Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: Traditional & Modern Gift Guide (1st–60th)

Wedding anniversaries have a funny way of arriving faster than expected.

One minute you’re choosing wedding flowers and arguing over the seating plan, and suddenly someone is asking what you’re supposed to buy for a seventh wedding anniversary and you’re wondering why copper, wool and desk accessories are involved.

The good news is that anniversary gift traditions aren’t rules.

They’re really just prompts.

For generations, different wedding anniversaries have been associated with particular materials, gemstones or themes. The first anniversary is famously paper, the fifth is wood, the 10th is tin or aluminium, the 25th is silver, the 40th is ruby, the 50th is gold and the 60th is diamond.

Alongside these traditional anniversary gifts is a newer list of modern anniversary gifts, giving couples another way to interpret each milestone.

So whether you’re shopping for your husband, wife or partner, helping your parents celebrate 40 years together, or you’ve simply forgotten what the 12th wedding anniversary is supposed to involve, this guide covers the major wedding anniversary gifts by year from the 1st to the 60th.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts at a Glance

If you’re looking for a quick answer, these are some of the best-known wedding anniversary milestones:

Anniversary	Traditional Gift	Modern Gift
1st	Paper	Clock
2nd	Cotton	China
3rd	Leather	Crystal or glass
4th	Fruit or flowers	Appliances
5th	Wood	Silverware
6th	Iron	Wood
7th	Copper or wool	Desk set
8th	Bronze or pottery	Linen or lace
9th	Willow or pottery	Leather
10th	Tin or aluminium	Diamond jewellery
11th	Steel	Fashion jewellery
12th	Silk or linen	Pearl
13th	Lace	Textiles
14th	Ivory theme	Gold jewellery
15th	Crystal	Watch
16th	Wax	Silver hollowware
17th	Furniture	Furniture
18th	Porcelain	Porcelain
19th	Bronze	Bronze
20th	China	Platinum
25th	Silver	Silver
30th	Pearl	Diamond
35th	Coral	Jade
40th	Ruby	Ruby
45th	Sapphire	Sapphire
50th	Gold	Gold
55th	Emerald	Emerald
60th	Diamond	Diamond

Are Wedding Anniversary Gift Lists Actually Official?

Not really.

That’s worth explaining before we go any further.

There isn’t an international committee sitting somewhere deciding what everyone must purchase after 17 years of marriage.

Anniversary gift traditions developed over time and different lists have emerged in different countries.

Some anniversaries are extremely well established.

Very few people would dispute:

1st anniversary: Paper

25th anniversary: Silver

40th anniversary: Ruby

50th anniversary: Gold

60th anniversary: Diamond

Other years vary considerably depending on which anniversary chart you consult.

This becomes particularly noticeable after the first 20 years. Major anniversaries usually have well-recognised traditional symbols, while many of the years between them have been assigned more contemporary themes such as travel, music, books, gardening and photography.

So use this guide for inspiration rather than worrying about whether you’ve purchased the “correct” anniversary gift.

If your partner would rather have dinner at their favourite restaurant than a bronze sculpture because a chart says it’s your 19th anniversary, book the restaurant.

Why Do Wedding Anniversaries Have Traditional Gifts?

The idea of associating wedding anniversaries with particular materials has been around for centuries.

Silver and gold are among the oldest and best-known anniversary traditions. Historically, silver became associated with 25 years of marriage and gold with 50.

Over time, additional anniversary years acquired their own materials.

Interestingly, the materials generally become stronger or more precious as the marriage gets older.

The journey begins with relatively delicate paper at one year.

Then comes cotton, leather, wood, iron and steel.

Eventually you reach silver, pearl, ruby, gold, emerald and diamond.

Whether the progression was deliberately designed that way or developed organically, the symbolism works rather nicely.

A marriage that has lasted 50 or 60 years has become something exceptionally valuable.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: 1st to 10th

The first decade contains some of the best-known anniversary gift traditions and also some of the easiest themes to have fun with.

1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper

Traditional gift: Paper
Modern gift: Clock

Paper represents a marriage that’s just beginning, with plenty of blank pages still waiting to be written.

And paper gives you far more options than you might initially think.

Consider a handwritten love letter, framed wedding vows, personalised illustration, photo book, map of where you met, concert tickets, theatre tickets, books or printed travel reservations for a romantic weekend away.

The modern first anniversary gift is a clock, representing the time you’ve spent together and the years ahead.

For considerably more inspiration, see our complete guide to 25 First Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Romantic Paper Anniversary Gifts.

2nd Wedding Anniversary: Cotton

Traditional gift: Cotton
Modern gift: China

After two years, cotton represents two lives becoming increasingly woven together.

Gift possibilities include beautiful bed linen, personalised bathrobes, quality towels, clothing, a cotton throw or even a hammock for two.

The modern alternative is china, which opens up everything from beautiful dinnerware to mugs or a special tea set.

3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather

Traditional gift: Leather
Modern gift: Crystal or glass

Leather is strong, flexible and durable, making it an appropriate symbol for a marriage that’s becoming more established.

A leather wallet, handbag, belt, travel bag, journal, watch strap or personalised luggage tag can all work well.

Prefer the modern interpretation?

Consider crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes, a decanter or decorative glassware.

4th Wedding Anniversary: Fruit and Flowers

Traditional gift: Fruit or flowers
Modern gift: Appliances

Four years is associated with a marriage beginning to blossom and bear fruit.

This makes the traditional theme particularly easy to interpret.

You could arrange an extravagant bouquet, plant a fruit tree together, visit an orchard, organise a beautiful picnic or book lunch at a winery.

The modern gift is considerably more practical: appliances.

That may not sound romantic, but if you’ve both been talking about a coffee machine, barbecue, stand mixer or something wonderful for the kitchen, your anniversary provides a surprisingly good excuse.

Just be sure it’s something your partner actually wants.

Giving someone an iron for their anniversary could end badly.

5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood

Traditional gift: Wood
Modern gift: Silverware

Five years of marriage is represented by wood, symbolising strength and established roots.

Gift ideas include a personalised timber photo frame, engraved cutting board, jewellery box, wooden watch, handcrafted furniture or even planting a tree together.

The modern alternative is silverware.

You could invest in beautiful cutlery or something you’ll use when entertaining for years to come.

6th Wedding Anniversary: Iron

Traditional gift: Iron
Modern gift: Wood

Iron represents strength.

Thankfully, your gift doesn’t have to look like something purchased from a hardware store.

Think cast-iron cookware, a fire pit, decorative ironwork, garden furniture or an experience involving a historic railway.

Some anniversary traditions also associate the sixth year with sweets or sugar, giving you another wonderfully easy direction if your partner has a sweet tooth.

7th Wedding Anniversary: Copper or Wool

Traditional gift: Copper or wool
Modern gift: Desk set

Copper is warm and durable, while wool represents comfort and security.

A beautiful woollen blanket, quality Australian wool clothing, copper cookware, copper artwork or a handcrafted decorative object can all work.

The modern theme is traditionally a desk set, which perhaps made a little more sense before laptops took over our lives.

Today you could interpret it as a beautiful home-office upgrade, pen, leather desk organiser or something connected to your partner’s work or creative life.

8th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze or Pottery

Traditional gift: Bronze or pottery
Modern gift: Linen or lace

Bronze is created by combining metals, making it an appealing metaphor for two people who have built something stronger together.

Pottery gives you even more flexibility.

Consider handmade Australian ceramics, a beautiful vase, dinnerware or even a pottery class you can do together.

The modern alternatives are linen or lace, which could mean quality linen bedding, table linen or clothing.

9th Wedding Anniversary: Willow or Pottery

Traditional gift: Willow or pottery
Modern gift: Leather

Willow bends without easily breaking, which may explain its association with flexibility in a lasting marriage.

Gift ideas could include a woven picnic basket, garden item, willow artwork or something handmade from natural materials.

Pottery is another accepted traditional theme.

The modern option is leather, giving you easy choices such as bags, wallets, journals and travel accessories.

10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin or Aluminium

Traditional gift: Tin or aluminium
Modern gift: Diamond jewellery

Ten years is a major milestone.

Tin and aluminium might not sound terribly luxurious, but both resist corrosion and represent durability.

You could interpret the theme creatively with artwork, an engraved keepsake, personalised metal sign or even something connected to travelling together.

Or you can forget the tin entirely.

The modern 10th anniversary gift is diamond jewellery.

It’s difficult to argue with that upgrade.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: 11th to 20th

11th Wedding Anniversary: Steel

Traditional gift: Steel
Modern gift: Fashion jewellery

After 11 years, steel represents the strength and resilience of your relationship.

Think quality cookware, jewellery, watches, gardening equipment, personalised steel artwork or something connected with an interest you share.

The modern alternative is fashion jewellery.

12th Wedding Anniversary: Silk or Linen

Traditional gift: Silk or linen
Modern gift: Pearl

After 12 years together, comfort takes centre stage.

Silk pyjamas, luxurious bedding, beautiful linen tableware or clothing can all work with the traditional theme.

The modern alternative is pearl, opening the door to jewellery or pearl-inspired accessories.

13th Wedding Anniversary: Lace

Traditional gift: Lace
Modern gift: Textiles

Don’t let superstition ruin number 13.

Lace represents beauty and intricacy.

Rather than taking the theme too literally, consider beautiful clothing, textile artwork, quality fabrics or a luxurious throw.

The broader modern theme is textiles, making this anniversary fairly easy to personalise.

14th Wedding Anniversary: Ivory Theme

Traditional theme: Ivory
Modern gift: Gold jewellery

Historically, ivory was associated with the 14th wedding anniversary.

Real ivory should not be purchased as an anniversary gift.

Modern couples can interpret the tradition through the colour ivory, elephant-inspired artwork, ethical substitutes or conservation donations instead.

Fortunately, the modern alternative makes life much easier: gold jewellery.

15th Wedding Anniversary: Crystal

Traditional gift: Crystal
Modern gift: Watch

Crystal represents transparency and clarity after 15 years together.

Beautiful glasses, a decanter, crystal jewellery or a decorative object can fit the traditional theme.

The modern gift is a watch, symbolising the time you’ve already shared and the years still ahead.

16th Wedding Anniversary: Wax

Traditional gift: Wax
Modern gift: Silver hollowware

Wax may sound unusual until you think of candles.

A luxury candle, candle-making experience or beautiful candlelit dinner gives the traditional theme an easy romantic interpretation.

The modern gift is silver hollowware, generally referring to decorative or serving pieces such as bowls, trays and similar tableware.

17th Wedding Anniversary: Furniture

Traditional and modern gift: Furniture

Seventeen years together seems as good a time as any to replace that sofa you’ve both been complaining about.

Furniture represents the home, stability and life you’ve built together.

Rather than surprising your partner with a dining table they hate, this is probably an anniversary where shopping together makes sense.

18th Wedding Anniversary: Porcelain

Traditional and modern gift: Porcelain

Porcelain combines beauty with delicacy.

Consider handmade ceramics, beautiful dinnerware, a vase, sculpture or perhaps afternoon tea somewhere special.

Experiences don’t have to match the material literally. A trip somewhere famous for ceramics could turn the tradition into something much more memorable.

19th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze

Traditional and modern gift: Bronze

Bronze symbolises strength and longevity.

Gift options might include bronze jewellery, sculpture, artwork, homewares or something personalised with a bronze finish.

Or use the theme loosely and choose an experience your partner will remember instead.

20th Wedding Anniversary: China

Traditional gift: China
Modern gift: Platinum

Twenty years of marriage deserves celebrating properly.

China reflects a relationship that is beautiful but should still be cared for.

Fine dinnerware, a special tea set or handmade ceramics work beautifully.

The modern theme is platinum, one of the strongest and most valuable precious metals.

Platinum jewellery or the renewal of wedding or commitment rings can be particularly meaningful.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 21st to 29th

After the 20th anniversary, anniversary lists become less standardised.

While the major milestones have very well-established materials, many modern anniversary guides give the intervening years contemporary themes rather than historically recognised traditional gifts.

That’s actually useful because the themes become much broader.

21st Wedding Anniversary: Fire

Think warmth, passion and a flame that’s still going.

Gift ideas could include a fire pit, beautiful candles, fireplace accessories, a restaurant known for open-fire cooking or a romantic winter escape.

22nd Wedding Anniversary: Water

Book a harbour cruise.

Head to the coast.

Organise a spa weekend.

Stay beside a lake.

Go sailing.

After 22 years together, this is an anniversary theme that almost begs to become an experience.

23rd Wedding Anniversary: Air

Air can represent freedom and adventure.

Think hot-air ballooning, scenic flights, travel, paragliding or simply spending a weekend somewhere with spectacular views.

24th Wedding Anniversary: Stone

Stone represents solidity and endurance.

Jewellery featuring natural stones is an obvious choice, but you could also consider sculpture, stoneware, garden features or a trip somewhere famous for its natural landscape.

25th Wedding Anniversary: Silver

Traditional gift: Silver
Modern gift: Silver

This is the famous silver wedding anniversary.

Twenty-five years together is one of marriage’s major milestones, and silver works as both the traditional and modern gift.

Silver jewellery, watches, engraved photo frames, serving pieces or personalised keepsakes are obvious choices.

But after a quarter of a century together, many couples would probably prefer an experience.

A major holiday, beautiful dinner, family celebration or renewal of vows can be far more meaningful than simply purchasing another object.

or considerably more inspiration, see our complete guide to 25th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 Silver Anniversary Ideas

26th Wedding Anniversary: Art

After 26 years together, you probably know your partner’s taste reasonably well.

Hopefully.

Commission a portrait, buy a piece from an artist you both love, frame a favourite photograph or visit a gallery together.

You might even commission an illustration of your original wedding venue.

27th Wedding Anniversary: Music

This could be one of the easiest anniversary themes of all.

Concert tickets.

A vinyl record.

A turntable.

A framed representation of your wedding song.

Tickets to the opera or musical theatre.

Or create a playlist covering the soundtrack of your relationship from when you met until today.

28th Wedding Anniversary: Linen

Beautiful linen bedding, napery, clothing or table linen all fit naturally.

You could also interpret linen as a reason to book a luxury hotel where someone else makes the bed.

We prefer the second option.

29th Wedding Anniversary: Tools

Tools don’t necessarily mean a trip to Bunnings.

Although they can.

The theme can relate to anything your partner uses to pursue something they love: gardening tools, cooking equipment, photography gear, art supplies or technology.

Major Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30th to 60th

Once couples reach 30 years, the major milestones become increasingly significant.

30th Wedding Anniversary: Pearl

Traditional gift: Pearl
Modern gift: Diamond

Thirty years together is traditionally known as the pearl wedding anniversary.

Pearls develop slowly over time, making them a lovely symbol for a relationship that has become more valuable as the years have passed.

Pearl jewellery is the obvious traditional gift.

The modern alternative is diamond.

You could also interpret the theme through an experience involving the sea, a luxury dinner or a significant trip together.

31st Wedding Anniversary: Travel

At this point, the anniversary chart finally gives you permission to take a holiday.

Not that you needed it.

Revisit your honeymoon destination, explore somewhere you’ve always talked about visiting or plan an Australian road trip.

The destination matters less than doing it together.

32nd Wedding Anniversary: Bronze

Bronze returns as a theme.

Consider sculpture, artwork, homewares, jewellery or a personalised object.

33rd Wedding Anniversary: Iron

Iron also makes a return.

A cast-iron cooking set, garden feature, fire pit or piece of decorative ironwork could fit the theme.

34th Wedding Anniversary: Food

Finally, an anniversary theme everybody can understand.

Book a memorable restaurant.

Arrange a private dining experience.

Visit a winery.

Take a cooking class.

Recreate your wedding menu.

Or cook the meal you had on your first date.

35th Wedding Anniversary: Coral

Traditional gift: Coral
Modern gift: Jade

The 35th wedding anniversary is traditionally associated with coral.

Because natural coral reefs are environmentally important and vulnerable, avoid buying real coral products of questionable origin.

Instead, interpret the theme through coral colours, coral-inspired art, sustainable jewellery or a reef-related travel experience.

The modern gift is jade.

36th Wedding Anniversary: Antiques

By 36 years together, you’re old enough to buy something old.

Search for vintage jewellery, furniture, artwork, watches or an object connected with the era when you first met.

A vintage bottle from your wedding year could also be fun if one can be responsibly sourced and it’s something you would both enjoy.

37th Wedding Anniversary: Books

A wonderfully straightforward theme.

Find a first edition, a beautiful coffee-table book, a novel your partner loves or a travel book about your next destination.

The most important part may be what you write inside the cover.

38th Wedding Anniversary: Luck

This is more of a theme than a material.

You could revisit somewhere you consider lucky, give a symbolic good-luck charm or plan something completely unexpected.

39th Wedding Anniversary: Laughter

After 39 years, perhaps one secret to staying married is still being able to make each other laugh.

Book a comedy show, revisit a favourite funny movie or create a photo album containing the less dignified moments from your life together.

40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby

Traditional gift: Ruby
Modern gift: Ruby

Forty years is the famous ruby wedding anniversary.

Ruby’s deep red colour has long been associated with love, passion and enduring affection.

Ruby jewellery is the obvious traditional choice, but you don’t need to buy an actual gemstone.

A ruby-red theme can be incorporated into flowers, clothing, artwork, wine, a romantic dinner or even a destination.

Forty years together is also a wonderful reason to gather children, grandchildren, family and friends for a celebration.

41st Wedding Anniversary: Office or Desk

Consider upgrading your partner’s home office or creative space.

A beautiful writing desk, premium chair, quality pen, framed family photograph or piece of artwork can make everyday life a little better.

42nd Wedding Anniversary: Clocks or Watches

Time returns as the theme.

A watch, beautiful wall clock or restored antique clock can represent the enormous amount of life you’ve now shared together.

43rd Wedding Anniversary: Entertainment

Theatre.

Concerts.

Cinema.

Sport.

Comedy.

Musicals.

Dinner and a show.

At 43 years, the theme gives you permission to simply go out and have fun together.

44th Wedding Anniversary: Electronics

Technology might not sound romantic, but it can be if it’s something your partner genuinely wants.

A new camera, headphones, tablet, television or piece of smart-home technology might make perfect sense.

Do not, however, buy your partner a vacuum cleaner unless they specifically requested one.

45th Wedding Anniversary: Sapphire

Traditional gift: Sapphire
Modern gift: Sapphire

Forty-five years is the sapphire wedding anniversary.

Sapphires are associated with loyalty and sincerity, making them particularly appropriate after more than four decades together.

Sapphire jewellery is a classic choice, but blue flowers, artwork, clothing or a sapphire-coloured theme can give you less expensive alternatives.

46th Wedding Anniversary: Games

Board games, puzzles, golf, tennis, cards or tickets to watch your favourite team all work.

Better still, choose something you can enjoy together.

47th Wedding Anniversary: Garden or Plants

Plant something.

After 47 years, a tree that continues growing can be particularly symbolic.

Other ideas include a garden makeover, beautiful planter, rare plant, botanical garden membership or garden tour.

48th Wedding Anniversary: Home Improvement

After nearly half a century, there’s probably something in the house you’ve both been meaning to fix.

Renovate a favourite room, improve your garden or invest in something that makes home life more comfortable.

The romantic part is probably agreeing on the renovation without arguing.

49th Wedding Anniversary: Copper

Copper represents warmth and durability.

Consider copper cookware, artwork, garden pieces, jewellery or decorative homewares.

And then start planning for next year.

Because the 50th is a big one.

50th Wedding Anniversary: Gold

Traditional gift: Gold
Modern gift: Gold

The golden wedding anniversary is one of the best-known marriage milestones in the world.

Fifty years together deserves recognition.

Gold jewellery is traditional, but the celebration itself can become the gift.

Bring together family and friends.

Renew your vows.

Revisit your honeymoon destination.

Create a photo or video history covering five decades.

Ask children and grandchildren to contribute memories and messages.

After half a century, the story of the relationship is probably more valuable than anything you can wrap.

For considerably more inspiration, see our complete guide to 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 Golden Anniversary Ideas

51st Wedding Anniversary: Photography

Create a professional family portrait.

Upgrade a camera.

Digitise old photographs.

Recreate a wedding photo 51 years later.

Or create a beautiful photo book showing the evolution of your family.

52nd Wedding Anniversary: Bath or Spa

This one is easy.

Book the spa.

A luxury hotel stay, couples massage, resort getaway or beautiful home-spa products all fit the theme.

53rd Wedding Anniversary: Plastic

Yes, plastic.

Not every anniversary theme can be gold and diamonds.

Rather than buying unnecessary plastic, interpret this one creatively or simply ignore the theme and choose something meaningful.

That is completely allowed.

54th Wedding Anniversary: Glass

Crystal and glassware, decorative pieces, artwork or even a visit to a glass-blowing studio can work beautifully.

A glass-making workshop could turn an otherwise unusual anniversary theme into a memorable experience.

55th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald

Traditional gift: Emerald
Modern gift: Emerald

Fifty-five years of marriage is the emerald wedding anniversary.

Emeralds have long been connected with love, renewal and devotion.

Emerald jewellery is the classic gift, but rich green colours can inspire artwork, clothing, flowers or even a travel experience surrounded by nature.

56th Wedding Anniversary: Day

Spend an entire day together.

Breakfast somewhere special.

Go for a drive.

Visit a gallery.

Have lunch.

Walk somewhere beautiful.

Finish with dinner.

After 56 years, the gift doesn’t need to be an object.

Time together is probably more important.

57th Wedding Anniversary: Night

If the 56th is about the day, the 57th belongs to the night.

Book a beautiful hotel, go to the theatre, have dinner under the stars or organise an evening somewhere that means something to you both.

58th Wedding Anniversary: Faith and Hope

This can be interpreted according to the couple’s own beliefs and values.

It might involve spirituality, family, charitable giving, reflection or simply recognising the hope that has carried you through decades together.

59th Wedding Anniversary: Charity

Instead of buying another possession, donate to something that matters to you both.

That could involve a favourite charity, hospital, community organisation, environmental cause or scholarship.

You might also volunteer together or involve the family.

After almost six decades together, leaving something positive behind can be a meaningful way to celebrate.

60th Wedding Anniversary: Diamond

Traditional gift: Diamond
Modern gift: Diamond

Sixty years together is the diamond wedding anniversary.

Diamonds represent remarkable strength and endurance, which feels entirely appropriate after six decades of marriage.

Diamond jewellery is the classic gift.

But a 60th anniversary is often less about what the couple buys each other and more about family recognising an extraordinary milestone.

Create a family celebration.

Gather photographs from across six decades.

Record messages from children, grandchildren and friends.

Create a documentary-style video about their life together.

Revisit meaningful places.

Renew wedding vows.

Or simply organise a wonderful meal with the people who matter most.

Sixty years of marriage is an achievement worth celebrating properly.

For considerably more inspiration, see our complete guide to 60th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 Diamond Anniversary Ideas 

Complete Wedding Anniversary Gift List: 1st to 60th

For easy reference, here’s the complete year-by-year guide.

Year	Anniversary Gift or Theme
1st	Paper
2nd	Cotton
3rd	Leather
4th	Fruit or flowers
5th	Wood
6th	Iron
7th	Copper or wool
8th	Bronze or pottery
9th	Willow or pottery
10th	Tin or aluminium
11th	Steel
12th	Silk or linen
13th	Lace
14th	Ivory theme
15th	Crystal
16th	Wax
17th	Furniture
18th	Porcelain
19th	Bronze
20th	China
21st	Fire
22nd	Water
23rd	Air
24th	Stone
25th	Silver
26th	Art
27th	Music
28th	Linen
29th	Tools
30th	Pearl
31st	Travel
32nd	Bronze
33rd	Iron
34th	Food
35th	Coral
36th	Antiques
37th	Books
38th	Luck
39th	Laughter
40th	Ruby
41st	Office or desk
42nd	Clocks or watches
43rd	Entertainment
44th	Electronics
45th	Sapphire
46th	Games
47th	Garden or plants
48th	Home improvement
49th	Copper
50th	Gold
51st	Photography
52nd	Bath or spa
53rd	Plastic
54th	Glass
55th	Emerald
56th	Day
57th	Night
58th	Faith and hope
59th	Charity
60th	Diamond

What Are the Most Important Wedding Anniversary Milestones?

Every anniversary matters, but some years traditionally receive more attention.

The major milestones are generally:

1 year: Paper anniversary

5 years: Wood anniversary

10 years: Tin anniversary

15 years: Crystal anniversary

20 years: China anniversary

25 years: Silver anniversary

30 years: Pearl anniversary

35 years: Coral anniversary

40 years: Ruby anniversary

45 years: Sapphire anniversary

50 years: Golden anniversary

55 years: Emerald anniversary

60 years: Diamond anniversary

The 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries are particularly likely to involve family celebrations rather than simply a gift exchanged between spouses.

Should You Follow the Traditional or Modern Anniversary Gift List?

Choose whichever gives you the better idea.

Seriously.

The anniversary gift list should make choosing a present easier, not become another obligation.

Sometimes the traditional gift provides the best inspiration.

Paper for a first anniversary can become a deeply personal love letter.

Wood for a fifth anniversary could become a beautiful piece of furniture.

At other times, the modern interpretation simply makes more sense.

Very few people are going to complain about receiving diamond jewellery for their 10th anniversary because it technically wasn’t the traditional tin gift.

You can also combine them.

For example, for a first anniversary, give a watch together with a handwritten letter.

For a 10th anniversary, give diamond jewellery in a personalised metal keepsake box.

For a 20th, organise a beautiful dinner served on china and surprise your partner with a platinum gift.

It’s the thought behind the interpretation that makes it personal.

Anniversary Experiences Instead of Gifts

There’s another option that becomes increasingly attractive the longer you’re married.

Stop buying things.

Create experiences instead.

Some couples reach a point where they don’t need another vase, piece of jewellery or kitchen appliance.

In that case, celebrate with:

• a romantic weekend away
• a special restaurant
• a winery trip
• concert tickets
• theatre tickets
• a cruise
• a road trip
• a cooking class
• a spa weekend
• a family celebration
• a return to your honeymoon destination
• a renewal of vows.

You can still incorporate the anniversary tradition if you want.

Give a paper itinerary for the first anniversary.

Stay in a timber cabin for the fifth.

Visit a tin-mining town for the 10th if you’re particularly committed to the concept.

Or don’t.

Wedding Anniversary Ideas for Australian Couples

Australian couples have no shortage of options if you’d rather turn an anniversary into a trip.

Victorian couples might escape to the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Daylesford, Great Ocean Road or High Country.

From Sydney, consider the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley or South Coast.

Queensland couples have the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast hinterland and Whitsundays.

South Australians can disappear into the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills or Kangaroo Island.

Western Australia offers Margaret River, Rottnest Island and the South West.

Tasmania practically feels designed for anniversary road trips.

And of course, an anniversary is also the perfect excuse to finally take the overseas trip you’ve been talking about for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Anniversary Gifts

What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year?

The best-known traditional anniversary gifts begin with paper for the first year, cotton for the second, leather for the third, wood for the fifth and tin or aluminium for the 10th.

Later major milestones include crystal for the 15th, china for the 20th, silver for the 25th, pearl for the 30th, ruby for the 40th, gold for the 50th and diamond for the 60th.

What is the first wedding anniversary gift?

The traditional first wedding anniversary gift is paper.

The modern gift is a clock.

Paper is commonly interpreted as representing the new story a married couple is beginning together, while the clock represents time.

What is the 5th wedding anniversary gift?

The traditional fifth wedding anniversary gift is wood.

Wood represents strength, growth and the increasingly established roots of a marriage.

What is the 10th wedding anniversary gift?

The traditional 10th anniversary gift is tin or aluminium.

The modern gift is diamond jewellery.

What is the 20th wedding anniversary called?

The 20th is traditionally known as the china anniversary, while the modern anniversary gift is platinum.

What is the 25th wedding anniversary?

The 25th wedding anniversary is the silver anniversary.

Silver is both the traditional and modern gift.

What is the 30th wedding anniversary?

The 30th wedding anniversary is traditionally associated with pearls.

The modern gift is diamond.

What is the 40th wedding anniversary?

The 40th wedding anniversary is the ruby anniversary.

Ruby is both the traditional and modern theme.

What is the 50th wedding anniversary?

The 50th is the famous golden wedding anniversary.

Gold is both the traditional and modern anniversary gift.

What is the 60th wedding anniversary?

The 60th wedding anniversary is the diamond anniversary.

Diamond is both the traditional and modern gift for this extraordinary milestone.

60th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 Diamond Anniversary Ideas

Do you have to buy an anniversary gift every year?

No.

There are no rules requiring married couples to exchange presents every year.

Some couples exchange gifts, others go out for dinner, travel somewhere together or simply acknowledge the date.

The tradition should work for your relationship rather than the other way around.

How much should you spend on a wedding anniversary gift?

There is no accepted amount.

Spend within your means.

The length of your marriage doesn’t create an obligation to spend more money.

A thoughtful handwritten letter can be more meaningful than an expensive gift, while another couple may genuinely enjoy marking a major milestone with jewellery or travel.

Should children buy their parents wedding anniversary gifts?

There’s no obligation, but significant anniversaries such as the 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th are often celebrated by the wider family.

Rather than buying another possession, adult children might organise a family dinner, photo book, video tribute, weekend away or anniversary party.

The Anniversary Gift Is Really Just the Starting Point

Wedding anniversary traditions are lovely because they give us a reason to stop and recognise something that’s surprisingly easy to take for granted.

Another year together.

Sometimes that deserves diamonds.

Sometimes it deserves a handwritten letter.

Sometimes it’s a weekend away.

And sometimes, after 30 or 40 years of marriage, perhaps the best celebration is simply sitting across from each other at dinner and remembering everything that’s happened since the day you got married.

Use the traditional anniversary list if it inspires you.

Use the modern list if it gives you a better idea.

Ignore both if you’ve thought of something your partner will love more.

Because after all those years together, you probably know your partner better than an anniversary chart does.