When choosing anniversary gifts, it helps to keep traditions in mind. Keeping traditions in mind not only makes the task easier, but it also keeps the romance alive.
It can be pretty hard to choose nature inspired gifts while trying to keep up with modern choices. However, it is possible to do this, and if you make the gift yourself you may even be able to save some money as well as being more environmentally friendly.
Another great option is to look for antique or pre-loved gifts. Or, why not choose an experience gift that you can both do together.
Whether you are looking for willow anniversary gifts , the traditional gift for the 9th year, or something else. These ideas are sure to help.
So keeping tradition in mind here are some options:
Year 1
In the first year of marriage you are starting with a blank page ready to write the story of your life together . That is why paper is the ideal gift for this time.
You can get creative and make your own natural seed paper and use it to write a promise or gift note on for your partner. Or, you could create a photo book, memory book or other such gifts. But, if you don’t want to make something why not look for a special secondhand book.
Year 2
Traditionally, cotton is the gift to go for in the second year. If your sewing skills are up to it why not make a cotton cushion case that you can embroider with some special words. Or, you could use some old shirts to cut up and make into handkerchiefs.
Year 3
Leather represents the flexibility and strength of your marriage. Unless you are very good at crafts it may be a bit tricky to actually make something yourself. However, you can always buy some lovely secondhand leather goods and the great thing with leather is it actually looks better with age.
Or a leather journal will also make a lovely gift.
Year 4
Year four and the traditional gift is fruit and flowers as your marriage grows. Head to a flower farm and pick out the freshest and most beautiful flowers and make up your own bouquet. Or, you could purchase a gift experience such as Wine Tasting, grapes are after all a fruit.
If you would like something longer lasting then why not buy a Rose bush or flowering shrub to plant in the garden.
Year 5
Wood is a symbol of the strength of your marriage, like trees as your marriage grows your roots get deeper. If your DIY skills are up to it you could make a gorgeous handmade wooden chopping board. Or, why not make a picnic and spend some time in the woods enjoying your surroundings.
With our Planet under threat from Climate Change you could also buy a Tree Planting gift.
Year 10
By this time, you have shown a great deal of love and commitment to your partner. Tin and aluminium are the traditional gifts for this year as they signify that your marriage has stood the test of time. Tin and aluminium do not rust or wear out, but just goes on and on.
If you search antique stores you may be able to find a piece of jewellery that is made from tin or a keepsake box.
Year 20
20 years is a long time and China is the traditional gift for this year. It’s a reminder that your marriage is precious but still fragile and you should handle with care and look after it. Antique shops and secondhand shops make the perfect place to pick up some lovely china. From plates to tea sets, you have many traditional options available to you.
Year 25
A quarter of a century gone by, and you are still with each other. How lucky you are! Whether you celebrate this in the modern way or go with tradition, silver is the way to go.
Silver jewellery always makes a wonderful present but if you are looking for something slightly different why not organise a jewellery course where you can design and make a bespoke piece of jewellery together.
Year 50
Wow 50 years, that’s certainly an achievement and something very precious to cherish. Gold by it’s very nature is a natural material and is the traditional material to celebrate this anniversary. With gifts from jewellery to photo frames, as long as it has some gold in it.
Whatever milestone you are celebrating, there is always an opportunity to choose something inspired by nature and be a little greener while choosing the right gift. Try one of these ideas and see how it works out. Congratulations!
Anniversary Gifts for each Year
Here’s the full list of traditional gifts for each Anniversary
- 1st Year: Paper
- 2nd Year: Cotton
- 3rd Year: Leather
- 4th Year: Fruit & Flowers, or Linen & Silk
- 5th Year: Wood
- 6th Year: Iron / Candy
- 7th Year: Wool/ Copper
- 8th Year: Bronze
- 9th Year: Pottery / Willow
- 10th Year: Tin/ Aluminium
- 11th Year: Steel
- 12th Year: Silk
- 13th Year: Lace
- 14th Year: Ivory
- 15th Year: Crystal
- 20th Year: China
- 25th Year: Silver
- 30th Year: Pearl
- 35th Year: Coral
- 40th Year: Ruby
- 45th Year: Sapphire
- 50th Year: Gold
- 55th Year: Emerald
- 60th Year: Diamond
