The Symbolism of Anniversary Gifts by Year
There is something profoundly beautiful about the passage of time, especially when it comes to celebrating a wedding anniversary. Each year spent together is marked by shared experiences, overcome challenges, and joys multiplied. To honor this sacred time span, each year is associated with its own set of symbolic gifts, both traditional and modern.
There is something profoundly beautiful about the passage of time, especially when it comes to celebrating a wedding anniversary. Each year spent together is marked by shared experiences, overcome challenges, and joys multiplied. To honor this sacred time span, each year is associated with its own set of symbolic gifts, both traditional and modern.
Major Milestone Anniversaries
1st Anniversary: Paper
Modern Alternative: Clocks
Kick off your first year as newlyweds by exchanging the traditional gift of paper, which symbolizes the blank pages awaiting your love story. Commission a custom paper sculpture of your wedding ceremony locale, pen a romantic poem in a leather-bound journal, or grab a unique card organizer box. For a modern twist, gift each other timepieces to help you savor every newlywed minute together. An elegant his-and-hers watch set or antique mantel clock makes a timeless present.
5th Anniversary: Wood
Modern Alternative: Silverware
After half a decade of devotion, celebrate your sturdy foundations by incorporating the traditional 5th-anniversary gift of wood. Surprise your spouse with handcrafted wood home decor pieces or engrave a wooden cutting board with a meaningful message, your wedding date, or the coordinates of your wedding location. The modern 5th-year gift of silverware beautifully represents the countless meals and memories you've shared over the past 5 years. Complement a sleek new silverware set with coasters reminding you that your glass is always half full!
10th Anniversary: Tin/Aluminum
Modern Alternative: Diamond Jewelry
A decade of marriage is a huge accomplishment. The traditional symbol of tin or aluminum for the 10th anniversary can be recognized with unique aluminum house decor or something smaller like a magnet with a sweet quote or message. Or give a nod to the modern 10th-anniversary gift of diamond jewelry with sparkling pieces like diamond stud earrings. No matter how you recognize this major milestone, diamonds, and tin both represent an enduring, strong-as-steel marriage.
15th Anniversary: Crystal
Modern Alternative: Watches
Crystal's delicate beauty is a fitting traditional gift for celebrating 15 years of clear understanding and vision as a couple. Watches - the modern 15th year gift - remind you to cherish every minute together. Whether you gift something more traditional or modern, celebrating 15 years of marriage is a very special moment.
20th Anniversary: China
Modern Alternative: Platinum
The traditional 20th-anniversary gift for two decades of devotion is china. Whether you splurge on fine bone china place settings or keep it casual and fun with unique mugs, you can be proud and celebrate that your relationship has officially gone platinum, which is the modern gift for this year. Platinum represents 20 years of a union that has shined brilliantly and continues to be strong. Cement your 20-year bond with platinum couple's bracelets or new platinum wedding bands.
25th Anniversary: Sterling Silver
The traditional and modern gifts for a love that has lasted 25 years deserve to be celebrated with a precious and valuable metal- silver. While gifts can range all across the board for this important day, some unique ideas include silver jewelry, silver home decor, or experience gifts like a couples massage.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Modern Alternative: Diamond
Three decades of marriage produces a bond as rich and luxurious as pearls - making them a perfect traditional 30th-anniversary gift. Adorn your spouse with a pearl strand or indulge in pearl-accented home decor like bowls or frames. If you prefer diamonds, you can't go wrong with modern 30th-year diamond jewelry like eternity bands.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
40 years is all about rubies and represents the flame of romance that is still burning strong after 40 years. Ruby cocktail rings or pendants beautifully capture your marriage's vivid spark. Rubies are also said to bring good fortune, courage, and protection, which are all great things to bring with you into your next 40 (or more!) years of marriage! For the quintessential traditional ruby anniversary gift, take your love on a reminiscent trip to rekindle the magic.
50th Anniversary: Gold
50 years deserves to be represented by something desirable, classic, and luxe. Which is why this is known as the golden anniversary. Gold shows the prosperity, wisdom, strength, and significance of 50 years together. Whether you want to go big and present her with actual gold-dipped roses or go a more personalized route with a carefully selected poem written inside a beautiful golden card, no matter how you recognize this gilded affair, 50 years will definitely feel like your golden anniversary.
60th Anniversary: Diamond
Your love has endured six full decades, an achievement as rare and valuable as diamonds themselves. What better traditional and modern 60th-anniversary gift than brilliant diamond jewelry to represent your powerful bond? Indulge her with new diamond earrings, or treat yourselves to a diamond-accented anniversary band set. Either way, let this precious stone symbolize your perpetual, evergreen devotion.
Whether you are celebrating 5 years or 50, Leanin' Tree's heartfelt anniversary cards and gifts perfectly capture the symbolic meanings of each milestone year's gifts. Browse all of our cards and gifts to honor your marriage's unique journey.
