Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: The Full UK List

October 7, 2026

Each wedding anniversary has a traditional theme, starting with paper and ending, for the lucky few, with platinum.

Here's the traditional UK list with a gift idea for each. Lists vary slightly between sources. For flowers and gemstones, see Anniversary flowers and gemstones by year

Years 1 to 10

1st: Paper. A framed print or love letter
2nd: Cotton. Bedding or a picnic blanket
3rd: Leather. A wallet or bag
4th: Linen (or fruit and flowers). View guide
5th: Wood. A carved keepsake box
6th: Sugar (or iron). Sweet treats
7th: Wool (or copper). A cosy throw
8th: Bronze. A small sculpture
9th: Pottery. Handmade mugs
10th: Tin (or aluminium). A tin of memories

Years 11 to 30

11th: Steel
12th: Silk
13th: Lace
14th: Ivory (choose an ethical alternative)
15th: Crystal
20th: China
25th: Silver. View guide
30th: Pearl

Years 35 to 70

35th: Coral
40th: Ruby. View guide
45th: Sapphire
50th: Gold. View guide
55th: Emerald
60th: Diamond
65th: Blue sapphire
70th: Platinum

Key things to remember

Interpret the theme loosely: a 'paper' gift can be concert tickets.
Pair the gift with a card that names the anniversary.

Frequently asked questions

What is the traditional 1st anniversary gift?

Paper.

What anniversary is ruby?

The 40th.

What anniversary is 25 years?

Silver.

What is a good example of wedding anniversary gifts by year?

"1st: Paper. A framed print or love letter" is one of 26 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

More ideas you might like

10 Year Anniversary Tin Gifts - Engraved Aluminum Wedding Ring Holder Dish

This beautifully engraved aluminium wedding ring holder dish is a wonderful keepsake designed to mark a decade of marriage. It makes the perfect ten-year anniversary tin gift for your spouse or a favourite couple celebrating their milestone.

Crystal Clock 60th Anniversary Diamond Wedding Gifts for Him Her

This elegant crystal clock is a beautiful keepsake created to commemorate a special 60th diamond wedding anniversary. It is a timeless gift that is perfect for him, for her, or for the happy couple to display proudly in their home.