Gifting traditions are a fun and thoughtful way to show a loved one you’re thinking of them each year. For wedding anniversary gift giving, a unique tradition exists where a specific material is assigned for each anniversary year. This tradition dates back to the Victorian era, however this wedding anniversary gifting tradition has well and truly endured the test of time.

Whether you and your partner are commemorating your first year of marriage or your fortieth, there’s a special material assigned for gifting on your anniversary year. Read our guide below to learn more about the different traditional wedding anniversary gifting trends, and find inspiration in how to follow this tradition with modern gifting options such as Prezzee digital eGift Cards.

Traditional anniversary gifts by year

Each traditional anniversary gift material has been specially assigned for its symbolic relevance to each stage of the marriage. For example, the first anniversary gift material, paper, symbolizes new beginnings, whereas the twentieth anniversary gift material, fine china, represents enduring beauty and grace. Learn about each of the traditional wedding anniversary gift themes and materials for each year of marriage in the infographic below.

Traditional wedding anniversary gift ideas

Although each of the traditional anniversary gift material themes seem quite specific, and even niche, there are some creative ways of interpreting each theme for your gift. Digital eGift Cards, like those offered by Prezzee, allow for you to follow tradition whilst offering your partner some choice in what they receive. To help you get started on your traditional wedding anniversary gift journey, we’ve provided some ideas for the first five anniversary years.

First year - paper wedding anniversary gift ideas

The first year anniversary has been assigned the material of paper which represents fragility and strength, as well as a blank slate in the relationship following marriage. Whilst it may seem like an unusual material for an anniversary gift, there are quite a few sentimental items that resemble paper. For example, if you’re looking to print and hang photos from the wedding day, a Gift Card to Canvas Pop is a sentimental paper gift. Or, if your partner loves reading, a gift card to their favorite bookstores such as Barnes & Noble is the perfect paper wedding anniversary gift.

Read our guide on first year anniversary gifting for more inspiration.

Second year - Cotton anniversary gift ideas

The second anniversary year is traditionally represented by cotton, signifying the weaving together of strength and comfort in the relationship. Cotton opens up a lot of opportunities for traditional gifting. If your beloved enjoys practicality and the finer things, some new cotton bedding or towel sets from Bed Bath & Beyond could be the perfect thing. Or, for someone who prefers their seasonal trends, a Gift Card from Abercrombie & Fitch or the aptly named Cotton On are fun and thoughtful cotton anniversary gifts.

Third year – Leather wedding anniversary gift ideas

Three years into marriage, leather signifies the durability of the relationship. A timeless material, leather allows for practical gifting that will last the test of time. Something that never goes out of style is a leather bag, and with a Gift Card to Maison de SABRÉ, your partner can choose the exact color and style to suit their everyday needs. Or, for a pair of shoes or belt that will go with everything (and last for years to come) a Gift Card to ASOS is a practical leather wedding anniversary gift idea.

Fourth year – Flowers and fruit anniversary gift ideas

When celebrating your fourth anniversary together, traditionally, flowers and fruit symbolize the growth and flourishing of your marriage together, quite like fruits and flowers in bloom. Whilst hand-picking or delivering flowers to your partner’s workplace is a perfect way of symbolising this, you can also spoil them to a 1-800 Flowers Gift Card, which they can use to redeem a gift box brimming with fruit, chocolates, candy, and all the good stuff for the sweet tooth in your life!

Fifth year - Wood anniversary gift ideas

Five years together in marriage requires an even more durable material to signify your bond – wood. Like your relationship, wood is strong and reliable and allows for some beautiful anniversary gift choices. Being a greater milestone than previous anniversary years, you could let them purchase something extra special like a new wooden bedframe or chest of drawers with a HomeGoods Gift Card. Or, for something smaller and equally sentimental, a small wooden statue or ornament using a Kirklands Gift Card is a thoughtful wooden anniversary gift idea.

Make every anniversary year memorable with Prezzee

Celebrating your years together as a married couple is one of the many joys of marriage, and giving traditional anniversary gifts can make it even more special for you both. If you want to ensure your beloved receives something tailored specifically to their interests, a Prezzee Smart eGift Card is the perfect modern and traditional anniversary gift idea.

With a Prezzee Smart eGift Card, they can choose from hundreds of American brands across retail, dining, travel, experiences and more. Whether it’s your first anniversary year or thirtieth, tell them you love them with Prezzee!

Frequently asked questions about traditional anniversary gifts for each year

What is a traditional wedding anniversary gift?

A traditional wedding gift is one that is based on a material theme for each anniversary year. For example, the first year is represented by paper, and thus, books and other paper-based gifts are given. Whilst there isn’t a wealth of knowledge on how this tradition originated, it is believed these anniversary gift practices have existed since the Victorian era.

What are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts?

Traditional anniversary gifts are based on the tradition of gifting something based on a specific material such as paper, wood, and leather, each anniversary year. Modern anniversary gifts simply don’t follow the structure of this tradition. Giving digital eGift Cards enables you to follow tradition in a modern way, with a little structure (such as a Barnes & Noble Gift Card representing paper) and the ability for your gift recipient to choose the exact item, ensuring they receive something they’ll love for years to come.

What are some modern anniversary gifts by year?

Modern anniversary gifts by year can simply be a modern take on the traditional anniversary gift conventions. For example, a modern anniversary gift for a 7th year anniversary based on wool could be a Gift Card to their favorite wool clothing provider such as L.L Bean.

What is the 40th wedding anniversary traditional gift?

Once the 20th anniversary year is exceeded, the traditional anniversary gift material themes become more opulent. For a 40th anniversary traditional gift, this can be based on the gemstone ruby. Fortunately, ruby is a common gemstone, which can be found in various forms of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. To ensure they receive the exact type of jewelry they prefer, you could treat your partner on your 40th anniversary to a Gift Card to Etsy or Kendra Scott.

What is a traditional and modern 6 year anniversary gift?

The six year mark in a wedding anniversary is traditionally commemorated by the materials of iron and sugar. This combination symbolizes the strength and sweetness of this stage in the marriage. Modern ways to gift within this theme include gifting new steel cutlery or kitchenware with the likes of a HomeGoods Gift Card, or, spoiling the sweet-tooth to Cheryl’s Cookies.

What is a traditional and modern 7 year anniversary gift?

Seven years into marriage, copper and wool-based gifts are traditionally given. Copper represents the strength and durability of the long-standing relationship and wool, the warmth and comfort of the loving union. Modern gifting options within this traditional anniversary theme include copper crockery and cookware, which can be given in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card, and wool socks or other winter items from a quality brand such as what’s offered with a L.L.Bean.

What is a traditional and modern 8 year anniversary gift?

Symbolizing the strength and durability of 8 years of marriage is bronze. Modern bronze gifting options typically revolve around homewares. Because homeware styling is specific to each individual, a Gift Card to Kirkland’s is a thoughtful 8 year anniversary gifting gesture.

What is a traditional and modern 9 year anniversary gift?

The ninth anniversary year is traditionally marked by pottery. Pottery symbolizes the durability and moulding shape that a relationship takes over time. Pottery is a beautiful and timeless addition to the home, and commonly takes form in vases, decorative bowls, plates, and decor. To ensure they get the pottery that suits their style, a Gift Card to AllModern is a perfect 9th anniversary gift.

What is a traditional and modern 10 year anniversary gift?

The first decade in your marriage is traditionally associated with tin or aluminium. These materials represent strength and flexibility, two important features of a loving relationship. These materials are most often found in home and kitchenware, where a Bed Bath & Beyond Gift Card would be an ideal gift - or, representative of aluminium could be everyday jewellery from their favorites, such as Kendra Scott.