As couples embark on their journey of matrimony, finding a gift that caters to their essential needs seems relatively straightforward. However, as the years pass by, the challenge lies in conjuring a thoughtful and cherished gift idea that truly resonates with their enduring bond.
During the enchanting era of the medieval period, the tradition of presenting gifts to celebrate a wedding anniversary took root. In the majestic realm of the Holy Roman Empire, husbands would honor their beloved wives with a shimmering silver garland upon the remarkable milestone of their 25th anniversary. And when the grand celebration of 50 years of marital bliss was reached, husbands would bestow upon their cherished partners a resplendent golden wreath, symbolizing their enduring love and commitment.
During the 1920s, Emily Post, an American writer, embarked on a quest to tackle the perplexing challenge of selecting the perfect anniversary gift. Her solution? Compiling a comprehensive compilation of anniversary themes in her renowned book “Etiquette”, which was published in 1922. However, this literary masterpiece only covered a select few anniversary years, specifically the first, fifth, and every fifth year leading up to the 25th wedding anniversary. Fast forward to 1937, when the American National Retail Jeweler Association stepped in and expanded the list to include all years up to the 14th year of marriage, and every fifth year up until the grand milestone of 50 years of wedded bliss. Such themes have come to be known as the traditional associations with each marital year. More recently, a contemporary list has emerged, revolutionizing the anniversary gifting landscape. Now, each anniversary year from 1 to 30 is intricately linked with a specific theme or material, with subsequent themes assigned to every fifth year up to an impressive 75 years of matrimonial harmony.
Additional Ideas for Anniversary Presents – Gemstones, Hues, and Blooms.
Anniversary years are not just represented by traditional and modern gifts; they also have their own associated flower, color, and gemstone. The American Gem Trade Association publishes a list of gemstones for each marital year from 1 to 25, and then every 5th year up to the 60th anniversary, in their Information Manual on Gemstones. However, some countries propose different gemstones for specific anniversary years, which we have included in our table.
Various years of marriage frequently possess distinct hues and blossoms connected to them, although these may differ depending on the reference. Nevertheless, the rose is generally deemed an impeccable alternative for any anniversary, particularly if a woman holds a deep affection for roses. Its hue can effortlessly harmonize with the color symbolizing the specific year of celebration.
Behold! Enclosed within this compilation lies a magnificent table, meticulously listing the myriad of conventional and modern themes entwined with every passing year of matrimonial celebration. Furthermore, beneath this table of wisdom, you shall discover a wealth of information, graciously bestowed to assist you in your quest to find the perfect anniversary gift, be it for your cherished soulmate or a radiant duo.
Wedding Anniversary Occasion |
Traditional Theme |
Modern Theme |
Colour |
Gemstone |
Anniversary Gift Suggestions |
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1st Year |
Paper |
Clocks |
Gold; Yellow |
Gold Jewellery (no stone specified) Alternate Stone: Peridot; Pearl |
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2nd Year |
Cotton |
China |
Red |
Garnet Alternate Stone: Rose Quartz |
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3rd Year |
Leather |
Crystal/Glass |
Jade; White |
Pearl Alternate Stone: Moonstone; Crystal; Jade |
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4th Year |
Linen; Silk (UK) Fruit/Flowers (US) |
Appliances (electrical) |
Blue; Green |
Blue Topaz Alternate Stone: Blue Zircon; Amethyst |
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5th Year |
Wood |
Silverware |
Blue; Pink; Turquoise |
Sapphire Alternate Stone: Pink Tourmaline; Rose Quartz; Turquoise |
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6th Year |
Candy (UK) Iron (US) |
Wood |
Purple; White; Turquoise |
Amethyst Alternate Stone: Garnet; Turquoise |
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7th Year |
Wool (UK) Copper (US) |
Brass; Desk Sets |
Yellow; Off-White |
Onyx Alternate Stone: Yellow Sapphire; Copper; Lapis Lazuli |
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8th Year |
Salt (UK) Bronze; Pottery (US) |
Linen; Lace |
Bronze |
Tourmaline Alternate Stone: Tanzanite; Bronze; Aventurine |
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9th Year |
Copper (UK) Willow; Pottery (US) |
Leather |
Terracotta |
Lapis Lazuli Alternate Stone: Tiger Eye; Andalusite |
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10th Year |
Tin (US & UK) Aluminum (US); |
Diamond Jewellery |
Silver; Blue |
Diamond Alternate Stone: Crystal; Onyx; Green Tourmaline |
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11th Year |
Steel |
Fashion Jewellery; Accessories |
Turquoise |
Turquoise Alternate Stone: Hematite |
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12th Year |
Linen; Silk (UK) Home Décor (US) |
Pearls |
Oyster-White |
Jade Alternate Stone: Agate; Pearl; Garnet; Tsavorite |
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13th Year |
Lace |
Textiles; Furs |
White |
Citrine Alternate Stone: Moonstone; Malachite; Opal |
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14th Year |
Ivory or Elephant *** |
Gold Jewellery |
Ivory |
Opal Alternate Stone: Ivory; Gold; Kunzite; Moss Agate |
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15th Year |
Crystal |
Watches |
Red |
Ruby Alternate Stone: Rhodolite; Blue Sapphire |
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16th Year |
Silverware |
Silver |
Peridot Alternate Stone: Aquamarine; Golden Topaz |
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17th Year |
Furniture |
Yellow Alternate Stone: Amethyst; Citrine; Pink Tourmaline; Watch |
Carnelian |
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18th Year |
Porcelain |
Blue |
Cat’s Eye Alternate Stone: Opal; Aquamarine |
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19th Year |
Bronze |
Bronze |
Aquamarine Alternate Stone: Topaz; Golden Beryl |
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20th Year |
China |
Platinum |
Emerald Alternate Stone: Platinum |
Emerald-Green; White |
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21st Year |
Brass; Nickel |
Orange |
Iolite |
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22nd Year |
Copper |
Green |
Spinel |
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23rd Year |
Silver Plate |
Silver |
Imperial Topaz Alternate Stone: Sapphire |
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24th Year |
Opal (US) |
Musical Instruments |
Lavender |
Tanzanite |
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25th Year |
Silver |
Silver |
Silver Jewellery (no specific stone) |
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26th Year |
Pictures |
NA |
NA |
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27th Year |
Sculptures |
NA |
NA |
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28th Year |
Orchids |
Lavender |
Alternate Stone: Amethyst; Orchid Tourmaline |
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29th Year |
Furniture |
NA |
NA |
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30th Year |
Pearl |
Diamond |
Green |
Pearl Alternate Stone: Diamond; Jade |
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35th Year |
Coral (US & UK); Jade (US) |
Jade |
Coral |
Emerald Alternate Stone: Coral; Jade |
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40th Year |
Ruby |
Red |
Ruby |
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45th Year |
Sapphire |
Blue |
Sapphire Alternate Stone: Alexandrite |
Click Here |
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50th Year |
Gold |
Gold |
Gold (no specific stone) Alternate Stone: Gold or Imperial Topaz |
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55th Year |
Emerald |
Emerald-Green |
Alexandrite Alternate Stone: Emerald |
Click Here |
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60th Year |
Diamond |
Diamond-White |
Diamond |
Click Here |
*** Despite the conventional association of ivory with a 14th wedding anniversary, its ethical implications as a result of the decline in elephant populations make it an unfavorable option. Alternatively, selecting gifts that embody the essence of elephants would be a fitting substitute.
Selecting a Present.
When gazing upon our table, behold a comprehensive compendium of every anniversary year. It delineates both traditional and modern themes, in addition to the gemstones, colors, and floral symbols associated with each year. To delve deeper, simply click the link provided in the final column for any given year. This compendium encompasses information pertaining to each anniversary year, from the inception of marriage up until the 30th year, and then every 5th year thereafter, culminating in the grand celebration of the 60th year of matrimony. Moreover, one may peruse the historical background behind the symbols embedded within each theme, along with any other fascinating tidbits relevant to the anniversary. Furthermore, this compendium offers invaluable gift suggestions for every milestone, facilitating the search for that perfect anniversary present. Brace yourself for a plethora of captivating ideas, rendering the quest effortless.
* Delve into the captivating world of floral symbolism by simply clicking on the link nestled in the final column of each anniversary year.
When it comes to selecting an anniversary gift, there are no set guidelines to follow. Allow yourself to be guided by the recipient’s personal preferences and discover a heartfelt present that they will truly treasure.
After two decades, one may observe the absence of customary presents for every year of marriage, yet, there exists a contemporary motif for each year leading up to the pearl anniversary at the 30-year mark. This signifies the importance of a couple’s ongoing dedication to maintaining romance and commitment as they journey through the institution of marriage. Additionally, certain years lack a designated floral symbol, gemstone, or color. However, we do offer valuable suggestions for memorable gifts to commemorate each wedding anniversary.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that various nations often embrace distinct gift themes. By perusing the table, one can easily identify the origin of the gift suggestions, be it from the United Kingdom or the United States.
Should you be looking for advice about romantic activities to enjoy on your anniversary, check out our list of 37 exciting suggestions.