List of Traditional Anniversary Gifts


Wedding anniversary is one of the most pleasant moments in every couple's life. It symbolizes successful togetherness in married life. It's a special occasion to rejoice and cherish all the intimate moments that you have spent together. It brings plenty of enjoyment and helps develop a strong emotional bond between the couple. Every couple has their own way to celebrate this special occasion. Offering some romantic gifts is a unique way to express your intense love and feelings for your partner. You can select from a large variety of anniversary gifts available in the market. To be more traditional, you can go for traditional anniversary gifts.

Offering the traditional gifts is one of the excellent anniversary gift ideas. The tradition of giving a particular gift for a specific anniversary dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditional anniversary gifts are suggested by Emily Post in her first etiquette book written in 1922. She had mentioned some traditional gifts for the first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth and fiftieth wedding anniversaries. In 1957, she expanded the list of anniversary gifts. This list recommends gifts for the first fifteen years and after that, for every five years.

List of Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Traditional anniversary gifts are made from the materials that are designated for each year of anniversary. The first wedding anniversary is symbolized with paper and gifts made from paper are offered on the first anniversary. Twenty-fifth anniversary is known as 'Silver Anniversary', while fiftieth anniversary is called 'Golden Anniversary'. Diamonds are considered as the traditional anniversary gift for the sixtieth and seventy-fifth anniversaries. Here is a list of traditional anniversary gifts:

  • 1st anniversary: Paper
  • 2nd anniversary: Cotton
  • 3rd anniversary: Leather
  • 4th anniversary: Flowers or fruits
  • 5th anniversary: Wood
  • 6th anniversary: Iron or candy
  • 7th anniversary: Wool or copper
  • 8th anniversary: Bronze
  • 9th anniversary: Pottery
  • 10th anniversary: Tin
  • 11th anniversary: Steel
  • 12th anniversary: Silk
  • 13th anniversary: Lace
  • 14th anniversary: Ivory
  • 15th anniversary: Crystal
After 15th year, traditional anniversary gifts are made for each five years of anniversary.
  • 20th anniversary: China
  • 25th anniversary: Silver
  • 30th anniversary: Pearl
  • 35th anniversary: Coral
  • 40th anniversary: Ruby
  • 45th anniversary: Sapphire
  • 50th anniversary: Gold
  • 55th anniversary: Emerald
  • 60th anniversary: Diamond
  • 75th anniversary: Diamond
Using these traditional materials, you can offer some unique gifts with your creativity. For the 1st anniversary, you can gift your partner's favorite book, board games and puzzles, romantic letters or greetings, anniversary card or beautiful paintings. For the 2nd anniversary, you can select excellent clothing, crisp cotton place mats, bed linens, towels, rugs and carpets. For the 10th anniversary, you can purchase tin cup jewelry, aluminum watches, tea and coffee tins, aluminum jewelry box, candles and candle tins, etc. China spoon rest, fine China picture frame, China candy bowls, China bake ware, etc. would be the perfect gifts for the 20th anniversary. Celebrate your very special 25th anniversary with some meaningful gifts such as a silver photo frame, silver paperweight or silver jewelry. Make your 50th anniversary truly memorable with some exceptional gifts such as gold jewelry, gold photo frame or by planning a trip to the Gold Coast or Gold Mine.

By selecting any of these perfect traditional anniversary gifts, make your partner feel very special and make this event full of excitement and romance.

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