Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: The UK Traditional List

The tradition of giving a particular material for each anniversary goes back centuries, and the modern British list was mostly settled in the twentieth century. It's a lovely excuse to give something with a bit of thought behind it.

The traditional UK anniversary list

1st: Paper 2nd: Cotton 3rd: Leather 4th: Linen (or fruit and flowers) 5th: Wood 6th: Iron (or sugar) 7th: Wool (or copper) 8th: Bronze 9th: Pottery 10th: Tin 11th: Steel 12th: Silk 13th: Lace 14th: Ivory 15th: Crystal 20th: China 25th: Silver 30th: Pearl 35th: Coral 40th: Ruby 45th: Sapphire 50th: Gold 55th: Emerald 60th: Diamond 65th: Blue sapphire 70th: Platinum

Ideas that feel personal

Paper, first anniversary. Your vows printed and framed, a map of where you married, or tickets to something you'll do together. A book of your wedding photos works beautifully if your photographer offers one.

Cotton, second. Good bedding, a picnic blanket for the summer, or a monogrammed apron if one of you does all the cooking.

Leather, third. A weekend bag for a trip, a watch strap, or a leather-bound journal.

Wood, fifth. A tree planted somewhere meaningful, a chopping board engraved with your wedding date, or a return visit to your venue for dinner.

Tin, tenth. Tin is tricky, so many couples go for something in a tin: a hamper, good tea, a bottle of the wine you served at the wedding.

Silver, 25th. The first of the big ones. A party often suits better than a gift, and some couples renew their vows.

Ruby, 40th, and gold, 50th. Family often organise a celebration. A lunch at the original venue, with the original wedding photos on the tables, is always a hit.

Anniversary trips

If you'd like to celebrate where it all began, many venues listed on Ever After List offer dinners and stays outside the wedding season. Browse [wedding venues](/directory?category=venue) to find yours again, or somewhere new.