Your Guide to Modern Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year

Year 1 to 5 anniversaries

These are the early years in your marriage, often memorable times that are the foundation of your later relationship. Here's a list of the anniversary gifts couples could get each other by year, in the first five years:

1 - Clocks: A timepiece is a classic gift, symbolising the time you've spent together and the time you will spend together in the future.

2 - China: Sculptures and figurines are great display gifts, serving as a vivid reminder of the milestone you have reached.

3 - Crystal or glass: Think whiskey decanter sets or crystal wine glasses, perfect for his and her gifts.

4 - Appliances: Fourth-year anniversaries call for something practical. Consider kitchen gadgets and appliances that might need upgrading, like air fryers or a coffee machine.

5 - Silverware: A symbol of strength and longevity, silver gifts are elegant. Gift anything from a personalised silver spoon to a complete serving set.

Year 6 to 10 anniversaries

As marriages move from the fresh excitement of the early years, maturing couples often exchange gifts crafted from robust materials such as wood and leather. These thoughtful choices represent the enduring strength and continuous growth of your partnership.

6 - Wood: Wooden gifts are perfect for personalisation. You can engrave names, dates and heartfelt messages on a variety of keepsakes to remind you of your long-lasting commitment to one another. Make it personal with anything from wooden coasters to wooden jewellery boxes.

7 - Desk sets: These are versatile and can be chosen to suit the individual for whom it's intended. For example, if your partner has a sophisticated style, you can personalise a desk set with a leather mat and elegant ballpoint pens designed for calligraphy.

8 - Linen or lace: This includes anything from linen pillowcases and lace blankets to linen embroidered journals and lace homeware. Woven from strong, natural fibres, linen is a fitting gift for an enduring marriage. Lace, on the other hand, represents the intricate intertwining of a couple's life.

9 - Leather: Nine years in, your relationship has seen and been through a lot. Yet, much like leather that shows a patina after lengthy wear, your relationship only improves with time. From leather watch straps to bracelets and wallets, there are special things to gift your partner on your ninth anniversary.

10 - Diamond jewellery: This is a classic gift, suited to big milestones, meaning it's great for a decade of marriage. With a variety of designs and styles, it can range from lavish bracelets and classic rings to modern, bold designs.

15th, 20th, 30th and 35th anniversaries

Your relationship has withstood the test of time, with your dedication to each other lasting decades. These anniversary gifts become more indulgent, reflecting how important you are in each other’s lives. 

15 - Watches: A watch is a deeply symbolic way to mark 15 years of marriage. It represents the time you’ve already shared and the moments still to come, making it both practical and sentimental.

20 - Platinum: Platinum is the perfect precious metal to celebrate 20 years together. Its durability mirrors the resilience of a long marriage, while its understated elegance makes it ideal for timeless jewellery pieces.

30 - Sterling silver: Thirty years is a major achievement, and sterling silver reflects both refinement and enduring beauty.

35 - Jade: Associated with harmony, prosperity and longevity, jade symbolises balance within a mature partnership. Jewellery featuring jade stones makes a thoughtful and meaningful 35th anniversary gift, representing the calm strength and unity built over many years together.

40th, 45th, 50th, 55th and 60th anniversaries

If you’ve made it this far, you’re life partners – and that deserves something pretty special.

40 - Ruby: Symbolising passion and vitality, ruby jewellery reflects a love that has burned brightly for decades.

45 - Sapphire: Associated with royalty and wisdom, sapphires make a meaningful gem for this stage of marriage.

50 - Gold: The golden anniversary is iconic for a reason. Gold jewellery honours half a century of devotion and timeless commitment.

55 - Emerald: Representing renewal and prosperity, emeralds celebrate continued growth together.

60 - Diamond: The ultimate symbol of longevity and strength, diamonds are a fitting tribute to six decades of love. 

Find the perfect anniversary gift by year at F.Hinds

Jewellery remains one of the most meaningful ways to mark milestones. It's enduring, personal and rich with symbolism.

Browse the silver, gold and gemstone jewellery collections at F.Hinds, either online or in‑store, to find an anniversary gift that reflects your love. If you’d like guidance on the best anniversary gifts by year, whether a traditional diamond ring or a personalised gift, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help you choose a piece with genuine sentiment – one that will be treasured for years to come.