Ultimate Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year
Celebrating a wedding anniversary is much more than marking another year on the calendar. It's a time to reflect on the milestones of a married life that deserve recognition and celebration. They remind couples of their commitment to each other and the reasons they chose to embark on life's journey together.
Choosing the right wedding anniversary gift is an art that symbolises love, commitment, and the unique journey of every couple.
It's not just about buying a modern gift or a present but about finding something that encapsulates the moments, both big and small, that you have shared.
Whether it's a simple token of affection or a grand gesture, the essence of the gift lies in its ability to convey your love and commitment to one another.
Stay tuned as we delve into modern and traditional anniversary gifts, offering you a comprehensive guide to finding that perfect token of love for every anniversary year of marriage.
Modern & Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
The tradition of giving specific types of gifts for different wedding anniversaries dates back centuries, serving as symbols of love and longevity within a marriage.
These gifts, categorised into modern and traditional themes, offer a wide range of ideas tailored to every stage of a couple's journey together.
Understanding the significance behind each year's theme can add depth and meaning to your choice of gift, making the celebration even more special.
Love & Co.’s Most Popular Anniversary Gift Collections
Joie (“joi-e”) is the French variant of the name Joy which symbolizes the feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Each piece from the LVC Joie Collection is designed with Roman numerals to represent timeless love and eternity. The LVC Joie Collection is perfect as an anniversary gift to mark milestones for lovers, friends or a mother.
The LVC Joie Diamond Bracelet is a classic piece for reminiscing quality time spent together. The diamonds represent a tender love all year through the four seasons. An effortless look for styling, they add extra sparkle to your final look.
1 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Paper symbolises the strength in the paper that comes from its interlaced connection of individual threads, akin to the intricate weaving of your lives together.
Modern: Clocks represent the precious time you've spent together and the years ahead.
2 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Cotton, signifying comfort and strength, reflects the need for a marriage to be both resilient and comforting.
Modern: China symbolises the beautiful, yet fragile nature of being in love and the care it requires.
LVC Joie Millennium Diamond Pendant3 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Leather, representing shelter and security, illustrates the protection and safety found in your relationship.
Modern: Crystal/Glass signifies clarity, transparency, and beauty in your marriage.
4 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Fruit/Flowers, representing growth and blossoming love, symbolise the flourishing of your relationship.
Modern: Appliances highlight the practical aspects of your life together and the comfort of your home.
LVC Charmes Clover Diamond Earrings
LVC Charmes Clover Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold
5 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Wood symbolises the solid, grounded nature of your relationship and the growth of your love.
Modern: Silverware represents the connection you share at meals and special occasions.
6 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Iron, symbolising the durability and strength of your marriage.
Modern: Wood objects reinforce the traditional theme of solid growth and the deep roots of your relationship.
7 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Wool/Copper, indicating warmth, comfort, and wealth in your relationship.
Modern: Desk sets signify the stable foundation of your partnership and your shared goals.
8 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Bronze, representing the blending of two lives into a single, durable entity.
Modern: Linens/Lace, symbolising beauty, intricacy, and comfort in your shared life.
LVC Joie Diamond Pendant "VIII"
9 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Pottery, symbolising the moulding of two lives to create something beautiful.
Modern: Leather goods, emphasizing the durability and protective nature of your relationship.
LVC Joie Decades Diamond Pendant
10 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Tin/Aluminum, symbolising the flexibility and durability necessary to sustain love.
Modern: Diamond jewellery, representing the enduring and unbreakable nature of love.
LVC Joie Centuries Diamond Pendant
LVC Say Love™ Destiny Diamond Ring - 1.0ct11 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Steel, symbolises the strength and durability of your relationship, just as steel is used to fortify and build enduring structures.
Modern: Fashion jewellery, offering a way to express personality and style, signifies the evolving beauty of your relationship.
Traditional: Silk, represents the smooth and comforting flow of time in your marriage, much like the luxurious fabric.
Modern: Pearls, symbolise purity and wisdom gained over a dozen years together.
13 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Lace, denoting the intricate and beautiful patterns of your life together, reflecting the elegance and grace of your relationship.
Modern: Textiles/Furs, suggesting comfort, warmth, and the refined luxury your years of marriage together have built.
14 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Ivory, symbolising purity, durability, and the rare beauty of a relationship that has flourished over fourteen years. (Note: Due to the unethical nature of ivory trading, many couples opt for ivory-coloured gifts or donations to elephant conservation as ethical alternatives.)
Modern: Gold jewellery, representing the timeless and unchanging nature of your love.
Traditional: Crystal, signifying clarity, transparency, and the beauty of a love that remains radiant over fifteen years.
Modern: Watches, symbolising the time you've cherished and the future moments you'll share.
16 Year Anniversary Gift
Modern: Silver holloware, refers to items like tea sets and serving dishes, symbolising the sharing and nurturing aspects of your relationship.
17 Year Anniversary Gift
Modern: Furniture, representing the comfort, functionality, and the home you have built together.
18 Year Anniversary Gift
Modern: Porcelain, symbolises elegance, beauty, and a delicate yet strong nature of a long-term relationship.
19 Year Anniversary Gift
Modern: Bronze, indicative of the durability and beauty that comes from combining different aspects of your lives.
20 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: China, symbolises the beauty, elegance, and delicate aspects of your relationship that need to be handled with care.
Modern: Platinum, representing strength, endurance, and the rare beauty of a two-decade-long partnership.
LVC Purete Classic Wedding Band in Platinum with Glossy Finish
LVC Purete Step Edge Wedding Band in Platinum
LVC Purete Eternity Wedding Band in Platinum with Diamonds
25 Year Anniversary Gift (Silver Anniversary)
Traditional: Silver, celebrating the brilliance and shine of a quarter-century together, symbolising clarity, strength, and beauty.
30 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Pearl, represents purity, beauty, and the hidden treasures of a long-lasting union.
Modern: Diamond, symbolises the enduring strength, beauty, and rarity of a three-decade-long relationship.
LVC Eterno Celestia Diamond Hoop EarringsLVC Eterno Classic Curved Diamond Necklace
35 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Coral, symbolising protection and the magical beauty of the sea reflects the deep, mysterious beauty of love over thirty-five years.
Modern: Jade, represents luck, protection, and the soothing stability that comes with this milestone.
40 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Ruby, symbolises passion, protection, and the eternal love that burns as brightly after four decades as it did in the beginning.
Modern: Ruby, reiterates the timeless nature of love and the preciousness of the time spent together.
45 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Sapphire, representing wisdom, virtue, and the depth of understanding that comes with navigating life together for forty-five years.
Modern: Sapphire, echoing the traditional symbol with its enduring beauty and significance.
50 Year Anniversary Gift (Golden Anniversary)
Traditional: Gold, celebrating the most precious metal for the most precious milestone, symbolizing the wealth, wisdom, and perfection of a half-century together.
Modern: Gold, reaffirming the traditional value of this milestone with its timeless appeal and intrinsic worth.
Oval, Straight Pave, Solitaire, 18K Yellow Gold
LVC 9IN Kailey 999 Gold Bracelet
55 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Emerald, symbolising rejuvenation, growth, and the enduring vibrancy of love that has lasted over five and a half decades.
Modern: Emerald, underscoring the continuous growth and renewal of your relationship.
Emerald, Tapered Plain, Halo, 18K White Gold
60 Year Anniversary Gift
Traditional: Diamond, celebrating the hardest substance on earth to symbolise the unbreakable bond of a sixty-year-long marriage.
Modern: Diamond, reinforces the idea that true love is as enduring and resilient as the most timeless of stones.
LVC Charmes Brilliance Diamond Necklace
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Anniversary Gift
Selecting the perfect anniversary gift is an opportunity to demonstrate your love, understanding, and appreciation for your partner.
While tradition offers a guiding hand through established symbols and materials for each anniversary present, the essence of a great gift lies in its personal significance and the thought behind it.
Here are some tips to help you choose a gift that resonates with your partner and celebrates the unique bond you share.
1. Consider Your Partner’s Interests and Hobbies
Think about what brings joy to your partner. Whether it's a passion for gardening, a love for music, or an enthusiasm for cooking, selecting a gift that aligns with their interests shows that you pay attention to what makes them happy. This personalised approach ensures your perfect gift will be cherished and enjoyed.
2. Recall Memorable Milestones or Inside Jokes
Gifts that commemorate a special moment in your relationship or nod to an inside joke between the two of you add a layer of personal significance. This could be anything from a photo album filled with memories of your travels together to a custom piece of art that symbolises a private joke.
3. Quality Over Quantity
A well-chosen, high-quality gift often holds more value than a plethora of lesser items. Investing in something that lasts—be it a piece of jewellery, a fine writing instrument, or a luxurious accessory—can serve as a lasting reminder of your love and the special milestone you're celebrating.
4. Experience Over Material
Sometimes, the best gifts aren't tangible. Planning a surprise getaway, a romantic dinner at home, or a day dedicated to romantic activities can be far more meaningful. Experiences create memories that can be cherished far longer than physical gifts.
5. Surprise Element
Adding an element of surprise can make your gift even more memorable. This doesn't necessarily mean the gift itself has to be a surprise but consider creative ways to present it. A scavenger hunt, a surprise outing to unveil the gift or an unexpected delivery can add excitement to the traditional gift-giving experience.
6. Reflect on the Past Year
Consider the past year's achievements, challenges, and milestones. A gift that acknowledges what you've been through together, be it a custom journal to document your journey or a piece of art that reflects a significant event, can be incredibly meaningful.
7. Future Anticipation
Gifts that look forward to the future you plan to share are particularly touching. Whether it’s something for a home you’re building together, a book on adventures to have, or a promise ring for even more commitment, these gifts symbolise your shared dreams.
8. Personalising Your Anniversary Gifts
Personalisation adds an extraordinary touch of thoughtfulness to any gift, transforming even the simplest of tokens into something profoundly special.
Options such as engraving, and custom designs that weave in aspects of your unique relationship elevate the standard gift to a treasured keepsake.
For those considering adding this intimate touch to their anniversary gift, Love & Co. offers an exquisite engraving service that allows you to inscribe names, personal messages, special date, or symbols on your chosen piece.
This service ensures that your gift will not just be a present but a romantic gesture and timeless expression of love and memories.
Conclusion
Celebrating a wedding anniversary is a beautiful way to commemorate another year of love, growth, and companionship. It's a time to reflect on the journey you've shared, appreciate the love that has flourished, and anticipate the many more years to come.
The ultimate guide to wedding anniversary gifts by year, whether you're leaning towards modern or traditional, is designed to help you find the perfect symbol of your love and commitment.
As you celebrate another important milestone in your marriage, consider these tips and ideas to select a gift that resonates with your partner. And, if you're looking for beautifully crafted, memorable gifts, consider visiting Love & Co. for creative gift ideas and a selection that celebrates love in all its forms.