Every wedding anniversary has a traditional theme, and following it is a fun way to find a meaningful present. The list below shows the traditional anniversary gifts by year as they are commonly used in the UK, with ideas for each one. You don't have to stick to the rules — but they're a great starting point when you're stuck.
Anniversary gifts by year at a glance
| Year | Traditional theme | Gift ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | Framed print, love letter, concert tickets, photo book |
| 2nd | Cotton | Bedding, robe, picnic blanket, cotton tote |
| 3rd | Leather | Wallet, watch strap, bag, leather-bound journal |
| 4th | Linen (or fruit and flowers) | Linen tablecloth, flower subscription, fruit tree |
| 5th | Wood | Engraved chopping board, tree planting, wooden watch |
| 6th | Sugar (or iron) | Sweet hamper, baking class, cast-iron cookware |
| 7th | Wool (or copper) | Cosy throw, knitted jumper, copper mugs |
| 8th | Bronze (or pottery) | Bronze sculpture, pottery class, handmade mugs |
| 9th | Pottery (or willow) | Ceramic vase, willow basket, pottery workshop |
| 10th | Tin (or aluminium) | Tin of their favourite treats, engraved tin keepsake |
| 15th | Crystal | Crystal glasses, decanter, crystal jewellery |
| 20th | China | Fine china tea set, afternoon tea for two |
| 25th | Silver | Silver jewellery, engraved silver frame |
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl earrings or necklace, pearl cufflinks |
| 35th | Coral | Coral jewellery, seaside break |
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby jewellery, red wine, ruby-red roses |
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire jewellery, blue glassware |
| 50th | Gold | Gold jewellery, golden anniversary party |
| 55th | Emerald | Emerald jewellery, a trip to the Emerald Isle |
| 60th | Diamond | Diamond jewellery, a family celebration |
1st anniversary: paper
Paper represents a new beginning — a blank page waiting to be filled. Ideas: a framed print of your wedding vows, tickets to a show, a custom map of where you got married, or a book of letters you've written to each other through the year.
2nd anniversary: cotton
Cotton stands for comfort and strength as two lives weave together. Ideas: luxury cotton bedding, matching dressing gowns, a personalised picnic blanket for summer days out.
3rd anniversary: leather
Leather is durable and protective. Ideas: a quality wallet or bag, a leather watch strap, a leather-bound journal or weekend bag for a trip away together.
5th anniversary: wood
Wood symbolises strong roots. Ideas: an engraved chopping board, a wooden jewellery box, a tree planted in your names, or a cabin break in the woods.
10th anniversary: tin
Tin represents flexibility and durability. Ideas: a vintage tin filled with love notes, a tin of their favourite biscuits, or an aluminium bike or camping gear for adventures.
25th anniversary: silver
A silver anniversary is a big milestone. Ideas: silver jewellery, an engraved silver photo frame, a party with family and friends, or a holiday to celebrate 25 years together.
40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries
Ruby (40th), gold (50th) and diamond (60th) anniversaries are often celebrated with a family gathering. Ideas: jewellery with the matching stone or metal, a professionally printed photo book of family life, or a meal with everyone they love. Couples marking 60 years of marriage can request a congratulatory card from the King through Buckingham Palace's Anniversaries Office.
What to write in an anniversary card
Happy anniversary to my favourite person. Here's to another year of adventures, laughter and love.
Every year with you is better than the last. Happy anniversary, my love.
Thank you for choosing me, every single day. Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary to two wonderful people. Your love is an inspiration to all of us.
For more present ideas, browse our guides to gifts for your husband and gifts for your girlfriend, or find the right words in our card messages section.
