Anniversary Gift Ideas by Year: 1st Through 10th
There is a long-standing tradition of matching anniversary gifts to specific materials for each year. Paper for the first, tin for the tenth. Some of these map to great gifts and others take some creativity. Here is a practical guide for each year.
Year 1: Paper
Traditional: A love letter, a custom map print of where you met, or a journal you can write in together throughout the year.
Modern: Concert or event tickets. Technically paper (or at least they used to be).
Year 2: Cotton
Traditional: High-quality bedsheets, a cozy throw blanket, or matching robes.
Modern: A cotton canvas tote bag from a brand they love, or custom embroidered pillowcases.
Year 3: Leather
Traditional: A quality wallet, a leather-bound journal, or a nice belt.
Modern: A leather watch strap, a passport cover for your next trip together, or a handmade leather keychain.
Year 4: Fruit and Flowers
Traditional: A fruit tree for the yard, a bouquet subscription, or a gourmet fruit basket.
Modern: A perfume with floral or citrus notes. Or just book a trip somewhere tropical.
Year 5: Wood
Traditional: A handcarved cutting board, a wooden watch, or a custom wooden sign with your wedding date.
Modern: A piece of wooden furniture you pick out together. Year five is a big one. Go bigger if you can.
Year 6: Candy or Iron
Traditional: A box of artisan chocolates (candy route) or a cast iron skillet (iron route).
Modern: A candy-making kit to do together, or a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven for serious home cooking.
Year 7: Wool or Copper
Traditional: A cashmere sweater, a wool blanket, or copper Moscow mule mugs.
Modern: A copper-accent piece of home decor, or matching wool beanies for winter.
Year 8: Pottery or Bronze
Traditional: Handmade ceramic mugs, a pottery class together, or a bronze sculpture.
Modern: Sign up for a couples pottery class. You will have fun and walk away with something you made together.
Year 9: Pottery or Willow
Traditional: A woven willow basket, or more pottery (upgrade from last year).
Modern: A picnic basket with a nice bottle of wine and a sunset. Simple and perfect.
Year 10: Tin or Aluminum
Traditional: A custom tin sign, aluminum cufflinks, or a tin time capsule to open at year 20.
Modern: A piece of jewelry. Ten years deserves something that lasts.
Not Sure What They Want?
Have your partner build a wishlist on Send Me Your Gifts. You can browse it privately, claim an item, and still surprise them with something they actually want.
