What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts?

“Each anniversary year has a traditional and modern gift, ranging from the first anniversary all the way up to the 60th,” Osborne says. “Some of the major milestones include paper for the first, tin or aluminum for 10th, china for 20th, silver for 25th, pearls for 30th, ruby for 40th, gold for 50th, and diamond for 60th.” Each material represents something about the particular milestone. For example, “paper symbolizes the blank slate that is the new and blossoming relationship and life together as newlyweds,” Osborne explains.

How important is it to stick to the traditional anniversary gift themes?

“You certainly don’t need to stick with the traditional anniversary themes, however, sometimes traditional gifts can be a big hit,” Osborne says. “Consider your partner’s style [and], since you know them so well, don’t be afraid to get personal,” she adds. If you want to steer away from the more traditional gift option, you could still include the theme in your giving approach. “Incorporate the material in the packaging, like a sparkly charm or a metallic bow,” Osborne says.

The 12 Best Personalized Anniversary Gifts

Brides / Lecia Landis

Gift-giving is a fun and thoughtful way to commemorate any special occasion—and that definitely goes for a wedding anniversary. Adding in a touch of personalization or custom details to your present will make the gift all the more appreciated by the recipient.

If you’ve committed to staying within traditional anniversary gift themes, there are plenty of personalization options that fall within the guidelines.

“It’s been said that the corresponding gift to every anniversary year gradually increases in value as you invest more time into the relationship,” says gift expert Krissy Osborne. “These gifts can be a symbol of a long-lasting marriage and partnership,” she adds. Gifting something within the anniversary theme, but with a personalized touch, takes the present to the next level. "It's a thoughtful way to let your partner know how much they mean to you each year," Osborne says.

For the couple who prefers more non-traditional anniversary gifts, there is no shortage of ideas—especially when personalization is involved. Gifting your partner a unique, custom item is a great way to celebrate your relationship.

Read on for the best personalized anniversary gifts.

Introducing Minted + Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of customized gifts for the couple, wedding party, and more.

Our Top Picks

Our Love Was Born Custom Night Sky Star Map at Etsy (See Price)

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Honey The Wood Personalized Wooden Recipe Book Binder at Etsy ($49)

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Bonne Studio Personalized Record at Etsy ($40)

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Image 3D Create Your Own Reel Viewer at Amazon ($35)

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My Happy Place Co. Coordinates Print at Myhappyplace.co (See Price)

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Love Coups Love Coupons at Lovecoups.com (See Price)

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Etched Wines Doves in Heart Wine Bottle at Etchedwine.com (See Price)

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Uncommon Goods Personalized Cutting Board at Uncommon Goods ($178)

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New York Times Custom Anniversary Book at Uncommon Goods ($100)

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Catbird Full Heart Necklace at Catbirdnyc.com (See Price)

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Our Love Was Born Custom Night Sky Star Map

View On Etsy

Whether you’re looking for a paper theme first-anniversary gift or want to gift something ultra-sentimental, this is a great option. The print features a star map from the day you said “I do” and comes with the option to purchase a digital JPG file so you can get it printed on your own, or the option to have the map shipped to you as a poster or framed print.

HoneyTheWood Personalized Wooden Recipe Book Binder

Etsy

View On Etsy $49

For couples who love to cook together, a personalized wooden recipe book cover makes for a fantastic custom wedding anniversary gift. This Etsy find allows you to choose the book binder’s size and paper color, plus the stain, cover style, and either names or a quote for added personalization.

Etsy

View On Etsy $40

Commemorate your wedding anniversary with a nod to your first dance and wedding song. This vinyl-inspired custom gift features a photo and song title printed on a faux vinyl record with a chic wooden stand so you can display it with all of your other framed memories.

Amazon

View On Amazon $35 View On Uncommon Goods $15

If you’re on the hunt for a playful anniversary gift that breaks away from tradition, this customizable viewer is a fun pick. Available in four colors—including red, blue, black, and white—this photo gift comes with a redemption code to create one reel with seven images. And, if you want to add more, you can select the option for an additional redemption code before hitting add to cart.

My Happy Place Co.

View On Myhappyplace.co

Add a splash of your story to your home decor with a customized art print. This one features the coordinates of where you met, your wedding ceremony, or another significant moment in your relationship printed on high-quality museum paper with multiple sizing and color options.

LoveCoups

View On Lovecoups.com

What better way to show your appreciation than through small acts of love? This customizable gift allows you to curate a selection of personalized coupons—featuring characters that resemble you and your loved one—for anything from chores to date night ideas and more.

Etched Wines

View On Etchedwine.com

If you and your S.O. love wine and cheese date nights together, a personalized wine bottle will make a big impression. This one is available in either cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, or champagne, plus their reserve counterparts.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $178

If the kitchen is where your love ignites, a practical-meets-pretty item like this personalized cutting board is a great anniversary gift. No matter how many years you have been together (psst ... wood is the theme for the fifth anniversary), it's a gift that is sure to become a family heirloom. This one allows you to add your names and anniversary date for the extra sentiment.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $100

For the history buffs, this anniversary book from The New York Times is a unique gift to give. Featuring the most newsworthy events from the years you’ve been together, this heirloom gift is a touching and personal way to chronicle your love.

Catbird

View On Catbirdnyc.com

Custom jewelry is another great way to get personal—and gift her something she'll wear every day. This heart pendant from Catbird is made with 100 percent recycled gold and can be added to either a chain necklace, bracelet, or even earring hoops (just be sure to order two!).

Wonderbly

View On Wonderbly.com

This anniversary gift was made for bookworms in love. And what better way to commemorate your love story than with an actual love story? To personalize this book, you’ll share your names, select details for custom illustrated characters (there are over 14,000 different combinations!), write a dedication, choose the cover design, and select your choice of love story.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $145

Cozy up with a customized blanket! Perfect for romantic picnics or binge-watching your favorite TV shows at home, this blanket allows you to customize the squares with years, names, and icons that represent your love story. Woven in North Carolina and printed in Georgia, it's a high-quality item that will keep you warm for years to come.

Meet the Expert

Krissy Osborne is an associate art buyer at Uncommon Goods, a retailer that offers a wide range of handmade and personalized gifts.

What to Look for When Shopping for Personalized Anniversary Gifts

Statement pieces

“If you’re not into traditional anniversary gifts, splurge on statement pieces that will live with [you] forever,” Osborne says. Consider unique options like a personalized record, a handmade piece of art, or even a personalized game.

Customization

When it comes to wedding anniversary gifts, “customization is key,” Osborne says. A personalized gift feels thoughtful and special, and helps you celebrate your love in a way that you both will remember.

An element of fun

It’s also important to have fun with your gifting options. “Anniversary gifts don’t always have to be serious and don’t always have to follow the rules,” Osborne says. “Maybe a gift that will make them laugh is a better fit—after all, you know them best,” she adds.

FAQ

What are the traditional wedding anniversary gifts?

“Each anniversary year has a traditional and modern gift, ranging from the first anniversary all the way up to the 60th,” Osborne says. “Some of the major milestones include paper for the first, tin or aluminum for 10th, china for 20th, silver for 25th, pearls for 30th, ruby for 40th, gold for 50th, and diamond for 60th.”

Each material represents something about the particular milestone. For example, “paper symbolizes the blank slate that is the new and blossoming relationship and life together as newlyweds,” Osborne explains.
How important is it to stick to the traditional anniversary gift themes?

“You certainly don’t need to stick with the traditional anniversary themes, however, sometimes traditional gifts can be a big hit,” Osborne says. “Consider your partner’s style [and], since you know them so well, don’t be afraid to get personal,” she adds. If you want to steer away from the more traditional gift option, you could still include the theme in your giving approach. “Incorporate the material in the packaging, like a sparkly charm or a metallic bow,” Osborne says.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed lifestyle journalist with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. At Brides, she covers everything from what jewelry to wear on your wedding day to the best invitation options. Jessie considers gift-giving her love language and finds great joy in finding the perfect gift for her loved ones—and personalized items are her favorite things to gift. When searching for the best personalized anniversary gifts, Jessie researched finds that blend functional with sentimental.