a fourteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Ivory, with its rarity and enduring beauty, represents the unique and precious nature of a fourteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Gold Jewellery
Gold jewellery, symbolising prosperity and strength, is the modern gift for the fourteenth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Opal
- Flower: Dahlia
- Gemstone: Opal
Fifteenth Wedding Anniversary: Crystal
Traditional Gift: Crystal
Crystal, known for its clarity and brilliance, is the symbol for the fifteenth anniversary. It reflects the clear understanding and sparkling joy of a fifteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Crystal, known for its clarity and brilliance, reflects the clear understanding and sparkling joy of a fifteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Watches
Watches, symbolising the precious passage of time, are the modern gift for the fifteenth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Ruby red
- Flower: Rose
- Gemstone: Ruby
Sixteenth Wedding Anniversary: Wax
Traditional Gift: Wax
Wax, known for its malleability and capacity to hold a flame, is the symbol for the sixteenth anniversary. It reflects the adaptability and enduring passion of a sixteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Wax, known for its malleability and capacity to hold a flame, reflects the adaptability and enduring passion of a sixteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Silver Hollowware
Silver hollowware, symbolising elegance and refinement, is the modern gift for the sixteenth anniversary.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colours: Silver and emerald green
- Flower: Statice
- Gemstone: Peridot
Seventeenth Wedding Anniversary: Furniture
Traditional Gift: Furniture
Furniture, reflecting the comfort and stability of a home, is the symbol for the seventeenth anniversary. It represents the home that has been built and shared over seventeen years of marriage.
Quote: “Furniture, reflecting the comfort and stability of a home, represents the shared home that has been built over seventeen years of marriage.”
Modern Twist: Furniture
Furniture also serves as the modern gift for the seventeenth anniversary, underlining the importance of a comfortable, shared living space in a long-term relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Yellow
- Flower: Red carnation
- Gemstone: Carnelian
Eighteenth Wedding Anniversary: Porcelain
Traditional Gift: Porcelain
Porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and resilience, is the symbol for the eighteenth anniversary. It reflects the enduring elegance and strength of an eighteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and resilience, reflects the enduring elegance and strength of an eighteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Porcelain
Porcelain also serves as the modern gift for the eighteenth anniversary, emphasising the delicate balance and enduring beauty of a long-term relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Blue
- Flower: Blue rose
- Gemstone: Cat’s eye
Nineteenth Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
Traditional Gift: Bronze
Bronze, a strong and resilient alloy, is the symbol for the nineteenth anniversary. It represents the strength and durability of a nineteen-year marriage.
Quote: “Bronze, a strong and resilient alloy, represents the strength and durability of a nineteen-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Bronze
Bronze also serves as the modern gift for the nineteenth anniversary, underlining the strength and resilience of a long-term relationship.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Bronze
- Flower: Bronze mum
- Gemstone: Aquamarine
Twentieth Wedding Anniversary: China
Traditional Gift: China
China, known for its delicate beauty and sophistication, is the symbol for the twentieth anniversary. It reflects the elegance and enduring beauty of a twenty-year marriage.
Quote: “China, known for its delicate beauty and sophistication, reflects the elegance and enduring beauty of a twenty-year marriage.”
Modern Twist: Platinum
Platinum, a rare and valuable metal, serves as the modern gift for the twentieth anniversary, symbolising the preciousness and durability of a twenty-year marriage.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Green
- Flower: Daylily
- Gemstone: Emerald
Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary: Silver
Traditional Gift: Silver
Silver is indeed the traditional gift for the 25th anniversary, symbolising harmony and reflection of the years together.
Modern Twist: Silver
Silver remains the modern gift for the 25th anniversary, emphasising its enduring elegance and significance.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Silver
- Flower: Iris
- Gemstone: Silver jubilee or Tsavorite
Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary: Pearl
Traditional Gift: Pearl
Pearl is traditionally associated with the 30th anniversary, symbolising beauty, purity, and wisdom gained over time.
Modern Twist: Diamond
Diamonds are often considered the modern gift for the 30th anniversary, symbolising strength and resilience in a lasting marriage.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Green
- Flower: Sweet pea
- Gemstone: Pearl
Fortieth Wedding Anniversary: Ruby
Traditional Gift: Ruby
Ruby is traditionally given for the 40th anniversary, symbolising passion, love, and romance that have endured over four decades.
Modern Twist: Ruby
Ruby remains the modern gift for the 40th anniversary, emphasising its timeless appeal and significance.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Ruby red
- Flower: Nasturtium
- Gemstone: Ruby
Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary: Gold
Traditional Gift: Gold
Gold is traditionally celebrated for the 50th anniversary, symbolising strength, wealth, and prosperity in a half-century of marriage.
Modern Twist: Gold
Gold also remains the modern gift for the 50th anniversary, highlighting its enduring value and cherished memories.
Colours, Flowers, and Stones:
- Traditional Colour: Gold
- Flower: Yellow rose or violet
- Gemstone: Golden jubilee or Imperial topaz
