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History Of Wedding Traditions: The Anniversary Year Gift List

January 19, 2023

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The Dubsdread Catering Event Team shares the history of this often-asked question about the wedding tradition of the Anniversary Year Gift List.

If you struggle with finding a meaningful gift for your partner for your wedding anniversary, no worries – you are not alone. The great thing is that an anniversary year gift list exists, and it can help lead you in the right direction. Whether it’s a literal translation of the gift, such as a stationary set for paper, or a creative inspiration based on the gift, such as tree to plant in your yard for wood, the anniversary gift list is a fun and useful tool to help you make a fun or meaningful choice.

ORIGIN: This idea of gift-giving dates back to the Middle Ages, while anniversary gifts in general date back to either Ancient Rome or medieval Germany – it’s hard to trace. During the Middle Ages, anniversary gifts were thought to be items that would bring the couple luck. And when they first originated, there were not gifts for every year like there are now. It started with an “assigned” gift being given the first, fifth, tenth, twenty-fifth, fiftieth, and seventy-fifth anniversary, and these were gifts made from paper, wood, tin, silver, gold, and diamond, respectively.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that an extensive list was created based on the number of years that you and your partner have been married with the idea that every year of marriage grows and strengthens your relationship. Therefore, the gift becomes “stronger” the longer you have been married.

Today’s modern Anniversary Year Gift List:

  • 1st Anniversary: Paper
  • 2nd Anniversary: Cotton
  • 3rd Anniversary: Leather
  • 4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
  • 5th Anniversary: Wood
  • 6th Anniversary: Candy or Iron
  • 7th Anniversary: Wool or Copper
  • 8th Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze
  • 9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery
  • 10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
  • 11th Anniversary: Steel
  • 12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen
  • 13th Anniversary: Lace
  • 14th Anniversary: Gold Jewelry
  • 15th Anniversary: Crystal
  • 16th Anniversary: Coffee or Tea
  • 17th Anniversary: Wine or Spirits
  • 18th Anniversary: Appliances
  • 19th Anniversary: Jade
  • 20th Anniversary: China
  • 21st Anniversary: Fire (theme)
  • 22nd Anniversary: Water (theme)
  • 23rd Anniversary: Air (theme)
  • 24th Anniversary: Stone (theme)
  • 25th Anniversary: Silver
  • 26th Anniversary: Art
  • 27th Anniversary: Music
  • 28th Anniversary: Linens
  • 29th Anniversary: Tools
  • 30th Anniversary: Pearls
  • 31st Anniversary: Travel
  • 32nd Anniversary: Bronze
  • 33rd Anniversary: Iron
  • 34th Anniversary: Food
  • 35th Anniversary: Coral
  • 36th Anniversary: Antiques
  • 37th Anniversary: Books
  • 38th Anniversary: Luck (theme)
  • 39th Anniversary: Laughter (theme)
  • 40th Anniversary: Ruby
  • 41st Anniversary: Office or Desk Decor
  • 42nd Anniversary: Clocks or Watches
  • 43rd Anniversary: Entertainment (theme)
  • 44th Anniversary: Electronics (theme)
  • 45th Anniversary: Sapphire
  • 46th Anniversary: Games
  • 47th Anniversary: Garden or Plants
  • 48th Anniversary: Home Improvement (theme)
  • 49th Anniversary: Copper
  • 50th Anniversary: Gold
  • 51st Anniversary: Photos or Cameras
  • 52nd Anniversary: Bath or Spa (theme)
  • 53rd Anniversary: Plastic
  • 54th Anniversary: Glass
  • 55th Anniversary: Emerald
  • 56th Anniversary: Day (theme)
  • 57th Anniversary: Night (theme)
  • 58th Anniversary: Faith and Hope (theme)
  • 59th Anniversary: Charity (theme)
  • 60th Anniversary: Diamond


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While these gift ideas don’t tell you exactly what to get your partner, they can definitely help inspire you. Using the anniversary gift list as a guide, combined with moments from your relationship can help you create or purchase the perfect gift. At the end of the day, you don’t have to spend money, or follow the list perfectly as you and your partner know each other best and can create a unique memory or experience that celebrates another year together.

When you book a wedding with the Dubsdread Catering Team at one of our exclusive venues, we provide wedding coordination at no additional charge. Our coordinators become dedicated members of your team bringing experience and expertise to help you execute your vision. Contact us today at [email protected]

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