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 60th wedding anniversary. Starting with very practical gifts for newlyweds, the gift’s value increases in each subsequent year of marriage.
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.
Anniversary Gifts by Year – Click to Enlarge.
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.
- TrueFacet Suggestion: Explore Custom Coordinates Bracelets in sterling silver for a personalized keepsake.
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.
- TrueFacet Suggestion: Discover this stunning Geometric Silver Pendant for understated elegance.
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.
Year-by-Year Anniversary Gifts (Expanded)
1st Anniversary: Paper & Clocks
The first anniversary celebrates new beginnings. Traditional paper embodies the blank page of your shared life, while modern clocks honor the time invested in your bond.
- Traditional Gift Ideas
- For Him: A leather-bound journal documenting your first year together.
- For Her: A framed handwritten vow or custom poem on handmade paper.
- Modern Gift Ideas
- For Him: A vintage-style desk clock engraved with “Our Adventure Begins.”
- For Her: A rose gold bracelet watch with a hidden engraving, such as Rose Gold Bracelet.
- Personalization Tip: Pair a paper gift with a shared experience, like a cooking class.
5th Anniversary: Wood & Silverware
Five years symbolize strength and stability. Traditional wood represents roots, while modern silverware celebrates shared moments.
- Traditional Gift Ideas
- For Him: A hand-carved wooden watch case or whiskey decanter.
- For Her: A walnut photo frame or wooden jewelry box with floral motifs.
- Modern Gift Ideas
- For Him: A monogrammed silver cocktail set with his initials.
- For Her: A delicate silver necklace with a pendant shaped like a tree (symbolizing growth).
- TrueFacet Highlight: Check out the Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant for a modern, nature-inspired gift.
10th Anniversary: Tin & Diamond
A decade together calls for durability (tin) and brilliance (diamond).
- Traditional Gift Ideas
- For Him: A retro tin lunchbox filled with nostalgic snacks.
- For Her: Hammered aluminum earrings shaped like blooming flowers.
- Modern Gift Ideas
- For Him: Diamond-studded cufflinks for a touch of luxury.
- For Her: A diamond tennis bracelet, like TrueFacet’s Classic Diamond Tennis Bracelet.
- Why It Works: Pair tin’s practicality with diamonds’ timelessness for a balanced gift.
25th Anniversary: Silver
Silver’s luminous shine mirrors 25 years of refined love.
- Traditional Gift Ideas
- For Him: A silver-plated fountain pen or luxury watch.
- For Her: A chained silver locket with photos of your family.
- Modern Gift Ideas
- For Him: A luxury watch with a titanium finish (a durable alternative to silver).
- For Her: A statement cocktail ring with intricate silver filigree.
- TrueFacet Highlight: Browse the Vintage Art Deco Silver Ring Collection with sapphire accents for timeless elegance.
50th Anniversary: Gold
Gold symbolizes rare and timeless love.
- Traditional Gift Ideas
- For Him: A gold tie clip or cufflinks.
- For Her: A gold pendant necklace with a heart-shaped charm.
- Modern Gift Ideas
- For Him: A gold-plated desk organizer or luxury gold watch.
- For Her: A custom gold art piece featuring your wedding vows.
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.
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 !