Every Milestone Anniversary Gift Theme by Year, From Traditional to Modern

A marriage grows stronger each year, and that's what the traditional anniversary gifts by year represent. The themes start with paper anniversary gifts for one year all the way to diamonds for the 60th milestone. There are also modern anniversary gifts by year, as well as specific anniversary flowers, gemstones and colors. Our guide breaks down every theme associated with the most celebrated anniversary years.

Giving themed anniversary gifts based on the number of years you've been married dates back to the Victorian era. In fact, there are theories that this time-honored tradition was around in ancient Rome. We're sharing the most up-to-date list to help you choose a present that's meaningful (and fit for the modern age). Don't forget to pair your gift with a sweet card or letter expressing your happy anniversary wishes.

In this article:

• What are the milestone wedding anniversaries?
• What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?
• Looking for more wedding anniversary gift ideas?

THE KNOT ORIGINAL VIDEO

What are the milestone wedding anniversaries?

What are the wedding anniversary milestone years? While every year of marriage is worth celebrating, certain anniversaries are especially noteworthy. Many couples treat the first anniversary as a special milestone as well as every five years spent together (like the fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th anniversaries). Three decades marks a small change in what's considered a marriage anniversary milestone. From there, it's every 10 years (40th, 50th, 60th anniversary and so on).

Design by Tiana Crispino

What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?

Ready to learn more about the wedding anniversary themes by year? We've listed the materials and their meanings for anniversaries one through 20 and every five years from 20 through 60. Each section includes the traditional and modern symbols as well as the anniversary colors, flowers and gemstones by year.

You'll have plenty of inspiration to find the perfect present (but just in case, we've also included our shoppable gift guides for each year). If you need more ideas, check out Uncommon Goods or Etsy for an array of on-theme presents.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

1-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Paper

• Traditional Gift: Paper
• Modern Gift: Clocks
• Color: Gold or Yellow
• Metal: Gold
• Flower: Carnation
  

Traditional anniversary gifts get stronger each year, just like your relationship. Paper is a fitting starting point, as it's fragile (like the early stages of a marriage), but with proper care it can last a lifetime. Clocks are the modern gift for this milestone, representing the passage of time. While many anniversaries have a designated gemstone, the first year is associated with a metal, gold, instead. This precious material offers a myriad of gifting options, like anniversary jewelry, cuff links or even a gilded picture frame. The carnation is the first anniversary flower, symbolizing young love.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

2-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Cotton

• Traditional Gift: Cotton
• Modern Gift: China
• Color: Red
• Gemstone: Garnet
• Flower: Cosmos

The traditional anniversary theme for your second year together is slightly stronger than the first: cotton. The woven threads of cotton anniversary gifts symbolize interconnectedness in your relationship and how you've become more flexible as a couple. On the flipside, the modern material of china nods to a young marriage. It's both strong and delicate, indicating the strengths and weaknesses of any union. The two-year anniversary color is red, taking inspiration from the year's associated gemstone, garnet. Both are symbols of love and friendship, two things a marriage is built on. Lastly, the cosmos flower is associated with order and harmony.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

3-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Leather

• Traditional Gift: Leather
• Modern Gift: Crystal or Glass
• Color: Jade or White
• Gemstone: Pearl
• Flower: Sunflower
  

The third year of marriage is associated with leather, one of the most versatile gifting themes. Leather anniversary gifts represent the shelter and security you feel in your relationship. The modern three-year anniversary theme is crystal or glass. These materials reflect light, and signify a bright future that lies ahead. This year is also associated with pearls, an elegant gemstone that forms layers over time; the longer they form, the more beautiful they become. The anniversary flower for this year is the sunflower. Its sturdy stalk symbolizes a strong foundation in a marriage, while its bright yellow petals reflect love and happiness.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

4-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Fruit or Flowers

• Traditional Gift: Fruit or Flowers
• Modern Gift: Appliances
• Color: Blue or Green
• Gemstone: Blue Topaz
• Flower: Geranium

Some years of marriage, like the fourth anniversary, have two traditional gifts. Fruit and flowers are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts for this milestone. Both represent a flourishing relationship that's in full bloom. On a more practical note, the modern gift for this wedding anniversary is a household appliance. Home staples reflect how settled you feel in your relationship by the fourth year. Looking for jewelry gift inspiration? Find something with blue topaz, a symbol of love, romance and affection. Finally, consider taking inspiration from the fourth anniversary colors (blue and green) or geranium flowers, which stand for happiness, good health and friendship.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

5-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Wood

• Traditional Gift: Wood
• Modern Gift: Silverware
• Color: Blue, Pink or Turquoise
• Gemstone: Sapphire
• Flower: Daisy

Wood anniversary gifts are traditionally given for five years of marriage. This sturdy material represents a relationship that has developed deep roots and grown over time. Silverware is the modern alternative (and the perfect tribute to all the meals you've enjoyed and will continue to enjoy together). This year's flower is the pretty daisy, a symbol of eternal love and faithfulness. Want a gift that sparkles as much as your sweetheart's eyes? Sapphire is the gemstone associated with this milestone. Similar to wood, it's a durable material that'll stand the test of time. When it comes to colors, blue, pink and turquoise have all been attached to this special year.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

6-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Iron

• Traditional Gift: Iron
• Modern Gift: Wood Objects
• Color: Purple, White or Turquoise
• Gemstone: Amethyst
• Flower: Calla Lily
  

The following year's traditional anniversary material is even stronger than wood. Six years together is celebrated with iron anniversary gifts. If you're still enamored with wood gifts (or you missed out last year), the modern theme for this year is wood objects. The calla lily is the wedding anniversary flower associated with this year. This elegant bloom demonstrates how you've refined your relationship over time. It also represents purity, fidelity and innocence. For a gift with a rich history, incorporate this anniversary's gemstone: amethyst. Historical accounts report that Saint Valentine (the patron saint of love and marriage) wore an amethyst ring engraved with Cupid.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

7-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Copper or Wool

• Traditional Gift: Copper or Wool
• Modern Gift: Desk Sets
• Color: Yellow or Off-White
• Gemstone: Onyx
• Flower: Freesia
  

Both copper and wool are accepted as traditional anniversary gifts for the seventh year.

Copper anniversary gifts nod to a relationship that has adapted over time, while wool anniversary gifts evoke the warmth of a loving marriage. The modern gift for this year is more unusual, but extremely practical. Desk sets and organization tools bring a touch of home to their workspace, and serve as a reminder of your love during long nights at the computer. The off-white color associated with this year reflects wool's natural hue, while yellow celebrates the light of your life. In contrast, the official gemstone is onyx, a dark and mesmerizing stone that's said to protect marriages and promote harmony. Finally, freesias are the designated flowers, epitomizing fidelity, trust and friendship.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

8-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Bronze or Pottery

• Traditional Gift: Bronze or Pottery
• Modern Gift: Linen or Lace
• Color: Bronze
• Gemstone: Tourmaline
• Flower: Clematis

Eight years of marriage also has two traditional themes: bronze and pottery. The bronze anniversary theme symbolizes strength and longevity, while pottery reflects the beautiful marriage you have crafted. This year offers plenty of gifting options, as there are also two modern themes: linen and lace. Each of these delicate materials showcases the intricacies of love. Thinking of giving flowers? Clematis is the associated bloom, representing intelligence, while tourmaline is this year's gemstone, linked to compassion and unconditional love.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

9-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Willow or Pottery

• Traditional Gift: Willow or Pottery
• Modern Gift: Leather
• Color: Terracotta
• Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli
• Flower: Poppy

Anniversary tradition suggests giving a willow or pottery gift to commemorate the ninth year of marriage. Willow anniversary gifts are both strong and flexible, highlighting that both traits can naturally coexist, just like in a successful marriage. Similar to the eighth-anniversary gift, the pottery anniversary theme reflects how love is shaped into something beautiful over time. Another of the yearly anniversary gifts that repeats in year nine is leather. This enduring material was used by our ancestors to protect themselves. The ninth-anniversary flower is the poppy, which is a symbol of remembrance and imagination. Lapis lazuli, the stone of honesty and protection, is also associated with this year of marriage, as well as the color terracotta.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

10-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Aluminum or Tin

• Traditional Gift: Aluminum or Tin
• Modern Gift: Diamond Jewelry
• Color: Silver or Blue
• Gemstone: Diamond
• Flower: Daffodil

If you're following the traditional anniversary presents by year, you could be waiting a long time to give or receive diamonds (another 50 years, in fact). But if you decide to take the modern route for the 10th anniversary, you can lean into the diamond theme. The traditional marriage anniversary gift for a decade is tin or aluminum. The tin anniversary theme reflects a strong relationship that can weather any storm. Silver and blue are the two anniversary colors for this year, while daffodils are the flowers. Gift your spouse a bunch of 10 bright yellow blooms: one for every year.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

11-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Steel

• Traditional Gift: Steel
• Modern Gift: Fashion Jewelry
• Color: Turquoise
• Gemstone: Turquoise
• Flower: Morning Glory

While it may not call for a big celebration, 11 years of marriage is just as impressive as a decade. Steel anniversary gifts are traditionally given this year to acknowledge a marriage built on an unbreakable bond of love and trust. In recent years, fashion jewelry has become the modern alternative. Wondering what fashion jewelry actually is? The term refers to pieces that use base metals and simulated stones for affordability, without compromising style. It's a great opportunity to give your spouse personalized pieces, like a birth-flower ring or a necklace with your kids' initials. Turquoise is both the color and gemstone associated with the 11th anniversary. It's said to protect against evil and bring good fortune and peace. The flower for this year is morning glory, which fittingly symbolizes affection.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

12-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Silk or Linen

• Traditional Gift: Silk or Linen
• Modern Gift: Pearl
• Color: Oyster White
• Gemstone: Jade
• Flower: Peony
  

The 12th year of marriage has two traditional themes: silk and linen anniversary gifts. Presents made from these home decor staples nod to the life you've built together. If you're searching for jewelry wedding anniversary gift ideas, you're in luck. This year has two gems: pearl and jade. Pearls are hidden treasures, just like a love that's worth holding onto for more than a dozen years. Meanwhile, the jade stone attracts love, protection and prosperity. Need more inspiration? Look to peonies, which celebrate a point in your marriage where you can appreciate the finer things in life.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

13-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Lace

• Traditional Gift: Lace
• Modern Gift: Textiles or (Faux) Furs
• Color: White
• Gemstone: Citrine
• Flower: Chrysanthemum

This year, it's all about one thing: fabrics. The traditional gift for the 13th anniversary is lace, reflecting the beauty and sanctity of marriage (and the intricacies of your unique relationship). Similarly crafted, the modern themes are textiles and furs, symbolizing the comfort and warmth of a 13-year marriage. The 13th year is also represented by the color white, the citrine gemstone and the chrysanthemum flower. Citrine is strongly linked to happiness just like chrysanthemums, which are associated with joy and friendship.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

14-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Ivory

• Traditional Gift: Ivory
• Modern Gift: Gold Jewelry
• Color: Ivory
• Gemstone: Opal
• Flower: Dahlia

Ivory as a 14th-anniversary gift originates from Hindu mythology and signifies luck and protection. Look for elephant-themed gifts instead of real ivory for a more ethical approach, or lean into the color ivory to stay on theme. The modern gift for this year is gold jewelry, representing unification, eternity and perfection. When it comes to this anniversary's flower and gemstone, we can't decide which is more beautiful. Vivid dahlias are bursting with excitement and uniqueness, while multicolored opal symbolizes love, passion and desire (adding another layer of meaning to opal anniversary gifts).

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

15-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Crystal

• Traditional Gift: Crystal
• Modern Gift: Watches
• Color: Red
• Gemstone: Ruby
• Flower: Rose

Finding sweet anniversary gifts for each other is easy when it comes to the 15th marriage milestone. Crystal is an affordable alternative to diamonds and the traditional theme for this year. Both delicate and sturdy, crystal anniversary gifts symbolize clarity and transparency. Watches are the modern theme, representing all the years you've spent together and the many more to come. The milestone's other symbols are all about passion. Fiery red rubies commemorate a flame that's still going strong, while the color red is long associated with love, energy and excitement. The flower for this year is the romantic rose.

16-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Wax

• Traditional Gift: Wax
• Modern Gift: Silver Holloware
• Color: Silver or Emerald Green
• Gemstone: Peridot
• Flower: Statice

Wax might not sound like the most romantic wedding anniversary gift, but hear us out. Like a lit candle, you and your spouse have a spark that can't be extinguished. The modern anniversary gift for celebrating 16 years is silver holloware. That's anything related to the dinner table that isn't silverware (think: bowls, serving trays and gravy boats). It's a representation of the unity you share in everyday life. This year's gemstone is peridot, a beautiful green stone that symbolizes undying love and devotion. Keeping with all things green, the 16th anniversary color is emerald, denoting harmony. Finally, the statice flower is often used for sympathy and remembrance, but it's also a sweet way to mark the memories you've made over the last 16 years.

17-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Furniture

• Traditional Gift: Furniture
• Modern Gift: Furniture
• Color: Yellow
• Gemstone: Carnelian
• Flower: Red Carnation

Some years share the same material for both the traditional and modern anniversary gift. For the 17th anniversary, it's furniture. Gifting each other furniture represents the security, comfort and familiarity of a marriage that's been established for almost 20 years. Plus, it's a great excuse to upgrade the couch you've used since you first moved in. (It's time.) The carnelian is this anniversary's gemstone. It's known as the stone of endurance, but also brings joy and warmth, just like the year's color. Shopping for someone who loves flowers? Look out for red carnations specifically, which are tied to love, romance and affection.

18-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Porcelain

• Traditional Gift: Porcelain
• Modern Gift: Porcelain
• Color: Blue
• Gemstone: Cat's Eye
• Flower: None

Porcelain is the traditional and modern theme for the 18th anniversary. Elegant but delicate, it signifies the hard work you've put into your marriage to keep it going strong. Exchanging porcelain presents serves as a reminder to handle your relationship with care. The 18th anniversary is associated with the unique gemstone, cat's eye. Named for its resemblance to an actual cat's eye, this stone keeps a watchful eye over both of you, and represents love, commitment and happiness. While the 18th anniversary is not associated with one particular flower, a bouquet is still a romantic gesture. We suggest giving blue blooms to match the year's tranquil color.

19-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Bronze

• Traditional Gift: Bronze
• Modern Gift: Bronze
• Color: Bronze
• Gemstone: Aquamarine
• Flower: Bronze chrysanthemum

Bronze is the traditional and modern gifting theme for 19 years, symbolizing a relationship that is growing even stronger. Additionally, it signifies health within your marriage even through tough times, since some believe it has healing properties. The 19th-anniversary flower is also a repeat, but who doesn't love the joyful and friendship-symbolizing chrysanthemum? For this milestone, look specifically for bronze-colored petals. Aquamarine is this year's designated gemstone. Known as the protection stone, it'll help ward off bad omens and protect good things (like your love).

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

20-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: China

• Traditional Gift: China
• Modern Gift: Platinum
• Color: Emerald Green
• Gemstone: Emerald
• Flower: Aster

Couples who've reached two decades of marriage have officially gone platinum, at least according to the year's modern gifting theme. Platinum can endure through thick and thin, and you've proved you can do the same. In contrast, the traditional anniversary gift for this milestone is china. Similar to porcelain, it shows the fragile nature of love. The sacred stone of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, also lends itself to this milestone. Emeralds are known to preserve love, so you can look forward to another 20 years together. Asters, the official flowers, represent resilience.

25-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Sterling Silver

• Traditional Gift: Sterling Silver
• Modern Gift: Sterling Silver
• Color: Silver
• Metal: Silver
• Flower: Iris

Some years have a metal instead of a gemstone, and the 25th anniversary is one of them. Silver anniversary gifts define the quarter-century milestone, with the precious metal as the traditional and modern theme and the milestone's official color. We can see why: a love that's lasted 25 years deserves to be celebrated with something so lustrous and valuable. Of course, if you're not sold on silver, you still have the 25-year anniversary flower to inspire you. Irises symbolize wisdom, courage and faith: all traits that help a relationship flourish.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

30-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Pearl

• Traditional Gift: Pearl
• Modern Gift: Diamond
• Color: Green
• Gemstone: Pearl
• Flower: Lily

Pearls are the traditional gift (and gemstone) for three decades of marriage. The pearl anniversary theme represents the hidden beauty of a long-lasting union with a maturity that reveals itself from within. The 30th anniversary is all about the gems, as the modern theme is diamonds. The stone's endurance, beauty and strength appropriately reflect the nature of a 30-year marriage. Lilies are this year's flower, symbolizing transition and rebirth. They're a fitting gift if you and your spouse are embarking on an exciting new life stage. The color green is also associated with this milestone, paying tribute to how you've grown as a couple.

35-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Coral

• Traditional Gift: Coral
• Modern Gift: Jade
• Color: Coral
• Gemstone: Emerald
• Flower: Coral Rose

When you look at the anniversary materials by year, the 35th is one of the most unusual. Coral is this year's traditional gift and is believed to have magical healing powers that shield from harm, similar to your protective love. The material is an important part of marine ecosystems, so consider coral-inspired presents (like a coral-hued rose) instead of the real deal. Coral isn't the only precious material associated with this milestone. You have a choice of two green gemstones: Lucky jade is the modern material and love-preserving emerald is the associated gemstone.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

40-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Ruby

• Traditional Gift: Ruby
• Modern Gift: Ruby
• Color: Red
• Gemstone: Ruby
• Flower: Gladioli

The 40-year anniversary is all about rubies. From the traditional wedding anniversary gift to the modern present, color and gemstone, it's called the "ruby anniversary" for a reason. This fiery-red gemstone is thought to possess a flame that never burns out, much like your love and commitment. It's also associated with good fortune, courage and protection. Of course, this wedding anniversary milestone has a special flower, too. Gladioli blooms are bright and bold. Among other things, they represent infatuation, showing your spouse that you're still head over heels for them after four decades.

45-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Sapphire

• Traditional Gift: Sapphire
• Modern Gift: Sapphire
• Color: Blue or Red
• Gemstone: Sapphire
• Flower: Blue Iris

The 45th year of marriage is known as the sapphire anniversary. This vibrant blue stone is both the traditional and modern theme, as well as the gemstone for this year. Sapphires have long been associated with royalty (like Kate Middleton's engagement ring) and are said to attract abundance. They also represent loyalty and sincerity, two pillars of a healthy relationship. Finally, the 45th-anniversary colors are blue and red, while the flower is blue iris, symbolizing faith and devotion.

Stocksy | Design by Tiana Crispino

50-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Gold

• Traditional Gift: Gold
• Modern Gift: Gold
• Color: Gold
• Metal: Gold
• Flower: Yellow Rose and Violet

There's no question about what to get as an anniversary gift for the big 50th. Gold is this milestone's traditional theme, modern material, color and metal. Only something as desirable and luxe as gold can represent such an important milestone, known as the golden anniversary. It shows the prosperity, wisdom, strength and significance of a time-honored union. If you're looking for more options, this year is associated with two different flowers: yellow roses and violets. Bright yellow roses and deep purple violets complement each other beautifully, just like you and your spouse.

55-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Emerald

• Traditional Gift: Emerald
• Modern Gift: Emerald
• Color: Emerald Green
• Gemstone: Alexandrite
• Flower: "Green Goddess" Calla Lily

Emerald is the traditional and modern gift for the 55th year of marriage. This precious jewel signifies true love, devotion and adoration. Surprisingly, the designated gemstone for this milestone isn't emerald, but alexandrite. You might mistake it for an emerald in direct sunlight, but this color-changing stone turns red under incandescent light. Known for dispelling negativity and attracting positivity, rare alexandrite brings good fortune and prosperity. When you look at the colors for anniversaries by year, green comes up time and time again. This year's color takes inspiration from the traditional theme: emerald green. Calla lilies, specifically the "Green Goddess" calla lilies, demonstrate how you've refined your relationship.

60-Year Anniversary Gift Theme: Diamond

• Traditional Gift: Diamond
• Modern Gift: Diamond
• Color: Diamond White
• Gemstone: Diamond
• Flower: Orchid

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of wedding anniversary gifts by year is the diamond anniversary. A whopping 60 years together is celebrated with the toughest gemstone of all. Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they're stronger than even rubies and sapphires. Celebrating a special anniversary like this one calls for a stone that represents unconquerable and enduring love. It's no surprise that the color for this incredible milestone is diamond-inspired, too. There's also a flower to take inspiration from. The elegant orchid symbolizes rare beauty, something a 60-year marriage has in spades.

Looking for more wedding anniversary gift ideas?

If you're shopping for a year that's not on our list or want ideas that aren't tied to a specific theme, we've got you. These gift guides work for any anniversary, and are perfect for parents, friends and, of course, your beloved spouse.

Alison Meehan contributed to this article.