TRADITIONAL ANNIVERSARY GIFTS LIST

The tradition of giving themed gifts for a wedding anniversary dates to the Middle Ages. It was believed that the symbols were chosen to bring good luck and fortune to the married couple. During the 18th Century presenting wives with a silver wreath on the 25th wedding anniversary and a gold wreath for the 50th anniversary was a European tradition.  Still today, the 25th is known as the Silver Anniversary and the 50th as the Gold Jubilee.  

On the traditional list, jewelry wasn’t attainable until 25 years of marriage, that is if you were lucky enough to get silver jewelry. Back then it would have more likely been a silver tea set or silver tray. In that case, you would have had to wait 30 years to receive jewelry in the form of pearl jewelry. 

In the late 1930s the list was updated and now referred to as the “Modern” Anniversary Gift List, you can find Diamond Jewelry as a gift for the 10th year. At ten years, many women are longing for the diamond anniversary band. This is certainly more appealing than Tin or Aluminum. 

Whatever you choose, make sure it comes from the heart and celebrates the beautiful bond of love between you and your partner. Happy Anniversary!

YEAR                          TRADITIONAL                              MODERN

1                                     Paper                                        Clocks

2                                    Cotton                                       China

3                                   Leather                                 Crystal/Glass

4                               Fruit/Flowers                              Appliances

5                                    Wood                                Silver/Silverware

6                               Candy/Iron                                    Wood

7                              Wood/Copper                              Desk Set

8                             Bronze/Pottery                           Linens/Lace

9                             Pottery/Willow                              Leather

10                            Tin/Aluminum                         Diamond Jewelry

11                                 Steel                                   Fashion Jewelry

12                            Silk/Linen                                     Pearls

13                               Lace                                      Textiles/Fur

14                               Ivory                                    Gold Jewelry

15                              Crystal                                    Watches

20                              China                                      Platinum

25                              Silver                                        Silver

30                              Pearls                                Diamond/Pearl

35                              Coral                                       Jade

40                              Ruby                                       Ruby

45                           Sapphire                                 Sapphire

50                             Gold                                       Gold

55                           Emerald                                  Emerald

60                           Diamond                                Diamond