I know that I’m not alone in being stumped about which anniversary year gifts to give. I mean, the first few years after your wedding, the anniversary gifts are easy. Most people know that the anniversary gift for your first year of marriage is paper. But, then it gets tricky from there.
Another snafu you mind find yourself dealing with when selecting gifts for different anniversary years: do you choose a gift based on a traditional theme or a modern theme?
For example, when I said above that most people know that for your first year of marriage, you give an anniversary gift of paper. But, it turns out, that’s the traditional theme for a first year. The modern theme is clocks.
Why write about anniversary year gifts to give
Gets pretty confusing pretty quickly, doesn’t it? Well, since I’ve had tons of readers write to ask me to address anniversary gifts to give based on year, I’ve written this newest post.
You probably know that I’ve covered anniversary gift ideas in general. However, I wrote two different blog posts that outlined the themes, symbols and more for modern anniversary gifts by year and traditional anniversary gifts by year. They focused mostly on the themes, symbols, colors, flowers, etc.
Now I’m just going to focus on gift ideas for each anniversary year. It’s all gifts, all the time, in list format, to make your reading and shopping easier.
How themes play in wedding anniversary gift ideas by year
For each anniversary year, I’ve tried to give you three to five ideas each. In each year I’ve tried to offer gift ideas for him and for her.
With a handful of suggestions to choose from, if you don’t like my present proposal that fall under the traditional anniversary gift theme, maybe you’ll like something for the modern anniversary gift theme. Or vice versa.
Keep in mind that sometimes the modern and traditional anniversary gift themes overlap. This happens a lot after you get through 15 years of marriage.
For example, the 16th wedding anniversary gift theme is coffee and/or tea for both modern and traditional gifts. The same happens the next year with the 17th anniversary. Then pretty much every anniversary after that has an overlapping theme.
Where to buy wedding anniversary gifts
In addition, I love giving gifts that are easy to buy. In my mind two of the easiest places to buy gifts are Amazon and Etsy. So don’t be surprised if many of suggestions are available on either site–or both.
Finally, I believe in giving gifts for any occasion, including anniversaries, reflective of a person’s hobbies. Therefore, since I’m Peloton obsessed, I’ve included anniversary gifts to give by year for Peloton lovers, whenever possible. (Not so subtle hint to my husband to read this post for some ideas.)
Year by year list of wedding anniversary gifts ideas
Here is my year-by-year list of anniversary gifts ideas to give. I’ve tried to include ideas for him and for her. These go from a first wedding anniversary all the way up to a 60th wedding anniversary.
Anniversary years 1-10
1st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern theme: clocks
Traditional theme: paper
1st Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
The themes for a first wedding anniversary are paper and clocks. Here are some gift ideas for him and her, some with a twist.
Personalized Paper Origami Celebration | 1st Anniversary Clock mixes both the paper and the clocks theme | Etsy
2nd anniversary presents for him and her
Modern theme: china or porcelain
Traditional theme: cotton
2nd Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
The themes for a second wedding anniversary are cotton, china and/or procelain. Here are some gift ideas for him and her, including men's cotton pajamas and women's cotton pajamas.
3rd anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern theme: crystal or glass
Traditional theme: leather
3rd Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
The themes for a third year wedding anniversary are leather, crystal and/or glass.
Twin Saints Brown Leather Third Anniversary Valet. St. Augustine Quote Inscribed Leather Desk Tray.
Great gift idea for a couple or for him or her.
Top shelf crystal martini glasses set of 4--great to buy a gift of crystal off a couple's registry.
4th anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern theme: appliances
Traditional theme: fruit or flowers
4th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
The gift themes for four years of marriage are appliances, fruit and/or flowers.
BirdRock Home Stacking Wire Market Baskets with Chalk Label - Set of 2 - Fruit Vegetable Produce Metal Storage Bin for Kitchen Counter - Pantry Cabinet - Bathroom Shelves - Metallic Black
5th anniversary treats for him and her
Modern theme: silverware
Traditional theme: wood
5th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
Wood and silverware are the two themes that symbolize five years of marriage. Here are gift ideas based on those themes, including a bunch for a Peloton anniversary.
Jewelry Made from Your Flatware or Silverware Spoon Ring Spoon Pendant | Etsy
Indoor Cycling Shoe Shelf Organizer 2 Pair Tall Natural | Etsy
Great for a Peloton lover.
6th anniversary surprise for him and her
Modern theme: wood
Traditional theme: candy or iron
6th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
Wood, candy and iron are the gift themes for six years of marriage.
Neet Wooden Spoons For Cooking 6 Piece Organic Bamboo Utensil Set With Holder Wood Kitchen Utensils Spatula Spoon For High Heat Stirring In Nonstick Pots & Pans Quality Gift & Everyday Use
Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle - 32 Oz, 3 Lids (Straw Lid),Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel, Modern Double Walled, Simple Thermo Mug, Hydro Metal Canteen
7th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern theme: desk sets
Traditional theme: wool or copper
7th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
There are three wedding anniversary gift themes for seven years of marriage. They are desk sets, wool and/or copper.
I love this seven year anniversary gift idea for him. It combines the wool traditional theme and the modern theme of desk sets.
Merino Wool Felt and Cork Desk Mat laptop mat extra large desk pad | Etsy
This bright colorful warm wool blanket throw wool throw wrap is a perfect anniversary gift for her | Etsy
8th anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern theme: linens or lace
Traditional theme: bronze or pottery
8th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
You can choose from a total of four wedding anniversary gift themes to celebrate eight years of marriage. The traditional themes are bronze or pottery, and the modern themes are linens or lace. I've even included some romantic gift ideas for an 8th anniversary plus one for a Peloton lover.
Edvivi 4-Light Antique Bronze Rectangular Linear Crystal Chandelier Dining Room Ceiling Fixture | Glam Lighting
Perfect 8th anniversary gift for him or her: Single Whisky Glass Bronze Pottery Glazed Liquor Glass | Etsy
9th anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern theme: leather
Traditional theme: pottery or willow
9th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
When choosing gifts to wish someone Happy 9th Anniversary, keep the following three themes in mind: pottery, willow (wood) or leather.
Willow wood gift idea willow pen perfect for nine-year wedding anniversary | Etsy
10th anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern theme: diamond jewelry
Traditional theme: aluminum or tin
10th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
You may be asking, "What is the traditional gift for a 10th wedding anniversary?" Well, there are three wedding anniversary gift themes for being married a decade that you can use to find a present.
For 10 years you can buy something featuring diamond jewelry (the modern theme), or aluminum or tin (the traditional theme).
Anniversary year gifts 11-20
11th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern theme: fashion jewelry
Traditional theme: steel
11th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
Most people think of the 11th wedding anniversary as the steel anniversary. Therefore, they're looking for steel anniversary gifts. However, that's just the traditional gift them.
There is a modern theme, too, for gifts, and it is fashion jewelry. So, I've included ideas for both steel and fashion jewelry 11th wedding anniversary gifts.
Fashion Jewelry From Kendra Scott Ari Heart Adjustable Length Pendant Necklace for Women, Fashion Jewelry, Rhodium-Plated, Watercolor Illusion
Fashion Jewelry For Men Elite Athletic Gear 00-99 Custom Number Pendant with Chain Necklace - Stainless Steel (33)
12th anniversary treats for him and her
Modern theme: pearls
Traditional theme: linen or silk
12th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
For the 12th anniversary gift, you can go with the modern theme of pearls. Or, you can follow the traditional wedding anniversary gift theme of linen or silks. For example, you could go with a linen apron for him or her.
THE PEARL SOURCE 14K Gold 5.0-5.5mm Round Genuine White Japanese Akoya Saltwater Cultured Pearl Necklace in 18" Princess Length for Women
13th anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern theme: textiles
Traditional theme: lace
13th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
You have two theme choices for gifts for this wedding anniversary. You can go with lace gifts for a 13th anniversary (traditional theme), or you can go with something made of textiles.
So, what are textiles and textile gifts? Anything that is knit, woven or constructed of interlacing fibers. A rug, for example, is a textile. So are curtains, sheets, even knit hats.
Also, who says that a lace anniversary gift has to be made of lace? I've offered at least one gift option related to lace but not made of lace. Enjoy!
Real lace 13th wedding anniversary card for Her Him, Handmade Card for Happy Couple, Wife, Husband (13th)
Made-to-Order / Custom Made: Unframed Otomi Wall Art Decor Mexican Textile | Etsy
14th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern theme: gold jewelry
Traditional theme: fake ivory
14th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
Whether you're looking for 14th anniversary gifts for her or 14th anniversary gifts for him, you have two themes to work with. First, there is the traditional theme of fake ivory. Fake, because we don't want you giving gifts from dead elephants. Second, there is the modern theme, which is gold jewelry.
FYI, when searching for 14th anniversary gifts using the traditional theme, I've found that using the word "faux" over "fake" with ivory gets you better results.
Kingflux Faux Ivory Shagreen Leather Set of 3 Pcs Decorative Boxes, Storage Boxes Jewelry Organizer, Men's Accessory Organizer (Ivory)
14k Yellow Gold 15.0x17.0.0mm Closed Back Mens Signet Band Ring Size 10.00 Man Fine Jewelry For Dad Mens Gifts For Him
15th anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern theme: watches
Traditional theme: crystal
15th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
For 15 years of marriage, you have two wedding anniversary gift themes to work with: crystal (traditional) and watchers (modern).
The face of this Wittnauer Lucas Quartz Movement Black Dial Men's Watch looks like its surrounded by crystals.
Joyozy Stainless Steel Mesh bands Compatible For Apple Watch 42mm,Women Bling Protective Crystal Diamond Case with Loop Mesh Strap For Apple watch Series 3/2/1(No Tool Needed) (Rose Gold, 42MM)
16th anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: coffee or tea
16th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
Starting with the 16th wedding anniversary, modern and traditional gift themes are the same. So, for 16 years of marriage, you're looking at a gift that involves coffee or tea--or something related to either or both.
17th anniversary treats to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: wine and spirits
17th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
For 17 years of marriage, the modern and traditional wedding anniversary gift themes are the same. And they are wine and spirits.
The American Cocktail Club is a premium cocktail subscription box that curates all-natural and world class cocktails. Being part of the Club is like having the coveted seat at a high level mixology bar. This monthly box contain 4 servings curated by award winning mixologists around the USA.
Discover Award-Winning Wines From Around The World That Are Personalized To Your Individual Taste
18th anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: appliances
19th anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: jade
20th anniversary treats for him and her
Modern theme: platinum
Traditional theme: china
Anniversary year gifts 21-30
21st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: fire
22nd anniversary present ideas
Modern and traditional theme: water
23rd anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: air
24th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: stone
25th anniversary treats to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: silver
26th anniversary surprise
Modern and traditional theme: art
27th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: music
28th anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: linen
29th anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: tools
30th anniversary gifts ideas
Modern theme: diamond
Traditional theme: pearl
Anniversary year gifts 31-40
31st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: travel
32nd anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: bronze
33rd anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: iron
34th anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: food
35th anniversary gifts ideas for him and her
Modern theme: jade
Traditional theme: coral
36th anniversary treats or him and her
Modern and traditional theme: antiques
37th anniversary surprises
Modern and traditional theme: books
38th anniversary presents ideas
Modern and traditional theme: luck
39th anniversary gift suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: laughter
40th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: ruby
Anniversary year gifts 41-50
41st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: office
42nd anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: clocks or watches
43rd anniversary presents for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: entertainment
44th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: electronics
45th anniversary gifts for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: sapphire
46th anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: games
47th anniversary gifts ideas
Modern and traditional theme: gardens or plants
48th anniversary treats for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: home improvement
49th anniversary present ideas
Modern and traditional theme: copper
50th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: gold
Anniversary year gifts 51-60
51st anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: photos or camera
52nd anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: bath or spa
53rd anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: plastic
54th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: glass
55th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: emerald
56th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: day
57th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: night
58th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: faith or hope
59th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: charity
60th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: diamond
Finally, you can get more anniversary gift ideas by year on my blog’s Shop page.