Did you know that traditionally you’re not supposed to give your significant other diamonds until your 60th wedding anniversary?! Not only that, but you can count out silver too until you hit the big “25 year” mark. (It might just be me, but that’s a long time for a girl to wait!)
According to tradition the 1st year anniversary gift is to give your loved one something made with paper. Cotton, Leather, Fruits, Wood, Wool, and Tin are a few other items that are usually given up until the 10th year anniversary.
The origins of giving anniversary gifts to your spouse started during the days of the Roman Empire. Husbands would grace their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and they were upgraded to a gold piece on their big 50th anniversary.
Giving anniversary gifts tend to vary throughout different countries but more or less they all list a gift for each year leading up until the 25th year anniversary. After the twenty-fifth year mark, anniversary gift giving etiquette applies every 5 years. While some people still follow the traditional guidelines for gift giving, many new traditions have formed all over the world.
These guidelines for giving gifts on your anniversary are exactly that, a guideline. One which you can choose to follow or make up and change along the way. Check out some of my favorite alternatives to traditional anniversary gift ideas.
1st Year Anniversary
Instead of giving the normal paper gift – switch it up and surprise your significant other with a modern paperweight.
5th Year Anniversary
Wood is the traditional anniversary gift for year 5. Try out gifts such as precious gemstones that have an earthy appeal, without the actual bark! (ha)
10th Year Anniversary
David Yurman pieces are the first thing that come to mind when I think of Tin and Aluminum. These sterling silver pieces offer an authentic look.
15th Year Anniversary
Who said you can’t wear your crystal?! Switch up a traditional crystal anniversary gift for your 15th anniversary with a piece you can wear!
20th Year Anniversary
Bring on the zen! Add a little Jade gemstone to your life instead of the traditional china route.
25th Year Anniversary
Silver. The 25th year is where things start to sound familiar again.
30th Year Anniversary
Pearl
35th Year Anniversary
Coral
40th Year Anniversary
Ruby
45th Year Anniversary
Sapphire
50th Year Anniversary
Gold
