Anniversary Gift Guide
Need ideas for your next Anniversary Gift? Our list contains both traditional and modern gifts for each year of your anniversary. But it doesn't always have to be a special occasion to give the gift of jewelry. Not sure what to get? Ask our staff at Ballard & Ballard for some great gift ideas! Contact us today.
Celebrate Every Year with Meaningful Gifts That Last
An anniversary isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a milestone, a memory, and a chance to honor the story you’re writing together. Whether it’s your first year or your fiftieth, each anniversary deserves to be marked with a thoughtful gift that captures the spirit of your journey.
Below, you’ll find our Anniversary Gift Guide—a year-by-year table of meaningful gift ideas, drawn from tradition and modern trends, and with a special focus on jewelry. It’s designed to inspire, whether you want to honor classic customs or try something new.
How to Use This Guide
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Traditional Gift:
These are time-honored presents associated with each year of marriage (think paper for the 1st, silver for the 25th). Traditional gifts have roots in centuries-old customs, and are perfect for those who love symbolism and nostalgia. -
Modern Gift:
These suggestions update the tradition for today’s couples, often including more practical or contemporary ideas (like clocks, appliances, or new metals). Modern gifts can feel fresh and unexpected, while still honoring the occasion. -
Jewelry Gift:
We’ve highlighted a special gemstone or precious metal for many anniversaries, offering a timeless and elegant way to commemorate the year. Whether set in a ring, necklace, or bracelet, jewelry brings lasting beauty and meaning to your celebration.
Browse the table, explore your options, and remember: the best anniversary gift is one that comes from the heart—and reminds your partner just how much you cherish the adventure you share.
How long have you been married?
Gifts for Newlyweds 1-5 years
| Year | Jewelry Gift | Traditional Gift | Modern Gift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Gold | Paper | Clocks |
| 2nd | Garnet | Cotton | China |
| 3rd | Pearls | Leather | Crystal or Glass |
| 4th | Blue Topaz OR Blue Zircon | Fruit or Flowers | Appliances |
| 5th | Sapphire | Wood | Silverware |
Gifts for the Truly Devoted 6-25 years
| Year | Jewelry Gift | Traditional Gift | Modern Gift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | Amethyst | Candy or Iron | Wood |
| 7th | Onyx or Yellow Sapphire | Wool or Copper | Desk Sets |
| 8th | Tourmaline | Bronze | Linens or Lace |
| 9th | Lapis Lazuli | Pottery | Leather |
| 10th | Diamond Jewelry | Tin or Aluminum | Diamond Jewelry |
| 11th | Turquoise | Steel | Fashion Jewelry |
| 12th | Jade | Silk | Pearls |
| 13th | Citrine | Lace | Textiles or Furs |
| 14th | Opal | Ivory | Gold Jewelry |
| 15th | Ruby | Crystal | Watches |
| 16th | Peridot | Silver Hollowware | |
| 17th | Furniture | ||
| 18th | Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl | Porcelain | |
| 19th | Aquamarine | Bronze | |
| 20th | Emerald | China | Platinum |
| 21st | Iolite | Brass or Nickel | |
| 22nd | Spinel | Copper | |
| 23rd | Imperial Topaz | Silver Plate | |
| 24th | Tanzanite | Musical Instruments | |
| 25th | Silver or Tsavorite | Silver | Silver |
Gifts for the Golden Years 26-50 years
| Year | Jewelry Gift | Traditional Gift | Modern Gift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26th | Original Pictures | ||
| 27th | Sculpture | ||
| 28th | Orchids | ||
| 29th | New Furniture | ||
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl | Diamond |
| 31st | Timepieces | ||
| 32nd | Conveyances | ||
| 33rd | Amethyst | ||
| 34th | Opal | ||
| 35th | Emerald | Coral | Jade |
| 36th | Bone China | ||
| 37th | Alabaster | ||
| 38th | Beryl or Tourmaline | ||
| 39th | Lace | ||
| 40th | Ruby | Ruby | Ruby |
| 41st | Land | ||
| 42nd | Improved Real Estate | ||
| 43rd | Travel | ||
| 44th | Groceries | ||
| 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| 46th | Original Pottery | ||
| 47th | Books | ||
| 48th | Optical Goods | ||
| 49th | Luxuries of Any Kind | ||
| 50th | Gold | Gold | Gold |
Gifts for Soulmates 51-80 years
| Year | Jewelry Gift | Traditional Gift | Modern Gift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55th | Emerald or Alexandrite | Emerald | Emerald |
| 60th | Diamond | Diamond | Diamond |
| 65th | Blue Sapphire | Blue Sapphire | Star Sapphire or Gray Sapphire |
| 70th | Platinum | Platinum | Platinum |
| 75th | Diamond or Sapphire | Diamonds or Diamond-like | Diamond or Gold |
| 80th | Ruby |
Not every year has an official gemstone or jewelry gift, but any year is a great year for jewelry!