Use tradition to inspire the perfect anniversary gift

Historically, anniversary gifts were chosen according to a list of traditional materials said to represent each year of the marriage.  As times changed, the list expanded to include more modern options as well, which is why we’ve included both our anniversary gift guide. What they have in common is the celebration of love and commitment that’s the foundation of a happy marriage.

1st

Clocks & Paper

For those who love, time is eternity” says the poet, Henry Van Dyke. That romantic connection between love and time is the inspiration behind the modern gift of clocks. The traditional gift of paper reminds us that while paper’s bonds are delicately woven, its strength lies in its interlaced connection, making the whole much stronger than its individual parts.

2nd

Cotton & China

A symbol of great prosperity, the traditional gift of cotton was chosen for its durable and versatile qualities. The modern gift of china honors the elegant, beautiful and delicate nurture- of love.

3rd

Leather & Crystal/Glass

The traditional gift of leather exhibits many of the same qualities that go into making a marriage a success: flexibility, warmth, strength and resiliency. The modern gift choice of crystal or glass is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of the couple as well as a reminder of the fragile bonds of marriage.

4th

Flowers and Linen/Silk

The traditional gift for the fourth year represents the blossoming partnership the marriage is growing into, while the modern gift choice of linen or silk speaks to the beautiful fabric of the commitment the couple is weaving together.

5th

Wood & Silverware

The traditional gift of wood celebrates the strength of the marriage bond with a material that’s strong, resilient and able to weather the inevitable storm. The modern gift of silverware speaks to the connections that’s formed over the sharing of meals with family and community.

6th

Candy & Wood

Celebrating the sweetness of life together was the thought behind the traditional gift of candy. The modern gift of wood honors the strength, resiliency and beauty of the couple’s bond.

7th

Copper & Wool

The modern gift of copper has a heritage of good fortune, luck and prosperity, qualities and marriage would benefit from. The traditional gift of wool represents the warmth, comfort and security found in a happy marriage.

8th

Pottery & Bronze

The traditional gift pottery focuses on the unique shape of every relationship and how each person contributes to molding the finished piece. The modern gift of bronze represents the solid, firm foundation the couple has built after eight years together.

9th

Leather & Pottery

The modern gift of leather exhibits many of the same qualities that go into making a marriage a success: flexibility, warmth, strength and resiliency. The traditional gift of pottery symbolizes the unique shape of each relationship and how each person contributes to molding the finished piece.

10th

Diamond & Tin

The modern choice of diamonds honors the durability, beauty and rarity of the decade-long commitment. The ability to go with the flow is a critical component to any successful marriage, which is why tin’s malleable nature makes it the traditional gift.

11th

Jewelry & Steel

Because it’s worn close to the body, jewelry has an intimate, personal relationship with its wearer, which is why it was chosen as the modern choice for this anniversary. The Traditional gift of steel was chosen for its great strength and durability as well as for its ability to be shaped in a myriad of ways.

12th

Silk & Linen

Soft, warm and beautiful, the choice of elegant textiles for this anniversary speaks to the fabric of the commitment the couple ahs made. Silk is the traditional gift, known for its delicacy and luxurious feel, while linen is the modern gift, known for its resiliency and strength.

13th

Textile & Lace

The weaving of two lives together is the common theme behind this anniversary gifts. The modern gift of textiles speaks to the transformation that happens when delicate threads are woven into beautiful, strong and sumptuous cloth. The traditional gift of lace was chosen for the one-of-a-kind, creative patterns that come from lacing two separate parts together.

14th

Gold & Ivory

The modern gift of gold comes from its association with prosperity, success and preciousness. Over the years, the tradition of giving ivory has evolved to refer to gifts of this color, which is associated with faithfulness and purity.

15th

Crystal & Watches

Like any marriage, the traditional gifts of crystal needs to be treated with care and love in order to bring our its dazzling shine. The modern choice of watches honor the most precious gift of all time spent together.

20th

China & Platinum

The traditional gift of China honors the more elegant, beautiful and delicate nature of a lifteime of love. Like the anniversary it represents, the modern gift of platinum is both strong and enduring.

20th

Silver

Traditionally, the 25th year is a benchmark anniversary, celebrating a quarter century of commitment. To honor this remarkable accomplishment, both the traditional and modern gifts are silver, a precious metal with a brilliant, radiant glow.

30th

Pearl

A symbol of the moon, this gem of the sea signifies the magical qualities of prosperity, long life and marital bliss, making pearls an appropriate traditional or modern gift for the 30th anniversary.

35th

Coral & Jade

Coral is the traditional choice to celebrate this long-lasting union because it signifies a lengthy and happy marriage. Known as the stone of Heaven, jade was chosen as the modern gift because of its association with longevity.

40th

Ruby & Garnet

Rubies, the traditional gift for this anniversary, are believed to possess an eternal inner flame, while garnets, the modern choice, symbolize deep affection. Even after 40 years of marriage, these vibrant stones show that the passion is still very much alive.

45th

Sapphire

Long cherished by lovers, sapphires are said to represent honesty, sincerity that this semiprecious gem has the ability to bestow upon the wearer their most desired dreams.

50th

Gold

This exceptional anniversary actually celebrates two accomplishments – a long and healthy life and a long and happy marriage. Because of its rarity, its honored with our most precious metal – gold.

55th

Emerald & Turqoise

Known for its green fire, the traditional gift of emeralds is associated with happiness, hope, love and success – all traits that make for a flourishing marriage. The modern gift of turquoise brings peace of mind, while it also enhances love and communication.

60th

Diamond & Gold

Rare and precious describe both this marriage milestone and the gifts chosen for it. The traditional gift of diamonds comes from the Greek word adamas, or enduring, which also, reflects the nature of love. The modern gift of gold was chosen to represent the abundance of riches the couple has enjoyed over their 60 years together.