The Greatest Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide. Ever.
Whether you’re into traditional or modern gifts, our picks will have your loved one saying ‘I do’ all night long.
Sep 12, 2023
A wedding anniversary is a time for spouses to look back on one of the most magical days of their lives. And the tradition of celebrating a marriage on the same day every year is nearly as old as the institution itself.
History of the wedding anniversary
The first recorded wedding ceremony dates back to 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia, but the practice of celebrating the occasion one year later didn't catch on for quite some time.
While the exact date of the first wedding anniversary is somewhat dubious, some researchers believe the tradition began, as many things did, with the ancient Romans. Others believe the first recorded wedding anniversary happened in Germany sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries.
It wasn't until the mid-1800s, in Germany and England, when significant marriage milestones — years 25 and 50 — were celebrated with a gift. In those days, to still be alive and together after that many years was considered quite a feat. (One could argue that still being alive and together for a 50th wedding anniversary is quite a feat even these days.) On the 25th anniversary, couples would be given a wreath made of silver. If they made it to their 50th anniversary, they received a wreath made of gold — each metal representing the strength of the relationship.
Traditional vs. modern anniversary gifts
Silver and gold are still the traditional gift for the 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries today. It wasn't until post-Industrial Revolution consumerism that gifts were given on a more annualized basis, with the value of the gift increasing year after year, as if to say, “Congratulations for staying married another year!" Or, more flippantly, “You're totally worth it, babe!"
Today, most anniversary gifts fall into two categories: traditional and modern. The notion of “modern" was first introduced in 1937 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, which saw an opportunity to capitalize on celebrating significant life milestones with fine jewelry. Fun fact: It was this same association that standardized birthstones in 1912.
Anniversary gift guide for the 21st century couple
Not sure if your better half falls into a more traditional or modern gift camp? That's OK. The secret to giving the perfect gift that says “I love you" is simple: Make it personal and unique, just like the couple you are.
1st anniversary
Modern | Clocks
1st anniversary
Modern | Clocks
Shop : A Time for Love Engraved Heart Clock from Personalization Mall
Your first wedding anniversary is a celebration of the year you've spent together since you said “I do." This engraved heart clock is the perfect modern gift to symbolize the first 12 months that have passed, and the time you have ahead as a couple. Choose from three verse options to appropriately express your feelings, and then add your own ending sentiment or message to create a truly unique — and “timeless" —keepsake.
Shop : A Time for Love Engraved Heart Clock from Personalization Mall
2nd anniversary
Traditional | Cotton
2nd anniversary
Traditional | Cotton
Shop : Mr. and Mrs. White Velour Personalized Robes from Personalization Mall
There's nothing quite like the touch or feel of cotton. It's the fabric of our lives. Why not wrap your significant other in an embroidered bathrobe that's made of luxurious velour on the outside and plush terry cotton on the inside? Unwrap at your own discretion.
Shop : Mr. and Mrs. White Velour Personalized Robes from Personalization Mall
3rd anniversary
Modern | Crystal/Glass
3rd anniversary
Modern | Crystal/Glass
Shop : Anniversary Toast Personalized Champagne Flute Set from Personalization Mall
Can you even call it an anniversary celebration if there are no bubbles dancing in a Champagne flute? This pair of crystal stemware can be etched with your choice of design, names, anniversary year, and date. Add a sparkling wine and chiller gift set, and you'll be all set for a romantic evening. You can even throw on those robes you bought last year to help set the mood.
Shop : Anniversary Toast Personalized Champagne Flute Set from Personalization Mall
7th anniversary
Traditional | Copper
7th anniversary
Traditional | Copper
Shop : Bonfire Warmth Orchid from 1-800-Flowers.com
If you're fortunate enough to be a homeowner by this point in your marriage (no guarantee these days), you're for sure looking for ways of sprucing up the place. And an orchid will not only provide you with a striking natural feature in your home, but it can last for many years if cared for properly. The copper planter in which this elegant flower comes will serve to commemorate your shining love for each other.
Shop : Bonfire Warmth Orchid from 1-800-Flowers.com
9th anniversary
Traditional | Pottery
9th anniversary
Traditional | Pottery
Shop : Floral Anniversary Personalized White Flower Vase from Personalization Mall
Your love for each other has grown like a flower, so why not get something to put those beautiful blooms in that you surely brought home on this most wonderful day? (You did remember to get flowers for the occasion, didn't you???) This vase is decorated with a pretty floral design, and you can customize it with a sweet message that carries special meaning to just the two of you.
Shop : Floral Anniversary Personalized White Flower Vase from Personalization Mall
15th anniversary
Modern | Watches
15th anniversary
Modern | Watches
Shop : Special Dates Personalized Vegan Leather Watch Box from Personalization Mall
At this point in your marriage, you may be thinking, “My how time flies!" This elegant vegan leather watch box allows you to engrave special dates of the important moments you've shared together into the glass top. Removing the included velvet-like watch cuffs easily converts the watch box into a treasured jewelry box.
Shop : Special Dates Personalized Vegan Leather Watch Box from Personalization Mall
30th anniversary
Traditional | Pearl
30th anniversary
Traditional | Pearl
Shop : Elegant Couple Mariposa® String of Pearls Personalized Handled Serving Tray from Personalization Mall
OK, so this serving tray doesn't include real pearls, but it's so classy looking and of such high quality that no one will care. This hand-crafted piece is perfect for entertaining, able to hold everything from an assortment of appetizers to a selection of decadent desserts. And the fact that it's personalized makes it a truly meaningful keepsake.
Shop : Elegant Couple Mariposa® String of Pearls Personalized Handled Serving Tray from Personalization Mall
AUTHOR
Jenn Bussell has worked as a writer, editor, and communications strategist for more than two decades. She’s the co-author & editor of “Have Fork Will Travel: A Practical Handbook for Food & Drink Travel Industry Professionals” and a contributing writer to Centennial Media’s “The United States Presidents: The Best and Worst of All Time | 2020 Election Special.” In addition to writing about food and beverage, travel and tourism, and political history, Jenn also covers fashion and personal style. Her previous work includes a style column for the Washington Examiner and content creation for The Working Wardrobe.
