Wedding anniversaries

The traditional and modern gift for every documented year — including the years where the UK and US lists genuinely diverge, which most sites get wrong — and real accounts of what people gave.

Traditions by year

YearTraditionalModern (UK)Modern (US)Stories
1stPaperClocksClocks
2ndCottonChinaChina
3rdLeatherCrystal, glassCrystal, glass
4thLinen, silkAppliancesAppliances
5thWoodSilverwareSilverware
6thIronWoodWood
7thWool, copperDesk setsDesk sets
8thBronzeLinen, laceLinen, lace
9thPotteryLeatherLeather
10thTin, aluminiumDiamond jewelleryDiamond jewellery
11thSteelFashion jewelleryFashion jewellery
12thSilkPearlsPearls
13thLaceTextiles, fursTextiles, furs
14thIvoryGold jewelleryGold jewellery
15thCrystalWatchesWatches
20thChinaPlatinumPlatinum
25thSilverSilverSterling silver
30thPearlDiamondDiamond
35thCoralJadeJade
40thRubyRubyRuby
45thSapphireSapphireSapphire
50thGoldGoldGold
55thEmeraldEmeraldEmerald
60thDiamondDiamondDiamond

Bold entries in the US column are years where the two lists differ.

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