36 thoughtful anniversary gifts by year from 1st to 50th

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


CNN
—  

Whether it’s your first year of marriage or you’ve been by one another’s side for multiple decades, each wedding anniversary is a major milestone that deserves to be celebrated. What you may not know is that, traditionally, each anniversary year is denoted by a specific gift: Beginning with simple and affordable materials — like paper for the first anniversary — and gradually increasing in significance as the years go on.

If you’re in the market for an anniversary gift for your significant other, parents or friends, we created a guide to all of the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year, as well as our top gift picks for each landmark occasion.

Paper gifts are believed to be a symbol of a blank slate and the start of a new life together. Usually, gifts for the first anniversary are made from paper as it is a relatively affordable material that is meant to reflect the beginning stages of a lifelong relationship. Handwritten cards, personalized journals, and even cookbooks are a perfect nod to this tradition.

Artifact Uprising Folded Photo Cards (starting at $1; artifactuprising.com)

Artifact Uprising

Artifact Uprising Folded Photo Cards

A handwritten note is the perfect way to express just how much you love your significant other on this momentous first anniversary, and what better way to do so than on a customized card?

Filterity Wedding Vows Printable Wall Art ($13; etsy.com)

Filterity Wedding Vows Printable Wall Art

Etsy

Filterity Wedding Vows Printable Wall Art

Relive the magic of exchanging your wedding vows by making them into a frameable work of art that can be admired for years to come.

Uncommon Goods The Personalized Anniversary Journal ($130; uncommongoods.com)

Uncommon Goods The Personalized Anniversary Journal.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods The Personalized Anniversary Journal.

Record your most memorable moments from your first through your 60th anniversary with this personalized journal. It’s complete with photo pages, envelopes for mementos, and more.

As a celebration of strength and durability, couples traditionally give one another something made of wood for their fifth anniversary. Just like a tree, making it halfway to a decade is a sign of putting down strong eternal roots. Opt for a personalized cutting board to use while cooking together, a luxe wooden tray for the bath or a classic wooden cornhole set for the backyard.

CircleCityDesignCo Personalized Cutting Board (starting at $39; etsy.com)

CircleCityDesignCo Personalized Cutting Board

Etsy

CircleCityDesignCo Personalized Cutting Board

Whether you use it while cooking together or as a charcuterie serving board for date night, this personalized cutting board is a perfect wooden gift for any food lovers.

Treasure & Bond Large Acacia Wood Tray ($69; nordstrom.com)

Treasure & Bond Large Acacia Wood Tray

Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Large Acacia Wood Tray

This handmade acacia wood tray is not only gorgeous, but it’s great for using in the bath, as a cheese board or on display as home decor.

Hey! Play! Official Sized Cornhole Game ($140; target.com)

Hey! Play! Official Sized Cornhole Game

Target

Hey! Play! Official Sized Cornhole Game

If you and your S.O. enjoy some friendly competition, opt for a wooden cornhole set like this one that’s easy to transport, set up and store.

Reaching a decade-long anniversary is no easy feat! Commemorate it with something made out of tin or aluminum, which symbolizes strength and resilience. Choose from unique gifts like a map of the stars from your wedding night printed on tin, a monogrammed silver-hued serving tray or spice things up with a fun pair of date night dice.

Tin Date Night Dice ($17; amazon.com)

Tin Date Night Dice

Amazon

Tin Date Night Dice

Add some spontaneity to your date nights with these fun tin date night-themed dice. Roll a mix of 36 different date night ideas including movie nights, a visit to a new town, cooking for one another and more.

Mark & Graham Mariposa Classic Medium Aluminum Serving Tray ($99; markandgraham.com)

Mark & Graham Mariposa Classic Medium Aluminum Serving Tray

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Mariposa Classic Medium Aluminum Serving Tray

Made from 100% recycled aluminum, this beautiful serving tray can also be monogrammed for a special and personalized touch.

DifferentMaps Tin Star Map ($99; etsy.com)

DifferentMaps Tin Star Map

Etsy

DifferentMaps Tin Star Map

Mark the location of your most cherished time together with this ultra-cool and customizable star map that’s printed on a beautiful brushed aluminum sheet.

Delicate yet sturdy, crystal symbolizes clarity and transparency. Toast to this milestone anniversary with a beautiful set of crystal champagne flutes, set the ambiance for a romantic dinner with a stately pair of candlesticks, or frame a favorite wedding photo in a sparkling crystal picture frame.

Tiffany & Co. Square Crystal Candlestick ($100; tiffany.com)

Tiffany & Co. Square Crystal Candlestick.

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. Square Crystal Candlestick.

Timeless and elegant, this crystal candlestick from Tiffany & Co. is a romantic piece that’s sure to be admired for years to come.

Waterford Lismore Diamond Lead Crystal Picture Frame ($170; nordstrom.com)

Waterford Lismore Diamond Lead Crystal Picture Frame

Nordstrom

Waterford Lismore Diamond Lead Crystal Picture Frame

This diamond-cut crystal picture frame is a stunning way to display your most cherished moments together.

Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes ($350; swarovski.com)

Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes

Swarovski

Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes

Raise a glass to fifteen wondrous years with a dazzling pair of crystal champagne flutes.

Just like a marriage, china represents the beautifully delicate and fragile nature of being in love. Take this opportunity to refresh your kitchenware with an elegant bone china dinnerware set, a floral-engraved salad bowl or a vintage-inspired teapot.

Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom Tea for One ($160; william-sonoma.com)

Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom Tea for One

Williams Sonoma

Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom Tea for One

This beautiful vintage-inspired piece is a teapot, tea cup, and saucer all in one. Crafted from bone china and decorated with 24-karat gold accents, it’s just as pretty as it is useful.

Noritake Brocato 5-Piece Place Setting ($90; target.com)

Noritake Brocato 5-Piece Place Setting

Target

Noritake Brocato 5-Piece Place Setting

You can’t go wrong giving your S.O. a stunning bone china dinnerware set. We especially love the delicate floral design and platinum accents of this Noritake set that are both timeless and chic.

Kate Spade New York Blossom Lane Salad Set with Wooden Servers ($125; katespade.com)

Kate Spade New York Blossom Lane Salad Set with Wooden Servers

Kate Spade

Kate Spade New York Blossom Lane Salad Set with Wooden Servers

For something equally as elegant but better suited for everyday use, opt for this floral engraved salad bowl with wooden serving spoons from Kate Spade. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe too.

The 25-year mark is traditionally known as the “silver anniversary” and signified by the brilliance and shine of this precious metal. Opt for a timeless piece of jewelry — like a pair of silver hoop earrings or tie clip — or a sleek and modern picture frame.

David Donahue Sterling Silver Tie Clip ($60; nordstrom.com)

David Donahue Sterling Silver Tie Clip

Nordstrom

David Donahue Sterling Silver Tie Clip

A sterling silver tie clip is polished, classy and will go with any suit already in his closet.

Kate Spade New York South Street 5×7 Wave Picture Frame ($65; katespade.com)

Kate Spade New York South Street 5x7 Wave Picture Frame

Kate Spade

Kate Spade New York South Street 5×7 Wave Picture Frame

Showcase your favorite photo with this silver-hued wavy picture frame.

BaubleBar Dalilah Medium Silver Hoop Earrings ($48; baublebar.com)

BaubleBar Dalilah Medium Silver Hoop Earrings

BaubleBar

BaubleBar Dalilah Medium Silver Hoop Earrings

Nothing is more timeless than a pair of hoop earrings, and these Delilah Medium Hoops are lightweight, dainty and gorgeous for dressing up or down.

The 30th anniversary is represented by pearls. Just like a love lasting three decades, pearls are a rare and hidden beauty. Jewelry, such as an ethically-sourced pearl ring or set of cufflinks, is always a wonderful gift idea. For something more modern, opt for a mother of pearl decorative tray.

Aurate Venus Organic Pearl Gold Ring ($150; auratenewyork.com)

Aurate Venus Organic Pearl Gold Ring

Aurate

Aurate Venus Organic Pearl Gold Ring

This unique pearl ring is ethically-sourced and crafted with 100% recycled gold. Wear it on its own or stack it with your other favorite rings.

Cufflinks, Inc. Mother of Pearl Cufflink and Stud Set ($95; nordstrom.com)

Cufflinks, Inc. Mother of Pearl Cufflink and Stud Set

Nordstrom

Cufflinks, Inc. Mother of Pearl Cufflink and Stud Set

A pair of mother of pearl cufflinks and matching shirt studs will automatically add a dapper feel to any suit or tux.

Terrain Mother of Pearl Inlay Tray ($118; anthropologie.com)

Terrain Mother of Pearl Inlay Tray

Anthropologie

Terrain Mother of Pearl Inlay Tray

This mother of pearl floral tray will look gorgeous displayed in a bathroom, entry way, kitchen or on your bedside table.

Coral — like the kind you find at the bottom of the sea — represents longevity and strength, and takes years to form. It’s no wonder that this stone is a traditional symbol for 35 years of marriage. If coral-patterned home decor is not your S.O.’s style, go for a cozy blanket, a pretty vase or a piece of jewelry in a coral hue instead.

Honeycomb Studio Coral & Gold Bud Vase (starting at $16; westelm.com)

Honeycomb Studio Coral & Gold Bud Vase

West Elm

Honeycomb Studio Coral & Gold Bud Vase

Add a pretty pop of color to any room with this coral and gold hand-shaped porcelain vase.

Dissa Flannel Blanket with Pom Pom Fringe ($20, originally $28; amazon.com)

Dissa Flannel Blanket with Pom Pom Fringe

Amazon

Dissa Flannel Blanket with Pom Pom Fringe

Cozy up together for movie night in this super soft pom pom and fringe flannel blanket.

Monica Vinader Linear Solo Diamond Friendship Bracelet ($150; nordstrom.com)

Monica Vinader Linear Solo Diamond Friendship Bracelet

Nordstrom

Monica Vinader Linear Solo Diamond Friendship Bracelet

A grown-up friendship bracelet is made even better with a diamond for your 35th anniversary.

Rubies are glamorous, opulen and the traditional gemstone for a 40th anniversary. They’re also known as symbols of protection, wisdom and beauty. Treat your spouse to a luxuriously delicious smelling candle in a ruby-hued glass jar. Or for something a bit more extravagant, a pair of ruby baguette stud earrings or a ruby and diamond ring are sure to hit the mark.

Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange Candle ($35; amazon.com)

Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange Candle

Amazon

Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange Candle

Not only does this Voluspa candle smell like a delicious mix of mango, orange and goji berry, but its vibrant ruby-hued glass jar makes for a beautiful piece of home decor.

Jennie Kwon Ruby Baguette Stud (starting at $199; catbirdnyc.com)

Jennie Kwon Ruby Baguette Stud

Catbird

Jennie Kwon Ruby Baguette Stud

Set in 14-karat yellow gold, this ruby baguette stud is perfect for mixing and matching.

Blue Nile Baguette Ruby and Diamond Pavé Stacking Ring ($480, originally $600; bluenile.com)

Blue Nile Baguette Ruby and Diamond Pavé Stacking Ring

Blue Nile

Blue Nile Baguette Ruby and Diamond Pavé Stacking Ring

A ruby baguette that’s surrounded by pavé diamonds and set in 14-karat rose gold certainly says ‘I love you.’

The 45-year marriage is denoted by sapphire. This stunning gemstone is believed to represent wisdom, faith, and long-lasting love. Opt for a sapphire adorned necklace, chronograph watch with a sapphire crystal face or a sapphire-hued glass vase.

Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace ($95; mejuri.com)

Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace

Mejuri

Mejuri Floating Sapphire Necklace

If traditional blue sapphires aren’t for you, this sparkling white sapphire necklace from Mejuri is a beautiful alternative.

Tissot T-Sport Chronograph Bracelet Watch 45mm ($395; nordstrom.com)

Tissot T-Sport Chronograph Bracelet Watch 45mm

Nordstrom

Tissot T-Sport Chronograph Bracelet Watch 45mm

This Tissot watch is classic, sporty, and features a domed sapphire crystal face making it a perfectly subtle way to include sapphire in a 45th anniversary gift.

LSA Rotunda Vase ($70; nordstrom.com)

LSA Rotunda Vase

Nordstrom

LSA Rotunda Vase

If you’re in the market for something sapphire that’s not a gemstone or jewelry, this blue mouth-blown glass vase is bold, eye-catching and will add a beautiful pop of color in any space.

The golden anniversary! Prosperity, strength and wisdom are all symbolized by this gleaming metal. Commemorate half a century together with a personalized ornament that will serve as a sentimental reminder year after year, a pair of gold-rimmed sunglasses for a fashion-loving spouse or a classic signet ring that may even become a family heirloom in years to come.

Susabellas 50th Anniversary Ornament (starting at $38; etsy.com)

Susabellas 50th Anniversary Ornament

Etsy

Susabellas 50th Anniversary Ornament

Remember this milestone anniversary for years to come with a personalized holiday ornament.

Ray-Ban Small Original 55mm Aviator Sunglasses ($161; nordstrom.com)

Ray-Ban Small Original 55mm Aviator Sunglasses

Nordstrom

Ray-Ban Small Original 55mm Aviator Sunglasses

A classic pair of gold-rimmed Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses is chic, timeless and will go with just about every outfit.

Catbird Small Heirloom Signet Ring ($398; catbirdnyc.com)

Catbird Small Heirloom Signet Ring

Catbird

Catbird Small Heirloom Signet Ring

Personalize this classic pinky-sized signet ring with your S.O.’s initial. They’re sure to think of you each and every time they wear it.

Sixty years is undoubtedly the most special anniversary and one that should be celebrated in a big way. We’re talking invincible, unbreakable and shimmering diamonds of all shapes and sizes — including a sparkling diamond pendant necklace, a pair of luminous diamond stud earrings, and a set of diamond-cut tumblers to cheers to your never-ending love with.

Aurate Medium Diamond Pendant Necklace (starting at $450; auratenewyork.com)

Aurate Medium Diamond Pendant Necklace

Aurate

Aurate Medium Diamond Pendant Necklace

Commemorate reaching 60 blissful years together with an exquisite brilliant-cut diamond necklace that’s perfect for everyday wear.

Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Diamond Set of 4 Lead Crystal Tumblers ($260; nordstrom.com)

Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Diamond Set of 4 Lead Crystal Tumblers

Nordstrom

Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Diamond Set of 4 Lead Crystal Tumblers

Pour one out in a stunning diamond cut crystal tumbler in honor of this mega milestone. This set of four handcrafted glasses is ideal for whiskey or bourbon lovers.

Dana Rebecca Designs Alexa Jordyn Triple Row Diamond Stud Earrings ($495; nordstrom.com)

Dana Rebecca Designs Alexa Jordyn Triple Row Diamond Stud Earrings

Nordstrom

Dana Rebecca Designs Alexa Jordyn Triple Row Diamond Stud Earrings

What’s better than one glistening diamond? Three rows of diamonds, of course. These stud earrings feature nine pavé-set diamonds in 14-karat gold.