Buying a gift for the one person in our lives with whom we share our lives is important to get right. If we are buying for friends and family who are celebrating, we also want to present a thoughtful gift. The traditional wedding anniversary gift list goes back centuries and still offers a guide to gifts that represent each year of marriage, whether the first or 60th. Here are some traditional anniversary gifts by year, starting with the two most popular milestone anniversaries.

25th anniversary – silver

The silver anniversary is probably the most popular milestone anniversary. This is the time family celebrations offering thanks for support to achieve this date. The most obvious silver wedding present ideas include silver jewellery. For something a little different, consider a piece of unique home décor that they can both enjoy. 

50th anniversary – gold

Gold represents strength, wisdom and prosperity that comes from being married for half a century. Consider a unique gold gift by designing your own piece of jewellery from gold or gift a natural rose picked at the peak of perfection and dipped in gold for a gift to last a lifetime. 

1st anniversary – paper

Paper represents a clean sheet on which the couple have begun to write the story of their married life. It also represents the fragility of the first year of marriage, which has not been tested over a long period. You can choose to print and frame the best photograph of the couple from the last year or print out a flight ticket to an amazing vacation location. 

5th anniversary – wood

Trees represent the passing of time, wisdom and strength, in the same way that any marriage over five years has continued to strengthen its roots and get stronger. A gift for this anniversary could be a camping trip in the wilderness or a new dining suite on which they can enjoy romantic meals. 

10th anniversary – tin or aluminium

Tin symbolises endurance, quite appropriate for a decade of marriage. Being made from copper and bronze, tin does not rust or wear down, suggesting longevity in your marriage. Aluminium also represents durability, but also the flexibility required in a happy marriage to deal with challenges that life throws up. Gift a keepsake box from these materials.

20th anniversary – china

China is beautiful and of value, but also delicate. A gift made from china is a reminder that although two decades have passed in the marriage, it still deserves attention to stop the risk of it breaking. Gift a china dinner service or a unique tea masterclass with a qualified tea sommelier.

30th anniversary – pearl

Pearls are something beautiful that have taken years to form. A long relationship is also beautiful in its maturity that comes from within the couple. Pearls as jewellery or buttons on a shirt make great gifts or gift a meal at a seafood restaurant. If you prefer you can choose from the modern anniversary gifts list has diamonds as an alternative. 

40th anniversary – ruby

The ruby gem is symbolic of a deep and unwavering love. Choose a gift in a deep ruby red colour, such as a champagne flutes or gift a trip to a winery. Gifting ruby red roses in bloom or in the form of jewellery or a home décor item will represent the love and passion you feel towards them.

60th anniversary – diamond

This anniversary recognises that the partnership between these two people is unbreakable. A diamond not only symbolises strength but the affection and undying love the couple has for each another.