The origin of giving annual wedding year anniversary gifts has been traced back to the middle ages. Whilst an excuse for gift giving, folklore and legend suggests it might have also been associated with the giving of substances that bring luck.
Milestones such as a quarter and half a century seemed an obvious point for a celebration, giving rise to the most popular 25th and 50th year anniversaries. Gifts that were rare had a special meaning and because of their value were to be treasured.
| 1st | Paper |
| 2nd | Cotton |
| 3rd | Leather |
| 4th | Linen |
| 5th | Wood |
| 6th | Iron |
| 7th | Copper |
| 8th | Bronze |
| 9th | Pottery |
| 10th | Tin or Aluminium |
| 11th | Steel |
| 12th | Silk |
| 13th | Lace |
| 14th | Ivory |
| 15th | Crystal |
| 20th | China |
| 25th | Silver |
| 30th | Pearl |
| 35th | Coral or Jade |
| 40th | Ruby |
| 45th | Sapphire |
| 50th | Gold |
| 55th | Emerald |
| 60th | Diamond |
| 70th | Platinum |
| 80th | Oak |
However, it wasn’t until the early twentieth century that our traditional list of anniversary gifts came into being. Most likely originating for commercial purposes, time has allowed them a place firmly in tradition.
Never has it been established what the meanings are of the materials given for each year, although they would seem to rise in terms of value and durability. This can be seen by paper for the 1st year and diamond, platinum and oak for the 60th, 70th and 80th year respectively. It would seem to make sense to mark the later years in terms of durability as a symbol of the longevity of the marriage. They are rarer and are therefore marked by rarer substances.
In the United Kingdom a couple is able to receive a message from the monarch on celebrating their 60th, 65, and 70th wedding anniversary and then each year after that.
It can be relatively easy to choose a gift for a 25th or 50th year anniversary. Gifts for other years can be rather more difficult. So what are some of the ways in which you can choose an anniversary gift for someone?
Firstly, your choice is not necessarily as limited as you may imagine. You can select a material from the traditional gift list, as shown here, or from the modern gift list. This significantly raises the amount of choice you have. A gift does not have to be expensive if you use your imagination. Have a look through the list of years, rather than restricting yourself and you may get an idea for a 12th year anniversary by looking through the other years.
You may even decide to throw an anniversary party for someone. If this is the case then while you could choose from a wide variety of event, there are some things that will be expected by the guests. Ensure there is a good supply, and range, of different