Celebrating wedding anniversaries is a lovely way to mark the passing of time and show your love and appreciation for your partner.
In the UK, there is a tradition of giving specific gifts for each anniversary year, based on the material associated with that year. While these gifts can be a helpful guide, it’s ultimately up to you to choose something that is meaningful and personal to your relationship.
Here’s a list of the traditional wedding anniversary gifts UK:
1st Anniversary: Paper
The traditional gift for the 1st anniversary is paper. This symbolises the blank slate of a new marriage and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Some ideas for incorporating paper into your gift could include a handwritten love letter, a personalised journal, or tickets to a show or event.
2nd Anniversary: Cotton
The traditional gift for the 2nd anniversary is cotton. This symbolises the comfort and durability of a long-lasting relationship. Some ideas for incorporating cotton into your gift could include a cosy cotton blanket, a set of luxurious cotton sheets, or a custom-made piece of clothing.
3rd Anniversary: Leather
The traditional gift for the 3rd anniversary is leather. This symbolises the strength and resilience of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating leather into your gift could include a leather wallet or bag, a leather-bound journal, or a leather-stamped anniversary date plaque.
4th Anniversary: Flowers
The traditional gift for the 4th anniversary is flowers. This symbolises the beauty and growth of a lasting relationship. Some ideas for incorporating flowers into your gift could include a bouquet of their favourite flowers, a flower arrangement for the home, or a flower-themed piece of art.
5th Anniversary: Wood
The traditional gift for the 5th anniversary is wood. This symbolises the stability and growth of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating wood into your gift could include a wooden piece of home decor, a wooden jewellery box, or a personalised wooden cutting board.
6th Anniversary: Sugar
The traditional gift for the 6th anniversary is sugar. This symbolises the sweetness and joy of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating sugar into your gift could include a gourmet chocolate or candy gift box, a custom-made cake, or a bouquet of sugar flowers.
7th Anniversary: Copper
The traditional gift for the 7th anniversary is copper. This symbolises the warmth and compatibility of marriage. Some ideas for incorporating copper into your gift could include a copper kitchen backsplash, a copper watering can, or a custom-made copper bracelet.
8th Anniversary: Bronze
The traditional gift for the 8th anniversary is bronze. This symbolises the endurance and stability of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating bronze into your gift could include a bronze statue or figurine, a bronze-framed mirror, or a custom-made bronze ring.
9th Anniversary: Pottery
The traditional gift for the 9th anniversary is pottery. This symbolises the creativity and uniqueness of marriage. Some ideas for incorporating pottery into your gift could include a set of handmade pottery dishes, a pottery vase or planter, or a pottery-making class.
10th Anniversary: Tin
The traditional gift for the 10th anniversary is tin. This symbolises the endurance and flexibility of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating tin into your gift could include a tin anniversary clock, a tin jewellery box, or a custom-made tin sculpture.
11th Anniversary: Steel
The traditional gift for the 11th anniversary is steel. This symbolises the strength and resilience of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating steel into your gift could include a steel kitchen knife set, a steel watch, or a custom-made steel bracelet.
12th Anniversary: Silk & Fine Linen
The traditional gift for the 12th anniversary is silk and fine linen. These symbols represent the luxury and sophistication of a long-lasting relationship. Some ideas for incorporating silk and fine linen into your gift could include a silk scarf or tie, a set of fine linen sheets, or a custom-made piece of clothing.
13th Anniversary: Lace
The traditional gift for the 13th anniversary is lace. This symbolises the delicate and intricate nature of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating lace into your gift could include a lace lingerie set, a lace tablecloth or runner, or a custom-made lace dress.
14th Anniversary: Ivory
The traditional gift for the 14th anniversary is ivory. This symbolises the purity and timelessness of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating ivory into your gift could include an ivory figurine or sculpture, a set of ivory-handled utensils, or a custom-made ivory jewellery piece.
20th Anniversary: China
The traditional gift for the 20th anniversary is china. This symbolises the elegance and fragility of a long-lasting relationship. Some ideas for incorporating china into your gift could include a china dinnerware set, a china figurine or ornament, or a custom-made china jewellery piece.
25th Anniversary: Silver
The traditional gift for the 25th anniversary is silver. This symbolises the strength and durability of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating silver into your gift could include a silver jewellery set, a silver picture frame, or a custom-made silver sculpture.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
The traditional gift for the 30th anniversary is pearl. This symbolises the beauty and sophistication of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating pearl into your gift could include a pearl necklace or bracelet, a pearl-handled knife set, or a custom-made pearl ring.
35th Anniversary: Coral
The traditional gift for the 35th anniversary is coral. This symbolises the warmth and passion of a marriage. Some ideas for incorporating coral into your gift could include a coral figurine or ornament, a coral-coloured piece of clothing or home decor, or a custom-made coral jewellery piece.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
The traditional gift for the 40th anniversary is ruby. This symbolises the love and vitality of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating ruby into your gift could include a ruby necklace or ring, a ruby-coloured piece of clothing or home decor, or a custom-made ruby sculpture.
50th Anniversary: Gold
The traditional gift for the 50th anniversary is gold. This symbolises the value and worth of marriage. Some ideas for incorporating gold into your gift could include a gold jewellery set, a gold-plated picture frame, or a custom-made gold sculpture.
60th Anniversary: Diamond
The traditional gift for the 60th anniversary is diamond. This symbolises the enduring and eternal nature of a relationship. Some ideas for incorporating diamond into your gift could include a diamond jewellery set, a diamond-studded watch, or a custom-made diamond sculpture.
We hope this comprehensive list of traditional wedding anniversary gifts in the UK has been helpful as you plan your own anniversary celebrations. From the first year of marriage to the diamond anniversary, each gift material represents a unique aspect of a long-lasting relationship. Whether you follow the traditional guidelines or choose something more personal and meaningful, the most important thing is to show your love and appreciation for your partner.
Remember, the true value of an anniversary gift lies in the thought and effort that goes into it. So take the time to consider what your partner will appreciate and enjoy, and don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box.
We wish all couples a happy and fulfilling anniversary, filled with love, laughter, and all the joys of married life.
Take a look at our selection of Wedding Anniversary cards and find the perfect card to help you celebrate this meaningful milestone in your relationship.