Just as there aren’t official rules that fit every romantic partnership, the “appropriate” wedding anniversary gifts by year aren’t written in stone–nor iron, copper, bronze, tin, steel, gold, or diamond. The origins of the traditional anniversary gift list are shrouded by the mysterious, misty mists of time, anyway.
The “traditional” guide for anniversary gifts by year featured mostly practical items, to help couples set up their new homes. The modern list, created by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1937, is (surprise!) big on precious metals and gems. As much as we adore sparkly baubles, we don’t believe that jewelers have the authoritative last word on this subject.
However, an anniversary gift guide of what’s generally considered appropriate can be a lifesaver: without one, it’s easy to succumb to mental paralysis when you need to come up with anniversary gift ideas for friends or relatives celebrating X years of marriage.
With all this in mind, here is our own fresh guide of anniversary gifts by year: traditional, modern, and, of course, uncommon.
Shortcuts to anniversary years:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60
Traditional Gift | Paper
Intersection of Love Photo Print (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | Clocks
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Cotton
Upcycled Cotton Sari Robe and Mens Cotton Ikat Wrap Robe (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | China
Personalized Porcelain Faux Bois Mug Set (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Personalized Mixtape Pillow (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Leather
Black and Grey Ombre Tote and Reversible Reclaimed Bike Tube Belt – Green
(Note: UncommonGoods does not sell products containing leather, feather, fur, or pearls. The items below are made of vegan leather and reclaimed bike tubes.)
Modern Gift | Glass and Crystal
Yours, Mine, and Ours Engraved Decanter Set (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
State Love Glasses (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Fruit and Flowers
Modern Gift | Appliances
Uncommon Gift
Flower Stemmed Wine Glasses – Set of 6 (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Wood
Modern Gift | Silverware
Make a Wish Measuring Spoon Set
Uncommon Gift
Trinity Wooden Cuff (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Candy and Iron
Modern Gift | Wood
Personalized Hearts Four-Across Game
Uncommon Gift
Personalized Champagne Wedding Vase (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Wool and Copper
Modern Gift | Desk Sets
Meditation Box (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Heart Book Box (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Pottery and Bronze
Pottery Oil Candle (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | Linens and Lace
Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Gemstone Heart Yarn Bowl (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Willow and Pottery
Modern Gift | Leather
Wine Maker’s Journal
(Note: UncommonGoods does not sell products containing leather, feather, fur, or pearls. The journal below is made of poly synthetic leather.)
Uncommon Gift
Rooted in Love Planter (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | Tin and Aluminum
Wire Sculpture Jewelry Tree (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | Diamond Jewelry
Wish Upon A Star Diamond Necklace
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Crystal
Constant Sparkling Champagne Flutes – Set of 4
Modern Gift | Watches
Uncommon Gift
Walnut & Steel Magnetic Jewelry Organizer (only at UncommonGoods)
Traditional Gift | China
Modern Gift | Platinum
Woodgrain Titanium Wedding Band – Wide
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Silver
Modern Gift | Silver
Latitude Longitude Cufflinks (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Pearl
Sea Glass Stacking Earrings (only at UncommonGoods)
(Note: UncommonGoods does not sell products containing leather, feather, fur, or pearls.)
Modern Gift | Diamond
Diamond Penny Necklace With Personalized Year
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Ruby
Modern Gift | Ruby
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Gold
Have & Hold Stemless Wine Glasses – Set of 2 (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | Gold
Full Moon Necklace (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Traditional Gift | Diamond
Milestone Bracelet (only at UncommonGoods)
Modern Gift | Diamond
Meteorite Cufflinks (only at UncommonGoods)
Uncommon Gift
Gem and Mineral Collection Print (only at UncommonGoods)
5 Comments
My husband found a custom made anniversary sundial online (a clock that uses the sun to tell time) that sits on the windowsill and makes rainbows in the room when the sun shines. He had the guy who made it add a special date line that the time shadow follows on our anniversary each year. It does something cool every year and it is fun to watch the shadow get closer and closer as the day approaches – I thought it was a great gift!
Hi Cheryl —
What an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing that. We are very curious about how that worked, it sounds like something we would love here at UncommonGoods!
Thanks for reading our blog.
Oh Wow!!
I think your blog is full of unique and lovely gift ideas.
This is such a beautiful collection. Hats-off to your effort.
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That personalized connect 4 game is so cool! What an awesome idea. The cutting board is neat too, but I can imagine it would end up being a pain to clean in the nooks and crannies of the letters at the top, as bits and pieces of whatever you’re chopping would inevitably get in there.