A wedding anniversary is a celebration of love that recalls past joy and the promise of beautiful memories in the future.
In the early years of marriage, friends and family gave practical household articles to help the couple build a home. In the later years, luxury gifts were the norm when it was assumed that the couple had most of the household goods they needed.
Below is a list of the recognized gift suggestions.
The first year’s anniversary is paper. Think of what you can give as a gift that incorporates paper. If you’re stumped, check out some of the suggestions at the end of the article.
|
Year |
Traditional |
Modern |
| 1st wedding anniversary | Paper | Clocks |
| 2nd wedding anniversary | Cotton | China |
| 3rd wedding anniversary | Leather | Crystal/Glass |
| 4th wedding anniversary | Linen | Fruit and Flowers/Appliances |
| 5th wedding anniversary | Wood | Silverware |
| 6th wedding anniversary | Iron | Sweet and Sugar |
| 7th wedding anniversary | Copper/Wood | Desk Set |
| 8th wedding anniversary | Bronze/Pottery | Bronze/Pottery |
| 9th wedding anniversary | Willow/Copper | Linen/Lace |
| 10th wedding anniversary | Aluminium/Tin | Leather |
| 11th wedding anniversary | Steel | Jewellery |
| 12th wedding anniversary | Silk/Linen | Pearls |
| 13th wedding anniversary | Lace | Textiles/Fur |
| 14th wedding anniversary | Ivory | Gold Jewellery |
| 15th wedding anniversary | Crystal | Watches |
| 20th wedding anniversary | China | Platinum |
| 25th wedding anniversary | Silver | Silver |
| 30th wedding anniversary | Pearl/Ivory | Diamond |
| 35th wedding anniversary | Coral | Jade |
| 40th wedding anniversary | Ruby | Ruby |
| 45th wedding anniversary | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| 50th wedding anniversary | Gold | Gold |
| 55th wedding anniversary | Emerald | Emerald |
| 60th wedding anniversary | Diamond | Diamond |
| 65th wedding anniversary | Blue Sapphire | Blue Sapphire |
| 70th wedding anniversary | Platinum | Platinum |
Paper Gifts
- Tickets to theatre, opera, night club, or the couples favourite venue.
- A photograph by a professional photographer
- A subscription to a favourite magazine
- A book voucher
- Shares in a company
- Tickets for a glider trip or hot air balloon ride
If you’re stuck for choice … try this out
If your wedding anniversary is coming up, you may want to consider spending it in luxury holiday accommodation overlooking the warm Indian Ocean in one on South Africa’s most exclusive playgrounds, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban.