Wedding anniversaries are more than just a date on a calendar — they are milestones that celebrate love, commitment and shared experiences. Each anniversary is a testament to endurance and growth, and what better way to honor that journey than with a thoughtful gift? From celebrating the first year to the 60th, the perfect custom gift that considers the traditions of the year will bring more meaning to the anniversary, helping to mark the special occasion in a unique way. So, whether you’re buying for your partner or searching for anniversary gifts for parents, here are 15 wedding anniversary gift ideas by year to inspire you.
Source: via VistaPrint
Table of Contents
- Traditional significance of anniversary gifts
- Wedding anniversary gift ideas by year
- 1st anniversary: Paper
- 2nd anniversary: Cotton
- 3rd anniversary: Leather
- 4th anniversary: Fruit and flowers
- 5th anniversary: Wood
- 9th anniversary: Pottery
- 10th anniversary: Aluminum
- 20th anniversary: China
- 25th anniversary: Silver
- 30th anniversary: Pearl
- 40th anniversary: Ruby
- 50th anniversary: Gold
- 53rd anniversary: Acrylic
- 54th anniversary: Glass
- 60th anniversary: Diamond
- Modern gift alternatives
- How to choose the perfect gift
- What to write inside an anniversary card
Traditional significance of anniversary gifts
Anniversary gifts have a rich historical significance, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire when husbands would crown their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on their 50th. This tradition has evolved over centuries, leading to the development of both traditional and modern anniversary gifts. These gifts symbolize the different stages of marriage, from the delicate beginnings represented by paper to diamonds symbolizing the enduring strength of 60 years.
Source: Wedding anniversary balloon via VistaPrint
Personalized gifts add a thoughtful touch to anniversaries, reflecting the personal journey the married couple has taken so far. It’s this blend of tradition and customization that truly captures the essence of anniversary gifting. To inspire your gift of choice, we’ve selected anniversary gift ideas, from a photo book to celebrate year one to a metal print for the 10th anniversary.
Wedding anniversary gift ideas by year
1st anniversary: Paper
Paper is traditionally used to celebrate the first year of marriage, representing its delicate beginnings and the infinite possibilities it holds (like a blank page!). A photo book, a framed print or origami are some anniversary gift ideas to mark this important first milestone.
Source: Photo book via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Paper
- Modern gift: Clock
- Gift ideas: Photo book, wall poster, framed print, personalized paperboard puzzle, origami, custom calendar, books, personalized stationery and love letters
- Symbolism: A blank page, fresh beginnings and delicacy
2nd anniversary: Cotton
Gifts made from cotton, such as a canvas print or personalized towels, can be given to celebrate a second wedding anniversary. Cotton represents the warmth and comfort of the relationship two years in.
Source: Canvas print via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Cotton
- Modern gift: China
- Gift ideas: Canvas print, photo tiles, personalized towels, tote bags, custom T-shirts, custom pillowcases
- Symbolism: Comfort
Source: Canvas print via VistaPrint
3rd anniversary: Leather
Celebrating three years of marriage, leather symbolizes the durability and flexibility of a relationship that grows stronger and more resilient with time.
- Traditional gift: Leather
- Modern gift: Crystal or glass
- Gift ideas: Personalized leather wallet, custom leather journal, leather accessories
- Symbolism: Protection, durability and resilience
Source: Leather journal via VistaPrint
4th anniversary: Fruit and flowers
Marking the fourth year of marriage, fruit and flowers symbolize the blossoming and growth of the relationship, much like a plant nurtured with care.
- Traditional gift: Fruit and flowers
- Modern gift: Appliances
- Gift ideas: Floral arrangements, fruit baskets, plant subscriptions
- Symbolism: Growth and care
5th anniversary: Wood
Wood is used to celebrate five years of marriage, symbolizing a relationship that is becoming stronger and more grounded. Gift a wood print or a custom wood cutting board to mark a fifth wedding anniversary.
Source: Wood print via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Wood
- Modern gift: Silverware
- Gift ideas: Wood print, personalized wooden frames, custom cutting boards, wooden jewelry box
- Symbolism: Stability and longevity
Source: Wood print via VistaPrint
9th anniversary: Pottery
Marking nine years of marriage, pottery signifies the molding and shaping of a marriage into something unique and enduring, crafted with love and effort. Pottery symbolizes the care, creativity and dedication required to shape a lasting and beautiful relationship.
- Traditional gift: Pottery
- Modern gift: Willow
- Gift ideas: Custom mugs, pottery plates, decorative vases
- Symbolism: Care, creativity and dedication
10th anniversary: Aluminum
Reaching the ten year mark, aluminum represents resilience and flexibility, celebrating a marriage that can bend without breaking through life’s challenges. A metal print of a favorite couple photo is the perfect way to mark this milestone anniversary.
Source: Metal print via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Aluminum
- Modern gift: Diamond jewelry
- Gift ideas: Metal print, personalized aluminum water bottle, custom jewelry
- Symbolism: Resilience and flexibility
20th anniversary: China
China is the traditional gift for the 20th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the delicate beauty and value of a marriage that has withstood two decades.
- Traditional gift: China
- Modern gift: Platinum
- Gift ideas: Custom china sets, personalized dishes, decorative vases
- Symbolism: Delicate beauty
25th anniversary: Silver
A quarter of a century married is commemorated with silver, symbolizing a humble brilliance, just like a marriage that has aged gracefully and become more precious over time.
Source: 25th wedding anniversary balloon via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Silver
- Modern gift: Silver jewelry
- Gift ideas: Personalized silver frames, custom jewelry, engraved silverware
- Symbolism: Brilliance and value
30th anniversary: Pearl
Pearls, representing hidden beauty and value, are the perfect gift for a 30th wedding anniversary, celebrating a relationship that has revealed its true worth over three decades.
Source: 30th wedding anniversary balloon via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Pearl
- Modern gift: Diamond
- Gift ideas: Pearl jewelry, custom pearl accessories
- Symbolism: Hidden beauty and value
40th anniversary: Ruby
Rubies, symbolizing passion and love, are used to mark 40 years of marriage, highlighting the deep and special bond shared by a couple over four decades.
Source: 40th wedding anniversary balloon via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Ruby
- Modern gift: Ruby jewelry
- Gift ideas: Custom ruby jewelry
- Symbolism: Passion and love
50th anniversary: Gold
The 50th wedding anniversary gift calls for gold, symbolizing prosperity and strength, much like the enduring and robust nature of a long-lasting union.
Source: 50th wedding anniversary balloon via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Gold
- Modern gift: Gold jewelry
- Gift ideas: Custom gold jewelry, personalized gold frames
- Symbolism: Prosperity, strength and endurance
53rd anniversary: Acrylic
Acrylic gifts are used to celebrate a 53rd wedding anniversary, symbolizing clarity and strength, reflecting the relationship’s transparency and resilience. An acrylic photo block of a treasured memory is the perfect personalized gift to commemorate all the years spent together.
Source: Acrylic photo blocks via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Acrylic
- Modern gift: Plastic
- Gift ideas: Acrylic photo block, custom acrylic keepsakes
- Symbolism: Clarity, strength and resilience
54th anniversary: Glass
Traditionally, glass represents the delicate and beautiful nature of marriage, so many couples give etched wine glasses personalized with the wedding date to celebrate a 54th wedding anniversary.
Source: Etched wine glasses via VistaPrint
- Traditional gift: Glass
- Modern gift: Zeolite
- Gift ideas: Etched wine glasses, custom glass cutting board, glass ornaments
- Symbolism: Fragile beauty
60th anniversary: Diamond
The 60th anniversary is celebrated with diamond gifts, symbolizing enduring strength, value and rarity, much like the unbreakable and precious bond of a six-decade-long marriage.
- Traditional gift: Diamond
- Modern gift: Diamond jewelry
- Gift ideas: Custom diamond jewelry or accessories
- Symbolism: Precious rarity
Modern gift alternatives
As times change, so do the preferences for anniversary gifts. While traditional gifts have their charm, modern alternatives often cater to contemporary tastes and lifestyles. For example, instead of sticking strictly to the traditional list, you might consider personalized tech or travel accessories like phone cases and luggage tags, spa days and even digital gifts.
How to choose the perfect gift
Selecting the ideal anniversary gift involves considering the recipient’s personality, interests and the shared relationship history. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect gift:
- Think personal: Personalized gifts add a sentimental touch that off-the-shelf gifts can’t match. Consider customizing a gift with a special date, a meaningful quote or a cherished photo.
- Combine traditional and modern: Don’t be afraid to mix traditional gifts with modern alternatives. For example, pair a traditional paper photo book with a digital alarm clock.
- Reflect on milestones: Consider gifts that reflect the marriage’s milestones. A framed print of a significant memory or place can mean more than a piece of jewelry, for example.
- Practicality meets sentiment: Choose gifts that are not only sentimental but also practical. Personalized housewares, home decor or even tech gadgets can make everyday life feel more special.
What to write inside an anniversary card
The message inside an anniversary greetings card is just as important as the gift. Send a custom greetings card for even more personal touch. Here are some suggestions for heartfelt and funny messages tailored to different recipients.
Source: Wedding anniversary card via VistaPrint
For your spouse
Short and sweet: “Happy Anniversary to the love of my life. Here’s to many more years of happiness together.”
Meaningful: “From our first date to today, every moment with you has been a blessing. Happy Anniversary, my love. I cherish every memory we’ve made and look forward to creating many more.”
Funny: “Happy Anniversary! You’re still my favorite person to annoy.”
Source: Wedding anniversary card via VistaPrint
For parents
Short and sweet: “Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Your love story is an inspiration.”
Meaningful: “To the best parents in the world, Happy Anniversary! Your love, commitment and support have been the foundation of our family. Here’s to celebrating your beautiful journey together.”
Funny: “Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Thanks for showing me what true love looks like… and for not disowning me during my teenage years.”
For friends
Short and sweet: “Happy Anniversary! Wishing you both a day filled with love and joy.”
Meaningful: “Congratulations on another year of love and happiness. Your relationship is a testament to what true love looks like. Here’s to many more years of togetherness!”
Funny: “Happy Anniversary! You two are proof that love is real… and that one of you is very, very patient!”
Personalized cards can enhance your message, allowing you to add photos, custom designs and unique touches that make your words even more special.
Celebrating love with the perfect gift
Thoughtful anniversary gifts celebrate the journey of a relationship, reflecting the milestones and memories shared along the way. Whether you stick to traditional gifts or explore modern alternatives, the key is to choose something that resonates with the unique bond shared. VistaPrint offers a wide range of custom gift options, making it easy to find the perfect way to mark each anniversary.
