Easy Modern Wedding Anniversary Gift Themes

Are you looking for modern wedding anniversary gift ideas by year and theme? If so, you’ve come to the right place for ideas on contemporary anniversary gifts by year.

For instance, did you first read my blog post on easy anniversary gifts? Then, you made your way over here? If so, welcome.

To clarify, when I first wrote that blog post, it had every modern and traditional anniversary theme in it by year.

The post was almost 10,000 words long. Therefore, it was too much.

So, I decided to break down that monstrous blog post into multiple posts.

First, there is this blog post on modern wedding anniversary gift ideas by year.

Second, there is my other blog post on traditional wedding anniversary gift ideas. 

Finally, I’ve got a post on overall wedding anniversary gift ideas. Similarly, that post covers both modern and traditional themes, too.

Modern milestone marriage celebrations

Above all, in this post I focus on modern anniversary gift ideas. These are ideas for a milestone marriage celebration.

For instance, I’ve included anniversary gifts by year 1-60. That’s a huge range.

In addition, I’ve got something for everyone. For example, I’ve included wedding anniversary gifts for her. Also, I’ve included anniversary gifts by year for him.

Overall, I think you’ll be pleased with the information I’ve shared.

I used to write books about weddings. Therefore, wedding anniversaries were always on my brain.

Additionally, I’ve been married for 29 years. So, every year I need to think about getting my husband the perfect present.

Finally, I’ve got a blog post on anniversary freebies that gets a ton of traffic all year long. It focuses on restaurants that give free food on your anniversary, for example.

Overall, it’s super popular. So, I know people are searching for anniversary information. Perhaps that’s how you ended up here.

Helping with wedding anniversary gift shopping

In the same vein, it means I know people are coming here already for anniversary information. Therefore, why not help them with gift ideas.

At the same time, I wanted to be sure to cover modern or contemporary wedding anniversary gift ideas. 

Most importantly, as I mentioned, I wanted to put this information on modern wedding anniversary gifts in one place.

So, think of this post as your anniversary gift by year chart or list.

For example, this list goes from a 1st anniversary right through to 60th wedding anniversary. That’s a lot of anniversaries to cover.

Themes for modern anniversary gift shopping

Meanwhile, let’s get started. I’ve listed below the themes for modern wedding anniversary gifts. I’ve also included three other themes, if posisble. They are:

1. color
2. flower
3. jewelry/gemstone

I had no idea you had so many options when buying wedding anniversary gifts. However, it’s important to note that not every wedding anniversary has additional themes.

Not every anniversary has a modern theme

Nearly all have a modern theme. That’s for sure.

However, starting with the 16th anniversary gifts, things switch up. That is to say there is only a modern wedding anniversary gift theme every five years.

So, I’ve included the traditional wedding anniversary theme in these sections. This way you at least have some idea of a theme for buying a gift.  

Also, starting with the 20th wedding anniversary, the number of themes overall vary. 

In addition, with the 30th, 55th and 60th wedding anniversaries, there are two additional themes only.

Finally, after the 25th anniversary, things change again. In those in-between years, there is a single theme for each year of marriage.

It is neither modern nor traditional. It just is.

Modern gift themes repeat

One more thing to note: many modern wedding anniversary themes repeat.

For example, jade, the green stone, is the theme for both the 19th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Appliances, for instance, show up as the theme for both the 4th and 18th anniversaries.

So, don’t think it’s a mistake when you see this repetition. It’s legit.

Modern wedding anniversary gift ideas outlined

I’ve outlined it all below to make it easier for you to find modern wedding anniversary gifts by theme.

Overall, I hope this modern anniversary gift list by year and theme is helpful. 

In short, I hope it makes your shopping for wedding anniversary presents easier.

Likewise, this would hold true whether you’re shopping for your husband, parents, friends or a couple you know.

1 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 1 year wedding anniversary gift theme: clocks
• 1 year wedding anniversary color: gold or yellow
• Flowers for 1 year wedding anniversary: carnations or pansies
• Jewelry or gemstone for a 1st anniversary: gold, pearl or peridot

Modern 1 year wedding anniversary gift ideas

What about a timepiece, like an Apple Watch. I’m sure that an Apple Watch would be a much appreciated 1 year anniversary gift for her or him both.

2 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern second anniversary gift theme: china or porcelain
• Colors for second wedding anniversary gift: red or linen white (probably to go along with cotton)
• Flowers for second wedding anniversary gift: lily of the valley
• Second wedding anniversary gem or jewelry: garnet or rose quartz

Modern second anniversary gift ideas

For starters, do you have items left on your wedding registry?

Similarly, is there anything you know your husband or wife would love to have in china or porcelain?

If so, then, bingo, there’s your modern second anniversary gift answer.

3rd modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 3rd wedding anniversary gift: crystal or glass
• Color for three year wedding anniversary: white or jade green
• Flowers for 3rd anniversary: sunflowers or fuchsia
• Gemstone for third year: pearl

Modern 3rd wedding anniversary gift ideas

Meanwhile, if buying off your wedding gift registry worked well for your second anniversary, why not hit if up again for 3rd anniversary gift ideas? This would be perfect for the modern theme of crystal or glass.

4 year marriage modern anniversary gift theme

• Modern 4th wedding anniversary gift theme: appliances
• Color for 4th year wedding anniversary: blue or green
• Flowers for 4th year wedding anniversary: hydrangeas or geraniums
• Gemstone for 4th wedding anniversary: blue topaz

Modern 4th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Has one of your been wanting a new Keurig or another kind of appliance? Therefore, that’s an easy peasy modern 4th wedding anniversary gift idea.

5th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 5th wedding anniversary gift theme: silverware
• Colors for 5th wedding anniversary gift: blue or pink
• Flowers for 5th wedding anniversary: daisies
• Gemstone for 5th wedding anniversary: sapphire

Modern 5th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Once again I’ll go back to the wedding registry. Are there any silverware pieces still to be purchased?

If so, then, in the same vein as earlier anniversaries where I suggest shopping off the registry, it could be your go to, too.

Finally, if you need a last-minute 5th anniversary gift, why not go with flowers? If you can’t pick daisies for your beloved, you could pick up a pot of daisies at your local gardening center.

6th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 6th wedding anniversary theme: wood
• Colors for 6th wedding anniversary: purple, turquoise or white
• Flowers for 6th wedding anniversary: calla lilies
• Gemstone for 6th wedding anniversary: amethyst

Modern 6th wedding anniversary gift ideas

What about a cutting board that represents the state where you live or where you grew up?

Likewise, you could go with a wood gift that’s also a game, such as corn hole games.

7 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 7 year wedding anniversary theme: desk sets
• Colors for 7 year wedding anniversary: onyx, yellow or off white
• Flowers for 7 year wedding anniversary: freesia or Jack in the pulpit
• Gemstone for 7 year wedding anniversary: onyx

Modern 7 year wedding anniversary gift ideas

When I look on Amazon, I see tons of search results for desk sets and accessories for men and desk sets and accessories for women.

You can even find copper desk sets as way to combine both the traditional and modern gift themes.

Therefore, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a modern wedding anniversary gift for your 7th year of marriage.

You can also find plenty of modern 7 year wedding anniversary gift ideas on Etsy.

8th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 8th wedding anniversary gift theme: linens or lace
• Colors for 8th wedding anniversary gift: tourmaline, tanzanite or bronze
• Flowers for 8th wedding anniversary gift: lilac or clematis
• Gemstone for 8th wedding anniversary gift: tourmaline

Modern 8th wedding anniversary gift ideas

For instance, when I think about lines or lace, I think about linens for the home. These linens are made from upcycled denim and cotton. This gorgeous tablecloth is made from 100% Italian linen. Mwah!

In addition, you could also consider lace lingerie. You can find some lovely lace lingerie on Nordstrom.com. Plus, you get free shipping both ways.

9 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 9 year wedding anniversary gift theme: leather
• Colors for 9 year wedding anniversary gift: blue lapis, purple, green or terracotta
• Flowers for 9 year wedding anniversary gift: bird of paradise or poppy
• Gemstone for 9 year wedding anniversary gift: lapis lazuli

Modern 9 year wedding anniversary gift ideas

Looking for leather wedding anniversary gift ideas? Did you find a winner with your 3rd wedding anniversary gift?

Certainly, if you did, why not repeat it for your 9 year wedding anniversary gift, too. If not here are some 9 year anniversary gift ideas I found on Etsy.

10th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 10th wedding anniversary theme: diamond jewelry
• Colors for 10th wedding anniversary: silver or blue
• Flowers for 10th wedding anniversary: daffodils
• Gemstone for 10th wedding anniversary: diamond

Modern 10th wedding anniversary gift ideas

This 10th wedding anniversary theme speaks for itself–diamond jewelry.

11 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 11 year anniversary gifts theme: fashion jewelry
• Colors for 11 year anniversary gifts: turquoise or yellow
• Flowers for 11 year anniversary gifts: tulips or morning glory
• Gemstone for 11 year anniversary gifts: turquoise

Modern 11 year anniversary gifts ideas

Firstly, fashion jewelry is also known as costume jewelry. So, don’t let that phrase confuse you.

Most importantly, think about the kinds of jewelry you might buy in a chain store such as Target. And then go shopping!

12 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 12 year wedding anniversary gift theme: pearls
• Colors for 12 year wedding anniversary gift: jade, opal or oyster white
• Flowers for 12 year wedding anniversary gift: peony
• Gemstone for 12 year wedding anniversary gift: jade

Modern 12 year wedding anniversary gift ideas

Firstly, we’ve seen pearls before in the first and third wedding anniversaries. Now it’s a modern 12th anniversary symbol, too, and could be the basis of your 12 year anniversary gift idea.

For instance, where do pearls come from? Oysters. So why not have a dinner of oysters. 

On the other hand, you can always go with pearl jewelry for him or for her as your 12th anniversary gifts.

13 year modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 13 year anniversary gift theme: textiles
• Colors for 13 year anniversary gift: citrine or white
• Flowers for 13 year anniversary gift: chrysanthemum or hollyhock
• Gemstone for 13 year anniversary gift: citrine

Modern 13 year anniversary theme gift ideas

So, a 13 year modern gift of textiles could be anything for around the house. 

14th wedding anniversary modern gift theme

• Modern 14th anniversary gift theme: gold jewelry
• Colors for 14th anniversary gift: opal or ivory
• Flowers for 14th anniversary gift: dahlias or orchids
• Gemstone for 14th anniversary gift: opal

Modern 14th anniversary gift ideas

Gold jewelry is an easy gift choice. It could be a bracelet, earrings, or necklace, or cufflinks as a 14th anniversary gift idea for him. 

15 wedding anniversary modern gift theme

• Modern 15 wedding anniversary gift theme: watches
• Color for 15 wedding anniversary gift: ruby red
• Flowers for 15 wedding anniversary gift: roses
• Gemstone for 15 wedding anniversary gift: ruby

Modern 15 wedding anniversary gift ideas

I’m going to hit up my idea from an earlier anniversary–an Apple Watch.

16 year wedding anniversary theme

In short, here are the three themes for 16th anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 16 year wedding anniversary gift: coffee or tea
2. Colors for the 16 year wedding anniversary gift: emerald green, red or silver
3. Gemstone for a 16 year wedding anniversary gift: peridot

17 year wedding anniversary theme

In short, here are the three themes for 17 year wedding anniversary gift ideas:

1. Traditional 17 year wedding anniversary gift: wine and spirits
2. Colors for 17 year wedding anniversary gift: yellow
3. Jewelry for 17 year wedding anniversary gift: watches

18 year wedding anniversary theme

In short, here are the three themes for 18 year wedding anniversary gift ideas:

1. Traditional 18 year wedding anniversary gift: appliances
2. Color for 18 year wedding anniversary gift: blue
3. Gemstone for 18 year wedding anniversary gift: cat’s eye

19th wedding anniversary theme

In short, here are the three themes for 19th wedding anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 19th wedding anniversary gift: jade
2. Color for 19th wedding anniversary gift: bronze
3. Gemstone for 19th wedding anniversary gift: aquamarine

20th wedding anniversary theme modern

• Modern 20th anniversary gifts theme: platinum
• Colors for 20th anniversary gifts: emerald green or white
• Flowers for 20th anniversary gifts: aster or day lily
• Gemstone for 20th anniversary gifts: emerald

Modern 20th wedding anniversary gift ideas

For starters, platinum is a hard, long-lasting metal. Therefore, I’m sure any spouse would love jewelry featuring or made from platinum.

Likewise, when thinking about easy modern anniversary gifts for a 20th anniversary, you can always consider these platinum gifts for men:

• crystal whiskey glasses with platinum
• platinum cufflinks with his initial on them
• shaving kit featuring platinum blades and a platinum-looking handle

Fun Fact

With both emerald and platinum representing for a 20th wedding anniversary, you might think that the 20th wedding is the emerald anniversary or the platinum anniversary.

However, it is not. At least not everywhere in the world.

For example, emerald is for 55 years of marriage.

On the other hand, platinum is for 70 years.

But this platinum designation is for the U.K. only.

Therefore, there does not seem to be a platinum wedding anniversary designation in the United States.

21st wedding anniversary gift theme

In short, here are the three themes for 21st wedding anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 21st wedding anniversary gift: fire
2. Color for 21st wedding anniversary gift: orange
3. Gemstone for 21st wedding anniversary gift: iolite (a violet-blue-purple crystal and gem)

22nd wedding anniversary gift theme

In short, here are the three themes for 22nd wedding anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 22nd wedding anniversary gift: water
2. Color for 22nd wedding anniversary gift: green
3. Gemstone for 22nd wedding anniversary gift: spinel (dark green crystal)

23 year wedding anniversary gift theme

In short ,here are the three themes for 23 year anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 23 year anniversary gift: air
2. Color for 23 year anniversary gift: silver
3. Gemstone for 23 year anniversary gift: imperial topaz (rare topaz with pink, orange, peach or champagne coloring)

24 year wedding anniversary gift theme

In short, here are the three themes for 24 year anniversary gifts:

1. Traditional 24 year anniversary gift: stone
2. Color for 24 year anniversary gift: lavender
3. Gemstone for 24 year anniversary gift: tanzanite

25 wedding anniversary modern gift theme

• Modern 25 wedding anniversary gifts theme: silver
• Colors for 25 wedding anniversary gifts: silver
• Flowers for 25 wedding anniversary gifts: iris
• Jewelry for 25 wedding anniversary gifts: silver

25th anniversary ideas

As a result of the most of the themes for a 25th wedding anniversary being silver, there is no reason for me to break out gift suggestions by theme. 

Therefore, most any 25th anniversary ideas you come up with are going to revolve around silver. It is known as the silver wedding anniversary after all.

The only variation might be, for example, if you wanted to work in the 25 wedding anniversary flower–the iris. As a result, you could always buy a silver iris or simply the real thing.

Wedding anniversary 26-29

Once you get to wedding anniversaries for years 26 through 29, they each have a single gift theme. Here they are, in a bulleted list:

• 26th wedding anniversary gift theme: art
• 27th wedding anniversary gift theme: music
• 28 years wedding anniversary gift theme: linens
• 29th wedding anniversary gift theme: tools

30th wedding anniversary gift theme modern

• Modern 30th anniversary gifts theme: diamond
• Color for 30th anniversary gifts: green
• Flowers for 30th anniversary gifts: lily or sweat pea

Modern 30th anniversary gifts ideas

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Likewise, diamonds are the modern 30th wedding anniversary symbol.

Therefore, you can think about a gift of diamonds or diamond jewelry.

Plus, these days you can choose a more affordable option in lab-grown diamonds.

On the other hand, when thinking about 30th anniversary gifts, think about the baseball diamond. For example, you could buy tickets to a game.

Likewise you could buy something related to baseball, such as a hat from a favorite team.

In short any of these ideas could be the perfect idea for easy anniversary gifts for him and her.

Most importantly, these ideas work really well if you’re both baseball nuts.

Wedding anniversary 31-34

So, with wedding anniversaries for years 31 through 34, there is a single gift theme only. To clarify, here they are, in a bulleted list:

• 31st wedding anniversary gift theme: travel
• 32nd wedding anniversary gift theme: bronze
• 33rd wedding anniversary gift theme: iron
• 34th wedding anniversary gift theme: food

35th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 35th wedding anniversary gift theme: jade
• Color for 35th wedding anniversary gift: coral
• Flowers for 35th wedding anniversary gift: African violets
• Gemstone for 35th wedding anniversary gift: emerald

Modern 35th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Here’s why I think jewelry is a great 35th wedding gift.

One, there are three gemstores as modern wedding anniversary symbols to choose from.

Two, jewelry is a great gift to give him or her, or your parents.

Three, you can easily find great gift ideas on Etsy.

Wedding anniversary 36-39

Are celebrating a wedding anniversary for 36 to 39 years of marriage, for instance?

If so, then you need consider one gift theme when shopping for your spouse. Just one.

Therefore, here are those themes by anniversary year. I’ve put them in an easy to read bulleted list:

• 36th wedding anniversary gift: antiques
• 37th wedding anniversary gift: books
• 38th wedding anniversary gift: luck
• 39th wedding anniversary gift: laughter

40th wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 40th anniversary gift theme: ruby
• Colors for 40th anniversary gift: ruby red
• Flowers for 40th anniversary gift: gladiolas or nasturtium
• Gemstone for 40th anniversary gift: ruby

Modern 40th anniversary gift idea

Most of the 40th anniversary gift themes are ruby. Therefore, your best bet for 40th anniversary gift ideas is something ruby.

Seems obvious, right? In other words, you could give a gift of ruby red gladiolas or nasturtium.

Those are the flowers for a 40th anniversary gift. On the other hand, why not choose ruby jewelry for him or her.

Wedding anniversary 41-44

So, with wedding anniversaries for years 41 through 44, there is a single gift theme only. As a result, here they are, in a bulleted list:

• 41st wedding anniversary gift theme: office
• 42nd wedding anniversary modern gift theme: clocks and watches
• 43rd wedding anniversary gift theme: entertainment
• 44 year wedding anniversary modern gift theme: electronics

45th wedding anniversary gift modern theme

• Modern 45th wedding anniversary gift theme: sapphire
• Color for 45th wedding anniversary gift: sapphire blue
• Flower for 45th wedding anniversary gift: blue iris
• Gemstone for 45th wedding anniversary gift: sapphire

Traditional and modern 45th anniversary gift theme

Certainly your gift choices for a 45th wedding anniversary are pretty simple–sapphire. In conclusion, buy something with sapphires in it or in the color sapphire blue, and you’ll have chosen a great gift.

Need a last-minute 45th wedding anniversary fast? Why not go with the flower symbol of blue iris.

Send your parents or grandparents or your friends celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary a gift of blue iris flowers. 

Wedding anniversary 46-49

So, after your 50th or golden wedding anniversary, you have only one gift theme per year of marriage.

As a result, for years 46 through 49, here are the themes, in a bulleted list:

• 46th wedding anniversary gift: games
• 47th wedding anniversary gift: garden and plants
• 48th wedding anniversary gift: home improvement
• 49th wedding anniversary modern gift: copper

50th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 50th anniversary gift theme: gold
• Color for 50th anniversary gift: gold
• Flower for 50th anniversary gift: yellow roses and/or violets
• Jewelry for 50th anniversary gift: gold

Modern 50th anniversary gift theme

Just like the 25th wedding anniversary, with the 50th anniversary there is no reason for an extensive list of gift themes and ideas.

Likewise, most of the themes for 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas is gold.

In other words, it’s your golden wedding anniversary.

So the choice for easy anniversary gifts? For instance, something made of gold or featuring a golden hue is right on track.

Wedding anniversaries 51-54

So, with wedding anniversaries for years 51 through 54, there is a single gift theme only. Here they are, in a bulleted list:

• 51st wedding anniversary gift theme: photos and cameras
• 52nd wedding anniversary gift theme: bath and spa
• 53rd wedding anniversary gift theme: plastic
• 54th wedding anniversary gift theme: glass

55th modern wedding anniversary gift theme

• Modern 50th anniversary gift theme: emerald
• Color for 50th anniversary gift: emerald green
• Flower for 50th anniversary gift: calla lily

Modern 55th anniversary gift theme

Firstly, the 55th wedding anniversary has just a few gift themes. Secondly, of them, two of the themes are the same.

After that, there are similarities. For instance, those similarities would be emerald or emerald green.

In conclusion, it’s no wonder the 55th wedding anniversary is known as the emerald anniversary.

Therefore, a 55th wedding anniversary would be an ideal time to take a trip of a lifetime to the Emerald Isle.

Wedding anniversaries 56-59

Similarly, these later-in-life wedding anniversaries have a single theme only. Therefore, here is a bulleted list of gift themes for years 56 through 59 of marriage:

• 56th wedding anniversary gift theme: day
• 57th wedding anniversary gift theme: night
• 58th wedding anniversary gift theme: faith and hope
• 59th wedding anniversary gift theme: charity

Wedding anniversary themes and colors for 56, 57, 58 and 59

Wondering what the colors associated with these themes are? Here are some thoughts.

When I think of day, I think of the blue sky and the yellow sun. Therefore, when thinking about a 56th wedding anniversary color, with the theme being day, I would go with blue and yellow.

For instance, the “color” of night for a 57th anniversary would be something dark. For example, onyx black or dark navy blue would work.

On the one hand, the theme of a 58th wedding annivesary is faith and hope. Also, yellow equals hope and blue equals faith.

So, use those colors accordingly when choosing a gift.

Finally, the 59th wedding anniversary theme is charity. What color do people associate with charity? White.

60th wedding anniversary modern gift theme

• 60th anniversary gift theme: diamonds
• Color for 60th anniversary gift: diamond white
• Flower for 60th anniversary gift: orchids

Firstly, a 60th wedding anniversary theme is diamonds. Next, it’s also the 60th anniversary color.

Therefore, you know what to do–buy something with diamonds.

70th wedding anniversary modern gift theme

• 70th anniversary gift theme: platinum
• Color for 70th anniversary gift: platinum

Your choice for a 70th wedding anniversary gift is easy–choose something platinum.

Final thoughts on modern wedding anniversary gifts by year and theme

In conclusion, I hope this comprehensive list of wedding anniversaries by year and theme was helpful to read. Above all, I do believe it provided excellent suggestions for easy anniversary gifts with a modern theme.

Finally, I’ve put together a shopping list of easy anniversary gifts on Amazon. To sum up, this shopping list should make your shopping easier if you choose to shop on Amazon.