Anniversary Reference Guide

Anniversary gifts have been chosen according to a list of traditional items said to represent each year of the marriage. We have combined traditional and modern options to give you a complete anniversary gift guide. Whether traditional or modern they both represent the love and commitment that is the foundation of a happy marriage.

1st clocks & paper: The traditional gift of paper reminds us that while paper bonds are delicately woven, its strength lies in its interlaced connection, making the whole stronger that its individual parts. The romantic connection between love and time is the inspiration behind the modern gift of clocks.

2nd cotton & china: The traditional gift of cotton was chosen for its durable and versatile qualities. The modern gift of china honors the elegant, beautiful and delicate nature of love.

3rd leather & crystal/glass: The traditional gift of leather has flexibility, warmth and strength, which are many of the qualities that go into making a marriage a success. The modern gift of crystal or glass reminds us of the fragile bonds of marriage.

4th flowers & linen/silk: The traditional gift of flowers represents the growing partnership of marriage while the modern gift of linen or silk reflects the beautiful fabric of your commitment.

5th wood & silverware: The traditional gift of wood shows the strength of the marriage bond. The modern gift of silverware shows the bond that is formed over the sharing of meals with family and friends.

6th candy & wood: The traditional gift of candy celebrates the sweetness of life together. The modern gift of wood represents beauty, strength and resiliency of the couples bond.

7th wool & copper: The traditional gift of wool represents the warmth; comfort and security in a happy marriage were the modern gift of copper has a heritage of good fortune, luck and prosperity that any marriage needs.

8th bronze & linens/lace: The traditional gift of bronze represents the solid, firm foundation you have built together. While the modern gift of linens/lace is known for it’s one-of-a-kind resiliency and strength.

9th pottery & leather: The traditional gift of pottery expresses the unique shape of every relationship and the contribution from each person to mold the finished piece. The modern gift of leather has flexibility, warmth and strength, which are many of the qualities that go into making a marriage a success.

10th tin & diamond: The modern choice of diamonds honors the durability, beauty and rarity of this decade-long commitment. The malleable nature of tin and the ability to go with the flow makes the traditional gift of tin an appropriate choice, a critical component of any marriage.

11th steel & jewelry: The modern choice of jewelry honors an intimate and personal relationship the wearer has because it’s worn close to the body. The traditional gift of steel was chosen for its great strength and durability as well as its ability to be shaped in a myriad of ways.

12th silk & pearls: A symbol of the moon, this gem of the sea signifies the magical qualities of prosperity, long life and martial bliss making it the modern choice for this anniversary gift. The traditional gift of silk known for its delicacy and luxurious feel.

13th lace & textiles: The weaving of two lives together is the common theme behind this anniversary gift. The traditional gift of lace was chosen for the one-of-a-kind, creative patterns that come from lacing two separate parts of together. The modern gift of textiles speaks to the transformation that happens when delicate threads are woven into beautiful and strong cloth. 

14th ivory & gold: Prosperity, success and preciousness is the inspiration behind the modern gift of gold, while faithfulness and purity inspire the traditional gift of ivory which has evolved to giving gifts of this color.

15th crystal & watches: Like any marriage, the traditional gift of crystal needs to be treated with care and love in order to bring out its dazzling shine. The modern choice of watched honors time spent together – the most precious gift of all.

20th china & platinum: Like the anniversary it represents, the modern gift of platinum is both strong and enduring. The traditional gift of china honors the more elegant, beautiful and delicate nature of a lifetime of love.

25th silver: To honor this remarkable accomplishment, often referred to as the “silver anniversary”, celebrating a quarter century of commitment both the traditional and modern gifts are silver, a precious metal with a brilliant radiant glow.

30th pearl: A symbol of the moon, this gem of the sea signifies the magical qualities of prosperity, long life and martial bliss making pearls the perfect traditional or modern gift for the 30th anniversary.

35th coral & jade: The traditional gift of coral celebrates this long lasting union because it signifies a long and happy marriage. Known as the stone of heaven jade was chosen as the modern gift because of its association with longevity.

40th ruby & garnet: Even after 40 years of marriage these gifts of vibrant stones show the passion is still very much alive. Garnets, the modern gift for this anniversary symbolizes deep affection while rubies are believed to posses an eternal inner flame.

45th sapphire: Sapphires are said to represent honesty, sincerity and faithfulness. Both the traditional and modern gifts are sapphire and when given as a gift it’s believed that this semiprecious gem has the quality to bestow upon the wearer their most desired dreams.

50th gold: This exceptional anniversary celebrates two accomplishments – a long and healthy life and a long and happy marriage. Both the traditional and modern gifts honor its rarity with the most precious metal – gold.

55th emerald & turquoise: Associated with happiness, hope, love and success the traditional gift is emeralds. The modern gift of turquoise brings peace of mind, while it also enhances love and communication.

60th diamond & gold: Rare and precious describe this marriage milestone. The modern gift of gold was chosen to represent the abundance of riches the couple has enjoyed over their 60 years together. The traditional gift of diamonds reflects the enduring nature of love.