Anniversary gifts by year: traditional & modern anniversary gifts

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable, special occasions of your life and it should be commemorated every year. An anniversary is almost like an annual renewal of your commitment to one another, so it deserves a meaningful present and each wedding anniversary has its' own theme to help narrow down your options.

Guide to Anniversary gifts

Before we dive into specific ideas, here’s a guide to the traditional and modern gift themes for each anniversary year. The 1^st anniversary is one of the most important, but as the years go on, the gifts get more extravagant.

1^st year: Paper & Clocks

Kicking off the first anniversary is the traditional gift - paper - and the modern gift - clocks. Paper is the theme of the first anniversary because it’s fragile like the early stages of marriage, but can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Shifting to the modern theme, clocks represent the passing of time and shows how time is precious. For paper, you could give your partner a monogramed letter writing set or treat them to a trip or experience where you can print out the tickets! For clocks, a statement clock for your home is a lovely idea, or choose them a beautiful new watch – more on this for the 15^th year anniversary. Shop Watches >

5^th year: Wood & Silverware

For the 5^th anniversary, wood and silverware are the traditional and modern gifts. Though it might seem like a strange anniversary gift, wood represents the solidarity of marriage and is inspired by the strength of trees. Surprisingly, there are lots wooden anniversary gift ideas - think picture frames, a cheese board or even some furniture. Silverware is far simpler and something like our silver cufflinks is a practical gift that will be used everyday.

10th year: Tin & Diamond jewellery

Like wood, tin is a bit of an odd choice, but tin symbolises strength which is why it marks 10 years of marriage. The modern choice is diamond jewellery which is much easier to buy for! A classic stone that suits everyone, a pair of diamond studs or a beautiful diamond band are timeless gifts for any jewellery lover. Shop Diamond Jewellery >

15^th year: Crystal & Watches

The 15^th anniversary year is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated! The traditional gift is crystal, a luxurious gift chosen for its clarity. Crystals are delicate but sturdy and due to their transparency, they represent how couples see each other clearly. Crystals look beautiful in jewellery so a crystal pendant or set of earrings would perfectly signify your relationship. Similarily to clocks for the 1^st anniversary, watches symbolise the passing of time. A classic watch is a beautiful addition to your everyday wardrobe and complete any work, casual or evening look. Shop Crystal Jewellery >

20^th year: Porcelain & Platinum

On to another big anniversary, the 20^th year is represented by porcelain and platinum. Porcelain or china symbolise the delicate, fragile nature of love. Platinum is the modern alternative due to its durability. Platinum is a great jewellery material which creates stunning accessories and is a popular choice for wedding rings. Shop Platinum Jewellery >

25^th year: Sterling silver

In the 25^th year the traditional and modern gifts are the same. Sterling silver is timeless and reflects the brilliance and longevity of your marriage. The silver tradition began during the Middle Ages, where men would gift their wives’ wreaths of silver. Silver cufflinks, rings or any kind of jewellery make a meaningful anniversary gift that will last for years to come (just like your marriage)! Shop Sterling Silver Jewellery >

30^th year: Pearl & Diamond

You’ve made it to the big 3 0! The 30^th year dives into more traditional gemstones - pearls and diamonds. Pearls are rare gemstones and a symbol of hidden beauty. Cultivated over time from molluscs, pearls initially appear closed off and secretive, but once they’re opened up, you find something precious inside. Pearls give off a vintage looking feel which is why they’re such classic gemstones in jewellery - a simple string of pearls looks great with a little black dress, or a smart suit set. Alternatively, diamonds are the modern choice. We already had diamonds for the 10^th wedding anniversary but 20 years down the line, you and your partner deserve a sparkling upgrade, like new diamond jewellery! Shop Pearl Jewellery >

35^th year: Coral & Jade

The 35^th year has more fun unusual gift picks. Coral is a precious and protected substance which is believed to be magical and protect you against danger and sickness. Jade is the modern alternative, similar to coral in its vibrancy and environmentally friendly properties. Jade is a bright green gemstone that catches the light from every angle. They’re quite rare in jewellery but uncut and unpolished jade looks gorgeous hanging on a necklace.

40^th year: Ruby

From the 40^th year onwards, the traditional and modern gifts are the same. This helps you narrow down your present options and from here on, each year is represented by a gemstone or a metal – perfectly for jewellery lovers! Ruby is the 40^th anniversary theme and its rich red colour is associated with love. Despite their bright hues, rubies are extremely versatile. They work well alongside cool silvers or warm golds and as a member of the big 4 gemstones – diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire – they look great with other gemstones that are more muted or colourless. A ruby ring is a beautiful option that’s meaningful and can act as a second engagement ring, especially if you’re thinking of renewing your vows! Shop Ruby Jewellery >

45^th year: Sapphire

Sapphires symbolise royalty, wisdom, faithfulness, and sincerity – and now that you’ve made it to the 45^th year, you and your other half embody all these things! While sapphires come in lots of colours, it’s the blue variety that you’re going to want to champion. Sapphires make beautiful gifts and look glagorgeoys stacked next to other colours and gems. In particular, diamonds and pearls are sapphires’ best friends – think Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Shop Sapphire Jewellery >

50^th year: Gold

You’ve made it to 50 and the best way to celebrate is with some gold! The tradition of giving gold is medieval, where wives were lavished with gold wreaths to commemorate the anniversary. A precious metal – and one of the most popular jewellery materials – gold is symbolic of prosperity and strength. Shop Gold Jewellery >

55^th year: Emerald

The 55^th wedding anniversary is all about mesmerising emeralds. The bold green gemstones are linked to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and hope. Representing loyalty, security and peace, emeralds make the perfect choice to celebrate 55 years of marriage and look particularly beautiful in gold settings. Shop Emerald Jewellery >

60^th year: Diamond

The final year on our list is the 60^th, the year of the diamond. Firstly, congratulations on this incredible milestone! Diamonds are made under pressure and after many years of marriage, your love - like the diamond - is invincible. Diamond jewellery is a traditional and meaningful gift that will be a treasured part of someone's jewellery collection. Shop Diamond Jewellery >