Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: Traditional UK, US and Modern

Wedding anniversary gifts by year are a lovely tradition, but they are not strict rules. Some couples follow the traditional UK list, some prefer the US list, and others choose modern alternatives that feel more practical today. The best anniversary gift is still the one that feels thoughtful, personal and right for your relationship.

This guide explains the most common traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts from the 1st anniversary through to the 90th, with practical present ideas for each milestone. Gift lists vary slightly by country and source, so we have separated the UK, US and modern themes where they differ.

Important note for UK readers: some older anniversary lists mention ivory and coral. For ethical and legal reasons, avoid newly sourced real ivory and consider ivory-coloured or elephant-themed alternatives instead. In the UK, dealing in ivory items is restricted unless an exemption applies. You can read the official guidance on GOV.UK’s ivory rules.

Wedding anniversary gifts by year at a glance

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What are the Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year?

Traditional wedding anniversary gifts are themed materials or symbols associated with each year of marriage. Some themes are practical, such as paper, cotton, wood and silver. Others are symbolic, such as ruby, gold, diamond and platinum for major milestones. The modern list adds newer gift ideas, such as clocks, appliances, watches and furniture.

You do not have to follow the list exactly. It works best as inspiration. For example, a paper anniversary gift could be a framed wedding vow print, theatre tickets, a handwritten letter or a personalised photo book. A silver anniversary gift could be jewellery, a photo frame, silver-toned homeware or a family celebration with a silver theme.

1st wedding anniversary: Paper

The first wedding anniversary is traditionally linked with paper. Paper is simple, personal and full of possibility, making it a fitting theme for the first year of marriage.

Modern gift: Clock.

Gift ideas: a framed wedding vow print, a photo book, a handwritten love letter, a personalised star map, tickets to a show, a journal, a custom illustration, or a first-edition book by your partner’s favourite author.

2nd wedding anniversary: Cotton

The second anniversary is traditionally cotton. Cotton is practical, soft and woven together, which makes it a simple symbol of two lives becoming more closely connected.

Modern gift: China.

Gift ideas: luxury cotton bedding, matching pyjamas, embroidered towels, a cotton robe, a personalised cushion, a cotton tote bag, or a beautiful china dinner set.

3rd wedding anniversary: Leather

Leather is the traditional third anniversary gift. It is often used to represent durability, protection and a relationship becoming stronger with time.

Modern gift: Crystal or glass.

Gift ideas: a leather wallet, leather handbag, travel journal, leather photo album, luggage tags, crystal glasses, a glass vase, or a personalised glass ornament.

4th wedding anniversary: Linen, silk, fruit or flowers

The traditional fourth anniversary theme varies. In the UK, linen and silk are commonly used; in the US, fruit and flowers are more common. Both versions point towards comfort, growth and a relationship that is continuing to blossom.

Modern gift: Electrical appliances.

Gift ideas: silk pillowcases, linen bedding, a silk scarf, a bouquet subscription, a fruit tree for the garden, a coffee machine, a mixer, or a small appliance your partner genuinely wants.

5th wedding anniversary: Wood

Wood is the traditional fifth anniversary gift. It represents roots, growth and strength, making it one of the easiest themes to interpret in a personal way.

Modern gift: Silverware.

Gift ideas: a wooden keepsake box, engraved chopping board, wooden watch, framed wooden map, garden bench, tree planting experience, or a set of quality cutlery.

6th wedding anniversary: Sugar or iron

In the UK, the sixth anniversary is often linked with sugar. In the US, iron is the traditional theme. Sugar celebrates sweetness; iron represents strength and resilience.

Modern gift: Wooden objects.

Gift ideas: handmade chocolates, a cake-making class, a dessert tasting menu, iron candlesticks, cast-iron cookware, iron garden décor, or a personalised wooden home accessory.

7th wedding anniversary: Wool or copper

The seventh anniversary is traditionally linked with wool in the UK and wool or copper in the US. Wool suggests warmth and comfort, while copper adds the idea of energy and glow.

Modern gift: Desk sets.

Gift ideas: a wool blanket, cashmere scarf, copper pan, copper jewellery, desk organiser, fountain pen, desk clock, or a home-office upgrade.

8th wedding anniversary: Salt or bronze

The UK eighth anniversary theme is salt, while the US theme is bronze. Salt was once highly valued and essential; bronze suggests strength and endurance.

Modern gift: Linen or lace.

Gift ideas: flavoured salts, a salt lamp, bronze sculpture, bronze-coloured jewellery, linen tablecloth, lace robe, or lace-trimmed homeware.

9th wedding anniversary: Copper or pottery

The ninth anniversary is copper in the UK and pottery in the US. Copper is warm and conductive, while pottery reflects something shaped and strengthened over time.

Modern gift: Leather goods.

Gift ideas: copper mugs, copper jewellery, handmade pottery, ceramic dinnerware, a leather wallet, a leather bag, or a pottery class for two.

10th wedding anniversary: Tin or aluminium

The tenth anniversary is traditionally tin or aluminium. These materials are flexible, practical and long-lasting, which makes them a fitting symbol for the first decade of marriage.

Modern gift: Diamond jewellery.

Gift ideas: a keepsake tin filled with memories, aluminium wall art, a personalised tin sign, diamond earrings, an eternity ring, a diamond pendant, or a special anniversary meal served in a decorative tin hamper.

11th wedding anniversary: Steel

Steel is the traditional eleventh anniversary gift. It is strong, useful and hard-wearing, making it a simple symbol of a marriage that has moved beyond its first decade.

Modern gift: Fashion jewellery.

Gift ideas: stainless steel jewellery, a steel watch, kitchen knives, steel cufflinks, a bracelet, earrings, or a jewellery piece in your partner’s everyday style.

12th wedding anniversary: Silk and fine linen

The twelfth anniversary is traditionally silk in the US and silk or fine linen in the UK. These fabrics suggest comfort, elegance and care.

Modern gift: Pearls or coloured gemstones.

Gift ideas: a silk robe, silk sleep mask, silk tie, fine linen bedding, pearl earrings, a coloured gemstone ring, or a jewel-toned scarf.

13th wedding anniversary: Lace

Lace is the traditional thirteenth anniversary theme. Its detailed pattern makes it a good symbol of the care, patience and intricacy of a long relationship.

Modern gift: Textiles or faux fur.

Gift ideas: lace lingerie, lace-trimmed robe, lace table runner, textile wall hanging, faux-fur throw, or a beautifully made blanket.

14th wedding anniversary: Ivory-coloured gifts

Older anniversary lists often name ivory as the fourteenth anniversary theme. Today, it is better to interpret this as ivory-coloured gifts rather than real ivory. In the UK, dealing in ivory is restricted unless an exemption applies, so choose ethical alternatives.

Modern gift: Gold jewellery.

Gift ideas: ivory-coloured ceramics, cream roses, an elephant charity donation, ivory-toned stationery, gold earrings, a gold necklace, or a gold watch.

15th wedding anniversary: Crystal

Crystal is the traditional fifteenth anniversary gift. It is often associated with clarity, light and reflection, making it a popular milestone theme.

Modern gift: Watches.

Gift ideas: crystal glasses, a crystal vase, crystal jewellery, a watch, a watch box, or a crystal-accented ornament.

16th wedding anniversary: Wax

Wax is the traditional sixteenth anniversary gift. It can be warm, decorative and atmospheric, which makes it easy to turn into a thoughtful present.

Modern gift: Silver holloware. This means silver serving pieces that are not flatware, such as bowls, teapots, trays or candlesticks.

Gift ideas: luxury candles, a candle-making workshop, wax-sealed stationery, silver candlesticks, a silver bowl, or a silver serving tray.

17th wedding anniversary: Furniture

The seventeenth anniversary does not have a widely used traditional UK or US gift theme, but furniture is commonly used as the modern theme.

Gift ideas: a new armchair, bedside tables, garden furniture, a vintage sideboard, a restored piece of furniture, or a custom-made shelf.

18th wedding anniversary: Porcelain

The eighteenth anniversary is commonly associated with porcelain as a modern theme. Porcelain is elegant but delicate, which makes it a reminder to handle a relationship with care.

Gift ideas: porcelain mugs, a vase, porcelain jewellery, a dinner set, a decorative plate, or a personalised porcelain ornament.

19th wedding anniversary: Bronze

The nineteenth anniversary is often linked with bronze as a modern theme. Bronze suggests endurance, warmth and strength.

Gift ideas: bronze sculpture, bronze-coloured jewellery, a bronze picture frame, garden ornament, watch, or personalised bronze keepsake.

20th wedding anniversary: China or porcelain

The twentieth anniversary is traditionally china or porcelain. It is a major milestone and a reminder that long relationships can be strong while still needing care.

Modern gift: Platinum.

Gift ideas: fine china, porcelain homeware, a porcelain vase, platinum jewellery, platinum cufflinks, a platinum ring, or a special afternoon tea using beautiful china.

21st wedding anniversary: Brass or nickel

The twenty-first anniversary is usually treated as a modern-theme year rather than a traditional milestone. Brass and nickel are the common themes.

Gift ideas: brass candlesticks, nickel picture frames, a brass lamp, a brass keyring, brass jewellery, or tickets to a brass-band performance.

22nd wedding anniversary: Copper

Copper is the modern theme for the twenty-second anniversary. Its warm colour makes it easy to use for home, kitchen and jewellery gifts.

Gift ideas: copper pans, copper mugs, copper jewellery, a copper lamp, engraved copper art, or a copper garden feature.

23rd wedding anniversary: Silver plate

Silver plate is the modern theme for the twenty-third anniversary. It gives a silver look without always carrying the price of solid silver.

Gift ideas: silver-plated picture frames, serving trays, cufflinks, jewellery boxes, candlesticks, or a plated keepsake engraved with your anniversary date.

24th wedding anniversary: Musical instruments

The twenty-fourth anniversary is commonly linked with musical instruments as a modern theme. You do not need to buy a full instrument; music-related experiences work just as well.

Gift ideas: concert tickets, a record player, vinyl records, a guitar, piano lessons, a personalised song, a framed lyric print, or a music experience day.

25th wedding anniversary: Silver

The twenty-fifth wedding anniversary is the silver anniversary and one of the best-known marriage milestones. Silver is associated with brightness, value and endurance.

Gift ideas: silver jewellery, silver cufflinks, a silver photo frame, engraved silver keepsake, silver watch, silver vase, or a party with silver decorations.

30th wedding anniversary: Pearl

The thirtieth anniversary is traditionally pearl. Pearls are often associated with beauty, patience and something precious formed over time.

Modern gift: Diamond.

Gift ideas: pearl earrings, pearl necklace, pearl cufflinks, mother-of-pearl accessories, diamond jewellery, or a coastal weekend away.

35th wedding anniversary: Coral or jade

The thirty-fifth anniversary is traditionally coral in the UK, while some US lists use coral or jade. Because real coral can raise environmental concerns, many couples choose coral-coloured gifts or reef-friendly alternatives instead.

Modern gift: Jade.

Gift ideas: coral-coloured flowers, coral-toned homeware, reef charity donation, jade earrings, jade pendant, jade bracelet, or a green-themed experience.

40th wedding anniversary: Ruby

The fortieth anniversary is the ruby anniversary. Ruby is associated with deep love, warmth and passion, making it one of the most romantic milestone themes.

Gift ideas: ruby jewellery, ruby-coloured flowers, red wine, red glassware, a ruby-toned scarf, or a special dinner with a red theme.

45th wedding anniversary: Sapphire

The forty-fifth anniversary is traditionally sapphire. Sapphire is often linked with loyalty, wisdom and faithfulness.

Gift ideas: sapphire jewellery, blue flowers, a blue silk tie, sapphire-coloured glassware, a blue photo album, or a trip somewhere meaningful by the sea.

50th wedding anniversary: Gold

The fiftieth wedding anniversary is the golden anniversary. It is one of the most celebrated marriage milestones and is traditionally marked with gold.

Gift ideas: gold jewellery, gold cufflinks, gold watch, gold photo frame, golden roses, a family celebration, or a memory book with gold detailing.

55th wedding anniversary: Emerald

The fifty-fifth anniversary is traditionally emerald. Emerald is often linked with devotion, renewal and lasting love.

Gift ideas: emerald jewellery, green flowers, a trip to Ireland, an emerald-toned scarf, green glassware, or a personalised family tree print.

60th wedding anniversary: Diamond

The sixtieth wedding anniversary is the diamond anniversary. It represents extraordinary longevity, resilience and commitment.

Gift ideas: diamond jewellery, a diamond-style photo frame, a family party, a vow renewal, a memory film, or a special piece of jewellery designed with family birthstones.

In the UK, couples can apply for a congratulatory anniversary message from the King for their 60th, 65th, 70th wedding anniversaries and every year after their 70th. You can apply through GOV.UK’s anniversary message service.

65th wedding anniversary: Blue sapphire

The sixty-fifth anniversary is traditionally blue sapphire. Blue sapphire is often associated with loyalty, wisdom and lasting faithfulness.

Gift ideas: blue sapphire jewellery, blue flowers, a royal-themed day out, blue glassware, a framed family photo, or a King’s anniversary message if eligible.

70th wedding anniversary: Platinum

The seventieth wedding anniversary is the platinum anniversary in the UK. Platinum is rare, durable and highly valued, making it a fitting symbol for such a long marriage.

Gift ideas: platinum jewellery, a platinum-coloured photo frame, family celebration, personalised keepsake book, or a special anniversary message from the King.

75th wedding anniversary: Diamond or gold

The seventy-fifth anniversary is often linked with diamond or gold. At this stage, many couples may value time with family more than a physical gift.

Gift ideas: family party, memory book, diamond jewellery, gold jewellery, a framed family tree, or a video message from children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

80th wedding anniversary: Oak

The eightieth wedding anniversary is traditionally oak in the UK. Oak represents strength, roots, endurance and family legacy.

Modern gift: Diamond or pearl.

Gift ideas: an oak tree planted in their honour, oak photo frame, oak memory box, family gathering, pearl jewellery, or a diamond-style keepsake.

85th wedding anniversary: Wine or moonstone

The eighty-fifth anniversary is traditionally wine in the UK and moonstone in some US lists. Wine suggests something that matures beautifully with time, while moonstone is often linked with calmness and good fortune.

Modern gift: Birthstone.

Gift ideas: a bottle of wine from a meaningful year, a wine-tasting experience, moonstone jewellery, birthstone jewellery, or a family toast with personalised glasses.

90th wedding anniversary: Stone or granite

The ninetieth wedding anniversary is one of the rarest marriage milestones. The UK theme is stone, while the US theme is often granite. Both suggest strength, permanence and a life built together.

Modern gift: Diamond or emerald.

Gift ideas: engraved stone garden marker, granite keepsake, diamond and emerald jewellery, family celebration, memory film, or a commemorative plaque.

How to choose the right anniversary gift

The theme is only a starting point. A paper gift for the first anniversary does not have to be a notebook, and a silver gift for the twenty-fifth does not have to be jewellery. The most meaningful anniversary gifts usually connect the theme with your partner’s personality, your shared memories, or something you want to do together.

• For sentimental partners: choose personalised prints, letters, memory books, photo albums or engraved keepsakes.
• For practical partners: choose useful versions of the theme, such as bedding, cookware, watches, furniture or homeware.
• For experience-led couples: choose theatre tickets, trips, workshops, classes, meals or family celebrations.
• For jewellery lovers: use the gemstone or metal theme as inspiration for earrings, pendants, cufflinks, rings or bracelets.
• For low-budget gifting: write a letter, cook a themed dinner, frame a photo, make a playlist or plan a meaningful walk.

Frequently asked questions

Do we have to follow the traditional anniversary gift list?

No. Anniversary gift lists are traditions, not rules. They can be useful when you need inspiration, but the best gift is one that suits your partner and your relationship.

Why are UK and US anniversary gifts different?

UK and US anniversary gift lists developed differently and have been adapted by publishers, jewellers and greeting-card companies over time. That is why some years, such as the 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th anniversaries, may vary by source.

What is the most important wedding anniversary?

The best-known milestone anniversaries are the 25th silver anniversary, 50th golden anniversary, 60th diamond anniversary and 70th platinum anniversary. However, every anniversary can be celebrated in a meaningful way.

Can UK couples get a royal anniversary message?

Yes. UK couples can apply for a congratulatory message from the King for their 60th, 65th, 70th wedding anniversaries and every year after their 70th through the official GOV.UK service.

What should I buy if the traditional gift is ivory or coral?

Choose an ethical alternative. For ivory, buy ivory-coloured gifts, elephant-themed gifts or make a wildlife charity donation. For coral, choose coral-coloured flowers, jewellery or homeware rather than newly sourced real coral.