Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Wedding ceremonies are full of superstitions, folk rules passed on through generations which elderly relatives insist you follow to inspire good luck and a happy marriage. Once you get hitched, the traditions don't stop, and every year you must celebrate the anniversary of your vows - and heaven help you if you forget how many years it has been. Each milestone anniversary has a traditional gift, or rather a traditional material a gift must consist of, which represents the height to which your marriage has soared since you first promised “I do”. Here is a list of those milestone anniversaries and the material which represent each one.

1st Anniversary: Cotton

An appropriate gift might be a cotton tablecloth or bed sheets.

2nd Anniversary: Paper

An appropriate gift could be a scrapbook or photograph album.

3rd Anniversary: Leather

Perhaps a little something to spice up the bedroom.

5th Anniversary: Wood

Decorative kitchen ware such as a fine wood salad bowl or item of furniture.

7th Anniversary: Wool

Any finely woven woolen item will do - perhaps a tartan blanket for the bedspread.

10th Anniversary: Tin

I have no idea… a tin cup maybe? These are obviously rather dated traditions.

12th Anniversary: Silk or Fine Linen

Again, a bed sheet set or tablecloth and napkins would be a good option.

15th Anniversary: Crystal

Self explanatory - a set of crystal goblets, a vase, particularly of the hand-blown variety. Stay away from anything too tacky.

20th Anniversary: China

Again self-evident. Often an elderly family member will pass down a china set that has been a family heirloom.

25th Anniversary: Silver

An engraved silver spoon or cup, with the couple's name and the date.

30th Anniversary: Pearl

A mother-of-pearl enameled gift item is a good idea.

40th Anniversary: Ruby

Ruby-colored objects will do for this anniversary… perhaps a set of candle holders or sherry glasses.

50th Anniversary: Golden

This is a big achievement for any couple. Don't skimp on the gift, especially if it's a relative. However, gold-plate is acceptable.

75th Anniversary: Diamond

Well, who really stays together that long anyway?