Anniversary Gifts,
Year by Year

W

hether it’s your first or your fortieth wedding anniversary, it is always a special day for celebrating. Just the fact that you made it through another year with this person is impressive!

Perhaps you’re having an anniversary party (your spouse will still expect a gift) or you’ve been invited to one. What to give? Here are some ideas based on customs handed down from the past…

YEAR 1

The traditional gift for the first year of marriage is paper. Really? Yes, it’s true! Before you get all excited about buying the obvious card, why not put some effort into a more meaningful gift? A beautiful “memory book” filled with pictures and stories or anecdotes of the first year together (first date, first kiss, etc.) is something that would be treasured forever and eventually become a family heirloom. A portrait of the two of you a la Andy Warhol in an elegant frame is something you could also create if you’re not computer challenged and happen to be talented in Photoshop.

YEAR 2

Cotton is the traditional gift for the second year together, symbolizing lives intertwining like cotton fibers. Think of buying some luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, pajamas or matching bathrobes. A beautiful Amish cotton quilt would also be a wonderful present.

YEAR 3

Things made of leather such as wallets, journals, leather jackets, bags, and the always joked about leather pants are items that would make suitable gifts for the third year. For an unusual addition, enclose a gift card from a local shoe store.

YEAR 4

Fruit and flowers are given in the U.S. in year 4 as a symbol that the marriage is beginning to blossom and bear fruit. Bring home some chocolate-dipped strawberries for your sweetie. Houseplants that have colourful blooms will brighten up a room. A fruit basket with some added wine and cheese is great gift for a couple who loves to picnic. In the UK the gift should be made of silk, so some sexy lingerie might be just the thing for celebrating (just make sure you’re not giving it to someone else’s wife)!

YEAR 5

After 5 years the relationship has developed strong roots (get it?), so wood gifts are the traditional items. A wooden art carving, wooden jewelry box, teak salad bowl set, or something you may have made in your workshop would make a fine present (a birdhouse perhaps). If you really want to make an impression, buy tickets for a California trip so both of you can experience the majesty of The Chandelier Drive-Thru Redwood Tree (over 300 feet tall) and then take a side trip to San Francisco.

YEAR 6

Items made of iron are the gifts of choice in the U.S. for the 6th year and even tho’ not sexy, a set of wrought iron fireplace tools or a lock box would come in handy. Personally, I’d go with the candy or chocolate that is the norm in the UK for this anniversary. Some Turkish Delight or a container of sinful truffles would be nice!

YEAR 7

Copper is the American tradition in year 7 and so gifts of cookware, candleholders and plant pots are popular. In the UK they celebrate this year with woolen items such as sweaters, hats and scarves. Something made from the finest cashmere would probably be a winner.

YEAR 8

Bronze is a blending of the two metals (aww!) copper and tin, so a garden sculpture, personalized wall plaque, beautiful photo frame or wind chimes would fit the bill.

YEAR 9

If you want to give a traditional gift for year 9, then anything made of wicker is the right choice. Gift baskets, laundry hampers (you can fill them with cleaning supplies), lamps, mirrors, various crafts and patio furniture are just some of the items that can be purchased.

YEAR 10

Year 10 is traditionally aluminium in the U.S. and this symbolizes flexibility and adaptability in the marriage. Give anything packaged in a tin box or can! CDs, cell phones and computers have some aluminium parts (just an idea). Putting a ticket to a movie theatre in a container of popcorn makes a cute gift. In the UK, tin is the norm and vintage items such as engraved goblets, cookie jars, paperweights and various old product containers would be a great find for any collector.

YEAR 11

Steel symbolizes the bonds that have been forged over the years and the beginning of another decade together. Suitable gifts might be a clock, watches, a cutlery set, or a sculpture for the yard. If you really want to be different, a bicycle (built for two?) would definitely be a conversation starter and remembered for a long time.

YEAR 12

In the U.S. the symbolic gift for year 12 is home décor, so call forth your inner designer and start a renovation project with new couches and some paint! Virtually anything for the home or home renovation is good. On a lighter note — sheets, pillowcases, lingerie, ties, and scarves are some items given for year 12 in the UK because the tradition there is anything made of silk.

YEAR 13

Lace is for lucky year 13 and represents that you have created something beautiful and delicate together. Tablecloths are the "gift de rigueur". If all else fails, at least wrap your gift in a lace doily.

YEAR 14

Traditionally ivory has been the gift for this anniversary but in modern times this has changed due to the fact that elephants are considered endangered. Therefore, a donation to an elephant sanctuary (along with a figurine or a painting of an elephant) would be a more appropriate choice.

YEAR 15

Vases, wine glasses, candlesticks, serving bowls, paper weights, and even a chandelier are great gift ideas for year 15 — as long as they’re made of crystal, year 15’s traditional symbol. A single rose (or 15) in a beautiful crystal vase is perfect.

YEAR 20

China is the traditional gift for this anniversary and symbolizes the fragility of marriage. The first items we think of are those beautiful cup and saucer sets with flowery and delicate patterns. Two of those along with a box of relaxing herbals teas would be a nice gift. Of course, if you want to take this whole thing literally, a trip to China is the way to go!

YEAR 25

Silver is a valuable precious metal and is traditional for year 25. Silver jewelry, cuff links, cutlery and photo frames are popular for this anniversary. An engraved silver pen would be a very nice present. Most people celebrate the occasion with a party.

YEAR 30

The pearl is traditional for this year’s celebration and represents longevity. Pearl necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets are obvious choices. You can also hit an oyster bar for a memorable evening out.

YEAR 35

Coral was once thought to have magical powers that could protect and heal you from any harm. Gifts in this color (including jewelry) are perfect. Consider a trip somewhere (Hawaii, Australia?) to scuba dive in a coral reef.

YEAR 40

The ruby is one of the most sought after gemstones and is the traditional gift of the 40th. Give a case of red wine with some ruby wine glasses — a red sports car would be another option (when you’re married this long it starts to get expensive)!

YEAR 45

The sapphire is the stone of royalty, so basically a gift in this blue color is what to look for. Jewelry, antique glass dishes, paperweights, vases are all great. A night out at a club with a blues band would also be fun.

YEAR 50

This milestone year is represented by gold (finally!) which represents wisdom and prosperity. Give the couple a 50th wedding party for their golden anniversary with gold decorations everywhere! Make sure everyone coming has something either wrapped in gold or adorned with a gold ribbon. The obvious choice for a gift is some gold jewelry, but if you’re a guest think of items that contain gold leaf or look like gold. Anything goes! The fact that you’re celebrating with them is often enough.

YEAR 55

Emeralds are the traditional gems for this anniversary and are a symbol of devotion. If the recipients are also Irish, you can kill two birds with one stone and buy a gift of plane tickets to the Emerald Isle.

YEAR 60

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, n’est pas? Baby, if you’ve made it to your 60th wedding anniversary, you deserve a van full of diamonds! They symbolize undying love. Rings, bracelets, cufflinks, earrings are the norm. Throw in a bottle of good champagne. You can also request a special congratulatory greeting from your government (do this many months in advance) and even the Vatican.