The History of Anniversary Gifts
The tradition of the giving and receiving of wedding anniversary presents for her dates back as far as the Middle Ages though at that time only significant milestones were celebrated. A 25th wedding anniversary was acknowledged with the gifting of a silver garland from a husband to his beloved, and with the momentous achievement of 50 years of wedded bliss required a loving and dutiful partner to lay a golden garland on the head of his sweetheart.
Times have changed and our desire to celebrate our happy union with our spouse each year brings with it a list of traditional and modern alternative anniversary gifts that must be adhered to if you’re hoping to stay in her good books!
The anniversary gift list by year looks something like this:
1 Paper / Clock
2 Cotton / China
3 Leather / Crystal or Glass
4 Flowers / Fruit / Books
5 Wood / Silver
6 Iron / Wood
7 Wool / Copper
8 Bronze / Pottery
9 Pottery / Willow
10 Tin / Aluminium
11 Steel
12 Silk / Linen
13 Lace
14 Ivory
15 Crystal
20 China
25 Silver
30 Pearl
35 Coral
40 Ruby
45 Sapphire
50 Gold
55 Emerald
60 Diamond
Buying gifts for the significant landmark anniversaries of Silver (25 years) through Diamond (60 years) are no brainers. Go for jewellery here for I don’t know of a woman who doesn’t adore the excitement of unwrapping that neatly packaged little box to find a sparkling precious, or semi-precious stone encased in silver, gold or platinum, and here you have your choice of bracelets, necklaces or rings. Ask her friends for advice if you’re unsure of specifics, and make sure you take along one of her rings to ensure the perfect fit!
For the early years’, anniversary gift ideas are a little less costly though don’t make the mistake of purchasing the incorrect item for the wrong year as she’ll be sure to know what type of gift she’s meant to receive, when.
Here’s a mini guide to help you get your anniversary gifts right for the first five years:
1st Wedding Anniversary: The Gift of Paper
Gift ideas to celebrate your first year together include: a personalised poetry scroll, or personalised photo album adorned with photos of your formative years together. Or perhaps tickets to see her favourite artist (they’re printed on paper so must be a sure thing), or better still an airline ticket to a romantic desert island resort to celebrate the first of many!
2nd Wedding Anniversary: The Gift of Cotton / China
Here you can chose from beautiful designer clothing or sexy lingerie (made from Cotton, of course). Alternatively, go the China route with an elegant vase, or ornament that she’s been raving over and just can’t quite bring herself to splash out on. Or to celebrate your 2 year anniversary in style go for something a little different taking a fabulous trip to China enjoying all that eastern culture!!!
3rd Wedding Anniversary: The Gift of Leather / Crystal or Glass
You have a wide range of choices on your third anniversary with beautiful leather handbags and wallets, leather shoes, boots and other accessories, or maybe even splash out on a cool leather jacket. Instead, for a modern alternative, discover a beautiful and spiritual piece of crystal jewellery that she’ll treasure for all the years of your union.
4th Wedding Anniversary: The Gift of Flowers / Fruit or Books
Celebrating your fourth anniversary with the gift of a stunning floral bouquet will definitely brighten up her day – find out her favourite flowers beforehand so that you are sure to impress her. Add a few of her favourite fruits and throw in a cute little Book of Love that will clearly demonstrate what a romantic chap you are.
5th Wedding Anniversary: The Gift of Wood or Silver
Here again you have an abundance of gifts that can be included on the list, from handmade jewellery of silver and wood to personalised gifts such as a keepsake box or jewellery box. A hand-crafted picture or photo frame featuring a beautiful photograph of the two of you on your wedding day would make the perfect gift to bring back all those wonderful memories of your special day.
By using our anniversary gift list by year guide you’ll now be armed with the right information and gain top marks with your deserving spouse when you get it spot on! Showering her with gifts any time of the year is optional but don’t dare let yourself stoop so low as to forgetting her on your wedding anniversary – it’ll take some time for her to warm back up and allow you back into her favour!
