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There’s nothing more special than being married to someone you love, and that’s why wedding anniversaries are one of the greatest causes for celebration. Whether you’re celebrating your first year of wedded bliss or you’re coming up to your golden wedding, you should always take the time to mark the occasion of another happy year together. That’s what this site is all about – finding the best ways to make anniversaries truly special.
This site is dedicated to all things anniversary-related. Here, you can find fascinating facts about the different anniversary years, helpful tips for choosing the perfect present and, of course, inspiring suggestions for wedding anniversary gifts by year. If you’re struggling to choose the ideal gift for your loved one, this site is designed to give you all the help you need. With ideas for both traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year, you are sure to find something that will bring an added special touch to the big day.
We are a fount of knowledge when it comes to anniversary gifts. We know how important it is to choose a meaningful gift that will have a special significance, and that’s why we created this site.
How to Choose the Perfect Anniversary Gift
Choosing anniversary gifts for your partner, parent, friend or other loved one can sometimes be a challenge. With the pressure on to find something creative and exciting, it’s no wonder that inspiration often fails to come. Faced with the prospect of choosing yet another dull and generic present, it can be difficult to know what to do. Luckily, our helpful list of anniversary gifts by year can save the day, and our guide to choosing the right anniversary gift to perfectly suit each recipient will make the task of present-buying a breeze.
While most people are aware that there are certain marital years that have recognisable themes, such as silver for the 25th anniversary and gold for the 50th, the idea that almost every single year of marriage has its own symbols associated with it often comes as a surprise. From traditional materials with symbolic meaning to contemporary alternatives, and from flowers to gemstones, each year has its own themes that can be mixed and matched to create a unique and creative gift that is sure to impress. Here, you can find a definitive anniversary gifts by year list outlining not just all of the traditional and modern gifts associated with every year of marriage, but also the colours, gemstones and flowers linked with each one. This is the only tool you’ll ever need to surprise your nearest and dearest with a present that has the deep significance and personal meaning that is so important.
The key to finding just the right gift lies in thinking about the personality and preferences of the person that you’re buying for. No matter how luxurious or expensive the present, if it isn’t something that is to their taste you’re wasting your time and money. One of the biggest mistakes in gift-giving is to present the recipient with something that you would like to receive rather than something that has been given with them in mind. So, let’s take a look at some suggestions:
Pleasing a Traditionalist
If the person that you are buying for has classic tastes, a traditional gift is the perfect choice. Someone who values the tried and tested way of doing things, with an interest in historical significance and heritage will appreciate receiving a gift that has been linked to a specific anniversary year for generations. Respecting these traditions and helping them to live on will make receiving this type of gift even more meaningful. Many anniversary years have a traditional gift associated with them, reflecting the sentiments behind the year of marriage and symbolising specific elements of married life. From the tightly woven threads that represent the close-knit union of the couple when giving cotton gifts to the strength of iron that captures the essence of the pair’s marital bond, these traditional gifts are a perfect choice for a traditionalist loved one.
Gifts for practical and modern recipients
Although traditional gifts are meaningful and symbolic, they’re not to everyone’s taste. Some people would much rather receive a present that is practical and useful – something suited to modern life. It is for this reason that a new list of anniversary gifts for each year was recently created, linking more contemporary suggestions with every year of marriage to complement and stand alongside the existing traditional list. With ideas such as household electricals and desk sets, these modern alternatives are a much more suitable suggestion for those with a more practical and up to date state of mind.
Ideas for keen gardeners
Many marital years are associated with a particular type of plant, each of which has its own significant meaning in the language of flowers. During the 19th century, these meanings were well known, and lovers put a lot of effort into selecting blossoms for bouquets that spoke volumes about their affections without ever uttering a word. Today, many of those meanings have been forgotten, however you can find out more in our list and can choose the perfect floral gift to match your loved one’s anniversary year – the ideal token of esteem for a keen gardener.
Suggestions for a jewellery collector
Jewellery is a classic gift for any occasion, and never is it more appropriate than for a wedding anniversary. To make an anniversary jewellery gift even more significant, choose a piece which incorporates the gemstone connected with their year of marriage. Virtually every marital year has a gemstone linked with it, from opals and sapphires to haematite and amethysts. While some are well known, such as rubies for the 40th anniversary, most are fairly obscure. Nevertheless, you can find all the information you need in our handy anniversary gift list so that you can find the perfect jewellery gift match.
Do they love to travel?
If your loved one likes nothing more than jetting off to explore new places and exotic destinations, the perfect anniversary gift is one with a travel theme. While the ideal present would be a trip or holiday to an exciting new location, not every budget can stretch so far. Some alternative ideas may be a night in a B&B close to home or a gift that would be useful while travelling such as a suitcase set, a guidebook to their dream destination or a personalised luggage tag.
Is your loved one a thrill seeker?
Are you looking for the ideal anniversary gift for someone who is always on the lookout for new experiences and thrills? An experience day could be the perfect solution. There are countless options available to choose from, including white knuckle activities like skydiving, bungee jumping or racing car driving, as well as less adrenaline-filled options like trips to the theatre, gourmet cookery classes or wine tasting workshops. There is sure to be something that your loved one will appreciate, and the memories that they create will last a lifetime.
Presents with a Personal Touch
If you are buying a wedding anniversary gift for someone who would appreciate a unique touch and a gift that is tailored completely to them, you should go for a personalised token of appreciation. There are so many different options available to choose from that there is sure to be something that your loved one will cherish. Engraved photograph frames, paperweights or vases will decorate their home, while they will be able to remember their happy day every time they use a personalised pen, wine glass or mug.
Home Decor Anniversary Gifts
Does the recipient of your gift love nothing more than making their house look beautiful? If you’re buying a present for a house-proud relative or friend, you should consider giving them something to decorate their home. A sculpture, figurine or ornament would be a lasting memento of the happy event, or a piece of artwork to adorn their walls would be another appropriate token. For something a little more personal, why not create a photographic gift featuring images of the couple throughout their marriage, from their wedding day to the present? A collage, canvas, or even a printed cushion would be the perfect way to show a home décor enthusiast how much they are loved.
The History of Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year
The tradition of giving particular gifts to represent a specific marital year dates back centuries. Some of the earliest mentions of giving anniversary tokens are from Medieval Germany where a husband would present his wife with a silver wreath to commemorate their 25th wedding anniversary and a gold one on the occasion of their 50th. Those symbols are still firmly in place today and there are very few people who are unaware of the silver and golden wedding anniversary years.
It was many more centuries, however, before materials were linked to any further anniversary years. During the 19th century in the reign of Queen Victoria there was a particular interest in ancient customs, and when this was combined with the interest at that time in classifying and cataloguing, a list began to be created that linked symbols and themes with some years of marriage. It is certainly known that the first reference to wood being linked to the 5th anniversary appeared at this time, and when Queen Victoria reached her Diamond Jubilee in 1897, the 60th wedding anniversary was named as the diamond anniversary in honour of the occasion.
The first list of anniversary gifts as we know it today appeared in 1922 in Emily Post’s book entitled “Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home”. Here she listed only 8 anniversaries that were already linked with a theme (the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th and 75th) and then went on to outline symbolic gifts for the first 15 years, thus creating the basis of today’s lists.
An even more comprehensive list was drawn up a few years later in 1937, when the American National Retail Jeweler Association recognised the potential to increase their profits from cashing in on the anniversary gift market, and issued a list which matched materials with every year from 1 to 20, followed by every 5th year after that right up to 75. In more recent times, a further list of contemporary gifts has been added to provide a more modern alternative to the traditional offerings designed to appeal to couples with more forward thinking ideas.
The custom of giving anniversary gifts to friends and family members is found around the world, and in some cases the themes remain the same wherever you go. Gold, for example, appears to be universally acknowledged as the symbol of the 50th wedding anniversary. However, there are sometimes differences. In the UK and America, for example, the themes start out simply, with paper being the first anniversary token. Over the years, the symbols increase in value and extravagance, as a representation of the investment that the pair have put into their marriage over all of those long years, until you finally reach diamonds at 75 years of marriage, representing the cherished and dear nature of such a long successful union. In some other countries, for example Germany, the gifts represent the increasing strength of the couple’s partnership.
Ways of Making Your Anniversary Special
Of course, one of the best ways to make your anniversary special is to surprise your husband or wife with a thoughtful and meaningful gift from the heart, however there are many other ways to add a memorable touch to your day.
Why not recreate some of the special elements of your wedding day? You could arrange for a replica of your wedding cake to be made, dust off your original wedding outfits (if they still fit!) and get together all of your friends and family for a special party.
Alternatively, make the day all about reconnecting with each other as a couple and rekindling some of the excitement of the early days of your marriage. Spend the day together, revisiting some old haunts and enjoying activities that you haven’t tried for a while. Round off the evening by having a candlelit meal in a favourite restaurant where you can recapture some romance.
If you’re just starting out on your married life together and are approaching your first anniversary, consider beginning your own special anniversary traditions. Some ideas include taking a photo of yourself on the big day each year at the same time and in the same place, playing the same board game on every anniversary, or going to the same special place.
Using our Anniversary Gifts by Year List
We know how important it is to find a gift that your loved one will truly appreciate, however when you use our list of wedding anniversary gifts by year, you’ll find it quicker and easier than ever before to choose something special. Our helpful ideas and suggestions will give you all the inspiration you need to surprise your partner, friends or family members with a gift that has a deep and significant meaning and which speaks volumes about your love and appreciation.
Dr. John Gottman, at the University of Washington has spent four decades analysing couples communication both verbally and nonverbally, following couples for years to see which relationships survive. With this experience Gottman claims to be able to predict the outcome of a relationship with up to 94 percent accuracy.
Sarah Jessica Parker has famously said that she’s radically different from Carrie Bradshaw, her iconic Sex and the City character, yet both have risk-taking personal style with Carrie once wearing a bird on her head, and SJP a flame headdress. Both also value romance and commitment in their lives. It may have taken Carrie and Big 10 years to make it down the aisle, but they finally got their happily-ever-after ending. And in real life, Parker married Matthew Broderick in 1997 after dating for 5 years. They celebrate their 
After a career playing an assortment of chancers and criminals, Caine has hardly gained a reputation as a romantic. Yet these actors said ‘I do’ in 1973. Caine has said he first fell in love with Shakira when he saw her in a TV commercial.
Married in 1954, Buydens and Douglas are credited with one of the longest lasting marriages in Hollywood. In January 2017, aged 100 years, Douglas himself published his twelfth book, “Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood”, a collection of letters between the couple during their marriage. The 
It is fortunate for a bride to meet a lamb, a dove, a spider, or a black cat on her way to church. It is also considered good luck if she sees a policeman, clergyman, doctor or a blind man.
A 2014 University of Pennsylvania study found that Americans who cohabit or marry when aged 18 years old, have a 60 percent divorce rate. Those who waited until 23 years of age to either wed or cohabit, had a divorce rate of approximately thirty percent.
The honeymoon phase of a relationship with its high levels of passionate love, intense feelings of attraction and ecstasy, as well as an idealisation of your partner lasts approximately one year according to a 2005 study by the University of Pavia in Italy.
In the honeymoon phase the idealisation of your partner blurs the differences between you. It is important that we accept that we each have different ideas, different feelings, different interests. Accepting that you are two different people, with different priorities is a necessary stress in every relationship.
Many studies have concluded that couples that actively celebrate good news have a higher rate of relationship well-being. There are generally four responses to good news, and the best response is the ‘active-constructive’ response.
A 2014 National Bureau of Economic Research study found that marriage increases well-being. The study also found that those couples who also have a close friendship reported that their marriage was critical to their life satisfaction.
A study of 3,000 recently married and recently divorced Americans found that age discrepancies correlate to friction in marriages. A one-year discrepancy in a couple’s ages, makes them 3 percent more likely to divorce when compared to their same-aged counterparts; a 5-year age difference, makes them 18 percent more likely to split up; and a 10-year difference makes them 39 percent more likely.
In the USA more than half the couples who responded said that a vital part of a successful marriage was taking responsibility for household chores. The recommended system is one where each individual specialises in the chores they are good at. This means that all jobs are done well and faster, saving you time across both jobs.
There are several Celtic knot designs, with perhaps the most well-recognized being the Trinity knot (or Triquetra). The simplicity of this design, as with all Celtic knots, consists of a never-ending series of loops, the Trinity knot consisting of 3 distinctive points. Although unverified it is believed that the 3 points of the Trinity knot represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit which makes this a fitting choice of rings for a faith-based wedding and marriage.
The Dara knot, while clearly based upon the same never-ending design as most Celtic knots, is thought to be a modern variation of classic Celtic knot designs. It is thought to symbolize the root system of an oak tree, and everyone knows that oak trees live for hundreds of years. It is a symbol of great strength, both personal and spiritual.
Set a date and book well in advance to ensure you get the perfect location to hold your vow renewal event at. Consider the time of year and the weather. Spring and summer vow renewals can be held outside if the weather permits. Renewing your vows on a beach or in a beautiful garden setting can provide many wonderful memories. During colder months an indoor location should be chosen but this doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. Think outside the box a little and find somewhere that will be fun.
You don’t need to invite everyone that came to your wedding. Chances are that many of the people who attended your marriage ceremony will not be either able or willing to join you when you renew your vows. Keep the guest list limited to the people you really want to share in this special occasion and try not to feel obliged to invite people you would rather not. Typically gifts are not required but this is a personal choice. Just having your friends and family celebrate this momentous occasion with you may be gift enough, so be sure to let guests know that gifts are not required.
Involve your children in the festivities. Children rarely get to see their parents get married and a vow renewal is a great opportunity for them to experience watching their mother and father declare their love for each other in front of family and friends. If applicable have them take an active role in the ceremony. It could be as simple as standing beside you as you renew your vows. This will be a memory that they will have to cherish just as much as you will.
Book a photographer to capture the special moments. It isn’t necessary to spend a small fortune on hiring the best available but do ensure you engage the services of someone who is capable and experienced. A family member or friend who is very well versed in how to take great photos of people and is willing to do so is an option if you feel a professional photographer is more than you need. Once all of the photographs have been taken you can choose the shots you want to include in an album that you can put together yourself.
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick married in 1988 and will be celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary this year. Both actors, it was only natural that they would meet on a film set. Although Kyra found Kevin somewhat unfriendly upon first meeting him clearly she got over that and the couple have been ‘very friendly’ ever since!
Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker married in 1997 and have 3 children together. Sarah has confessed to being ‘totally mad’ about Matthew and thinks he is the funniest guy she knows. The couple is very devoted to their family and their lives. Sarah certainly has reason to thank her brother for introducing them as clearly it is one of the best things he ever did for her!
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson married in 1988 after Tom divorced his then wife. For this celebrity couple it was the quintessential ‘love at first sight’. For any disbelievers of such a thing Tom and Rita are proof positive that an instant connection should not be ignored. Keeping things young and exciting through the years is what this couple does best, which is obvious whenever you see them together.
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor married in 1988 and as so often happens they met on a set and developed a lasting friendship that led to saying ‘I do’. Ben admits to being totally smitten by Christine and so the two started hanging out together, and over the course of seven to eight months Ben went from being smitten to realizing that Christine was ‘the one’. The couple has two children.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer married in 1978 and according to Meryl one of the reasons their marriage has been able to survive through her very successful acting career is that the couple go to great lengths to keep their private lives just that – private! Of course this is not an easy thing to do but it appears that it has paid off for the couple and their 4 children.
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber married in 1998 and Gerber credits the strength of their marriage on being good friends as well as life partners. He believes that one of the secrets to a good marriage is keeping fun and friendship in the mix. While Cindy’s marriage to Richard Gere was reasonably short-lived it appears that Rande is ‘a keeper’.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne married in 1982 but had known each other for a very long time before tying the knot. They have 3 grown children together. The music industry seems notorious for causing marriages to become ‘rocky’ and yet this celebrity couple has managed to hold on through some pretty rough times and dark days, largely due to Sharon being an extremely strong woman and deeply devoted to her family. Despite a recent revelation that Ozzy had had an extra-marital affair the two are still on track to live ‘happily ever after’.
Steeped in tradition and still enjoying a certain degree of popularity the Claddagh ring was a token that a young man would give to his girlfriend. Today it is sometimes worn by a bride as a wedding ring. How the ring is worn is significant though, and tells any hopeful young men that marital status of the woman. When worn on the right hand with the ring facing outwards indicates that the woman is single and available. When turned to face inwards on the right hand the woman is in a relationship and therefore ‘not available’. Once a woman and her beau become engaged the Claddagh ring is moved from the right hand to the left hand with the ring facing outwards to indicate that she is engaged. Once the couple is married the ring is then turned inwards on the left hand. In this way the ring is not just an attractive ring to wear but also makes it easy for men to quickly assess a woman’s availability.
Recognized in many parts of the world as being the symbol of good luck, the horseshoe was part of an Irish bride’s ensemble. This is another tradition that seems to have been dropped along the way, and it is possibly due to the bride not wishing to carry a piece of metal with her bouquet. For those who still wish to carry the symbol in some form it is possible to have a small porcelain or silver horseshoe tucked into a bouquet, or a satin-covered cardboard version with a ribbon that allows it to be worn on the wrist or arm.
