So, were you Googling anniversary gifts by year and happened by this page? You’re in luck my dude, because you’re getting schooled today! Today we’ll be listing the best anniversary gifts by year, and some suggestions to go with them. For easier browsing, use the search function on your browser and input the number of years you’ve been together for a quick lookup.
Anniversary Gifts By Year | What To Get The SO
Year 1 – Paper
The traditional gift for the first year of marriage is paper. A long, well-thought-out love letter on some great stationery would go a long way. You could also get a picture book made, scrapbooking your adventures so far. If you’re looking for a more modern gift, try clocks. No, you don’t have to buy her a Rolex — just a nice wall clock for your bedroom would suffice.
Year 2 – Cotton
Cotton is the name of the game, according to traditional culture. An all-cotton sweater in her size would keep her snug and cozy while keeping you on-theme. The modern equivalent is China, so a tea set might work here, too.
Year 3 – Leather
For the third entry in this list of anniversary gifts by year, the traditional theme is leather. Getting the SO a leather bag or new boots is always a good choice. For the modernists, crystal or glass is preferred. A crystal figurine or a set of wine glasses would do you well here.
Year 4 – Silk
Traditionally, linen or silk is given on the fourth anniversary. Depending on their preferences, a silk piece of clothing (or underwear?) should be chosen for this year’s anniversary gift. For the modern equivalent, appliances are in order. Get your SO an appliance they’ve always wanted — be it a Kitchenaid mixer or a microwave.
Year 5 – Wood
Wood is the traditional anniversary gift for year 5. Go to your local craft store to pick up a carved wood figurine, or splurge on a great wooden dining table for the home. The modern equivalent is silverware, which is a thing you’ll need in your home anyway. Win-win!
Year 6 – Iron
Iron is the traditional gift for the 6th year of marriage. It’s entirely up to you what that iron object is, but a good bet is always a usable iron ornament. Try phone holders, or even a wrought-iron figurine. The modern equivalent is wood, so refer to Year 5 for ideas.
Year 7 – Copper
For your 7th anniversary gift, the traditional theme is copper. If you can, find a mint that can produce a copper coin with your marriage date engraved on it. Frame that bad boy and you’ve got yourself an anniversary gift. The modern equivalent is a desk set, so that’s a bit pricier.
Year 8 – Pottery
The traditional anniversary gift for the 8th year of marriage is pottery. Take your SO to a pottery class for your anniversary for an adventure you can both enjoy. For the modern equivalent, there’s lace. We’re leaving the rest up to your imagination.
Year 9 – Willow
Willow is the traditional gift for 9 years of marriage, so take the SO to a Willow Smith concert. Just kidding. If you can, try to carve them something from willow for a personal touch. If all else fails, leather is the modern equivalent. Grab a retro leather jacket — it’s a wardrobe piece that everyone should have.
Year 10 – Aluminum
Aluminum is the traditional theme for 10-year anniversaries. Be creative — take her on a trip abroad, citing the plane as your “aluminum” gift. If that’s a bit too much work, diamond jewelry is the modern equivalent for the 10th year—you may still end up spending the same amount of money, though!
Year 11 – Steel
The traditional gift for 11 years is steel, signifying a strong relationship. A steel item like a coat rack can work. The modern equivalent, however, is fashion jewelry or accessories. If you have a fashion-forward friend you can tow around, you may ask them for help!
Year 12 – Pearls
Traditionally, home décor is the go-to gift for 12 years. If you spot your SO looking longingly at some cute knick-knacks while you’re in the mall, make a mental note to get that for them. The modern equivalent is pearls, so book a pearl diving trip and have a grand old time looking for them, for that extra “I love you so much” factor.
Year 13 – Lace
Traditionally, lace is given for 13 years of marriage. Now, there are so many items that are laced, but the easy way out is always lingerie. Not only does this make your partner feel sexier, it’s also a bonus for you… for obvious reasons. If you’d like to spring for more, the modern equivalent is fur. While furs aren’t exactly looked upon nicely these days, a faux fur piece is still a nice-to-have item for your SO.
Year 14 – Ivory
Ivory is the traditional gift for 14 years. But with the rising illegality of ivory items, you’d be hard-pressed to find a new item that uses the material. Try antique shops that sell really old items, or look into auction houses for ivory items. The modern theme is gold jewelry, which we think is much easier to find these days, and more ethically-sourced.
Year 15 – Crystal
Crystal is the traditional theme for the 15th year. Crystal figurines are always nice to receive as a gift — just make sure you don’t get one that’s too ostentatious. The modern equivalent is watches, so if you’re down to splurge a bit, buy her a high-end luxury watch.
Year 16 – Silver
For both traditional and modern themes, silver is the gift for the 16th year. This one’s pretty easy, as a ring or a necklace will always garner an appreciative smile.
Year 17 – Furniture
The theme for this year’s anniversary is furniture. Maybe it’s time to retire your old queen bed and get a California king-sized this time?
Year 18 – Porcelain
Porcelain is the theme for the 18th year of marriage. For this year, you can look into a bathroom renovation with all-porcelain fittings. It’s a gift for the both of you!
Year 19 – Bronze
For your 19th year, it’s time to get more creative. Bronze is both the modern and traditional theme for 19 years together. Be creative — a bronze family photo frame, a locket, or an ornate bronze bracelet are all great picks.
Year 20 – Platinum
This one’s pretty special, as 20 years of marriage is no joke. That’s why we’re upping the ante and going straight to platinum. Buy your SO a platinum ring. If you want to be even more extra, a platinum record replica of her favorite artist’s best album is sure to make her heart skip a beat.
Year 25 – Silver
Why are we skipping 5 years ahead? After 2 decades, themed anniversary gifts come every 5 years. We imagine you’re not complaining — your wallet might need a break by now!
For the 25th year, silver is usually the go-to gift. Here’s an idea: host a renewal of vows for you and your SO and present them with a silver ring. We promise it’s going to be so worth it.
Year 30 – Diamonds
After three decades of marriage, skimping on luxuries is obviously not something you should do. We’re in the big leagues now, so the traditional gift is pearls, while their modern equivalent is diamonds. Take your pick, because either one will be a gift your SO will truly appreciate.
Year 35 – Jade
Both the traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year 35 are jade items. The Chinese see jade as a good-luck stone, so getting a figurine of her favorite Chinese zodiac animal is always a good bet, or a beautiful pendant or bracelet.
Year 40 – Rubies
By year 40, it’s all about the precious stones. The traditional gifts are rubies, so a ring or a necklace with a ruby centerpiece is in order.
Year 45 – Sapphires
Sapphires are the traditional gift for the 45th year of marriage. Again, jewelry with sapphire centerpieces is a good bet. A brooch usually catches people’s eyes, so maybe you should spring for that.
Year 50 – Gold
Golden anniversary means gold gifts! For a really romantic gift, give her a gold ring — after renewing your vows together. Either that, or a gold necklace or watch. Anything golden, really!
Year 55 – Emerald
Your emerald anniversary is here, and you’re lacking a gift. Don’t worry, you can just grab an emerald ring and call it a day! Head to your favorite jeweler and inquire about their emerald options.
Year 60 – Diamonds
You’ve made it. You’ve been together for 60 years, an achievement in itself. They say nothing lasts forever, but it’s pretty cool that your marriage will prove them wrong. Therefore, you get the only sensible “forever” gift for your SO — diamonds. But don’t just hand them the ring. Get down on one leg and propose once more, proving that the romance has never run dry after all these years.
Who Rang The Bell made an incredible video on anniversary gifts by year for you to enjoy here:
Picking out the best anniversary gifts by year can be hard and daunting. However, it’s a way to prove your love even more to your life partner. There is nothing on this list your SO will not appreciate, guaranteed. Hopefully, this guide has helped you out (or will help you out in the future.) Just remember to always set a reminder on your phone to buy these gifts!
What gifts do you give your SO on your anniversary? Let us know in the comments section.