The tradition of exchanging anniversary gifts made of a specific material is believed to have originated in Victorian-era England. The gift list became popular stateside in the early 20th century where anniversary celebrations—and presents in turn—were a big to-do. The milestone gifts assign a material for every year until a couple’s 15th anniversary when the list acknowledges only every fifth anniversary, up until the 50th wedding anniversary. Starting with very practical gifts for newlyweds, the gift’s value increases in each subsequent year of marriage.

For couples seeking to honor tradition while embracing sustainability and sophistication, pre-owned luxury jewelry offers an elegant solution. These timeless pieces, often from renowned brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., or Van Cleef & Arpels, are meticulously authenticated and restored to their original splendor. Whether it’s a vintage diamond ring for a significant milestone or a classic bracelet symbolizing unbreakable commitment, pre-owned luxury jewelry allows you to gift enduring beauty with a story. Not only does it carry historical charm, but it also provides an opportunity to own iconic designs at a more accessible price point.

In 1937, the American National Retail Jewelers Association released an updated and expanded list which included more anniversaries. This modernized list phased out the “old-fashioned” gifts with then-contemporary alternatives. Today this revised list’s suggested gifts are (ironically enough) a little dated and couple’s today have been commonly referring back to the Victorian-era list and re-interpreting the materials with a present-day twist.

Anniversary gifts are more than tokens—they’re symbols of your journey together. While traditional anniversary gifts by year (like paper for Year 1 or diamonds for Year 60) offer timeless symbolism, modern lists and personalized touches make celebrations even more meaningful. This guide not only dives into traditional and modern themes but also includes gender-specific ideas, expert tips to tailor gifts to hobbies, and heirloom-quality jewelry recommendations for lasting memories.

Traditional vs. Modern Anniversary Gifts By Year (2025 List)

✅ Pro Tip: Pair traditional symbolism with modern practicality. For example, replace classic “paper” with a custom map of your first date location.

Click here or the image below to view the complete Anniversary by Year Gift Chart.

 

Year-by-Year Anniversary Gifts (Expanded)

1st Anniversary: Paper & Clocks

Symbolize enduring time with a pre-owned luxury watch. Brands like Rolex Datejust or Cartier Tank blend timeless design with precision. Each watch is authenticated by experts and includes a 1-year warranty. For a modern twist, the Cartier Love Bracelet —crafted with signature screws—represents unbreakable commitment.

Pro Tip: Pair a watch with a handwritten note to honor the “paper” tradition while gifting lasting value.

5th Anniversary: Wood & Silverware

Celebrate growth with nature-inspired luxury jewelry. Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany T Smile Pendant (featuring sustainably sourced gold) or a pre-owned diamond ring from TrueFacet’s collection adds organic elegance. All pieces undergo rigorous authentication, ensuring ethical sourcing and quality.

Did You Know? TrueFacet’s consignment program lets you trade unused jewelry for store credit—perfect for upgrading your gift.

10th Anniversary: Tin & Diamond

Mark a decade with dazzling diamonds or a luxury handbag. Consider a Fendi Bag (known for its sleek aluminum hardware) or a Rolex President Day-Date with a platinum bezel. TrueFacet’s Brand Spotlight series highlights rare vintage finds, like a 1970s Omega Constellation. 

 25th Anniversary: Silver

Celebrate with heirloom-worthy pieces. A Patek Philippe Calatrava (platinum edition) or a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace (china-inspired porcelain motifs) combines artistry and heritage. Pair it with a Tom Ford Noir Extreme Luxury Fragrance for a sensory touch. 

50th Anniversary: Gold

For a golden jubilee, choose luxury gold jewelry like a Cartier Trinity Ring or a Rolex Day-Date “Golden President”. These pieces are designed to become family heirlooms, backed by TrueFacet’s authenticity guarantee

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Anniversary Gift

1. Prioritize Sentiment Over Price

A gift’s value lies in its thoughtfulness, not its cost. Example: A handwritten “10 Reasons I Love You” letter for Year 10 ($0 budget) or a custom starlight map of your wedding night (Year 1).

2. Mix Traditional and Modern

Combine themes for a unique twist:

• Year 7 (Traditional: Wool / Modern: Desk Sets): A wool blanket with a leather-bound planner.
• Year 40 (Ruby / Garnet): Ruby earrings paired with a garnet-encrusted watch.

3. Consider Lifestyle

• For busy parents: Simplify with practical luxuries like a silk robe (Year 30’s pearl theme).
• For remote workers: A gold-plated desk organizer (Year 50’s gold theme).

4. Add a Hidden Surprise

Engrave jewelry with inside jokes or dates. Example: “Est. 2019” on the inside of a signet ring. Explore customizable options at TrueFacet’s Engraved Jewelry Collection.

How to Personalize Anniversary Gifts

Love the symbolism of traditional gifts but want something unique? Here’s how to tailor gifts to their personality, hobbies, or lifestyle:

1. For the Travel Lover

• Traditional Twist: Use the “paper” theme (Year 1) to gift a vintage world map marked with destinations you’ve visited.
• Modern Touch: A compass necklace engraved with coordinates of your favorite place.

2. For the Sports Fan

• Traditional Twist: Year 5’s “wood” theme can become a handcrafted baseball bat or a charcuterie board shaped like their favorite team’s logo.
• Modern Touch: Tickets to a championship game paired with a leather-bound journal.

3. For the Minimalist

• Traditional Twist: Year 25’s “silver” theme translates to sleek, geometric silver cufflinks or a minimalist pendant.
• Modern Touch: A monogrammed leather wallet or a sleek platinum ring.

4. For the Foodie

• Traditional Twist: Year 15’s “crystal” theme becomes artisanal cocktail glasses or a crystal decanter.
• Modern Touch: A gourmet cooking class with a personalized engraved chef’s knife.

Final Thoughts

Whether you stick to tradition or embrace modernity, the key is to choose gifts that reflect your relationship’s unique story. From heartfelt personalizations to luxurious keepsakes, every gift should celebrate the love and memories you’ve built together. Start exploring today at TrueFacet !