Many British couples follow the traditional list of anniversary materials, in which each year has its own gift, from paper at the first to diamond at the sixtieth. You do not have to follow it to the letter, but it is a handy way to narrow down your options.
Below you will find ideas for the early years, some of the middle years and the big milestones, followed by two romantic gifts that suit any anniversary. Each idea shows the year and material, a price band and a practical tip.
The “See it in our shop” buttons lead to our own gift shop: prices in pounds, UK delivery included.
Our three favourites
The early years: 1st to 5th
Paper, cotton, leather and wood. Simple materials, easy to make personal.
For the 1st anniversary (paper)A letterpress love-poem print
A printed poem or a set of your own words on good paper is the classic first-year present. Choose a frame in advance so you can hang it straight away.
Typical UK price £10–£25
For the 2nd anniversary (cotton)A set of soft cotton bed linen
A good set of cotton sheets is a gift you will both feel every night. Check the thread count, bed size and whether it is easy to wash.
Typical UK price £50–£100
For the 3rd anniversary (leather)A leather passport cover
A leather cover is a nice reminder of future trips and ages well with use. Have your initials added if the seller offers it.
Typical UK price £25–£50
For the 5th anniversary (wood)An engraved wooden photo frame
A solid wooden frame with your names and the date is a gift that looks good on a shelf. Add a favourite picture of the two of you.
Typical UK price £25–£50
The middle years: 7th, 15th and 20th
Wool, crystal and china. Cosy, elegant, and made to last.
For the 7th anniversary (wool)A pure wool blanket
A woollen throw for the sofa is warm and long-lasting. Choose a colour that suits your living room and check the care label.
Typical UK price £50–£100
For the 15th anniversary (crystal)A pair of crystal glasses
A pair of cut-glass tumblers or wine glasses is made for toasting the occasion. Check whether they can go in the dishwasher before you buy.
Typical UK price £50–£100
For the 20th anniversary (china)A bone china teapot set
A fine china teapot with cups is a graceful gift for a couple who enjoy afternoon tea. Check the capacity and whether the set includes saucers.
Typical UK price £50–£100
The big milestones
Silver, pearl, ruby, gold and diamond, the anniversaries worth marking.
For the 25th anniversary (silver)A sterling silver bracelet
A silver bracelet with a small engraved message marks a quarter of a century together. Check the sizing and the hallmark before you buy.
Typical UK price £50–£100
For the 30th anniversary (pearl)A freshwater pearl necklace
A strand of freshwater pearls is a classic gift for a pearl anniversary. Look at the length of the strand and the quality of the clasp.
Typical UK price £50–£100
For the 40th anniversary (ruby)A ruby pendant
A red stone on a delicate chain marks forty years of marriage. Check whether the stone is genuine or created, and the metal of the chain.
Typical UK price £100+
For the 50th anniversary (gold)A 9ct gold pendant
A gold pendant or a fine chain is a fitting gift for fifty years. Check the hallmark and the weight, and keep the paperwork.
Typical UK price £100+
For the 60th anniversary (diamond)A diamond pendant
A small diamond on a gold or silver chain recognises sixty years together. Look at the certificate and the return policy, and consider insuring it.
Typical UK price £100+
Romantic gifts for any anniversary
For her, for him, or for both of you together.
For couples in a busy phaseA date night scratch box
A set of cards or scratch-off ideas for date nights keeps the romance going all year. Choose a pack that suits your budget and your interests.
Typical UK price £10–£25
For the couple who need a breakA one-night hotel stay voucher
A night away together is often the best gift of all. Check the dates, whether breakfast is included and how long the voucher lasts.
Typical UK price £100+
Good to know
Different lists exist
Some years have more than one traditional material, and lists vary slightly, for example between the UK and the USA, so choose the version your family follows.
FAQ: questions people ask
What is the traditional gift for each anniversary?
In the traditional UK list, the first is paper, the second cotton, the third leather, the fifth wood, the seventh wool or copper, the fifteenth crystal and the twentieth china. Later milestones are silver (25th), pearl (30th), ruby (40th), gold (50th) and diamond (60th).
What do I buy for a 1st anniversary?
Paper is the traditional theme. A framed print of a poem, a photo book, a handwritten letter or tickets to an event all fit. Many couples also revisit their wedding cake or a place that matters to them.
What is a good anniversary gift for my husband?
Think about his hobbies and the year's material. A leather wallet for the third, a wooden watch box for the fifth or an engraved pen are popular. A meal in a place with a memory attached is also a lovely idea.
What is a good anniversary gift for my wife?
Jewellery in the traditional material is a classic, but flowers, a weekend away or a framed photo can be just as appreciated. Choose something she will use or wear, and add a handwritten card.
Do I have to follow the traditional list?
No. The list is a helpful guide, not a rule. Many couples ignore it altogether and focus on a shared experience or something that reflects a joke or a memory. What matters is that the gift is thoughtful.
