Finding the Perfect Wedding Anniversary Gift
When their anniversary approaches, many couples find themselves searching for the perfect gift. Some embrace tradition, while others prefer to break free from convention and choose something unique.
Following tradition offers a clear guide, as each wedding anniversary year is associated with a specific material, inspiring gift ideas. A quick search for “wedding anniversary” will reveal the traditional gifts for each year of marriage:
- First year: Paper
- Second year: Cotton
- Third year: Leather
- Fourth year: Fruits and flowers
- Fifth year: Wood
- Sixth year: Candy or iron
- Seventh year: Wool or copper
- Eighth year: Bronze
- Ninth year: Pottery
- Tenth year: Tin or aluminum
At first glance, this list might seem uninspiring, but the gifts become more exciting as the years progress. For example, the 13th year is lace, the 15th is crystal, the 20th is china, the 25th is silver, the 30th is pearls, and the 50th is gold. A golden anniversary truly embodies solidity, elegance, and enduring love!
It seems the creators of these symbols reserved the most luxurious gifts for later years, rewarding couples for their lasting commitment. Below, we focus on the first ten years, offering creative gift suggestions to make each anniversary memorable.
Make Each Anniversary Unforgettable
First Anniversary: Paper
Suggestions:
- A paper-mâché picture frame
- A newspaper reproduction from their birth date with a headline like “The Joneses Celebrate One Year!”
- Personalized stationery with their name embossed
- A rare book
- A sepia-toned photograph of the couple
- Japanese silk paper
- A year’s subscription to their favorite magazine or newspaper
- Stock certificates from a company of their choice
- Paper airline tickets for a dream trip to Kenya
Second Anniversary: Cotton
Suggestions:
- 100% cotton pants
- A set of cotton underwear or shirts
- A year’s supply of absorbent cotton
- A fun date night with cotton candy and a movie
- A picture book about cotton
- A card saying, “I love you because you’re as soft as cotton.”
Third Anniversary: Leather
Suggestions:
- A leather bag or knapsack
- A 100% leather wallet with $500 inside
- Italian leather shoes
- Leather car seat covers
- A leather keychain
- Leather boots
- A leather saddle (for horse riders)
- A leather case for their iPod or iPhone
Fourth Anniversary: Fruits and Flowers
Suggestions: This category offers endless possibilities. Surprise your partner with exquisite orchids or exotic fruits flown in from afar. If gifting strawberries, pair them with chocolates or luxurious English cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Fifth Anniversary: Wood
Suggestions:
- A 100% oak coffee table
- A young tree to plant together
- A guitar with a wooden body
- A log cabin (if budget allows)
- A handmade Spanish fan crafted from wood and lace
- A romantic walk in the woods
- A wooden slab engraved with “Glad I Married You”
Sixth Anniversary: Candy or Iron
Suggestions:
- A jar of gourmet jelly beans
- An ironing board (if they have an iron) or an iron (if they have a board)
- Iron golf clubs
- A bottle of iron supplements
- A gift certificate to a premium candy store
Seventh Anniversary: Wool or Copper
Suggestions:
- A wool coat with matching gloves
- Copper jewelry
- A cozy woolen blanket
- A copper mug
- Copper cookie cutters
- Copper wind chimes
- A copper wine enhancer
- Wool gift tags
Eighth Anniversary: Bronze
Suggestions:
- A bronze statue of the couple
- Bronze castings with a chosen theme
- An antique bronze lamp
- A bronze replica of the Liberty Bell or Maple Leaf
Ninth Anniversary: Pottery
Suggestions: If your partner loves pottery, consider enrolling them in a pottery course. For a unique gift, explore these options:
- A Kanika African sculpture by artist Kanika Marshall, featuring authentic African fabrics, wooden beads, shells, metals, and breastplates
- Organic-shaped vases
- Decorative wall sconces
Tenth Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
Suggestions:
- New aluminum siding for the terrace
- A year’s supply of aluminum foil (for a partner with a sense of humor)
- Tin kitchen containers
- Tin containers for their garage or workshop
- Personalized tin plaques
For a playful nod to tradition, recreate the “just married” vibe with a dozen tin milk cans tied with ribbon, hung from your bedroom ceiling with a sign reading, “10 Years Married and Still Kicking!”
Breaking Tradition: A Modern Approach
Who says you must stick to tradition? Symbolic gifts can feel restrictive, and there’s a chance your partner might not love them. For a practical yet romantic alternative, treat your spouse to a sumptuous dinner at a fine restaurant, paired with excellent wine. Over dessert, ask each other what gift you truly want.
After a moment’s hesitation, your spouse might say, “Just give me cash!” It may not sound romantic, but it’s practical, allowing each of you to choose exactly what you desire.
