Anniversaries are a special time to celebrate major milestones in a relationship. Each year marks a special anniversary, with certain milestone years having traditional colors and gift suggestions associated with them.
First Anniversary
The first wedding anniversary is often referred to as the paper anniversary. The traditional color is gold or yellow, symbolizing a bright future together. Typical first anniversary gifts include:
- Paper gifts: books, framed photographs from the wedding
- Luxury paper: tickets to an event, postcards from an exotic location
Second Anniversary
The traditional color for the second anniversary is blue, said to represent faithfulness and harmony. Common second anniversary gifts include:
- Cotton items: t-shirts, bathrobes, towels
- China: mugs, dishes, figurines
Third Anniversary
Leather gifts are customary for the third anniversary, with the color being red or another shade of brown. Meaningful third anniversary presents include:
- Leather goods: wallets, handbags, belts
- Desk accessories: organizer trays, photo frames
Fourth Anniversary
The fourth anniversary is associated with the color blue green. It is referred to as the fruit, flowers, or linen anniversary. Here are some gift ideas:
- Linen items: bed sheets, tablecloths, clothes
- Flowers: fresh blooms, potted plant
- Fruit basket or wine with fruit accents
Fifth Anniversary
Silver or gold represents five years of marriage. Symbolic fifth anniversary presents include:
- Silver jewelry
- Home decor: candlesticks, picture frames
Sixth Anniversary
The color for the sixth anniversary is turquoise. Also referred to as the candy anniversary, it calls for sweet treats or gifts like:
- Candy or chocolate
- Iron or wood decor
Seventh Anniversary
Copper or wool mark the seventh anniversary. Gift ideas include:
- Copper decorations
- Woolen clothing: sweaters, socks, scarf
- Desk items: pen set, notepad
Eighth Anniversary
The color for year eight is bronze, with luggage or pottery suggested gift choices:
- Luggage set
- Pottery dish set
- Bronze figurines
Ninth Anniversary
The traditional ninth anniversary color is pottery, symbolizing flexibility. Gifts include:
- Pottery: mugs, bowls, vases
- Leather goods: briefcase, wallet
- Willow decorations
Tenth Anniversary
A decade together calls for gifts of tin, aluminum, or diamonds. Ideas include:
- Diamond jewelry
- Tin or aluminum decor
- Experience gift: trip, tickets, dinner out
Eleventh Anniversary
Steel represents an eleventh anniversary. Unique gift ideas are:
- Steel jewelry
- Tools and hardware
- Electronics
Twelfth Anniversary
Silk or fine linens in red symbolize twelve years together. Useful gifts include:
- Luxury bed and bath linens
- Silk clothing: ties, scarves
- Jewelry box
Thirteenth Anniversary
The thirteenth anniversary color is green. Creative gift ideas are:
- Jade statues
- Houseplants
- Green garments: shirt, dress
Fourteenth Anniversary
Ivory is customary for fourteen years of marriage. Ideas include:
- Ivory decor: vase, figurine
- Jewelry with ivory accents
- Tickets to a concert or play
Fifteenth Anniversary
Crystal is the traditional gift for fifteen years together. Unique presents are:
- Crystal vase or bowl
- Glassware set
- Crystal jewelry
Twentieth Anniversary
China or platinum represents twenty years of marriage. Gift ideas include:
- Fine china settings
- Platinum jewelry
- China figurines
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary
Silver is customary for a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Meaningful gifts are:
- Silver jewelry
- Luxury watch
- Silver home decor
Thirtieth Anniversary
Pearls signify thirty years together. Unique gifts for this milestone include:
- Pearl necklace or earrings
- Lustrous decor: vase, picture frame
- Trip to a tropical destination
Thirty-Fifth Anniversary
Coral represents thirty-five years of marriage. Ideas for celebrating are:
- Coral jewelry
- Tropical vacation
- Home decor with coral accents
Fortieth Anniversary
The fortieth anniversary is known as the ruby anniversary. Meaningful gifts are:
- Ruby jewelry
- Wine with custom labels
- Romantic getaway
Forty-Fifth Anniversary
Sapphires symbolize forty-five years together. Unique presents include:
- Sapphire jewelry
- Luxury watch with sapphires
- Custom bowl or vase
Fiftieth Anniversary
Gold represents fifty years of marriage. Special gifts for this milestone are:
- Gold jewelry
- Trip or cruise
- Home decor: picture frame, vase
Conclusion
The traditional colors and suggested gifts for anniversaries provide great inspiration for celebrating each year. While the specific presents are not mandatory, they help reflect on the meaning of each milestone. Whichever gifts are chosen, the most important thing is cherishing each anniversary and the ever-growing bond in a loving relationship.
