All about Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Does anyone remember the times of old when couples would give each other gifts according to a chart? Corresponding to each year was a gift idea and you could use that as inspiration to get your gift.  It was a fun tradition of old, but is not used much anymore. We really think we should bring the trend back, though.  There are so many good ideas out there and using the inspiration makes it just that much more special. Let us give you a simple chart, and then we will go through each, break them down and give you some ideas! 1^st           Paper Anniversary 2^nd          Cotton Anniversary 3^rd           Leather Anniversary 4^th           Silk Anniversary 5^th           Wood Anniversary 6^th           Iron Anniversary 7^th           Bronze Anniversary 8^th           Electric Anniversary 9^th           Ceramic Anniversary 10^th         Tin Anniversary 11^th         Steel Anniversary 12^th        Linen Anniversary 13^th         Lace Anniversary 14^th         Ivory Anniversary 15^th         Crystal Anniversary 20^th         China Anniversary 25^th        Silver Anniversary 30^th         Pearl Anniversary 35^th         Coral Anniversary 40^th         Ruby Anniversary 45^th         Sapphire Anniversary 50^th        Golden Anniversary 55^th Jade Anniversary 60^th Diamond Anniversary Alright, so there you have a chart.  We will add a pinnable image, so you can print or save this for future gifts.  We think this will really help you come up with some awesome gifts!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1st          Paper Anniversary

1. A watercolor painting

Watercolor paintings are a beautiful addition to any home.  Find a local artist, or one via Etsy and send them a photo of your wedding day, or any other favorite.  Let them paint it for you on a beautiful thick paper. 2nd        Cotton Anniversary

1. A canvas

Nowadays, canvases are the new way to hang art.   Long gone are the days of framed photos.  You can now send a photo of yourself to be made into a canvas and it is a beautiful look and texture for your home.  This is made of cotton so it is perfect! 3rd         Leather Anniversary

1. A gorgeous leather watch

This is perfect for both men and women! You can get a leather banded watch in any color and it is a great gift that anyone will enjoy. 4th         Silk Anniversary

1. Silk scarf

A silk scarf is a beautiful addition to any woman’s wardrobe.  Consider something luxurious to be a gift to keep for years to come!

2. A blanket

A silk or linen blanket is something both men and women would love.  It is a beautiful idea to keep as a decoration in your home, too! 5th         Wood Anniversary

1. Anniversary box

Get a nice wooden box, add a bottle of wine to it and put it away for next year.  Each of you write a letter to the other and add it to the box.  Next year, read the letters and enjoy the wine! 6th         Iron Anniversary

1. Home Plaque

A gorgeous plaque to place at the entrance of your home is a great idea for a gift.  Have your family name and year it was established engraved on an iron plaque and hang it with pride at the front of your house for years to come! 7th         Bronze Anniversary

1. Outdoor Chime

If you are an outdoor, garden person, get a chime! Tell your spouse that every time it rings, it will be reminder of how much you love them.  This is a beautiful addition to your home! 8th         Electric Anniversary

1. A new Laptop or cell phone

This may not be one of the most romantic, but we can throw in some practical ideas every now and then! A new laptop or cell phone is something your spouse will love and use for a few years.  If you gift a laptop, maybe gift a DVD or Netflix subscription with it to watch a romantic movie together! 9th         Ceramic Anniversary

1. Engraved Flower Pot

Some personalization companies will make you a beautiful flower pot that you can engrave.  Write a lovely message to your spouse, buy a nice plant, and you have a perfect gift! 10th       Tin Anniversary

1. Wine Cooler

Tin wine coolers are perfect for outdoor parties.  If you are not a wine person, you can even use it for soda or water bottles.  It is a nice piece for your home and will last a long time to remind you of making it to year TEN! 11th       Steel Anniversary

1. Wallet Bottle Opener

This one is for the guys! They make little bottle openers of steel that are the size of a credit card.  You can get it engraved with a personalized message that always reminds him of you! 12th       Linen Anniversary

1. Message in a Bottle

Have a beautiful message in a bottle created (or DIY!).  Get a lovely bottle and write a letter on a linen piece of paper.  It will be a memorable and gorgeous keepsake!

2. Linen shirt or dress

Something that will not last quite as long or have such a meaningful touch, but a nice linen shirt for guys or a linen dress for the ladies is a nice addition to anyone’s closet and will look lovely! 13th       Lace Anniversary

1. Lace Etched Vase

This is a pretty one for the ladies! There are so many nice glass vases out there and so many have engraved lace on them.  Such a lovely touch to any home!

2. A Lace Dress

You can go sexy or classy on this one, but a lace dress is something that will make every woman feel gorgeous.  Consider a long classic dress or a short, flirty one for date nights! Whatever you do, make sure to get a gift receipt in case of size issues! 14th       Ivory Anniversary

1. Authentic Chessboard

Purchase an authentic ivory chessboard.  It may be a bit pricey, but it will be a lovely thing to do with your spouse and a wonderful conversation piece in your home!

2. Ivory Cheeseboard

True ivory makes gorgeous cheeseboards that are a perfect home piece.  They are a great gift and something you two can enjoy with some delicious cheese and a glass of wine! 15th       Crystal Anniversary

1. Engraved Crystal Clock

There are so many lovely crystal clocks out there.  Consider one that you can engrave, write a special message, or add your wedding date to.  You have reached a huge milestone, make it one to remember! 20th       China Anniversary

1. A gorgeous dish

You can go so many routes with this one.  There is a regular glass china plate.  Or you can do something in a metal that is more durable and just for décor.  You can engrave it, or just buy a pretty piece that is meaningful to you both.  There are so many ways you can use this anniversary! 25th       Silver Anniversary

1. A necklace

For a guy or girl, a necklace is a lovely reminder of your big day.  You can take it further and place the birthstone of the month you got married.  Or engrave it with your wedding date.  Choose something that is meaningful to you.  There are so many designs and options, do not choose something generic! Your spouse will appreciate it that much more! 30th       Pearl Anniversary

1. A Single Strand

One of the most romantic gifts out there- a single strand of pearls! It is a classy, forever gift that women will cherish for the rest of their lives!

2. Pearl Shoes

Not as classic, a little more modern, is to gift a pair of shoes (or maybe a purse!) with pearls on it.  They are casual and fun, but still have the important feature- pearls! 35th       Coral Anniversary

1. Coral Matching Mugs!

The last few big gifts have been so serious.  Consider something a little more lighthearted.  Maybe a matching Mr. & Mrs. mug set in a gorgeous coral color.  If you get it online, you can probably get it personalized, too!

2. Memory Box

For a more serious gift, consider a gorgeous memory box.  Have it engraved in a coral color, or add a coral touch in another way.  Add sweet mementos from the years past.  It will be the gift of a lifetime! 40th       Ruby Anniversary

1. A heart pendant

A ruby heart is so romantic and thoughtful.  When choosing a pendant, consider what your lady is like.  Is she the type who likes big pendants or little? There are many different kinds so figure out what she will love most and go out and get that for her.  She will wear it with pride! 45th       Sapphire Anniversary

1. Sapphire Ring

Another gorgeously romantic gift.  A sapphire is such a pretty stone that every lady loves.  Consider replicating your engagement ring and placing a sapphire in the center instead of a diamond.  It would be such a lovely touch! 50th       Golden Anniversary

1. Matching Champagne Flutes

Half a century! You need to toast to that! Get gold, matching champagne flutes and use them! Celebrate the love that has brought you this far!

2. A pendant

A gold pendant is something for every day use that will also be a reminder of years past.  Consider a heart or another meaningful symbol. 55th       Jade Anniversary

1. Jade Paper Weight

There are so many lovely paper weights out there where the stone is a deep green jade.  It is a beautiful piece for your desk or home.

2. Personalized Book Ends

Another beautiful desk piece, some jade bookends will look lovely in your home.  Write your name on either piece and tell your spouse that you cannot live without them! 60th       Diamond Anniversary

1. Earrings

A lovely touch for any lady is a new pair of shiny diamond earrings.  Consider a matching pendant or ring… or both! You have made it to your 60^th anniversary! What a feat!

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Congrats on a love well spent and enjoyed!

You can go in so many routes with this! If you are a spouse, you have a bunch of options here.  If you are son, daughter, or friend looking for something for your parents or another important couple in your life, these are great ideas to get you going.  Some might be more personal than others, but they are all great options for any couple in your life. These are all the traditional gift options.  They are classic, timeless pieces that as a couple, you will love.  Coming up soon, we will be sharing the more modern version of these gifts! Every year has a traditional gift and a modern one and in case you do not like one, or think it is special enough, you can choose the other.  Both are always gorgeous ideas that are full of memories and lovely for any occasion. You choose what will be best for your anniversary and your life. And you know what? If you decide to go off the charts for one anniversary (you liked that?!), it is not the end of the world! Give your spouse, mom/dad, couple friend, what you think THEY would love best.  Or maybe something else you found is more memorable or thoughtful.  Whatever the case may be, remember this is about making the other person happy, not following a book of rules.  Take what you want, leave what you do not, and enjoy the rest! Congrats on making it this far in your marriage… wherever you are in it! Do you follow these guidelines in buying gifts for your spouse? Do you have any other ideas for any of these big gifts? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this!  There are so many options, and we know if we all put our heads together, we can think of some amazing things!