Anniversary Gifts By Year: Traditional & Modern Ideas for Every Milestone
Most everyone knows of the age-old practice (seriously, it dates back to the Middle Ages) of giving specific anniversary gifts based on the number of years you’ve been wed. The idea behind it? With each anniversary that passes, you strengthen your relationship. So, while these anniversary gifts may start out simple (paper for your first year and flowers for your fourth), their substance and significance increases as your investment to each other does.
As time has evolved, though, so have these anniversary gift lists to match our more modern way of living. Here, we break down the different traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year, plus all the anniversary gemstones, anniversary colors and the meanings behind them.
To make it easier for you to navigate our gift pages, we’ve organized everything below by year. Click through to any of our gift guides for curated picks you’ll actually want to give!
Years 1-10: The Foundation Years
1st Anniversary – Paper
Traditional: Paper | Modern: Clocks | Gemstone: Gold Jewelry | Flower: Carnation
Paper represents the fragile yet interwoven nature of the early stages of marriage — a blank page for the couple’s story to unfold. The first year is all about beginnings!
See all 1st Anniversary Paper Gift Ideas →
2nd Anniversary – Cotton
Traditional: Cotton | Modern: China | Gemstone: Garnet | Flower: Lily of the Valley
Cotton symbolizes comfort, simplicity, and durability in a relationship. After two years, you’re getting cozier together — and what’s cozier than cotton?
See all 2nd Anniversary Cotton Gift Ideas →
3rd Anniversary – Leather
Traditional: Leather | Modern: Crystal/Glass | Gemstone: Pearl | Flower: Sunflower
Leather represents durability and protection. By year three, you’re building something that lasts — your relationship is getting tougher and more resilient.
See all 3rd Anniversary Leather Gift Ideas →
4th Anniversary – Silk
Traditional: Silk or Linen | Modern: Appliances | Gemstone: Blue Topaz | Flower: Geranium
Silk and linen are made of thousands of threads — their beauty is in how they come together. Your marriage has many threads too: shared love, years, experiences, all holding you together.
See all 4th Anniversary Silk Gift Ideas →
5th Anniversary – Wood
Traditional: Wood | Modern: Silverware | Gemstone: Sapphire | Flower: Daisy
There’s no doubt about the metaphor here — wood represents strength and the long-lasting nature of a marriage. Five years down, many more to go!
See all 5th Anniversary Wood Gift Ideas →
6th Anniversary – Iron
Traditional: Iron | Modern: Candy | Gemstone: Amethyst | Flower: Calla Lily
Iron symbolizes the strength of your bond. Six years of marriage means you’ve weathered some storms together and come out stronger for it.
See all 6th Anniversary Iron Gift Ideas →
7th Anniversary – Wool
Traditional: Wool | Modern: Desk Sets/Brass | Gemstone: Onyx | Flower: Freesia
Wool represents warmth and comfort — the coziness of a well-established marriage. If wool doesn’t appeal, copper is the US alternative, associated with Venus, the goddess of love!
See all 7th Anniversary Wool Gift Ideas →
8th Anniversary – Bronze
Traditional: Bronze or Pottery | Modern: Linen/Lace | Gemstone: Tourmaline | Flower: Clematis
Bronze and pottery both require heat to form — just like your relationship has been shaped by the highs and lows of the past eight years.
See all 8th Anniversary Gift Ideas →
9th Anniversary – Pottery
Traditional: Pottery | Modern: Leather | Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli | Flower: Bird of Paradise
Pottery is molded and shaped, much like your marriage continues to be shaped over time. Lapis Lazuli was favored by Pharaohs as a stone of truth — perfect for highlighting the honesty in your marriage!
See all 9th Anniversary Pottery Gift Ideas →
10th Anniversary – Tin
Traditional: Tin/Aluminum | Modern: Diamonds | Gemstone: Diamond | Flower: Daffodil
A decade! This is a biggie — probably the biggest since your very first anniversary. Tin symbolizes the durability and flexibility a marriage needs to stay strong. And if you want to pull out the big guns? Diamonds are the modern gift for year ten.
See all 10th Anniversary Tin Gift Ideas →
Years 11-20: The Deepening Years
11th Anniversary – Steel
Traditional: Steel | Modern: Fashion Jewelry | Gemstone: Turquoise | Flower: Tulip
Steel represents strength and durability — showing that marriage is all about staying strong to each other and to the bond you share. There’s something particularly magical about turning eleven, firmly in the double digits!
See all 11th Anniversary Steel Gift Ideas →
12th Anniversary – Linen
Traditional: Linen or Silk | Modern: Pearls/Colored Gems | Gemstone: Jade | Flower: Peony
Linen represents beauty and durability. According to Emily Post’s Blue Book of Social Usage, this 12th year is all about linen! Peonies symbolize romance, compassion, and a happy marriage — all excellent things.
See all 12th Anniversary Linen Gift Ideas →
13th Anniversary – Lace
Traditional: Lace | Modern: Textiles/Furs | Gemstone: Citrine | Flower: Chrysanthemum
Lace represents the intricate beauty of your marriage — a thing to be treasured. Lucky number thirteen!
See all 13th Anniversary Lace Gift Ideas →
14th Anniversary – Ivory
Traditional: Ivory | Modern: Gold Jewelry | Gemstone: Opal | Flower: Dahlia
While ivory is the traditional gift, we think it looks better on elephants! Opt for ethical alternatives like tagua nut (vegetable ivory) or go with the modern theme of gold. Opals are particularly magical gemstones, long associated with love, passion, and desire.
See all 14th Anniversary Gift Ideas →
15th Anniversary – Crystal
Traditional: Crystal | Modern: Watches | Gemstone: Ruby | Flower: Rose
A decade and a half! Crystal symbolizes the clear and sparkling love you have for each other. Fiery red rubies commemorate a flame that’s still going strong.
See all 15th Anniversary Crystal Gift Ideas →
16th Anniversary – Wax
Traditional: Wax | Modern: Silver Holloware | Gemstone: Peridot | Flower: Statice
Wax might not sound like the most romantic gift, but hear us out — like a lit candle, you and your spouse have a spark that can’t be extinguished!
See all 16th Anniversary Gift Ideas →
17th Anniversary – Furniture
Traditional: Furniture | Modern: Furniture | Gemstone: Carnelian | Flower: Red Carnation
Yes, furniture for both traditional AND modern! Seventeen years means you’ve probably worn out a couch or two together. Time to upgrade!
See all 17th Anniversary Gift Ideas →
18th Anniversary – Porcelain
Traditional: Porcelain | Modern: Porcelain | Gemstone: Cat’s Eye | Flower: Chrysanthemum
Porcelain is made with clay heated at high temperatures — a stellar metaphor for a marriage. By your 18th anniversary, you’ve dealt with many high-pressure situations and come out beautiful.
See all 18th Anniversary Porcelain Gift Ideas →
19th Anniversary – Bronze
Traditional: Bronze | Modern: Bronze | Gemstone: Aquamarine | Flower: Chrysanthemum
Bronze for both traditional and modern! Versatile and beautiful, this metal is an excellent medium for everything from art to jewelry. A marriage that spans nearly two decades is a thing of beauty.
See all 19th Anniversary Bronze Gift Ideas →
20th Anniversary – China
Traditional: China | Modern: Platinum | Gemstone: Emerald | Flower: Day Lily
Two decades! China represents how you need to look after your marriage — it’s more beautiful when it’s cared for. If you prefer the modern route, platinum symbolizes enduring love.
See all 20th Anniversary China Gift Ideas →
Years 21-25: The Silver Years
21st Anniversary – Brass
Traditional: None | Modern: Brass/Nickel | Gemstone: Iolite | Flower: Iris
Notably, there’s no “traditional” 21st anniversary gift, but brass and nickel are the modern options. The cool thing about brass is that it only gets more beautiful when exposed to the elements over time — much like your marriage!
See all 21st Anniversary Brass Gift Ideas →
22nd Anniversary – Copper
Traditional: Copper | Modern: Copper | Gemstone: Spinel | Flower: —
Copper has that jazzy sheen that makes any gift feel special. Twenty-two years together is definitely worth celebrating in style!
See all 22nd Anniversary Copper Gift Ideas →
23rd Anniversary – Silver Plate
Traditional: Silver Plate | Modern: Silver Plate | Gemstone: Imperial Topaz | Flower: Dark Red Blooms
Silver plating gives objects a lovely finish — just like 23 years of marriage has given your relationship a beautiful sheen!
See all 23rd Anniversary Gift Ideas →
24th Anniversary – Musical Instruments
Traditional: Musical Instruments | Modern: Musical Instruments | Gemstone: Tanzanite | Flower: —
What could be more romantic than making beautiful music together after 24 years? Whether it’s a guitar, a music box, or concert tickets, this year is all about harmony.
See all 24th Anniversary Gift Ideas →
25th Anniversary – Silver
Traditional: Silver | Modern: Silver | Gemstone: Silver | Flower: Iris
The Silver Anniversary! You’ve been wedded to your wonderful partner for a quarter of a century — what a magical achievement! A love that’s lasted 25 years deserves to be celebrated with something lustrous and valuable.
See all 25th Anniversary Silver Gift Ideas →
Years 26-30: The Pearl Years
26th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Original Pictures | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
There’s no official traditional gift for year 26, but original pictures are the modern choice. Consider a custom portrait or photo shoot to commemorate this milestone!
27th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Sculptures | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Sculptures are the modern gift for year 27. Think art pieces, figurines, or even garden sculptures that represent your growing love.
28th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Orchids | Gemstone: Orchid Tourmaline | Flower: Orchid
Orchids symbolize love, luxury, and beauty. A stunning orchid plant or orchid-themed gift makes a thoughtful choice for 28 years.
29th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: New Furniture | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Almost thirty! New furniture is the modern gift — perhaps it’s time to invest in that piece you’ve both been eyeing.
30th Anniversary – Pearl
Traditional: Pearl | Modern: Diamond | Gemstone: Pearl | Flower: Lily
The Pearl Anniversary! Pearls represent the hidden beauty of a long-lasting union with a maturity that reveals itself from within. As Jackie O said, “Pearls are always appropriate” — and we’d say they’re especially appropriate for your 30th!
See all 30th Anniversary Pearl Gift Ideas →
Years 31-40: The Ruby Years
31st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Timepieces | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Timepieces remind us of all the precious moments you’ve shared. A beautiful watch or clock makes a meaningful gift for 31 years together.
32nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Conveyances (Travel) | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
The modern gift of conveyances points to travel and adventure. Book a trip, plan a road trip, or gift something that fuels their wanderlust!
33rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Amethyst | Gemstone: Amethyst | Flower: —
Amethyst is associated with peace, stability, and inner strength — all qualities that define a 33-year marriage.
34th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Opal | Gemstone: Opal | Flower: —
Opals shimmer with hidden fire, much like the passion that still burns after 34 years together. These mesmerizing gems make a stunning gift.
35th Anniversary – Coral
Traditional: Coral | Modern: Jade | Gemstone: Emerald | Flower: —
Coral comes from the sea and represents the depth of your love. Thirty-five years is something truly remarkable!
36th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Bone China | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Bone china represents elegance and refinement — qualities your relationship has surely developed over 36 years.
37th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Alabaster | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Alabaster is smooth, luminous, and timeless. A decorative piece or lamp in alabaster makes a unique 37th anniversary gift.
38th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Beryl | Gemstone: Beryl | Flower: —
Beryl comes in many beautiful colors (including aquamarine and emerald) and represents the many facets of your love story.
39th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Lace | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Lace returns as a theme, representing the intricate patterns you’ve woven together over nearly four decades.
40th Anniversary – Ruby
Traditional: Ruby | Modern: Ruby | Gemstone: Ruby | Flower: Nasturtium
The Ruby Anniversary! Rubies represent passion, protection, and a love that burns bright. Forty years together? That fire is clearly still going strong!
See all 40th Anniversary Ruby Gift Ideas →
Years 41-50: The Golden Years
41st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Land | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
The modern gift of land speaks to building something lasting together. Consider a tree to plant, a garden project, or even a plot of land!
42nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Improved Real Estate | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Home improvements are the theme for year 42. That renovation you’ve been discussing? This might be the perfect excuse.
43rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Travel | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Travel is the gift for 43 years! Plan an adventure together — whether it’s a dream destination or a cozy getaway close to home.
44th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Groceries | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Okay, groceries might not sound romantic, but think gourmet! A fancy food basket, cooking class, or farm-to-table experience fits perfectly.
45th Anniversary – Sapphire
Traditional: Sapphire | Modern: Sapphire | Gemstone: Sapphire | Flower: —
Sapphires symbolize loyalty, trust, and wisdom — all qualities you’ve cultivated over 45 years of marriage.
46th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Original Poetry | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Original poetry is the modern gift. Write something heartfelt, commission a poem, or gift a beautiful poetry collection.
47th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Books | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Books represent the chapters of your life together. A first edition, a custom book of your love story, or a reading-themed gift works beautifully.
48th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Optical Goods | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Optical goods might mean new glasses, binoculars for bird-watching, or a telescope for stargazing together. See the world more clearly!
49th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: Luxuries of Any Kind | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
The year before the big 50! Luxuries of any kind are the theme — so splurge on something special you’ve both been dreaming about.
50th Anniversary – Gold
Traditional: Gold | Modern: Gold | Gemstone: Gold | Flower: Yellow Rose/Violet
Half a century?! Most couples can only dream of a love that long-lasting! Gold symbolizes wealth and success, and when looking at a couple married for fifty years, that’s exactly what you see: a wealth of love and a successful marriage.
See all 50th Anniversary Gold Gift Ideas →
Years 51-60: The Diamond Years
51st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Beyond the 50th, traditional gift lists become sparse. This is your chance to create your own traditions! Consider what matters most to you both.
52nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Fifty-two years is something extraordinary. Celebrate with whatever brings you joy — the gift itself is less important than being together.
53rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another year of love! Consider gifts that celebrate your shared history or create new memories together.
54th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Fifty-four years of marriage is a beautiful achievement. Honor it however feels right for your relationship.
55th Anniversary – Emerald
Traditional: Emerald | Modern: Emerald | Gemstone: Emerald | Flower: —
Emeralds symbolize hope, renewal, and growth. Fifty-five years of choosing each other every day — that’s something extraordinary.
56th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
More than half a century of love! These later years are about celebrating the life you’ve built together.
57th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Fifty-seven years of partnership, friendship, and love. What a remarkable journey you’ve shared.
58th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Nearly six decades! Consider gifts that honor your legacy or bring comfort and joy to your daily life.
59th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
On the cusp of 60! This is a year to reflect on all you’ve accomplished and look forward to the next milestone.
60th Anniversary – Diamond
Traditional: Diamond | Modern: Diamond | Gemstone: Diamond | Flower: —
The Diamond Anniversary! Diamonds represent unbreakable strength and eternity. A love that has lasted 60 years is truly rare and precious.
Years 61-70: The Platinum Years
61st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Sixty-one years together is an incredible testament to your commitment. Celebrate in whatever way feels meaningful.
62nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another year of love and partnership. Every day together is a gift worth celebrating.
63rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Sixty-three years! Your love story continues to inspire. Honor it with something that brings you both happiness.
64th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Approaching 65! Consider gifts that celebrate your journey or make everyday life more comfortable and joyful.
65th Anniversary – Blue Sapphire
Traditional: Blue Sapphire | Modern: Blue Sapphire | Gemstone: Blue Star Sapphire | Flower: —
Blue sapphires continue the tradition of celebrating with precious gems that reflect the value of your enduring commitment.
66th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Sixty-six years of marriage is extraordinary. You’ve written your own love story — celebrate it your way.
67th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another beautiful year together. The gift of time spent with your beloved is the most precious of all.
68th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Sixty-eight years! Your partnership has weathered everything life has thrown your way. That’s worth celebrating.
69th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Almost 70! Take time to appreciate the love that has sustained you both through nearly seven decades.
70th Anniversary – Platinum
Traditional: Platinum | Modern: Platinum | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Platinum is rarer than gold, just like a marriage that has thrived for 70 years. This is legacy-level love!
Years 71-80: The Oak Years
71st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Seventy-one years together! Your love is truly one for the record books. Celebrate however your hearts desire.
72nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another year of your extraordinary journey. The commitment you’ve shown is an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
73rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Seventy-three years of love, laughter, and life together. What a beautiful story you continue to write.
74th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Approaching 75! Your love has stood the test of time in the most remarkable way.
75th Anniversary – Diamond/Gold
Traditional: Diamond/Gold | Modern: Diamond/Gold | Gemstone: Diamond | Flower: —
Three-quarters of a century! This milestone combines the brilliance of diamonds with the timeless value of gold — just like your extraordinary marriage.
76th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Seventy-six years! You’ve surpassed every traditional milestone. Your love is truly one of a kind.
77th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Lucky number 77! Your love has defied the odds and continues to shine bright.
78th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Seventy-eight years of marriage is almost unheard of. What an incredible achievement to celebrate!
79th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Nearly 80 years! Your love story is truly legendary.
80th Anniversary – Oak
Traditional: Oak | Modern: Oak | Gemstone: Diamond/Pearl | Flower: —
The Oak Anniversary! Oak represents the strength, endurance, and deep roots of your 80-year marriage. This is a love for the ages.
Years 81-90: The Granite Years
81st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Eighty-one years together! Your commitment to each other is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
82nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another year of your legendary love story. Every moment together is a treasure.
83rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Eighty-three years! Your love continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration.
84th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Approaching 85! Your partnership has lasted through everything life has brought your way.
85th Anniversary – Wine
Traditional: Wine | Modern: Wine | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
The Wine Anniversary! Like fine wine, your love has only grown richer and more complex with age. Eighty-five years is truly remarkable.
86th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Eighty-six years of love! Toast to each other and the incredible life you’ve built together.
87th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Your love story continues to unfold, year after beautiful year. What a privilege to share this journey together.
88th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Double eights — considered lucky in many cultures! Your love certainly seems blessed.
89th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Nearly 90 years! Your love is truly the stuff of legends.
90th Anniversary – Granite
Traditional: Granite | Modern: Granite | Gemstone: Diamond | Flower: —
The Granite Anniversary! Granite represents the unshakeable foundation of your 90-year marriage. This is almost unheard of — what an incredible achievement!
Years 91-100: The Centennial Years
91st Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Ninety-one years! Your love has lasted nearly a century. That’s nothing short of miraculous.
92nd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another year of your extraordinary journey together. Every day is a celebration of your love.
93rd Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Ninety-three years of marriage! Your commitment to each other is an inspiration beyond words.
94th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Approaching 95! Your love story is one for the history books.
95th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Ninety-five years together! You’ve loved each other through nearly a century of change, challenge, and joy.
96th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Another remarkable year. Your partnership stands as a testament to what love can truly be.
97th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Ninety-seven years! Your love has endured beyond what most could imagine.
98th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
Nearly a century of marriage! Your love is truly timeless.
99th Anniversary
Traditional: None | Modern: — | Gemstone: — | Flower: —
On the brink of 100! What an extraordinary journey you’ve shared.
100th Anniversary – 10-Carat Diamond
Traditional: 10-Carat Diamond | Modern: 10-Carat Diamond | Gemstone: Diamond | Flower: —
The Centennial Anniversary! One hundred years of marriage. If you’ve reached this milestone, you’ve achieved something almost mythical. A 10-carat diamond barely begins to capture the brilliance of your love story. Congratulations doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Looking for More Gift Ideas?
We’ve got you covered with gift guides for every recipient and occasion:
- Anniversary Gifts for Her
- Anniversary Gifts for Him
- Anniversary Gifts for Parents
- Anniversary Gifts for Boyfriends
