Wedding Anniversary Gift

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Are you searching for that perfect wedding anniversary gift? Do you have to stick to the traditional wedding anniversary gift recommendations, or can you search for something a little more modern? There are lots of great anniversary gift ideas. Let LoveToKnowWeddings help you decide what to buy for those special people in your life!

History of the Wedding Anniversary Gift

Just who came up with the traditional wedding anniversary gifts, such as gold for the 50 year anniversary and silver for the 25 year celebration? The silver tradition for the 25 year anniversary was first celebrated in Middle Europe in the late 1700's to early 1800's. Wood, the fifth anniversary gift, was first given around 1875. Queen Victoria started the diamond anniversary, which is typically celebrated on the 60th anniversary, when she celebrated her 60th year on the throne, referred to as the Diamond Jubilee.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Most traditional wedding anniversary gifts have been celebrated for at least one hundred years, and while many people don't follow the suggested list any more, it's always fun to see what gifts should be given in accordance with the year of the anniversary. Traditional anniversary gifts are as follows:

First - Paper
Second - Cotton
Third - Leather
Fourth - Fruit/Flowers
Fifth - Wood
Sixth - Candy/Iron
Seventh - Wool/Copper
Eighth - Bronze/Pottery
Ninth - Pottery/Willow
Tenth - Tin/Aluminum
Eleventh - Steel
Twelfth - Silk/Linen
Thirteenth - Lace
Fourteenth - Ivory
Fifteenth - Crystal
Twentieth - China
Twenty-Fifth - Silver
Thirtieth - Pearl
Thirty-Fifth - Coral
Fortieth - Ruby
Forty-Fifth - Sapphire
Fiftieth - Gold
Fifty-fifth - Emerald
Sixtieth - Diamond

Modern Anniversary Gifts

For many couples, the traditional wedding anniversary gift just isn't practical. Many people look for more practical gifts to give. Modern anniversary gifts that coordinate with special anniversaries include the following:

First - Clocks
Second - China
Third - Crystal/Glass
Fourth - Appliances
Fifth - Silverware
Sixth - Candy/Iron
Seventh - Desk Sets
Eighth - Bronze/Pottery
Ninth - Linen/Lace
Tenth - Leather
Eleventh - Jewelry
Twelfth - Pearls
Thirteenth - Textiles/Furs
Fourteenth - Gold Jewelry
Fifteenth - Watches
Twentieth - Platinum
Twenty-Fifth - Silver
Thirtieth - Diamond
Thirty-Fifth - Jade
Fortieth - Ruby
Forty-Fifth - Sapphire
Fiftieth- Gold
Fifty-fifth - Emerald
Sixtieth - Diamond

Where to Shop

You can find the perfect wedding anniversary gift at a variety of places both online and in your own town. If you aren't sure what to buy, be sure and consult a sales assistant for suggestions. Check out the following Websites for some great selections, or if one of these stores is in your area, have fun browsing for that perfect gift.