A Simple Guide To Wedding Anniversary Names and Ideas on What Gifts to Send to Celebrate Milestones

One of the loveliest parts of married life is having someone to cherish and to treat for years to come. Whether it’s your first anniversary or your fiftieth, marking the occasion with a thoughtful gift adds meaning to the day and strengthens the bond you’ve built. Throughout history, couples have followed a charming tradition of giving themed gifts to celebrate each year of marriage.

Each anniversary is associated with a specific material, starting with humble paper and progressing through increasingly precious items like wood, crystal, and gold. These symbolic materials reflect a marriage's growing strength and value over time. The best part? You don’t need to have started this tradition on your wedding night.

Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for decades, it’s never too late to incorporate traditional anniversary gifts into your celebrations. You might even find that revisiting past anniversaries gives you the perfect excuse to plan a surprise or two. So whether you're shopping for your partner, helping a friend plan a surprise, or just indulging in a bit of romantic inspiration, this guide is full of creative ideas designed to spark joy.

Years 1-9: The Honeymoon Chapter

These early years of marriage are often filled with exploration, growth, and shared experiences. From establishing your home to planning adventures or simply learning how to be a team, they’re an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Gifts during this time are often simple, symbolic, and sentimental; perfect for couples still discovering each other.

Year One - Paper

Paper might sound like a modest beginning, but it holds so much potential for meaning. It represents a blank page, a fresh start, just like the first chapter of married life. A handwritten love letter is one of the most heartfelt and timeless ways to honour this tradition. Or go a step further and craft a memory book filled with keepsakes from your first year together. Other thoughtful options include framed prints of your wedding vows, personalised stationery, a romantic poetry anthology, or a weekend getaway. You could also frame your original wedding invitation or a photo from the big day, beautifully presented with a custom message.

Year Two - Cotton

Symbolising comfort and strength, cotton gifts are all about softness, warmth, and the growing closeness between you. For a luxurious touch, invest in high-thread-count cotton bedding or a set of plush robes for cozy mornings together. A custom cotton cushion embroidered with your wedding date or initials is another sweet option. If fashion is more their style, consider a tailored cotton shirt or a chic summer dress.

Year Three - Leather

Leather represents durability and resilience, much like the foundation you’ve built together by your third year of marriage. A classic leather wallet, handbag, watch strap, or personalised leather journal makes for an elegant and practical gift. For those who prefer experiences, book a leather-crafting workshop where you can make gifts for one another. And if your partner avoids animal products, there are excellent faux-leather alternatives.

Year Four - Linen

Light and breathable, linen symbolises clarity and freshness, a reflection of the continued growth in your relationship. Gift ideas include high-quality linen tableware, relaxed loungewear, or embroidered napkins for hosting romantic dinners at home. You could also take a more creative approach by wrapping a meaningful present in linen fabric.

Year Five - Wood

Your fifth anniversary marks a significant milestone, and wood is the perfect symbol with its strength and natural beauty. Wooden gifts range from elegant home décor pieces and engraved photo frames to more ambitious options like handcrafted furniture. A personalised chopping board or clock carved with your initials can be both functional and sentimental. For nature lovers, plan a woodland retreat.

Year Six - Iron

Iron symbolises protection and strength, ideal for a couple that’s weathered life’s ups and downs and has become stronger. Functional and decorative, iron gifts can include wall art, personalised house signs, or unique iron candle holders. If you’re into home improvement, this could be the perfect excuse to invest in a new wrought-iron garden bench or fire pit, something to enjoy for years to come.

Year Seven - Copper

Known for its conductive properties, copper is often associated with warmth, healing, and connection. There’s plenty of room for creativity with this one, think copper cookware, a personalised copper bracelet, or a decorative lantern to brighten up your evenings. If you want to turn this into an experience, book a spa resort known for its copper soaking tubs.

Year Eight - Bronze

Bronze is made by blending copper and tin, symbolising the union of two elements to create something stronger. It’s a beautiful metaphor for eight years of marriage. Bronze bookends are a great pick for a partner who loves to read. You can explore options like vintage-style décor, a bronze necklace or bracelet, or even an antique sculpture.

Year Nine - Pottery

Your relationship has been carefully shaped over time by your ninth anniversary, much like pottery. It reflects both creativity and resilience. Handmade pottery pieces make for sentimental, meaningful gifts. Look for a ceramic vase or dish in your partner’s favourite colours, or find a local artisan to create a custom piece. For a shared activity, sign up for a pottery-making class together. Many studios offer date-night sessions, and some allow you to bring your wine to make the evening even more special.

Years 10-15: Growing Deeper Together

These middle years are often full of busy schedules, career growth, and family life, which is why it’s so important to carve out time to honour your journey and show appreciation. The traditional gifts for years ten through fifteen become more refined, symbolic of a love that is resilient, enduring, and ever-evolving.

Year Ten - Tin or Aluminium

Your tenth anniversary is a significant milestone, a whole decade of love and commitment. Traditionally marked by tin or aluminium, these materials may seem humble, but they represent flexibility and longevity. Just like these metals, a strong marriage is adaptable and built to last. There are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate with this theme. Consider a set of stylish tin cocktail tools or a personalised tin keepsake box to hold treasured mementos from the past ten years. You could also have a favourite photo from your wedding day or honeymoon, printed onto aluminium for a sleek, modern wall display.

Year Eleven - Steel

Steel is known for its strength, just like a marriage that has endured eleven years of partnership. This anniversary is a celebration of endurance and unity, making steel a powerful and fitting symbol. If your partner loves to cook, this is the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen with high-quality stainless steel cookware or a bespoke knife set. For something more sentimental, opt for a personalised steel bracelet or keyring engraved with coordinates from a meaningful place, perhaps where you first met or got married. There are also custom steel wall art options, such as a family name sign or a piece that features your wedding date. Alternatively, book a blacksmithing or metalworking experience for an anniversary activity with a twist.

Year Twelve - Silk or Fine Linen

Spoil your spouse with a set of indulgent silk pillowcases or a silk robe for cosy evenings in. If they enjoy fashion, a silk tie or scarf adds a touch of glamour to any wardrobe. You could also surprise them with a silk-lined jewellery box or a beautiful fine linen tablecloth for romantic dinners at home. Another thoughtful option is planning a silk-themed date night, like visiting a boutique hotel with silk bedding or dining at a fine restaurant known for its opulence and charm. If you enjoy learning together, consider taking a textile or embroidery workshop. Many artisan studios offer introductory classes that make for a truly memorable experience.

Year Thirteen - Lace

Delicate and detailed, lace is the traditional material for thirteen years of marriage. While it may be associated with bridalwear and vintage décor, it’s also a powerful symbol of beauty, intricacy, and the gentle strength within a long-standing relationship. For something different, commission a custom lace art piece, like a print featuring your initials or wedding date with a lace-patterned background. If physical lace doesn’t appeal, take inspiration from the idea and find gifts that are detailed, refined, and delicately crafted, just like lace itself.

Year Fourteen - Ivory

Traditionally, the fourteenth anniversary is marked with ivory, but due to the ethical concerns surrounding the ivory trade, many couples opt for alternative gifts, such as faux ivory or gold, which has become a popular modern substitute. Gold jewellery is a beautiful, meaningful option for this year. Whether it’s a dainty necklace, a gold band engraved with your wedding date, or a sleek bracelet, these gifts are timeless and can be worn daily as a symbol of your enduring love. For men, gold cufflinks, a tie pin, or even a monogrammed money clip offer understated elegance.

Year Fifteen - Crystal

Reaching your fifteenth wedding anniversary is a testament to resilience, clarity, and long-lasting connection. Crystal is the traditional material for this year, and it’s rich in both symbolism and style. There are many elegant gift ideas here. A set of crystal wine glasses, a decanter, or a beautifully cut vase makes a lovely keepsake for your home. You could also gift a crystal ornament or paperweight engraved with a special message or date. If your partner is spiritual or loves natural elements, opt for a meaningful crystal such as rose quartz (symbolising love), amethyst (for peace), or citrine (for joy). These can be given in raw form, polished as jewellery, or incorporated into wellness rituals or meditation spaces.

Your 20th Anniversary: China or Porcelain

The 20th wedding anniversary is traditionally marked by china or porcelain, symbols of beauty, elegance, and delicate strength, just like a long-lasting marriage. While many modern couples no longer use fine china for daily dining, this milestone offers the perfect opportunity to invest in a timeless set. Whether it’s a statement dinner service or a handcrafted tea set, porcelain adds a touch of refinement to your everyday life. If you're seeking something more unique, consider a bone china photo frame displaying a cherished picture of just the two of you.

Your 25th Anniversary: Silver

The silver anniversary is a true celebration of your journey together, a full quarter of a century of love and growth. As a precious metal, silver offers a vast array of meaningful gifting possibilities. Consider bespoke silver jewellery, such as bracelets, cufflinks, money clips, and more, which can be engraved for an extra personal touch. For something a little more unusual, why not consider a silver sundial etched with the coordinates of your wedding venue or first home? Or elevate your dining experience with a stunning silverware set.

Your 30th Anniversary: Pearl

Pearls are the perfect symbol of your 30-year bond, formed over time, treasured for their rarity and lustrous beauty. From classic pearl necklaces to delicate earrings, rings, or even cufflinks for men, jewellery is a natural gift choice for this milestone. If sustainability matters to you, opt for ethically sourced or faux pearl alternatives, lean into the theme with pearl-inspired colours and decor.

Your 35th Anniversary: Coral

Coral represents resilience and beauty, making it a poetic choice for 35 years of marriage. With natural coral becoming increasingly protected, vintage and antique shops are often the best places to find responsibly sourced coral jewellery or decor. Alternatively, celebrate the colour rather than the material. Think coral-hued blooms, bold coral print fabrics, or stylish accessories in this vibrant shade. Coral-inspired artwork or home accents can also be elegant, meaningful gifts. If travel is your love language, this anniversary calls for a coral reef getaway. Explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, the Red Sea, or the Philippines.

Your 40th Anniversary: Ruby

The ruby anniversary is all about passion, vitality, and deep-rooted love. Rubies make stunning gifts, with their bold red hue symbolising the intensity of your shared life. From showstopping ruby necklaces to refined cufflinks, this gem adds a touch of luxury to any jewellery box. Looking to mix tradition with practicality? Choose ruby-red home accessories, or go all-in on the theme and book a romantic retreat to a city known for its red palette, perhaps Marrakech, with its terracotta tones, or a countryside getaway surrounded by autumnal foliage.

Your 50th Anniversary: Gold

Fifty years of marriage deserves nothing less than gold, the ultimate symbol of enduring love and lifelong commitment. This is your golden anniversary, and the gift possibilities are endless. Upgrade your original wedding rings or have them transformed into new designs that reflect your journey. Consider a recommitment ceremony with newly engraved bands or present them in a custom shadowbox.

Your 60th Anniversary: Diamond

The diamond anniversary reflects the strength and brilliance of a love that has withstood the test of time. Naturally, diamond jewellery is a classic choice, eternal and sparkling, just like your marriage. For a less traditional spin, consider diamond-shaped gifts such as crystal vases or faceted glass decor. Or toast your milestone with fine champagne served in crystal flutes; those glimmering bubbles are a nod to the diamond theme.

Your 65th Anniversary: Blue Sapphire

Blue sapphires are rich, elegant, and profoundly meaningful. Their deep hues evoke mystery and calm, perfect for honouring 65 years together. A blue sapphire ring, necklace, or brooch is a timeless treasure. For him, consider sapphire-accented cufflinks or a custom tie pin. This milestone is also an excellent excuse for a sapphire-coloured gift: a luxurious blanket, art print, or even a beautifully arranged bouquet of blue-toned blooms.

Your 70th Anniversary: Platinum

Seventy years together is a rare and monumental feat. One of the most precious and durable metals, platinum represents a love that has endured every season. Platinum jewellery, whether it’s a new ring, bracelet, or pendant, is a beautiful and classic gift. You can also look for platinum-edged picture frames, limited edition prints, or artwork that commemorates your years together.

Unique and Meaningful Gifts Beyond Tradition

While the traditional anniversary gifts by year are meaningful, don’t be afraid to think beyond them. Some of the most heartfelt gifts are personal touches that reflect your unique relationship. Here are some creative, timeless gift ideas:

• A framed newspaper from your wedding day
• A bottle of wine from your wedding year
• A movie night with the year’s Oscar winner
• Souvenirs from your honeymoon, beautifully preserved
• A scrapbook filled with ticket stubs, photos, and handwritten notes

For something truly experiential, consider a wine subscription service. These are perfect for cosy nights in and celebrating together month after month.

Final Thoughts

At the heart of every anniversary is a shared love that grows stronger with time. Whether you choose a traditional gift, a modern keepsake, or an unforgettable experience, what matters most is marking the moment together. From golden getaways and gemstone jewellery to flowers that speak volumes, let your love story shine. Do not forget to check out our range of stunning Flowercards, which make the perfect gift for your loved one to celebrate all anniversaries.