Anniversary gifts do not have to be super extravagant every year! The tradition of giving themed wedding anniversary gifts dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. During the medieval times of Central Europe husbands would crown their wives with a wreath of silver or gold on the 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries, respectively. The tradition of symbolic anniversary gifts for each year of marriage started to take off during the Victorian times. The traditional list was published in 1922 with a more modern take published in 1937. Tushar and I plan on following this tradition every year!
1st Year Anniversary Gifts: Symbolizes new beginnings and fragility of a new relationship
- Traditional Gift: Paper
- Modern Gift: Clocks
- Color: Yellow or Gold
- Jewelry: Gold
- Ideas: Custom stationary, Love letter, Framed Wedding Vows, Engraved Clock or Wall Clock, Tickets for an event (likely in a non-COVID era), Book or Day Planner
2nd Year Anniversary Gifts: Symbolizes durability and adaptability of a growing relationship
- Traditional Gift: Cotton
- Modern Gift: China
- Color: Red or Linen White
- Jewelry: Garnet
- Ideas: Robe, Sheet set, Fine China, Everyday Dish ware, Garnet Jewelry
3rd Year Anniversary Gifts: Symbolizes protection, resiliency, and stability of the married couple
- Traditional gift: Leather
- Modern Gift: Crystal or Glass
- Color: White or jade green
- Jewelry: Pearls
- Ideas: Leather items (jacket, journal, watch or jewelry box, handbag), Pearl jewelry, Crystal jewelry
4th Year Anniversary Gifts: Symbolizes the blossoming of a budding relationship
- Traditional Gift: Fruit or flowers: 1-800-FLOWERS, Farmgirl Flowers, Venus Et Fleur
- Modern Gift: Appliances
- Color: Blue or green
- Jewelry: Blue Topaz
- Ideas: Bouquet of flowers, Blue Topaz Pear Shaped Ring, Fruit Basket, New appliance (Dyson, Instant Pot, Vitamix)
5th Year Anniversary Gift: Symbolizes long-lasting strength, wisdom and forgiveness
- Traditional Gift: Wood
- Modern Gift: Silverware
- Color: Blue, pink, turquoise
- Jewelry: Sapphire
- Ideas: Wood (Custom cutting board or charcuterie board, Sapphire jewelry, Silverware set)
Please let us know if you would like more gift ideas or if you have questions outside of the years posted!
