Which year is wood considered to be the traditional anniversary gift?

Wood is the traditional gift for the 5th-anniversary—it's symbolic of the strength, stability, and enduring nature of marriage after five years. Although it’s traditional to give a wooden gift on the 5th-anniversary, wood is a wonderful gift for almost any anniversary because its meaning carries significance that applies to any long-term relationship .

What’s the best way to care for wooden gifts?

As a good rule of thumb, most wooden items can be cleaned with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. If you’re cleaning tabletop goods—such as salad bowls, cutting boards, spoons, or utensils —washing them by hand with warm soapy water and towel drying them will provide the best results for cleaning and preserving your wooden items.

The 25 Best Wooden Anniversary Gifts of 2024

Brides / Lecia Landis

What do love and trees have in common? They’re both strong and stable, can withstand difficult weather, and with nurturing and care they thrive and grow. That’s why wood is a wonderful, and meaningful, anniversary gift. As the traditional 5th-anniversary gift, wood is symbolic of a marriage that is solid, sturdy, and enduring. And as a gift for any other anniversary—well, it’s symbolic of the same thing! Which imbues the gift with a powerful, poignant meaning to mark any milestone in a marriage.

Wood comes in many forms. From artwork to tabletop serving pieces, accessories to appliances and furniture to scents, wood makes up so many parts of our world. While it’s an amazing material, it also means that finding that special something made of wood can be both easy and overwhelming. We’ve narrowed it down to some of our very favorite gifts for your bae—the ones that have romance in their roots and significance in their core.

Read on for the best wooden anniversary gifts.

Our Top Picks

Miss Poppins and Me Wood Rose 5th Anniversary Gift at Etsy ($66)

Jump to Review

MantaMakesLtd Personalized Wood Anniversary Plaque at Etsy ($20)

Jump to Review

Liel and Lentz Wooden Heart Necklace at Etsy ($95)

Jump to Review

Wooden Studio Co Wooden Watch at Etsy ($85)

Jump to Review

Shutterfly Freeze Frame Wall Art at Shutterfly.com ($39)

Jump to Review

Wooden Goods By Mr. Deer Wooden Photo Album at Etsy ($153)

Jump to Review

Etsy Tumbling Tower Set at Etsy ($55)

Jump to Review

Personalization Mall Carved in Love Personalized Picture Frame at Personalizationmall.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Connected Goods Mini Wood Heart Dish Set at Anthropologie ($22)

Jump to Review

Made by Yoke Sandal/Rose Aromatherapy Perfume Oil at Madebyyoke.com ($44)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to look for in a wooden anniversary gift
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Miss Poppins and Me Wood Rose 5th Anniversary Gift

Etsy

View On Etsy $66

A classic anniversary gift with a meaningful twist! This handmade wooden rose is symbolic of both your 5th-anniversary and the eternal love you share (plus, a wood flower won't wilt!).

MantaMakesLtd Personalized Wood Anniversary Plaque

Etsy

View On Etsy $20

This carved wood sign comes engraved with your choice of words and a collage of hearts that create a striking silhouette. Personalize with your names, wedding date, and a favorite quote for a heartfelt gift that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Etsy

View On Etsy $95

For the lady who loves bling, this necklace is just the thing. Handcrafted in Canada, this wooden heart features five inlaid sterling silver dots—the a perfect 5th-anniversary gift that’s both sweet and symbolic.

Etsy

View On Etsy $85

Here’s a piece of wood he can wear. This classic timepiece is handmade with a handsome wooden casing. Engrave the back with a sweet sentiment or monogram for a timeless gift that’s full of meaning.

Shutterfly

View On Shutterfly.com $39

Whether you’re looking for a 5th-anniversary gift or craving a unique couple’s portrait, this gift will do the trick. This custom artwork features a favorite photo printed on woodgrain—the resulting effect is muted and rustic, yet chic.

Wooden Goods By Mr. Deer Wooden Photo Album

Etsy

View On Etsy $153

Photo gifts never go out of style! Wedding photo albums are wonderful as an anniversary gift or to celebrate five years, and this wooden photo album will make an impression. Customize the cover with names, dates, and a design of your liking for a photo book that’s as sturdy and enduring as the wood it’s made from.

Etsy

View On Etsy $55

Tell your love story with this personalized tumbling tower set. Each block can be customized with special date, name, and/or favorite memory in an array of fonts and colors for a fun twist. The box itself can also be engraved to whatever you desire.

Personalization Mall Carved in Love Personalized Picture Frame

Courtesy of Personalization Mall

View On Personalizationmall.com

Fifth anniversary or first, your love continues to grow. This personalized wooden frame is illustrated with a tree to symbolize the strength, stability, and abundance of your partnership.

Connected Goods Mini Wood Heart Dish Set

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $22

These wooden heart dishes are a perfect place to keep anything from rings and jewelry to salt and pepper. They’re hand-carved from wild olive wood by Kenyan artisans who use traditional techniques. The best part—the purchase of these bowls supports economic growth and fosters traditional artisan skills in rural communities in East Africa.

Made by Yoke

View On Madebyyoke.com $44

Earthy sandalwood meets delicate rose for a blend that is both woodsy and feminine. This deeply calming perfume oil is formulated to help her unwind—truly a gift!

Soko

View On Shopsoko.com

If you like to shower your S.O. with jewelry but are wondering how to incorporate wood, these earrings make it easy. Carved wooden baubles are paired with dazzling rhinestones for a stunning keepsake she’ll want to show off.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $90

Just like initials carved in a tree, this plaque is symbolic of the enduring nature of love. Made of beautiful Baltic birchwood, this personalized tree wood carving is sweet and romantic.

Farmhouse Pottery Handcrafted Wood Bowls

Food52

View On Food52 $65

If a wooden bowl sounds like a lackluster gift, think again. These stunning bowls are hand-carved from New England ash wood and come in a range of sizes and shades. So if you're looking for salad bowls for dinner parties or everyday meals, for example, these can be a great option.

Etsy

View On Etsy $100

For those couples who enjoy hosting their loved ones, this charcuterie board will sure make your get-togethers stand out. The 11-piece marble and wood board set comes with ceramic bowls, wooden spoons, and cheese knife set, along with the board itself that can be laser-engraved with your names.

Amazon

View On Amazon $35

This cool pair of sunnies has a bamboo wood frame and polarized lenses to protect your honey’s eyes for the long haul. Crafted by hand and made to last, they also come with a matching wooden protective case.

Amazon

View On Amazon $42

For those times when rocking your bling isn’t the thing. This wooden ring holder is chic, modern, and made for keeping your precious jewels safely stacked and on display.

Etsy

View On Etsy $49

If they're into DIY, then a personalized hammer will be a gift they'll always adore and use. The hickory hardwood hammer can be hand-engraved with the default quote or with your own thoughtful note.

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma

The PakkaWood set from exceptional Japanese knife maker, Shun, features three classic knives, honing steel, and a storage rack. Built to last, this is one present that the chef in your life will use for years to come. It's also a great option if you're looking for a great wedding gift.

Amazon

View On Amazon $120 View On Food52 $140

If game night if their thing, this deluxe Scrabble set will be a winning gift. Complete with a wooden cabinet and gold foil-stamped details, this game will get the party started.

Shinola Detroit

View On Shinola.com $240

Crafted by expert American knife makers, this everyday knife is made to last a lifetime. It has a classic shape with a sleek and stylish design—a perfect gift for the modern woodsman.

Anza

View On Anzacoffee.com

Was your partner all about unique coffee bar ideas for your wedding reception? This simply stunning espresso machine is the perfect gift for the aspiring barista and it also makes killer coffee beverages! The sleek white exterior is finished with handsome wood details for a gift that’s as rich and smooth as the coffee it makes.

Paper Anniversary

View On Paper-anniversary.com

Practically a family plaque, this personalized wall art features your state or country, name, and date cut from rich walnut wood that’s layered over organic cotton. Perfect for hanging in an entryway or kitchen, this piece says "home".

Etsy

View On Etsy $69

Perfect for music lovers, or if you want a special reminder of your first dance. The wood wall art of a vintage record player can be printed with a song of your choice and a special message for a creative way to celebrate your love.

Etsy

View On Etsy $99

This classic wooden tray has a personalized pop! Custom-engrave the tray with special wording that captures your relationship; the gift is a perfect catchall for special treasures as well as everyday essentials like keys and sunglasses.

Etsy

View On Etsy $60

Look back at the big moments in your lives with this wood sign, featuring three places that are significant to your relationship.

What to look for in a wooden anniversary gift

The type of wood

High quality materials are key when you're looking for a wooden gift that will last. Walnut, pine, ash and chestnut are just a few good wood types to start with. Beautiful, grain-filled woods like acacia or olive are ideal for kitchen tools and cheese boards.

The design

Is the gift recipient a lover of modern, Scandinavian or Mid-century design? Or are you on the hunt for something more rustic and organic in design? The beauty of wood is in the versatility of the material—there's something for everyone.

FAQ

Which year is wood considered to be the traditional anniversary gift?

Wood is the traditional gift for the 5th-anniversary—it's symbolic of the strength, stability, and enduring nature of marriage after five years. Although it’s traditional to give a wooden gift on the 5th-anniversary, wood is a wonderful gift for almost any anniversary because its meaning carries significance that applies to any long-term relationship.
What’s the best way to care for wooden gifts?

As a good rule of thumb, most wooden items can be cleaned with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. If you’re cleaning tabletop goods—such as salad bowls, cutting boards, spoons, or utensils—washing them by hand with warm soapy water and towel drying them will provide the best results for cleaning and preserving your wooden items.

Meet the Expert

Roy Underhill is the host of the PBS television series The Woodwright’s Shop. A student of traditional woodworking, he has a master’s degree from Duke University in engineering, forestry, and history. He is also the author of several woodworking books.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world, and web, hunting down that just right object for over 15 years as a prop stylist. Read: she’s seen just about everything when it comes to all things wooden! With a discerning eye and astute mind, she considers quality, function, and design when she’s vetting products.

The 48 Best 10th Anniversary Gifts Your Spouse Will Adore