As mentioned in our previous anniversary year articles, we firmly believe that every wedding anniversary should be celebrated with the same level of thoughtfulness. After all, reaching the milestone of four years of marriage is a remarkable achievement that calls for both reflection and celebration.
First, we will briefly talk about the significance of the traditional 4th anniversary gift, which is silk.
What is the Traditional 4th Anniversary Gift?
When delving into the realm of anniversaries, one cannot ignore the enchanting world of gemstone hues, blossoms, and various materials (such as delicate cotton or luxurious silk) that are intricately tied to each milestone. As I embarked upon crafting this piece, I was met with a flurry of misleading facts, causing a perplexing haze to surround the traditional gift for a 4th anniversary.
According to various ranking sources on Google, it is widely claimed that in the United States, the customary gift for celebrating the fourth wedding anniversary is Fruit/Flower, while in the UK, Silk/Linen is deemed as the traditional choice. Surprisingly, if one were to consult a reputable source like Wikipedia, the information seems to contradict this popular belief!
Therefore, I made the decision to delve further and visit the origin.
The roots of the existing gift traditions can be traced back to 1937, when the concept took shape. Prior to that era, only specific milestones such as the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th, and 75th anniversaries were celebrated with symbolic presents. However, in 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now recognized as Jewelers of America after a merger) unveiled an extended compilation of commemorative offerings.
The updated compilation presented a unique present for each year leading up to the 25th, and subsequently, for every fifth commemoration thereafter, a tradition that endures to this day. Embedded within Emily Post’s literary work, a prominent American author of the early 1900s, one discovers her assertion that silk signifies the ideal gift for the fourth year of marital bliss. Within the enchanting pages of Emily’s masterpiece, The Blue Book of Social Usage, a captivating snapshot showcases the captivating journey of wedding anniversary gift milestones.
I believe it’s completely secure to proceed with that option. In the United States, the customary gifts for celebrating the fourth year of marriage are either silk or linen, whereas the contemporary choice for a fourth anniversary gift is an appliance.
That being mentioned, if you are coming from the United Kingdom, it would be advisable to stick with fruits and flowers.
Gemstone for 4th Anniversary
When searching for the perfect anniversary gift in the form of jewelry, explore the enchanting world of blue topaz or blue zircon gemstones.
Flower for 4th Anniversary
Celebrate your 4th anniversary with the enchanting Hydrangeas, the epitome of beauty. Bursting with vibrant hues and strength, these blossoms exude elegance when arranged in a bouquet of love. Opt for the passionate pink to symbolize affection and sentiment, embrace the abundance of white, or delve into the profound understanding conveyed by the majestic purple. Let these magnificent blooms infuse radiance into your cherished day of togetherness.
4th Anniversary Gifts for Her
Don’t let the honeymoon stage fade away even after the first, second, or third anniversary – let it thrive all the way to the 4th year celebration! Sustain the flame by embracing these charming and useful silk or linen gift suggestions for your beloved partner.
1) Silk Pillowcase
By slip.
The first time I laid eyes on a silk pillowcase was during a captivating talk-show segment, and it immediately struck me as a brilliant concept. This remarkable product vows to tackle the pesky issues of bedhead, wrinkles, and sleep creases. Not only does it possess hypoallergenic properties and resistance against dust mites, but it also offers the luxury of allowing the skin to breathe, a quality that synthetic satin (polyester) sorely lacks. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to indulge in a night of slumber on a sumptuous silk pillow?
The sheer indulgence of one night’s use of this pillowcase is enough to elevate your sense of luxury. Despite its slightly higher price tag, the abundance of rave reviews suggests that this product is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a cooler and more rejuvenating sleep experience.
A high-end present, the Slip Silk Pillowcase is crafted from 100% pure silk.
2) Silk Scarf
By Nordstrom.
Consider the month of your anniversary when selecting a scarf; opt for a cozy wool/silk blend instead of pure silk. Nevertheless, gentlemen, it is always wise to stick to timeless classics. A splendid silk scarf serves as an extravagant present bound to impress her.
3) Silk Orchid Arrangement
By wayfair.
In the past, there was a significant craze for artificial flowers. However, after catching a glimpse of this captivating feature on the Marilyn Denis show, you might be tempted to infuse them into your interior design! Presently, artificial flowers have reached such a level of authenticity that distinguishing them from the genuine ones becomes an arduous task.
Treat your lady with a stunningly lifelike silk orchid if she lacks gardening skills or simply adores the elegant presence of orchids in her home.
Just remember to occasionally clean them!
4) Silk Pajama Set
By LelaSilk.
Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is an interesting destination for people of different ages.Output: The Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang is a fascinating location for individuals of various age groups.Input: I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to lounge around in a pair of silk pajamas. Do you?Output: I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t desire to relax in a set of silk sleepwear. Do you?
On your fourth wedding anniversary, take advantage of the ideal chance to upgrade her assortment with a lavish set of genuine silk.
5) Silk Robe
By LelaSilk.
To fully complement her appearance and truly indulge her, discover the corresponding robe that she can adorn along with her fresh silk pajamas or independently. 😉.
6) Silk Eye Mask
By EllaBellaSilk.
Lately, I’ve developed a new habit of wearing a stylish eye mask during my nighttime routine. This simple addition has revolutionized my sleeping experience, particularly when I’m exploring new destinations on a well-deserved getaway.
I can only imagine what a silk sleeping mask would feel like (BIG hint to my spouse!).
Should she indulge in the bliss of slumber with an eye mask, perhaps it’s the perfect moment to elevate her experience with a lavish silk one. Enhance the allure and kindle an intoxicating flame in the boudoir by gifting her a matching set of silk restraints, though we’ll leave the decision of embracing this tantalizing accessory entirely up to you!
7) Silk Clutch
By RedRubyRose.
Select a stunning silk clutch purse as an exquisite and considerate present. Opt for a pattern that will captivate her and fill the purse with extraordinary treasures.
8) Silk Blossom Diffuser
Written by Jo Malone.
Although it may not be crafted from genuine silk, it exudes the intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of silk tree blossoms. Infuse your anniversary (and the remainder of the year) with an ambiance of pure delight through this aromatic present.
9) Silk Road Tour
If by any chance you were bestowed with a substantial bonus at your workplace this year and have been contemplating a journey to the captivating continent of Asia, allow me to propose an exhilarating method to solidify your decision.
Astonish her with tickets for a journey through the silk commerce paths in Asia.
10) Silk Throw Pillow
By OneFineNest.
If you have a creative interior designer on your hands, take a look at these exquisite Moroccan handmade cactus silk cushions.
Wow, it seems like we’ve completely drained our options for silk gifts! However, as previously mentioned, linen happens to be included in the 4th wedding anniversary gift suggestions. Since we’re not particularly fond of silk sheets, we thought it would be delightful to present linen sheets as a flawless alternative gift.
11) Linen Sheets
Provided by west elm.
These exquisite Belgian linen sheets ranked at the top of WireCutters’ lineup for finest linen sheets, and we concur!
The stunningly luxurious sheets offer a delightful blend of comfort and affordability. Their unique washing technique effortlessly achieves a charmingly lived-in appearance, while the exquisite range of colors effortlessly captures the current fashion zeitgeist. A cursory scroll through Instagram will confirm that the captivating soft hues and invitingly worn-in aesthetic of linen are undeniably en vogue.
Gemstone & Flower Gift Ideas
Celebrate your anniversary with a touch of elegance by gifting exquisite jewelry. As you commemorate four years of love and commitment, indulge in the captivating allure of blue topaz or blue zircon gemstones. Explore the mesmerizing array of these stunning treasures:
12) Blue Topaz Drop Earrings
Provided by Blue Nile.
For an unforgettable occasion like your 4th anniversary, jewelry proves to be a foolproof option. Opt for the perfect gemstone and make a statement with these exquisite drop earrings adorned with mesmerizing blue topaz. The blend of oceanic shades and expertly crafted gemstones guarantees that your impeccable sense of style will leave her in awe.
13) Blue Topaz Earrings
Through Blue Nile.
And let’s just say that whether it’s earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet, jewelry is always a great suggestion!
14) Bracelet with Blue Topaz
By GianniDeloro.
Experience the exquisite charm of this meticulously crafted 14K solid gold bangle that exudes a captivating minimalist allure. Embellished with mesmerizing blue topaz gems, it radiates an unparalleled level of grace and sophistication.
Now, if you adhere to the British custom of presenting fruit or flowers, here are a few suggestions that she might find appealing:
15) Bouquet of Hydrangeas
Offered by The Bouqs Co.
The simple act of presenting a newly trimmed bunch of flowers never ceases to brighten someone’s day. With their lively and elegant presence, hydrangeas bring an additional element of charm to any bouquet. Combine a handful of red or white roses to create a romantic and meaningful display that she will absolutely cherish. And to top it off, these blossoms will provide an ideal setting for capturing a commemorative photo that encapsulates the joyous occasion.
16) Wedding Bouquet Art
By MimiPowersPaintings.
Wow her with an abundance of considerate gestures, leaving her deeply moved and possibly bringing tears to her eyes – achieving two goals with a single gift, earning extra points in the process. Instead of opting for flowers that wither away quickly, expand your horizons and surprise her with a stunning work of art that she can treasure eternally. Immortalize her wedding bouquet by transforming it into a captivating painting to adorn the walls of her home or workplace.
4th Anniversary Gifts for Him
Just shy of five years, but the fourth matrimonial milestone deserves recognition and jubilation. Below, we present a selection of delightful presents, inspired by the elegance of silk, and the freshness of fruit and flowers, that we absolutely adore for him.
1) Silk Slouchy Beanie
Sold by Etsy: casualbox.
Forget about the typical itchy wool beanies, because this one is in a league of its own! Crafted from the finest 100% mulberry silk, this beanie offers an unmatched level of softness and luxury. Not only does it caress your skin with kindness, but it also ensures your head remains blissfully comfortable, no matter the temperature. Treat yourself to this extraordinary beanie before you leave!
2) Silkscreen Wall Art
By Minted.
Why not mark the occasion by giving a beautiful piece of silkscreen wall art to make your house feel like a home.
3) Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
By Brave Era/em.Output: by Brave Era/em.
For those with a partner who relishes the wonders of nature and finds solace in camping expeditions, this divine silk liner could be the ultimate must-have for their camping escapades. Not only does it offer a precious dose of warmth to their beloved sleeping bag, but it also assumes an irreplaceable role in ensuring impeccable hygiene. I must confess that I was initially clueless about the purpose of this gift, but upon further investigation, I have come to appreciate its profound practicality for avid campers.
4) Silk Tie
Provided by The Tie Bar.
On the occasion of his 4th anniversary, there couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity for him to elevate his wardrobe with a luxurious silk tie. Unquestionably, exuding confidence is of utmost importance in the corporate world!
5) Silk Boxers
By LeptonSilk.
Perhaps they’re a little clichéd, but who minds. They will still make for a suitable present.
6) Monogrammed Silk Handkerchiefs
By Cyberoptix.
For an old-fashioned, dapper kind of gift get him a monogrammed silk handkerchief. Could pair this with a silk tie from above.
7) Silk Pajamas
By Etsy: sinosilkstore.
Imagine, just imagine, the delightful possibility of both surprising one another with an identical gift – wouldn’t that be absolutely marvelous! The presence of silk pajamas promises to transform your leisurely Sundays into an entirely new and extraordinary experience.
Thanks for exploring our collection of silk anniversary gift suggestions. Looking ahead to next year (hint: it’s all about wood), we extend our warmest congratulations on reaching your fourth anniversary and wish you abundant joy in the years that lie ahead!
