A Guide to Traditional Anniversary Landmark Gifts
Chances are that you've heard of a golden anniversary or diamond anniversary, but did you know that there are plenty of other anniversaries that also have traditionally associated gifts?
Sure, they may have been invented by the big companies to sell us stuff, but we still think it can be a nice custom to celebrate with your special someone, whether you're celebrating an actual wedding anniversary or just when you started dating. You don't have to wait too long, either, because the traditions begin at the one year mark. To learn more about the biggest milestones, just keeping scrolling to find out each one's traditional gift, and the best ways you can celebrate them.
1 Year – Paper
The first anniversary starts things sweet and simple with a paper gift. There's so much versatility here, from gifting art and prints to a book you know they'll love, or even something you make yourself like origami or a handwritten note with a personal touch. You can even go with the theme of calling money "paper" and splurge on something they've always wanted—with cash, of course.
2 Years – Cotton
The second anniversary is traditionally celebrated with cotton—another material you can take in many directions. There are the obvious options, like comfy clothes, warm accessories and things like bedding, as well as homemade knits if you happen to be the crafty type.
3 Years – Leather
Leather gifts are the classic third anniversary gift. For a smaller budget, you can focus on leather accessories and jewelry, or you could go all out with pricier items like leather pants or even upholstered furniture. We also suggest authentic leather, rather than pleather, because real, high-quality leather can last a lifetime.
4 Years – Fruits or Flowers
The fourth anniversary gifts of fruits and flowers are definitely more sentimental than most, and that's what makes them so special. With fruits, you can opt for their favorite fresh fruit, or something more decadent, such fruits dipped in chocolate. Planting a fruit tree can also be a special way to commemorate the occasion, laying the groundwork for the future (and giving you both even more fruit to enjoy once it blossoms). For flowers, you can never go wrong with the classic red roses or their favorite freshly cut species. For something that lasts, you can also go for preserved or paper flowers.
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5 Years – Wood
Wood gifts are associated with the five year anniversary, giving couples who've been together half a decade plenty of options to commemorate their lasting and ever-growing union. Maybe you want to invest in some wooden furniture, a carved sculpture for the home or even unique wooden jewelry. Perhaps a woodsy houseplant would add some life and greenery to the space you share. You may even want to do a tree-planting ceremony together, looking back on your five years so far and paving the path for whatever's next.
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6 Years – Candy
As the only edible anniversary gift on this list, candy for the sixth anniversary is quite special. Chocolates are most traditional, particularly classic gift boxes and yummy truffles, but we also suggest thinking outside the box for this one. Many people prefer something else, whether that's gummy bears, sour candy or even classic chocolate bars. A personalized gift basket gives that special, custom touch that only you can bring as someone who knows all of their very favorite things.
7 Years – Copper and Wool
The seven year anniversary is one of the few with two associated gifts, and seeing how they're both unusual, we appreciate having extra options. If you're going with copper, we recommend brass jewelry or home decor for its unique color and shine, or you may want to do something more whimsical, like a pressed penny from a meaningful location. With durable wool, something cozy they can wear or a cute rug are fine options.
8 Years – Bronze
Bronze metal, the traditional gift of the eighth anniversary, has a lovely sheen and is known for its strength and resistant to corrosion—much like a relationship that's lasted this long. Bronze looks fantastic in both jewelry and metal decor for the home.
9 Years – Pottery
The nine year anniversary is celebrated with pottery which, like a relationship, needs to be protected if it wants to stand the test of time. Ceramic pottery in the home can be either decorative or practical, depending on how you'll get the most use out of it, and ceramic jewelry can be a stunning option as well. We also like the idea of going to a pottery classic or ceramics studio together, so you can each bring home something handmade with a beautiful memory attached.
(via Unsplash)
10 Years – Tin
We can't be the only ones who were surprised that the classic 10th anniversary gift is tin, but it's not too hard to find the right pieces to celebrate a full decade together. For this landmark anniversary, try gifting beautiful pewter jewelry or houseware. Pewter is sturdier than pure tin, with an even prettier shine, and with custom pieces, you can immortalize a the special moment in a metal piece that'll stick around forever.
Also read about: 6 Tips for a Harmonious Relationship With Relationship Expert Michelle W. Lentz
15 Years – Crystal
From here, we'll be taking a look at the landmark anniversaries every five years, and the 15th anniversary is among the best with crystal as the gift. Crystal glassware is as beautiful as it is delicate, with things like vases and jewelry being equally beautiful. You can even order personalized drinking glasses or serving pieces for that extra special touch.
20 Years – China
These days, fewer and fewer households have a china cabinet showcasing all of their family's hand-me-down pieces, making china and old school but still special 20th anniversary gift. Beautiful china tableware can be perfect for special occasions, especially if the pieces commemorate your travels or some other aspect of your history together.
25 Years – Silver
For the 25th anniversary, we finally get into the previous metals with silver. After all, a quarter of a century together deserves a special celebration, and you truly can't go wrong whether you go for elegant jewelry, sparkling decor or even real silver silverware. Even more, these pieces will be very likely to hold their value for years to come.
30 Years – Pearl
The 30th anniversary is celebrated with pearls, and for good reason. Pearls are truly precious, because unlike precious metals and gemstones, the only known place they're produced in the universe is right here on earth. They're also a beloved staple in all types of jewelry thanks to their pearlescent sheen and gorgeous yet subtle coloration, and there's much more versatility to their appearance than you might think. While white pearls are the most classic, pearls come in a variety of colors including black, pink, gold and silver, and can even form unique shapes
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35 Years – Coral
The 35 year anniversary has typically been celebrated with coral, and this is the one time we recommend you stray from tradition a bit and get something inspired by coral, rather than authentic coral, due to the current decline of the coral reefs. Think unusual, clustered organic shapes in jewelry or decor, the beautiful pink-orange coral hue or even a trip to the tropics to go diving and see the reefs flourish in real life.
40 Years – Ruby
At the 40-year mark, gemstones also enter the mix as traditional anniversary gifts, beginning with the luscious blood red shine of the ruby. Rubies symbolize everything from love and strength to passion, making them ideal for jewelry and other accessories and conveying an air of rich elegance.
45 Years – Sapphire
Another timeless gemstone, the sapphire, celebrates the 45-year anniversary. While sapphires come in many unique hues, the rich blue is best known and most beloved. It represents royalty, as well as authority and purity, making it stand out in any piece of jewelry.
50 Years – Gold
Unless it's too early in a relationship, you can't go wrong with gold for any anniversary, but its association with the 50th, or golden, anniversary is well recognized for a reason. Gold jewelry is made to last, with a beautiful shimmer and luster, so whether you're looking at golden (or gold-plated) jewelry, watches or even home items, they're bound to be a hit—and hold their value. After half a century, they deserve nothing less.
55 Years – Emerald
How do you follow up the golden anniversary? With emeralds, of course. The iconic shiny green gemstone is the traditional 55th anniversary gift, with a natural and vibrant color that's an amazing complement to any jewelry piece. Emeralds also represent patience, loyalty and a long life—all of which are essential to a 55-year relationship.
60, 65, 70 and 75 Years – Diamond
And finally, once you've been together practically forever, diamond becomes the right stone to celebrate every milestone anniversary. It's associated with 60-, 65-, 70- and 75-year anniversaries, and rightfully so as a gorgeous mineral that also happens to be the hardest naturally occuring material known to humankind. It's both practically invincible and unbelievably beautiful, with a multifaceted shine, and is a classic addition to all types of jewelry, but especially rings.
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Want to celebrate your anniversary with the perfect Instagram caption as well? Click HERE for the best lovey-dovey quotes about soulmates to check out.