Your anniversary is a special day between you and your best friend, life partner, and other (better?) half. Whatever it is you may call them, your anniversary is your day to celebrate them and your union. Every year together is a milestone and an accomplishment. Some couples go all out with gift-giving. Others frequently forget their anniversary altogether. We get it. We have been there, but this year, let’s do better. In 2022, pull out all the stops and buy your favorite person something truly special. Whether this is your first anniversary or your 50th, the perfect gift is out there, and we are going to find it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know there are actually traditional gifts for every marriage anniversary? Now, we’ll admit, some of these gifts on the traditional list are a bit dated. Several years ago, someone created the “modern” list to help out. In this gift list, we’ll give you the traditional and modern anniversary gift ideas for each year. Just note, there is a lot of overlap between the two lists, so don’t be surprised if you get a little Deja Vous reading through. Let’s do some shopping!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To celebrate your love any day of the year, order Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition<\/em><\/a>. This scratch-off adventure book is filled with more than 50 different date ideas, expertly coordinated by dating gurus to deepen your connection and produce those “laugh ’til you cry” moments. Check it out now and add a little spice to your dating life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first year of marriage is the hardest they say, so if you have made it to the end of your first year, kudos to you! Make sure to celebrate your accomplishment. Traditional anniversary gifts should be made of paper on your first wedding anniversary. Paper is a blank slate, symbolizing the clean canvas you have in your young relationship and the endless possibilities of this life you will build together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Gold<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Carnation or Pansies<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Mother of Pearl<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now is a great time to do something with those wedding photos. Have a few blown up for your new home, or have a desk calendar made for your significant other, so they can stare at your face all day long. Have your vows or wedding song transcribed and printed<\/a> to a beautiful piece of art, complete with the date of your wedding day and a sweet note. The options are endless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern equivalent is a clock to represent your endless love and all the time you have left together. Now that you have both gained the first-year fifteen, this is a great chance to snag your spouse that new smartwatch they have been coveting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Red<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Cosmos or Lily of the Valley<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Garnet<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cotton is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for your second year. The interwoven fibers are meant to represent the strength of your interconnectedness as a couple. Traditionally, this would involve new bedsheets or a nice blanket. It still can. A beautiful new blanket embroidered with your initials is a great home decor staple. Other textile options are a hoodie from your favorite sports team, a plush bathrobe, a new hammock (imported from your honeymoon destination), or some new monogrammed throw pillows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern equivalent for year two is china: beautiful, timeless, but also may have some weaknesses like your young relationship. While most people don’t use fancy china very often, that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in those whiskey glasses he has been eyeing or a new coffee bar setup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>White<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Sunflowers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Pearl or Jade<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year you two are a little tougher in the traditional sense. You have seen some stuff now, and you have made it through. Leather is rich, strong, and can bear intense pressure. Think new purses, wallets, or belts. Pick up that fancy pair of boots that are too expensive for a normal Saturday, or pick up a stunning pair of leather armchairs<\/a>, something you can both enjoy! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option is a bit more fragile-glass or crystal. Wine glasses are great of course, but you could also go with that full-length mirror she has been asking for, replace the grimy shower doors with new fancy ones, or upgrade the windows in your home. Also, a new iPhone has a glass screen, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: Blue or Green<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Geranium<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Blue Topaz<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one seems to go a bit backward to us, but whatever. The fruit or flower is meant to represent your ripened or full-blossomed love. That’s sweet. For a bit of reminiscing, have the florist recreate her wedding bouquet and snag some chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of wine. Better yet, head to Lowe’s or Home Depot and peruse the garden center together. Pick out plenty of new gems for your flowerbeds and finally do something with that yard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option is appliances, and honestly, it seems more useful. Now, we would not advise buying your wife a new dishwasher, unless she has asked for one, but now is a great time to buy the fun stuff. If your spouse loves to bake, hook them up with that giant mixer. If you love coffee, invest in a good coffee bar setup. If your partner is a DIYer, grab that new tool they have been aching for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Blue or Pink<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Daisy<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Blue Sapphire or Pink Tourmaline<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wood reflects the durability of your marriage, able to take a storm and come out on the other side. Now is the time to hire a carpenter and finally get that built-in around the fireplace. It’s time for new bookshelves, to finally buy those shelves for the garage, or hang those barn-style, sliding doors on the bathroom. A new dining table is also a great option. Hang the window boxes, build those raised gardens. Hang the shutters. Fancy the place up. You have just made it to half a decade!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for the fifth anniversary seems more dated than the traditional in this scenario \u2026 silverware. However, the meaning is sweet. It\u2019s meant to represent all the meals you have had together. That’s nice. We’ve got to admit these funny anniversary forks<\/a> are pretty amusing! Or you can go with the fashion jewelry route on this one and snag a replica of Lady Diana’s gorgeous sapphire ring for your loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Purple, White, or Turquoise<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Cala Lillies<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Amethyst or Turquoise<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iron, we are seriously strong at this point. Candy is meant to remind you of your sweet dating days, and urge you to keep that childlike wonder for each other in the future. These beautifully engraved iron signs<\/a> are a great idea. You could also have an iron jewelry dish forged and present it with a new piece of amethyst jewelry inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for year 6 is wood. Consider a wooden strap for their Apple Watch<\/a>, or a new porch swing engraved with your surname and marriage date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Onyx or Yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Jack-in-the-Pulpit<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Onyx or Yellow Sapphire<\/p>\n\n\n\n Year 7 is really the hardest year of marriage for many. By this point, you know each other pretty well. The new has worn off. Many of you are in the throws of raising families, and it’s hard to find time for each other. The seven-year itch is a real thing. If you’re still going strong at year seven, celebrate big. The traditional gifts of copper and wool are meant to represent the warmth of your mature relationship. The Aran Islands of Ireland are pretty famous for their particularly plush wool. Perhaps you should take your spouse to Ireland to find out for yourself. These self-heated copper coffee mugs<\/a> are also pretty great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern seven-year anniversary gift is a desk set or stationery. Show your partner that you value their ambition and honor their work ethic with a specialty set that showcases their style. If you really want to wow them, hook them up with a new piece of onyx jewelry or better yet, a new black diamond anniversary band.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Tourmaline or Bronze<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Clematis<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Tourmaline or Tanzanite<\/p>\n\n\n\n You made it past the 7-year itch. You’re going strong now at year eight, and your love is represented by the intense strength of bronze. Bronze is a metal alloy, made by the mixing of two separate metals to create one stronger product, just like your marriage. You could also have your child’s shoes bronzed<\/a> as a sweet memento of the life you have created together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to go the pottery route, this is a great chance to take a date night and sign up for a pottery or clay-firing class together. Make something new for your home. Heads up! You might want to consider the pottery option here, as you will see bronze show up again at year 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eighth-anniversary modern option is linens and lace. It’s probably about time for some new bedding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Purple, Green, or Terracotta<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Poppy<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, or Green Spinel<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fill a homemade terracotta vase with poppies, and place it in the middle of your new wicker porch furniture, looking out on your stunning, freshly-planted willow tree. Your marriage is rooted at this point, one year shy of a decade. Your life is strong, beautiful, and well-crafted. Get a gift that shows it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for year nine is leather. If you didn’t do leather for the third anniversary, this is your chance. We hear there is a fabulous leather market in Florence, Italy \u2026 just saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Silver or Blue<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Daffodil<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Diamond or Blue Sapphire<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tin for ten, how clever! Tin is another one of those strong metal alloys, and you guys are certainly strong if you have made it to the decade mark! Fill a tin vase with the traditional flower, daffodils, which symbolized happiness. Pair it with an update to your wedding bands with these 100% tin his and hers anniversary bands<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern gift option for year ten is diamonds! If you have always wanted to surprise your love with a bigger and better diamond engagement ring, now is the time! Conquering a decade of marriage is a big deal, so diamond jewelry is totally appropriate if you can swing it. Diamond necklaces, cuff links, and bracelets are also popular. If your spouse is sentimental towards their original ring, then upgrade the look with a nice diamond anniversary band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that there is an active diamond mine in Murphysboro Arkansas? It\u2019s the only one of its kind in the United States. For a unique weekend getaway, head for Arkansas, and you and your partner can spend your special day panning for diamonds together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: Turquoise or yellow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: Morning Glories<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: Turquoise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Steel is the strongest metal known to man. At this point in your marriage, hopefully, things are going pretty strong. It’s not the most romantic of items for sure, but hey, sometimes practical wins out. Plus, you can get something engraved with the oh so cheesy “I steel love you<\/a>,” or “you’re steel the one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for year 11 is fashion jewelry, specifically with the gemstone turquoise. Turquoise has been used by shamans and the like for thousands of years for its healing and protective properties. Plus, it’s said to rekindle lost love, so if you’re feeling a bit blah in your relationship, a new turquoise piece might just do the trick. And, if all that turns out to be mumbo jumbo, at least you got pretty jewelry out of it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: Oyster White<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: Peony<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: Jade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the twelve-year mark, you may find yourself sinking into the same old routine. Life is consumed with work and raising kiddos\u2026 or dogs. It can all get a bit monotonous and you can lose your spark if you’re not careful. Now is a great time to add in some spice! Silk bed sheets are sure to spruce up your bedroom life. Just be careful, these suckers are slippery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Added perk:<\/strong> at this point, the responsibilities of work, life, and family have probably started to give you a few wrinkles, and silk happens to be fabulous for your skin and hair. Also, it just feels so lux!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for year 12 is pearls! Pearls are a classic statement piece, and though they are timeless and can seem old-fashioned, many designers out there have given the pearl a serious update! The Tahitian black pearl<\/a> gets our vote!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Citrine or White<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Hollyhock<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Citrines<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reminiscent of the wedding dress and the delicate intermingling of your two lives, lace is intricate, yet refined. It adequately represents marriage. It takes a delicate touch and careful handling to keep the exceptional beauty intact. These stunning earrings<\/a> are an updated twist on lace, and lingerie is always a winner for both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern option for year 13 is fur. Nothing adds more comfort and coziness to a home than a fur rug or couch throw. If fur isn’t your thing, then any textile will work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Ivory<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Dahlias<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Opal<\/p>\n\n\n\n The traditional gift for the 14th anniversary was ivory, but due to the intense cruelty and abuse of the ivory trade, it was later amended to include all animal-related gifts. So you could do something like faux fur, something ivory colored, etc. Or go out on a limb and get your love something that represents your dual best friend, like a pet portrait.<\/a> We also love these adorable elephant pajamas.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gold jewelry is the modern option for year 14, and let’s be real \u2026 gold is always welcome! It doesn’t have to be crazy expensive either. These custom engraved bar necklaces<\/a> are sure to win her over, and faux gold works just as well! For him, a custom engraved wristwatch<\/a> is time-honored, stylish, and useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Red<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Rose<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Ruby<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, 15 years of marriage, your path is crystal clear. Your relationship is multi-faceted, and it’s time to toast your success! Champagne glasses are a no-brainer, but this whiskey decanter set<\/a> is pretty fantastic too! In the traditional list, this year begins a more expensive gift-giving repertoire. Everything about the fifteenth anniversary is lush! We moved to traditional and expensive red roses as our flower and the incredibly robust (just shy of diamond-strength) ruby as our stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modern gift is the watch! It\u2019s certainly the more practical of the gifts for this year. With easy accessibility, it’s no task to score an amazing timepiece. If you’re a sporty crew, check out the Fitbit Versa 2.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Emerald<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Statice<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Peridot<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, let\u2019s be honest \u2026 this one is a little \u2026 wax? I mean, perhaps in Victorian England, a new set of wax candles<\/a> was the way to a woman’s heart. Well, come to think of it, we still kind of love our candles and Scentsies, don’t we? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Modernity calls for silver hollowware. What the heck is hollowware? Yeah, we had to look it up too. Hollowware is serving ware that is hollow or concave and usually made of silver. Makes sense. Basically, it’s everything for serving except the flatware. Think coffee serving sets, tea jugs, water pitchers, and sugar bowls. Traditionally, these are all those fancy embossed silver sets you used to see in jewelry stores, and likely have now seen at the thrift shop. So, if your love is a hostess, snag her one of these incredible silver serving sets<\/a>, if not, go for a new jewelry bowl and fill it with wax candies or a new peridot piece!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color: <\/strong>Yellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flower: <\/strong>Red carnations<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gemstone: <\/strong>Carnelian<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAnniversary Gifts By Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1st Anniversary: Paper<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2nd Anniversary: Cotton <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3rd Anniversary: Leather<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5th Anniversary: Wood <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6th Anniversary: Candy or Iron <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7th Anniversary: Copper and Wool<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8th Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9th Anniversary: Willow, wicker, or pottery <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
11th Anniversary: Steel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
13th Anniversary: Lace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
14th Anniversary: Ivory or animal items<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
15th Anniversary: Crystal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
16th Anniversary: Wax<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Modern Option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
17th Anniversary: Furniture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n