An anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the love you share. Gifts based on tradition are an excellent way to imbue meaning into the milestone.
From the traditional gift of paper to the modern gift of clocks, there are many ways to show your love this year. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
First Anniversary
The first anniversary is all about celebrating your love for one another. A romantic candle-lit dinner and bubbly come to mind for most couples. Gift-giving is a great way to mark this milestone date, but finding something special that your partner will truly cherish can be difficult.
A paper theme can be a great option for your first anniversary. You can choose a simple card or frame a beautiful photo from your wedding day. You can also give a unique keepsake like this origami crane or a handmade framed poem that your partner will cherish forever.
Silver is traditionally associated with the first anniversary, so a silver-framed picture of you and your spouse might be the perfect gift for this milestone occasion. Alternatively, you can opt for something green and symbolic like these lovely fern or succulent terrariums.
Second Anniversary
Cotton is the traditional gift for the second anniversary, symbolizing the strength and comfort of a loving relationship. Consider giving your beloved a monogrammed cotton bath set or robe, a framed map with push pins to mark the cities you’ve traveled together, or even this artisanal ceramic porcelain ornament set inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Garnets, a deep red stone associated with the second anniversary, are also a great choice to honor this milestone year. Or, go for a flower that symbolizes love like this lily of the valley bouquet.
Another fun idea is this engraved picture plaque that includes the date of their wedding. It’s both functional and stylish, making it something they will treasure forever. And, it’s a great alternative to a traditional photo frame. A photo of them on their special day will make this an even more thoughtful anniversary gift.
Third Anniversary
Three years into marriage is a significant milestone that deserves to be celebrated. The traditional gift for this anniversary is leather, which symbolizes the durability, strength, warmth and resilience that develop in a marriage after three years together.
Other than leather, a gemstone such as jade or moonstone can also make an excellent third wedding anniversary gift. Some believe that these gemstones have the ability to drain misfortunes from a person’s life and are said to encourage love, fidelity and stability.
Sunflowers are another classic gift for the third anniversary, and a gorgeous bouquet of these cheerful flowers will brighten up any home. Fuchsia flowers are another option that represent love and amiability. If you’d rather opt for a more modern anniversary theme, crystal gifts make wonderful options as well. They can also be engraved with a personal message for added meaning.
Fourth Anniversary
For your fourth anniversary, stick with tradition with fruit and flowers, or give something unique that will spark a conversation. A gorgeous scented candle like this Seagrass and Linen Candle adds a sweet touch to any room, while a linen map picture captures the monumental moments of your relationship in a way that’s both stylish and sentimental.
Another fun option is a flower-inspired gift that continues to grow way after you give it. This DIY planter is crafted from layered wood shims that are personalized for a thoughtful touch.
For spouses who don’t enjoy perishable gifts, a modern fourth anniversary gift like a fruit-infused bar set or a personalised cutting board is a great way to celebrate your fourth year together.
Fifth Anniversary
Five years together is an important milestone, and a thoughtful gift can help celebrate the occasion. Traditional fifth anniversary gifts are wood, symbolizing sturdy bonds, while modern themes include silverware and sapphire jewelry.
Functional gifts that the couple can enjoy together are an excellent choice, such as a custom-engraved wood cutting board for grilling or a wooden jigsaw puzzle. An experiential gift, such as a wine tasting or cooking class, is also an exciting option.
For a unique gift idea, consider a personalized tree planting kit, in which you plant a real tree to commemorate their five years together. Another lovely option is a personalized heart-shaped bird feeder, which can be engraved with their initials. This beautiful and meaningful gift is perfect for couples who love nature and the outdoors. It also shows how much you care about your relationship and understand their personality and needs.
Sixth Anniversary
Iron is the traditional sixth anniversary gift material and is symbolic of a marriage’s durability. It’s also a great reminder to always keep the fire burning and work together through the rough patches.
A wood-and-iron cocktail shaker is a creative and thoughtful gift that honors their love of cocktails. It can even be personalized with their wedding date for an added special touch.
A mango wood ring holder is another thoughtful 6th wedding anniversary gift idea that will remind them of their special day for years to come. It also makes a beautiful display for their jewelry collection.
Seventh Anniversary
The seventh anniversary is a significant milestone in a marriage. Traditionally, the gift for this year is copper or wool, which represents the durability and sense of protection that a seven-year marriage provides.
If you’re going to stick with tradition, consider a one-of-a-kind copper bracelet. This is a stylish way to show your partner that you’ll always be there for them.
Modern seventh wedding anniversary gifts by year uk include desk sets and stationery, which may seem like a utilitarian choice, but they symbolize your pride in the work that you’ve done as a couple. Or, you could go all out and surprise your partner with a gorgeous bouquet of 35 high-quality roses arranged in an up-cycled coffee bag. This is a timeless gift that will make them swoon! You can also personalize this gift with your initials or a special date.
Eighth Anniversary
If the lovebirds in your life are jet-setters with a taste for the finer things, this passport cover is an anniversary gift idea that will really make them smile. It’s made from leather and can be custom engraved with the couple’s names and special date.
Although lilacs and clematis are traditionally used to mark the eighth anniversary, any flower that’s meaningful to the pair will suffice. For a more contemporary approach, opt for lace or linen gifts (like this embroidered canvas) that are both functional and beautifully decorative.
Do you have to stick to the traditional and modern anniversary themes? Absolutely not. But these guidelines are a great place to start when searching for the perfect present. Find a wedding anniversary gift for the couple in your life that truly celebrates their relationship and will stand the test of time.
Ninth Anniversary
A nine-year marriage requires a lot of stability and flexibility. That’s what traditional ninth anniversary gifts like pottery and willow represent, and modern gifts like leather can also be a great fit.
Give her a unique and practical gift she’ll enjoy using with a custom message or a favorite photo. She’ll love having this hand-stamped leather bookmark on her bookshelf or bedside table.
For your ninth wedding anniversary, consider giving her a piece of jewelry featuring lapis lazuli, the gemstone traditionally associated with this anniversary. This beautiful stone is thought to promote wisdom, honesty, and harmony — all things encouraged in a stable marriage. You could also opt for a botanical-themed piece, like this bird of paradise plant, which symbolizes joy and paradise found. It’s a great alternative to the more common roses for your nine-year anniversary.
Tenth Anniversary
For many couples, the tenth anniversary is a major milestone. It’s a time to celebrate all the hard work, commitment and patience that has gone into making a marriage successful.
Unlike other milestone wedding anniversaries that feature gems, the traditional gift for the tenth anniversary is actually tin or aluminum. It’s a strong material that represents the durability of a long-lasting marriage.
Other classic gifts for the tenth anniversary include a tin photo frame, an engraved anniversary keepsake box or a set of engraved copper wine tumblers. Floral-inspired gifts are also a popular choice, as they symbolize the freshness of the relationship. This includes a spring throw pillow or daffodil artwork. Other upscale gifts may be an upgrade from the wedding registry, such as additional dish place settings or larger cookware. These upgrades should be thoughtful and reflect the current state of the marriage.