Wedding anniversaries mark important milestones in your love journey and are the perfect excuse to cuddle up with your significant other and reminisce about all the sweet moments, the love, and the laughter you’ve shared throughout the years.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to celebrate and spoil each other a little? In the UK, we’ve got a rich history of traditions surrounding wedding anniversaries, with each year having its own unique theme and a special gift to symbolise how your love has grown and strengthened year after year.
Starting with the traditional paper theme for your very first anniversary, all the way to sparkling diamonds for your 60th, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your loved one and let’s dive into the world of wedding anniversaries and their themes in the UK.
Whether you’re planning your own anniversary or looking for inspiration for a loved one, we’ve written this guide to bring some warmth, playfulness, and love to your celebrations alongside some amazing gift ideas for each and every anniversary milestone.
Wedding anniversary names & gift ideas by year
- 1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper
- 2nd Wedding Anniversary: Cotton
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather
- 4th Wedding Anniversary: Linen
- 5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood
- 6th Wedding Anniversary: Sugar (or Iron)
- 7th Wedding Anniversary: Wool or Copper
- 8th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
- 9th Wedding Anniversary: Pottery
- 10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin (or Aluminium)
- 11th Wedding Anniversary: Steel
- 12th Wedding Anniversary: Silk
- 13th Wedding Anniversary: Lace
- 14th Wedding Anniversary: Elephant (was Ivory)
- 15th Wedding Anniversary: Crystal
- 20th Wedding Anniversary: China
- 25th Wedding Anniversary: Silver
- 30th Wedding Anniversary: Pearls
- 35th Wedding Anniversary: Coral
- 40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby
- 45th Wedding Anniversary: Sapphire
- 50th Wedding Anniversary: Gold
- 55th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald
- 60th Wedding Anniversary: Diamonds
- 70th Wedding Anniversary: Platinum
- 75th Wedding Anniversary: Diamonds
1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper
The first year of marriage marks the beginning of a new chapter in your newfound journey of love and commitment to each other. To celebrate this milestone, traditional gifts include anything made of paper such as a heartfelt love letter, a beautiful book, or a personalised print. Gift ideas? Why not take a trip down memory lane and re-live your special day through photographs or videos?
For even more unique gift ideas, browse our selection of carefully curated paper wedding anniversary gifts
2nd Wedding Anniversary: Cotton
The second anniversary is a momentous occasion, representing the strength and durability of your relationship. To mark this milestone, traditional gifts include cosy cotton items such as a blanket, a basket of fresh fruit, or a bouquet of cotton flowers. If you’re interested in more of an experience, why not plan a romantic getaway to a secluded cabin or a cotton farm as a unique celebration?
For even more unique gift ideas, browse our selection of carefully curated cotton wedding anniversary gifts.
3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather
The third anniversary is a symbol of the flexibility and resilience of your relationship. To mark this milestone, traditional gifts include a leather-bound journal, a leather wallet, or a leather jacket. A weekend trip to a leather-making workshop or a leather-themed spa day would be a fun way to celebrate this milestone.
If you’re looking for a sweet and unique gift, browse our selection of leather wedding anniversary gifts.
4th Wedding Anniversary: Linen
The fourth anniversary is all about growth and nourishment, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the flourishing of your relationship into a loving commitment. Traditional gifts include a bouquet of fresh flowers, a basket of fruit, or a beautiful plant. A weekend getaway to a botanical garden or a book-themed bed and breakfast would be a unique way to celebrate your 4th wedding anniversary.
5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood
The fifth anniversary celebrates the strength and durability of your relationship. To mark this milestone, traditional gifts are usually made from wood and could include a wooden carving, a wooden picture frame, or a wooden piece of furniture. A weekend camping trip or a visit to a wood-themed park would be an ‘on brand’ way to celebrate your 5th year wedding anniversary.
We’ve also got you covered with some unique 5th wedding anniversary gift ideas.
6th Wedding Anniversary: Sugar (Candy) or Iron
The sixth anniversary is all about the sweetness and strength of your relationship. In that theme, gifts include sweets and other edible items such as a box of chocolates or a personalised cake. For a unique experience, plan a trip to a candy factory (but a friendly warning to those with a sweet tooth!)
7th Wedding Anniversary: Wool or Copper
The 7th wedding anniversary, also known as the wool or copper anniversary, is a significant milestone in a couple’s journey of marriage. The traditional gift for this anniversary is wool or copper, symbolising the warmth and durability of the couple’s relationship.
Wool, a natural and renewable resource, is known for its warmth and comfort, representing the comfort and support that a couple provides to one another. Copper, a strong and durable metal, represents the strength and longevity of the couple’s relationship, that it will stand the test of time.
Find copper-themed gift ideas in our gift guide to celebrate your 7th wedding anniversary.
8th Wedding Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze
Eight years of marriage is a milestone that symbolises the beauty and strength of your bond. As tradition dictates, the 8th anniversary is celebrated with gifts of pottery or bronze.
Pottery, a handmade art form, represents the unique and intricate beauty of your relationship. It’s a reminder that like a piece of pottery, your love has been crafted and shaped over the years to become something truly special. Bronze, a strong and durable metal, represents the strength and longevity of your bond. It’s a reminder that through thick and thin, your love will stand the test of time.
When it comes to celebrating this milestone, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to gift each other something made of pottery or bronze, like a handmade pottery vase or a bronze piece of jewellery or a watch.
9th Wedding Anniversary: Pottery
The 9th wedding anniversary is an important milestone for any couple, and it is traditionally celebrated with willow. This versatile and durable wood is a symbol of the strength and flexibility that are needed to make a marriage last.
When it comes to gift ideas for your 9th wedding anniversary, there are plenty of options to choose from. A beautiful willow basket is a thoughtful and practical gift that can be used for years to come. Alternatively, you could consider a piece of willow furniture, such as a rocking chair or a wooden bench, which can become a treasured piece in your home. For something a little more personal, you could commission a piece of willow sculpture or a piece of willow jewellery.
10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin or Aluminium
The 10th wedding anniversary, also known as the Tin anniversary, marks a decade of love and commitment for a couple. Tin, known for its durability and malleability, symbolises the strength and adaptability that a relationship needs to last for a decade. It also represents the ability of a couple to shape their relationship to become stronger over time.
A custom-made tin sculpture or piece of jewellery could make a special and unique gift. Or you could opt for a tin-plated item, such as a photo frame or a watch, that will be cherished for years to come. Discover unique 10th wedding anniversary gift ideas.
11th Wedding Anniversary: Steel
The 11th wedding anniversary marks a significant milestone for any couple, and it is traditionally celebrated with steel. Steel is a symbol of durability, strength and the ability to withstand the test of time, which is a fitting tribute to the longevity of a marriage that has reached 11 years. It represents the bond between the couple which is as strong as steel and will last for many years to come.
When it comes to gift ideas for an 11th wedding anniversary, there are plenty of options to choose from. A steel watch or a piece of steel jewellery such as a steel ring or steel bangle would make a thoughtful and timeless gift. Browse our steel-themed 11th wedding anniversary gift ideas.
12th Wedding Anniversary: Linen or Silk
The twelfth wedding anniversary is all about luxury, elegance, and comfort. Linen and silk are symbols of the refinement and grace that come with a long-lasting marriage. Traditional gifts include linen or silk sheets, clothing, or home decor items. A weekend getaway to a luxury spa or a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant would be a perfect way to celebrate this milestone.
13th Wedding Anniversary: Lace
The thirteenth wedding anniversary is a celebration of the intricacies and delicacies of a long-lasting marriage. Lace, a material known for its intricate patterns and delicate beauty, symbolises the balance and care required to maintain a successful relationship.
As a traditional gift, one could consider giving a piece of lace clothing, such as a lace dress or a lace scarf. Another option could be a vintage lace handkerchief, which can be treasured as a sentimental keepsake.
14th Wedding Anniversary: Elephant (was Ivory)
14 years of marriage are evidence of selfless devotion and true love. Ivory, a symbol of purity and timelessness, serves as a reminder of the strength and durability of the bond shared by the couple. As it is morally wrong to give Ivory based gifts, the ‘material’ gift for the 14th wedding anniversary is now often referred to as the ‘Elephant’ anniversary.
As a traditional gift, you could consider an ivory-crafted item such as a sculpture, a set of ivory chess pieces, or an ivory-handled brush. For a unique gift idea consider some ivory made jewellery or accessories.
15th Wedding Anniversary: Crystal
The fifteenth wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with a gift of crystal. Some gift ideas include a crystal vase, crystal wine glasses, or crystal memorabilia.
For a unique and memorable way to mark the occasion, why not plan a visit to a glass-blowing studio? This, not only provides an opportunity to learn more about the history and craft of crystal and glass-making, but also allows for a fun and exciting bonding experience.
20th Wedding Anniversary: China
The 20th wedding anniversary is a true milestone in any marriage, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a touch of elegance and sophistication? And that’s exactly what the traditional gift of china represents — you guessed it, the theme of the 20th wedding anniversary is china!
When it comes to china gift ideas, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful dinner set, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Imagine the two of you sitting down to a delicious meal, served on your very own china plates, a symbol of the elegance and sophistication of your long-lasting marriage. Or, for a more intimate celebration, why not indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served on a beautiful china tea set?
25th Wedding Anniversary: Silver
The 25th anniversary, also known as the silver anniversary, is an incredible milestone that deserves to be celebrated in style. And what better way to mark this special occasion than with the traditional gift of silver, symbolising the enduring strength and beauty of your marriage?
When it comes to gift ideas, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful piece of jewellery or a set of silver cufflinks that will be cherished for years to come. From silver coin necklaces to silver cufflinks, we have a gift for everyone – browse our selection to find the perfect 25th wedding anniversary gift.
30th Wedding Anniversary: Pearls
The thirtieth wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion and a true testament to the love and commitment that you and your partner share. To celebrate this milestone, pearls are the traditional symbol of choice, representing the beauty and elegance of a long-lasting marriage. As such, pearl jewellery is the traditional gift on such an occasion. We have a wide selection of 30th wedding anniversary gifts for you to choose from.
35th Wedding Anniversary: Coral
The thirty-fifth wedding anniversary is a milestone that represents the depth and richness of your marriage. Coral, with its vibrant hues and natural durability, is the perfect symbol of the depth and richness of a long-lasting union. To celebrate this milestone, consider gifting a piece of coral jewellery or a coral-themed piece of art.
40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby
A ruby has the colour of passion and love, just like the fiery feelings you still have for each other after 40 years of marriage. Reaching 40 years of marriage is not an easy feat by any means. This milestone anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reignite the spark in your relationship and celebrate the love that brought you and kept you together for all these years.
We have the perfect 40th wedding anniversary gifts for you to choose from to mark this memorable occasion.
45th Wedding Anniversary: Sapphire
As you look back on 45 years of marriage, it’s clear that the wisdom and truth you’ve gained through your experiences together are truly invaluable. This milestone anniversary is the perfect time to cherish the memories, appreciate the love and understanding that has sustained your relationship, and reflect on all that you have been through.
To mark this special occasion, consider gifting your partner a beautiful sapphire ring or bracelet, or perhaps a piece of art or jewellery that holds special meaning for your relationship.
50th Wedding Anniversary: Gold
The golden anniversary marks a significant achievement in any marriage, and it’s a time to celebrate the journey of love and companionship that you and your partner have shared over the past 50 years. This milestone is an opportunity to reminisce on the memories and moments that have brought you to where you are today and to look forward to your golden years together.
Celebrate this monumental achievement with a gesture that is as unique and special as your relationship and choose a unique gift from our 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas.
55th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald
The 55th wedding anniversary, traditionally symbolised by the emerald, is a true testament to the resilience and adaptability of your marriage. As the years have gone by, your relationship has grown, evolved, and blossomed just like the lush green colour of the emerald.
This milestone anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the journey you’ve been on together, the memories you’ve shared, and the love that has stood the test of time. To mark this special occasion, why not treat your partner to a unique and thoughtful gift such as a beautiful emerald piece of jewellery?
60th Wedding Anniversary: Diamond
As you approach your 60th wedding anniversary, you can’t help but reflect on the eternal bond and devotion that you and your partner have shared throughout the years. Dubbed the diamond anniversary, this milestone is a grand opportunity for you to reminisce on the journey of your relationship and the love that has brought you to this point.
To mark this momentous occasion, why not consider gifting your partner a classic diamond piece of jewellery or planning a romantic jaunt to a location that holds a special significance for your relationship.
70th Wedding Anniversary: Platinum
70 years of marriage, quite the achievement! You and your partner have been through a lot together, the good times and the bad, but you’ve always been there for each other. And now, you’ve reached the impressive milestone of your platinum anniversary.
It’s time to look back on the journey you’ve been on together and appreciate all the little things that make your love special. The way you finish each other’s sentences, the way your partner knows just when you need a comforting hug or the way your partner can make you laugh even on the darkest of days.
You both deserve to celebrate this milestone in style. Why not plan a surprise weekend getaway to a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting together? Or consider treating each other to a new piece of jewellery, something that symbolises the preciousness of your love.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that the most important thing is to cherish the memories and moments you’ve shared and to look forward to the many more to come.
75th Wedding Anniversary: Diamonds
We don’t know many couples that have reached this incredibly momentous milestone in their marriage – 75 years together is more than a lifetime.
There is really no gift that could possibly crown such an occasion so we would recommend just spending time with each other and cherishing this joyful moment that only very few couples will ever get to experience.
While you’re at it, maybe tip the younger generations on how you achieved such a feat!
Celebrating a magical wedding anniversary
Wedding anniversaries are a magical time to celebrate the love and connection that you and your partner share. Each year is a chance to reflect on the beautiful memories you’ve made and look forward to creating many more in the future.
The UK has a rich tradition of celebrating wedding anniversaries and each milestone is a special occasion to be cherished.
We hope that this guide has given you some truly unique and memorable gift ideas to share with your loved one as you celebrate all the most important milestones your love journey has reached, and the ones to come!
So go ahead, light some candles, pop open a bottle of bubbly, and let cherish these once-in-a-lifetime moments with your significant other.
Shop Anniversary Gifts
Discover more birthday gift guides and present ideas:
- Best birthday gifts and present ideas for her
- Best birthday gifts and present ideas for girlfriend
- Best 20th birthday gifts and present ideas
- Best 21st birthday gifts and present ideas
- Best 50th birthday gifts and present ideas
- Best 40th birthday gifts and present ideas for men
- Best 40th birthday gifts and present ideas for best friend
- Best 50th birthday gifts and present ideas
- Best 60th birthday gifts and present ideas
Discover more anniversaries and special occasion gift guides:
- Best engagement gifts and present ideas
- Best bridal party gifts and present ideas
- Best Valentine’s Day gifts and present ideas
- Best Valentine’s Day gifts and present ideas for men
- Best Valentine’s Day gifts and present ideas for women
- Best housewarming gifts and present ideas
- Best 25th wedding anniversary gifts and present ideas