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Anniversary Gifts by Year (Traditional & Modern List)

Finding the right anniversary gift gets a lot easier when you know the traditional and modern themes for each year. These themes—dating back more than a century—symbolize the strength, growth, and meaning behind every milestone, from paper at one year to diamond at sixty.

This guide gives you the full list of anniversary gifts by year, what each theme represents, and simple, thoughtful gift ideas anyone can use.

How the Anniversary Gift Lists Work

There are two main gift lists: traditional and modern. The traditional version has been around since the early 1900s. The modern list came later to offer updated, more flexible ideas.

You can stick with one, mix both, or skip them entirely. No rules here—just inspiration.

Traditional vs. Modern Themes

  • Traditional gifts reflect how your relationship grows stronger over time.

  • Modern gifts offer updated suggestions that feel more practical or personal.

Pick whichever sparks the best idea.

Anniversary Gifts by Year (Complete List)

1st Anniversary — Paper | Clock (Modern)

Meaning: A fresh start—delicate, full of promise.

Gift ideas:

  • Personalized print

  • Handwritten love letter

  • Tickets to a show or event

  • Custom journal

  • A photo book

2nd Anniversary — Cotton | China (Modern)

Meaning: Comfort, flexibility, and strength.

Gift ideas:

  • Matching cotton robes

  • Upgraded sheets

  • Custom pillowcases

  • Cotton throw blanket

  • Tea set

3rd Anniversary — Leather | Crystal or Glass (Modern)

Meaning: Protection and resilience.

Gift ideas:

  • Leather wallet or bag

  • Personalized passport cover

  • Leather-bound journal

  • Crystal glassware

  • Engraved decanter

4th Anniversary — Fruit/Flowers | Appliances (Modern)

Meaning: Blooming love and growth.

Gift ideas:

  • Fresh floral arrangement

  • Fruit subscription box

  • Flower-pressed artwork

  • Air fryer, coffee maker, or other appliance

5th Anniversary — Wood | Silverware (Modern)

Meaning: Strong roots and lasting connection.

Gift ideas:

  • Custom wood cutting board

  • Engraved photo frame

  • Carved keepsake box

  • Silverware set

6th Anniversary — Iron or Candy | Wood (Modern)

Meaning: Strength with a touch of sweetness.

Gift ideas:

  • Cast iron cookware

  • Personalized iron sculpture

  • Spa day (Honeyfund experience gift)

  • Gourmet chocolates

  • Wood home decor

7th Anniversary — Copper or Wool | Desk Sets (Modern)

Meaning: Warmth and comfort.

Gift ideas:

  • Copper mugs or cookware

  • Wool throw blanket

  • Copper jewelry

  • Desk organizer set

8th Anniversary — Bronze | Linens/Lace (Modern)

Meaning: Resilience and elegance.

Gift ideas:

  • Bronze figurine or sculpture

  • Bronze or copper jewelry

  • Linen bedding set

  • Lace robe or sleepwear

9th Anniversary — Pottery or Willow | Leather (Modern)

Meaning: Flexibility and craftsmanship.

Gift ideas:

  • Handmade pottery

  • Willow picnic basket

  • Leather duffle or accessories

  • Personalized mug set

10th Anniversary — Tin or Aluminum | Diamond Jewelry (Modern)

Meaning: Durability and radiance.

Gift ideas:

  • Tin keepsake box or ornament

  • Aluminum art piece

  • Diamond earrings or necklace

  • Trip through your Honeyfund Anniversary Fund

11th Anniversary — Steel | Fashion Jewelry (Modern)

Meaning: Strength and resilience.

Gift ideas:

  • Steel watch

  • Personalized steel keychain

  • Barware set

  • Fashion jewelry

12th Anniversary — Silk/Linen | Pearls (Modern)

Meaning: Comfort and luxury.

Gift ideas:

  • Silk sheets or pajamas

  • Linen loungewear

  • Pearl jewelry

  • Silk robe

13th Anniversary — Lace | Textiles/Furs (Modern)

Meaning: Intricacy and connection.

Gift ideas:

  • Lace decor or accessories

  • Throw blankets

  • Personalized textile artwork

  • Faux fur throws or slippers

14th Anniversary — Ivory (Ethical) | Gold Jewelry (Modern)

Meaning: Wisdom and value.

Gift ideas:

  • Faux-ivory or bone decor

  • Gold bracelet or necklace

  • Mother-of-pearl accents

15th Anniversary — Crystal | Watches (Modern)

Meaning: Clarity and reflection.

Gift ideas:

  • Crystal glasses or candle holders

  • Engraved watch

  • Crystal home decor

20th Anniversary — China | Platinum (Modern)

Meaning: Elegance and strength.

Gift ideas:

  • China dinnerware

  • Personalized platter

  • Platinum jewelry

  • Weekend getaway (Honeyfund)

25th Anniversary — Silver | Silver (Modern)

Meaning: Radiance and celebration.

Gift ideas:

  • Silver jewelry

  • Silver-framed photo

  • Keepsake box

30th Anniversary — Pearl | Diamond (Modern)

Meaning: Wisdom and beauty.

Gift ideas:

  • Pearl necklace or earrings

  • Diamond bracelet

  • Pearl keepsake box

35th Anniversary — Coral | Jade (Modern)

Meaning: Protection and harmony.

Gift ideas:

  • Coral-inspired decor (ethically sourced)

  • Jade jewelry

  • Coral-toned home items

40th Anniversary — Ruby | Ruby (Modern)

Meaning: Passion and deep love.

Gift ideas:

  • Ruby necklace or ring

  • Ruby-red accessories

  • Experience gift (Honeyfund Fund)

45th Anniversary — Sapphire | Sapphire (Modern)

Meaning: Loyalty and truth.

Gift ideas:

  • Sapphire earrings

  • Sapphire tie pin

  • Framed anniversary photo with blue accents

50th Anniversary — Gold | Gold (Modern)

Meaning: Prosperity and endurance.

Gift ideas:

  • Gold jewelry

  • Gold-trimmed frame

  • Gold-dipped rose

  • Luxury trip (Honeyfund)

55th Anniversary — Emerald | Emerald (Modern)

Meaning: Growth and lasting love.

Gift ideas:

  • Emerald pendant or ring

  • Green-themed celebration

  • Emerald-colored keepsake

60th Anniversary — Diamond | Diamond (Modern)

Meaning: A lifetime of strength and commitment.

Gift ideas:

  • Diamond pendant or ring

  • Diamond watch

  • Custom diamond gift

  • Luxury getaway (hello: Honeyfund Anniversary Fund!)

Frequently Asked Questions

They’re a list of symbolic materials for each milestone, from paper to diamond.

Traditional gifts focus on symbolism. Modern gifts offer more updated, practical options.

Yes, but loosely. Most couples treat it as inspiration, not a rulebook.

We’ve got you. Scroll below for gift guides by recipient, budget, or interest.