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Wedding anniversary years each have their own theme, from paper on the first year to platinum on the seventieth. Here is our simple UK list of the traditional gifts by year, with ideas for each one. In addition, we show which of our photo gifts fit each theme.
What are the wedding anniversary years?
The tradition of giving a different material each year is old. At first, there were only a few: silver for 25 years, gold for 50 years and diamond for 60 years. Later, more years were added to the list. Today, most couples in the UK know the traditional list below. You can read more about its history on Wikipedia. However, lists can vary a little between the UK and the US, so you may see more than one material for some years.
The idea behind the list is simple. In the early years, the materials are light and everyday, such as paper and cotton. Then, as the marriage grows stronger, the materials become harder and more precious. That is why the later marriage anniversary years have names like ruby, gold and diamond.
Traditional gifts by wedding anniversary years
Here are the traditional themes for the most popular wedding anniversary years:
- 1st: paper
- 2nd: cotton
- 3rd: leather
- 4th: linen, or fruit and flowers
- 5th: wood
- 6th: sugar or iron
- 7th: wool or copper
- 8th: bronze
- 9th: pottery
- 10th: tin or aluminium
- 11th: steel
- 12th: silk
- 13th: lace
- 14th: ivory
- 15th: crystal
- 20th: china
- 25th: silver
- 30th: pearl
- 35th: coral
- 40th: ruby
- 45th: sapphire
- 50th: gold
- 55th: emerald
- 60th: diamond
- 65th: blue sapphire
- 70th: platinum
Gift ideas for the first ten years
The early wedding anniversary years are the easiest to shop for. For example, for paper you can give a love letter, a map of the place you met or concert tickets. For cotton, try a soft blanket or a pair of matching aprons. Also, leather means a wallet, a bag or a watch strap.
The 5th wedding anniversary is wood. A wooden photo gift is a lovely idea, because it feels warm and handmade. For instance, our personalised wooden photo print puts a Greek holiday view straight onto a block of wood. You can also add your names and your wedding date.
Next, the 9th anniversary is pottery. So a mug is a fun and useful gift. Our personalised photo mug can carry a photo and a short message, such as “Nine years and still my favourite”. Finally, the 10th anniversary is tin or aluminium. A light metal photo ornament is a sweet way to mark it, especially for a winter wedding.
Gift ideas for 15 to 40 years
From year 15, the wedding anniversary years turn to more precious materials. For example, crystal, china and silver are classic choices. For the 20th, china, you could give a fine tea set or a china mug with your favourite photo. Meanwhile, the 25th, silver, is a big party year for many couples.
Pearl, coral and ruby follow next. For these years, jewellery is popular. However, a shared memory can mean just as much. For example, a photo desk plaque of the place you went on honeymoon makes a lovely gift to sit next to the ruby ring.
Golden, diamond and 70 years wedding anniversary
The 50th wedding anniversary is gold, and the 60th is diamond. In the UK, couples who reach their 60th, 65th or 70th can even ask for a card from the King. So, ask about this a few weeks before the date.
A 70 years wedding anniversary is the platinum anniversary. It is rare, and therefore very special. At this stage, many families choose a gift that brings everyone together. For instance, a set of photo mugs for the whole family, or a framed photo of the couple on their wedding day.
How to choose a gift from the list
First, find your year on the list of wedding anniversary years. Then, think of what your partner loves: travel, coffee, books or the garden. Finally, try to join the two. For example, a coffee lover who married five years ago would like a wooden gift for the coffee table. Above all, add something personal, such as your names, a date or a favourite place.
Looking for more words to add? Read our ideas on what to write on a mug. Or, if you love Greece, see our guide to Greek souvenirs for more gift ideas.
Make your anniversary gift personal. Choose a photo from Crete or Santorini, add your names and your wedding date, and see it in 3D before you order.
All photographs in this article © Simov P Store. All rights reserved.
