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.
Together We Go Far Work It Towel
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
18th Anniversary Year Gifts to Give
The 18th year anniversary gift, for both the modern and traditional theme, is appliances. Whether you go big appliances or small, you'll have plenty of options when shopping for a present.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 13 One-Touch Programs
19th anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: jade
19th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
The modern and traditional theme for a 19th wedding anniversary is Jade.
20th anniversary treats for him and her
Modern theme: platinum
Traditional theme: china
20th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
When it comes to 20th wedding anniversary gift ideas for him or her, you have two choices. The Modern theme or symbol is platinum, and the Traditional theme or symbol is china.
If you never had the chance to finish out your wedding china pattern--and it's now out of stock--Replacement Ltd. can help.
If you never had the chance to finish out your wedding china pattern--and it's now out of stock--Replacement Ltd. can help.
Anniversary year gifts 21-30
21st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: fire
21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
The 21st wedding anniversary theme, symbol or motif is fire. So, I've come up with gift ideas that related (safely) to fire.
Wuple Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Set of 5 Smores Sticks for Fire Pit Campfire Roasting Sticks 30 inch
S'mores Kit | BIG KIT | by Camp Fire Crates Milk Chocolate | Makes 24 S'mores | Great For Camping and Fire Pit (Milk Chocolate Smores Kit)
22nd anniversary present ideas
Modern and traditional theme: water
22nd Anniversary Gift Ideas for Marriage
When it comes to 22 years of marriage, you should center your gift ideas around the theme of water. Just don't get wet trying.
23rd anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: air
23rd Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
With the 23rd wedding anniversary, your gift idea are the same for both modern and traditional themes--air. So, you can have some fun with this notion of "air" as a gift, such as buying an air purifier, Air Jordans for a sneaker fan, or even airline tickets for an anniversary trip.
24th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: stone
25th anniversary treats to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: silver
25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
I'm pretty sure everyone knows that a 25th wedding anniversary is also known as a silver anniversary. Why? Because the gift theme (modern and traditional) is, you guessed it, silver. Here are some gift ideas to consider, especially if you're stumped on silver anniversary gift ideas for men.
26th anniversary surprise
Modern and traditional theme: art
26th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Art is the modern and traditional theme for a 26th wedding anniversary gift. So, here are some ideas for art to give or the recipient to make themselves.
Van Gogh Immersive Art exhibit tickets via StubHub.com
27th anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: music
27th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Center your 27th wedding anniversary gifts around music. Why? Because music is the theme for both traditional and modern gift ideas.
Book tickets to see a favorite band or concert through Stubhub.com.
28th anniversary ideas for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: linen
28th Wedding Anniversary Gift Theme Ideas
When it comes to a 28th wedding anniversary, one source told me that the modern and traditional gift theme is linen while another said linens, plural. So, you decide if you want to give a present made from linen or give the gift of linens.
29th anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: tools
29th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
As I'm writing this my husband and I are getting ready to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. Giving him a gift will be easy--the modern and traditional present themes are the same, tools.
30th anniversary gifts ideas
Modern theme: diamond
Traditional theme: pearl
30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
With a 30th wedding anniversary, you have two gift themes to choose from to celebrate three decades of marriage. One, the traditional gift theme is pearl. Two, the modern gift theme is diamond.
So, you can shop for a present that features either or those jewels. Or you could have some fun with your buying and find items that include a diamond shape or a pearl theme, such as oysters.
Anniversary year gifts 31-40
31st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: travel
31st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Travel is both the modern and traditional theme for a 31st wedding anniversary gift. So, where will you go to celebrate?
32nd anniversary presents to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: bronze
33rd anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: iron
33rd Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
Iron is the modern and traditonal gift theme for being married for 33 years. A great option for an iron gift is something made of cast iron, such as cookware.
34th anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: food
Experience Gift Ideas: Meal Kits
35th anniversary gifts ideas for him and her
Modern theme: jade
Traditional theme: coral
35th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
With a 35th wedding anniversary, you're back to two gift themes to consider. One, the modern gift theme is jade. Two, the traditional gift them is coral. Here are some suggestions.
36th anniversary treats or him and her
Modern and traditional theme: antiques
36th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
With a 36th wedding anniversary, the only gift motif to work with is the notion of antiques. On a site like Etsy.com, you can find antique jewelry, antique furniture, antique decor and much, much more.
37th anniversary surprises
Modern and traditional theme: books
37th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
Focus on something related to books for a 37th wedding anniversary gift. Then, you know you'll be staying true to both the modern and traditional gift symbols.
38th anniversary presents ideas
Modern and traditional theme: luck
38th Wedding Anniversary Gift Idea
Are you feeling lucky with your gift shopping? You should since luck is the gift theme for 38 years of marriage. It's the symbol of both a modern and traditional anniversary gift.
39th anniversary gift suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: laughter
39th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
Laughter may be the best medicine. It's also the modern and traditional theme for a 39th wedding anniversary.
Of course, you can give a physical gift that represents or mentions laughter, as shown below.
Or, you can give the experience of laughter. For example, you can buy tickets to a comedy show.
40th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: ruby
40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Ideas
Shopping for a 40th wedding anniversary gift is easy, because the modern and traditional theme and symbol is ruby. That is, the color is ruby red, the jewel is ruby and the overall theme is ruby.
Personalized Anniversary Gift for Parents 40th Ruby Wedding Anniversary - Stretched Canvas
The Metal Foundry 40th Ruby 2020 Wedding Anniversary Sundial Gift. Solid Recycled Brass Gift Idea is A Great Present for Him, Her, Parents, Grandparents Or Couple On 40 Years of Marriage
AUSCUFFLINKS 40th Anniversary Ruby Wedding Gift Husband | Cufflinks Gold Edge Red Cuff Links
Gem Stone King 925 Sterling Silver Red Created Ruby Women's Tennis Bracelet (11.08 Cttw Oval 7 Inch With 1 Inch Extender)
Anniversary year gifts 41-50
41st anniversary gifts to give for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: office
41st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Office is your modern and traditional theme for a 41st wedding anniversary. So, you can buy a gift for an office or a home office. On the other hand, you can choose to give something from the TV show "The Office." These ideas work as gifts for him or her.
42nd anniversary suggestions
Modern and traditional theme: clocks or watches
42nd Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
When it comes to being married for 42 years, clocks and watches are the gift theme to focus on. They are for both modern and traditional gifts.
43rd anniversary presents for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: entertainment
43rd Wedding Anniversary Gift Theme Ideas
Both the modern and traditional gift theme for a 43rd wedding anniversary is entertainment. Whatever you think the gift recipient would find entertaining would work as an appropriate present in my book.
44th anniversary ideas
Modern and traditional theme: electronics
44th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
The modern and traditional gift theme for a 44th wedding anniversary is electronics. So, why not use this opportunity to upgrade your TV watching to a Smart TV brand. Or, splurge on accessories to make an old TV act "smart."
45th anniversary gifts for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: sapphire
45th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
When it comes to the wedding anniverary symbol for 45 years, the modern and traditional gift themes are the same. That is, sapphire.
46th anniversary suggestions for him and her
Modern and traditional theme: games
46th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
When it comes to a 46th wedding anniversary, you should focus your gift giving on games. That's because games are the modern and traditional gift motif.
So, here are a few ideas to get you going. These are appropriate presents for him or for her.
Hunt A Killer | Murder Mystery Games
Give the gift of vintage board games subscription throught Cratejoy.
Escape Room games subscription from Cratejoy.
47th anniversary gifts ideas
Modern and traditional theme: gardens or plants
47th Wedding Anniversary Gift Idea
The theme for 47th wedding anniversary gifts is either garden or plants. So, choose something living that the recipient can plant in their garden.
On the other hand, you can give them tickets to tour a local arboretum. Or, you can buy a present that is inspired by gardening or plants, such as home decor.
Organic gardening seeds and plants subscription box from Cratejoy.
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
50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Everyone knows that a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. That's a huge milestone to reach.
However, you don't have to buy gaudy golden things as a themed gift. As I've said before, I like to shop on Etsy for unique gift ideas. Here are a few I found recently that would work beautifully for golden anniversary gifts for parents or grandparents. Plus, a few ideas that don't take themselves too seriously.
Anniversary year gifts 51-60
51st anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: photos or camera
51st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
When you get to 51 years of marriage, your gift themes, for both traditional and modern ideas, are photos and camera.
52nd anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: bath or spa
52nd Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Bath and/or spa are the themes (modern and traditional) for a 52nd wedding anniversary gift.
53rd anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: plastic
53rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
I'll admit that I find the gift theme for a 53rd wedding anniversary weird. The modern and the traditional gift theme is plastic. So, what do you do with that? I did my best to find creative ideas to suggest.
54th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: glass
55th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: emerald
55th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
Emerald is the modern and traditional gift theme for a 55th wedding anniversary. So, give a gift featuring emeralds or emerald green, or consider planning a trip to the Emerald Isle--Ireland.
56th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: day
56th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Give
The modern and traditional gift theme for a 56th wedding anniversary is day. I don't know about you, but when I think about "day," I think of sunrise and sunset. So, I've found some gift ideas on Etsy with that in mind.
57th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: night
57th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
If a 56th wedding anniversary gift theme is day, then it makes sense that the 57th wedding anniversary gift theme would be night. This is for both modern and traditional gifts.
So, make it a big night out, a trip where you can see the night sky (a destination or a planetarium) or a telescope that helps you view the night sky. Or, anything else that you believe is representative of the time after the sun goes down.
58th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: faith or hope
58th Wedding Anniversary Gifts to Give
Faith and/or hope are the modern and traditional themes for a 58th wedding anniversary.
59th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: charity
59th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
The theme of a 59th wedding anniversary is charity. Therefore, I've focused on gifts that give back. By the way, charity is both the modern and the traditional gift them for 59 years of marriage.
Bombas socks donates a pair of socks to a person in need every time you buy a pair of socks.
Shop now and use code BOMBAS20 for 20% off your first purchase.
60th anniversary
Modern and traditional theme: diamond
75th wedding anniversary
It is the exceptional couple that makes it to 75 years of marriage. The modern and traditional gift themes are the same as 60 years of marriage–diamond.
Finally, you can get more anniversary gift ideas by year on my blog’s Shop page.