All you need to know about anniversary milestones

Are you married or about to get married? Be on top of your anniversary game and celebrate your spouse with the proper gift. Here’s everything you need to know about anniversary milestones!

Anniversaries. They’re the annual reminder that you’re not just surviving marriage, but you are your partner are thriving. Well, sharing dinners and not jumping ahead on TV shows. Whether you’re an anniversary traditionalist or you’re looking for a modern twist, anniversary milestones are a great way to celebrate how far you’ve come.

We breakdown the classic (and creative) anniversary milestones gift ideas. From the beginnings in paper to the golden years.

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1st Anniversary – Paper

You made it through your first year as a married couple! And for this important accomplishment, your first-anniversary gift should be made out of paper, to symbolise the new story that you are writing together. So get creative for this one!

Gift ideas:

• A handwritten love letter.
• A custom print of your vows or wedding song.
• A personalised journal or scrapbook.
• Tickets to a concert, show or experience (yes, tickets = paper!).

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2nd Anniversary – Cotton

Cotton is your way to go for your second year, this one represents the bond that you are knitting together, two woven into one, creating a stronger relationship. For this one, a soft lovely gift like a robe could be a lovely present for your spouse.

Gift ideas:

• A cosy robe (or a zany personalised t-shirt!).
• Matching pillowcases or new bedding.
• Cotton comfy pyjamas (for a luxe night).

3rd Anniversary – Leather

Leather represents endurance and resistance and if you think about it, leather evolves with time, adapting its shape and surface to the environment. So a nice leather gift could make your loved one very happy.

Gift ideas:

• A monogrammed leather wallet (or handbag).
• A leather-bound photo album.
• Leather luggage tags for your next getaway.
• A journal or planner.

Need some laughs? These couples share their unhinged tips!

5th Anniversary – Wood

As trees are a symbol of strength, by this point of your marriage you already have some roots that make your relationship stronger while growing together. This is represented by giving a wood gift.

Gift ideas: 

• A custom wooden photo frame.
• A personalised cutting board.
• Planting a tree together to watch it grow in strength and resilience.
• Wooden wine box with your name and anniversary date.

10th Anniversary – Tin or Aluminium

Wow, a decade together! That’s an amazing achievement and one of the anniversary milestones that really deserves a moment to stop and appreciate one another and your relationship. For this milestone, a gift is symbolic with tin. This is a material that doesn’t rust or wear down. This symbolises preservation and how your marriage has lasted through time.

Gift ideas:

• A tin of their favourite sweet treat.
• An engraved keepsake box.
• A tin anniversary time capsule with a moment from each year of your marriage, from boarding pass stubs to a birthday card.

15th Anniversary – Crystal

The hallmarks of a good crystal? Clarity and, of course, sparkle. And the same thing resonates with couples who make it to the 15 year anniversary milestone.

Gift ideas:

• Crystal glassware or decanter.
• A Swarovski keepsake.
• Crystal earrings or cufflinks.

20th Anniversary – China

Delicate, enduring, beautiful. Your 20th year of marriage is celebrated by China. Beautiful tableware with ornate patterns, a wonderful way to celebrate momentous anniversary milestones, like being married for two decades.

Gift ideas:

• Vintage tea set or dinnerware.
• A couple’s pottery making class.
• A piece of art made on porcelain.

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25th Anniversary – Silver

Being one of the most precious metals on earth, silver symbolises the continuous and hopefully everlasting shine of your union. May your marriage stay shiny and beautiful just like silver.

Gift ideas:

• Silver jewellery or a personalised pendant.
• Engraved silver picture frame.
• Silver barware.

30th Anniversary – Pearl

After 30 years together, pearls represent the hidden beauty of your relationship, maturing together, taking the time to grow into something beautiful, just as a precious pearl does inside its shell.

• Pearl earrings, necklace or cufflinks.
• A seaside getaway (with lots of oysters, of course!).
• A memory jar filled with moments from each year.

50th Anniversary – Gold

50 years together is something that at the beginning of your relationship you could only dream of! This milestone is represented by gold which symbolises strength, prosperity and wisdom. The perfect gift for such a special moment.

• Gold jewellery.
• A golden photo album.
• A vow renewal.

Although these are all momentous ways to celebrate the anniversary milestones, it’s always about making each other feel seen, loved, and have your story celebrated. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a silly gift, or a grand surprise, this is your excuse to slow down and say, “I’d do this all over again”.