A wedding anniversary is a time for spouses to look back on one of the most magical days of their lives. And the tradition of celebrating a marriage on the same day every year is nearly as old as the institution itself.
History of the wedding anniversary
The first recorded wedding ceremony dates back to 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia, but the practice of celebrating the occasion one year later didn't catch on for quite some time.
While the exact date of the first wedding anniversary is somewhat dubious, some researchers believe the tradition began, as many things did, with the ancient Romans. Others believe the first recorded wedding anniversary happened in Germany sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries.
It wasn't until the mid-1800s, in Germany and England, when significant marriage milestones — years 25 and 50 — were celebrated with a gift. In those days, to still be alive and together after that many years was considered quite a feat. (One could argue that still being alive and together for a 50th wedding anniversary is quite a feat even these days.) On the 25th anniversary, couples would be given a wreath made of silver. If they made it to their 50th anniversary, they received a wreath made of gold — each metal representing the strength of the relationship.
Traditional vs. modern anniversary gifts
Silver and gold are still the traditional gift for the 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries today. It wasn't until post-Industrial Revolution consumerism that gifts were given on a more annualized basis, with the value of the gift increasing year after year, as if to say, “Congratulations for staying married another year!" Or, more flippantly, “You're totally worth it, babe!"
Today, most anniversary gifts fall into two categories: traditional and modern. The notion of “modern" was first introduced in 1937 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, which saw an opportunity to capitalize on celebrating significant life milestones with fine jewelry. Fun fact: It was this same association that standardized birthstones in 1912.
Anniversary gift guide for the 21st century couple
Not sure if your better half falls into a more traditional or modern gift camp? That's OK. The secret to giving the perfect gift that says “I love you" is simple: Make it personal and unique, just like the couple you are.
1st anniversary | Modern | Clocks
Your first wedding anniversary is a celebration of the year you've spent together since you said “I do." This engraved heart clock is the perfect modern gift to symbolize the first 12 months that have passed, and the time you have ahead as a couple. Choose from three verse options to appropriately express your feelings, and then add your own ending sentiment or message to create a truly unique — and “timeless" —keepsake.
2nd anniversary | Traditional | Cotton
There's nothing quite like the touch or feel of cotton. It's the fabric of our lives. Why not wrap your significant other in an embroidered bathrobe that's made of luxurious velour on the outside and plush terry cotton on the inside? Unwrap at your own discretion.
3rd anniversary | Modern | Crystal/Glass
Can you even call it an anniversary celebration if there are no bubbles dancing in a Champagne flute? This pair of crystal stemware can be etched with your choice of design, names, anniversary year, and date. Add a sparkling wine and chiller gift set, and you'll be all set for a romantic evening. You can even throw on those robes you bought last year to help set the mood.
4th anniversary | Traditional | Fruit
Year four is traditionally about fruit or flowers. For this special occasion, we've taken the simple strawberry and given it a coating of decadence by dipping and drizzling each berry in milk, dark, or white chocolate, and then decorating it in seasonal toppings and festive glitter. Don't worry, the glitter is safe to eat. If your sweet isn't a strawberry lover (or glitter admirer), you can also choose gourmet chocolate and caramel-covered apples or elegant Belgian chocolate-dipped dried fruit. Feeding each other is up to you.
5th anniversary | Traditional | Wood
As author Fran Lebowitz once said, “Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat." If your spouse has a fondness for straight-from-the grill goodness, consider presenting them an anniversary meal with a perfectly seared bone-in ribeye or juicy shrimp on this natural wood charcuterie serving board with leather handles.
6th anniversary | Traditional | Candy
The gift of chocolate has long meant love and passion. And, according to a study conducted by Dr. Jennifer Nasser at Drexel University, consuming chocolate releases dopamine in the brain, causing feelings of pleasure, excitement, and euphoria. This beautifully gift-wrapped box of artisanal Belgian chocolate truffles from world-renowned chocolatier Neuhaus is just what the doctor ordered.
7th anniversary | Traditional | Copper
If you're fortunate enough to be a homeowner by this point in your marriage (no guarantee these days), you may be looking for a way to announce to the world how much you love each other and the exact day you were wed in holy matrimony. Fortunately for you, this personalized love birds plaque (which isn't actually made of copper but does come in a convincing-looking copper finish) will accomplish both, not to mention make you the talk of the block (at least until your copycat neighbors across the street get one of their own.)
8th anniversary | Modern | Linens
By the eighth year of marriage, you are most likely all set in the linens department. A fresh take on the gift of linen is this fun and flirty personalized love letter pillow on which you can express your most heartfelt feelings for your one and only.
9th anniversary | Traditional | Pottery
Your love for each other has grown like a flower, so why not get something to put those beautiful blooms in that you surely brought home on this most wonderful day? (You did remember to get flowers for the occasion, didn't you???) This vase is decorated with a pretty floral design, and you can customize it with a sweet message that carries special meaning to just the two of you.
10th anniversary | Traditional | Tin
No matter how you describe it, tin is not a sexy metal. But add three mouth-watering popcorn flavors — butter, cheese, and caramel — into a four-gallon, decorated tin bucket, and you have the makings of the perfect anniversary night of Netflix and chill.
15th anniversary | Modern | Watches
At this point in your marriage, you may be thinking, “My how time flies!" This elegant vegan leather watch box allows you to engrave special dates of the important moments you've shared together into the glass top. Removing the included velvet-like watch cuffs easily converts the watch box into a treasured jewelry box.
20th anniversary | Traditional | China
You bought the wine, the cheese, the charcuterie, the crackers, and the bread for a romantic picnic at home. Now, what to serve it on? How about these elegant appetizer plates that will give you the feeling of eating in a fine dining restaurant? Don't forget the matching metal plate holder. You could forget it, but it's you're anniversary — go for it!
30th anniversary | Traditional | Pearl
Modeled after the art nouveau Lilies of the Valley House of Fabergé egg from 1898, this stunning hand-painted Fabergé trinket box embellished with 24K gold, Matashi crystals, and pearls will melt the heart of a lifelong or novice Fabergé collector.
40th anniversary | Traditional and Modern | Ruby
In addition to being a modern symbol of “passion" and “love," the precious ruby is believed to protect its wearer by keeping evil at bay. No wonder Dorothy didn't wear amethyst slippers. Even if it's just folklore, a gift of silver ruby earrings is sure to rekindle the flame. If neither of you is into jewelry, but you do have a thing for citrus, then sharing a box of avocados will do the trick. The health benefits of these rich, nutty fruits are known to help in the romance department.
50th anniversary | Traditional and Modern | Gold
Fifty years…congratulations! This golden anniversary milestone will most likely be shared with loved ones of all ages and palates. The Ultimate Premium Gift Basket offers you, and your family and friends, nearly 20 different gourmet delights. It's more than a gift — it's an entire celebration. (Well, not entire…you'll still want to add some wine.) And don't forget to request your free gift from the White House.
AUTHOR
Jenn Bussell has worked as a writer, editor, and communications strategist for more than two decades. She’s the co-author & editor of “Have Fork Will Travel: A Practical Handbook for Food & Drink Travel Industry Professionals” and a contributing writer to Centennial Media’s “The United States Presidents: The Best and Worst of All Time | 2020 Election Special.” In addition to writing about food and beverage, travel and tourism, and political history, Jenn also covers fashion and personal style. Her previous work includes a style column for the Washington Examiner and content creation for The Working Wardrobe.