Best Anniversary Gifts by Year
The Tradition Explained
Anniversary gift traditions date back to medieval Germany, where husbands gave their wives a silver wreath on the 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on the 50th. Over the centuries, the tradition expanded to cover every year, with each anniversary linked to a specific material that reflects the growing strength and value of the marriage.
The modern list, standardised in 1937, runs alongside the traditional one and offers more contemporary alternatives. Both are guidelines, not rules — the real gift is the thought behind it. But following the tradition adds a layer of meaning that makes the gift feel considered rather than convenient.
| Year | Traditional | Modern | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | Clocks | Nomination charm (story on paper, built to last) |
| 2nd | Cotton | China | ChloBo bracelet (cotton-soft silver beads) |
| 3rd | Leather | Crystal / Glass | Swarovski crystal earrings or pendant |
| 4th | Linen / Silk | Appliances | Kit Heath silk-finish sterling silver |
| 5th | Wood | Silverware | ChloBo natural stone bracelet (earth tones) |
| 10th | Tin / Aluminium | Diamond Jewellery | Clogau diamond-accent pendant or Tissot watch |
| 15th | Crystal | Watches | Swarovski crystal bracelet or Tissot watch |
| 20th | China | Platinum | Vivienne Westwood platinum-plated necklace |
| 25th | Silver | Clogau sterling silver with Welsh gold | |
| 30th | Pearl | Diamond | ChloBo pearl bracelet or Clogau diamond necklace |
| 40th | Ruby | Coeur De Lion red gemstone necklace | |
| 50th | Gold | Clogau 9ct gold Tree of Life collection | |
Years 1–5: Building the Foundation
1st Anniversary — Paper / Clocks
The first anniversary is about documenting the beginning. A Nomination Composable charm makes the perfect first-anniversary gift — the idea being that your love story is being written, one link at a time. Start with a heart charm or your partner’s initial, and add a new charm every year. By your 10th anniversary, the bracelet tells the story of a decade together. The Diamond Cut Heart in 18ct gold (£36) or the Flying Heart in rose gold (£34) are ideal first charms.
2nd Anniversary — Cotton
Cotton represents comfort, flexibility, and warmth — qualities that describe both the material and a young marriage settling in. ChloBo’s sterling silver bead bracelets have a soft, organic quality that echoes cotton’s gentle texture. The Gold & Silver Star Heart bracelet (£99) or the Luna Moon bracelet (£99) both carry meaning about connection and devotion.
3rd Anniversary — Leather / Crystal
The modern alternative of crystal makes this an easy year for jewellery. Swarovski is the obvious choice — precision-cut crystal that captures light beautifully. The Luna Moon hoop drop earrings (£49.50) or the Twist necklace in rose gold plate (£49.50) deliver genuine Swarovski sparkle at accessible prices. For something bolder, the Swarovski Meteora layered pendant at £135.20 makes a real statement.
4th Anniversary — Linen / Silk
Silk represents luxury, refinement, and smoothness. Kit Heath’s sterling silver has a polished, silk-like finish that feels beautifully smooth against the skin. The Alicia Golden Petite necklace (£115) or drop earrings (£80) in sterling silver with gold plate embody that sense of quiet luxury.
5th Anniversary — Wood / Silverware
Five years is a milestone — the modern gift of silverware translates directly to sterling silver jewellery. ChloBo’s natural stone bracelets bring earth tones that echo the wood tradition. The Stone of Empowerment bracelet with black rutilated quartz (£99) combines natural stone with sterling silver and gold plate. For the silverware tradition, the Clogau Tree of Life vine ring (£99) connects literally to the wood theme through its motif.
Years 10–20: The Milestone Decades
10th Anniversary — Tin / Diamond
The modern gift is diamond jewellery, and Clogau delivers this beautifully. The Clogau Celebration lab-grown diamond necklace at £880 is a genuine diamond pendant in 9ct gold. For a more affordable route, the Tissot Ladies Lovely Round with diamond bezel at £459 puts real diamonds on a Swiss-made watch face. Ten years together deserves something with genuine permanence.
15th Anniversary — Crystal / Watches
The modern gift of watches makes this anniversary straightforward. For him, a Tissot Seastar or PR516 chronograph (£380–£480) is a Swiss watch that will last another 15 years and beyond. For her, the Tissot Classic Dream (£229.50) or the Citizen Ladies Eco-Drive Regent with 28 diamonds (£399) combine elegance with genuine horological quality. The crystal tradition aligns with Swarovski — the Matrix tennis bracelet in blue (£176) is a standout anniversary piece.
20th Anniversary — China / Platinum
Twenty years is significant, and platinum is the modern gift material. Vivienne Westwood’s platinum-plated necklaces are the natural choice. The Lee Orb necklace (£105), the Coretta necklace (£120), or the Large Lavender CZ Reina (£135) all carry the distinctive Westwood orb in platinum plate. For someone who appreciates fashion and design, these are anniversary gifts that double as daily-wear statement pieces.
The Nomination Timeline
If you started a Nomination bracelet on your 1st anniversary and added a charm each year, by your 20th you have a bracelet with 20 links — each one representing a year of your marriage. That is a piece of jewellery no shop can sell you. It is entirely yours.
Silver (25th) & Gold (50th) — The Big Ones
25th Anniversary — Silver
The silver anniversary is the most widely celebrated milestone outside of the 50th. Sterling silver jewellery is the definitive gift, and Clogau’s sterling silver with Welsh gold accents elevates the tradition. The Insignia Charm necklace (£179) and Charm bracelet (£129) combine silver with rare Welsh gold for a gift that carries both tradition and heritage.
ChloBo’s sterling silver stacking bracelets at £72–£99 are another excellent 25th-anniversary option — buy a set of two or three and present them as a stack. The silver theme also works for Kit Heath’s British-designed sterling silver collection, with the Alicia bracelet at £220 being a particularly elegant choice.
30th Anniversary — Pearl / Diamond
Pearl is the traditional 30th-anniversary material. ChloBo’s Cute Charm Pearl bracelets (£75 in silver, £95 in gold plate) combine freshwater pearls with their signature sterling silver bead design. For the modern diamond route, Clogau’s 9ct gold diamond jewellery starts from £370 for the Natures Wonder Honey Bee stud earrings.
40th Anniversary — Ruby
Ruby’s deep red translates beautifully to jewellery. Coeur De Lion’s GeoCube Red necklace at £99 (reduced from £165) uses natural red stones and Swarovski crystal in a handcrafted German design. The Nomination Diamond Cut Red Heart charm at £49 offers a ruby-coloured accent on a Composable bracelet.
50th Anniversary — Gold
The golden anniversary demands real gold. Clogau’s 9ct gold collection is the crown jewel of our anniversary range. The 9ct Gold Tree of Life necklace (£720) and bracelet (£600) contain rare Welsh gold and carry Clogau’s signature motif of growth and enduring connection. The 9ct Gold Celebration necklace with lab-grown diamond (£880) represents the pinnacle — gold, diamond, and Welsh gold heritage in one piece. Fifty years together deserves nothing less.
Shop Anniversary Gifts
From first anniversaries to golden celebrations, every piece below is available in store or online.
All available in-store at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY — try before you buy.
Browse the full jewellery range at OD's.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional gift for each wedding anniversary?
The key milestones are: 1st (paper), 2nd (cotton), 3rd (leather), 5th (wood), 10th (tin/diamond), 15th (crystal/watches), 20th (china/platinum), 25th (silver), 30th (pearl/diamond), 40th (ruby), and 50th (gold). Each material represents the growing strength and value of the marriage.
What is the best jewellery for a silver wedding anniversary?
Sterling silver jewellery is the traditional choice for 25 years. Clogau sterling silver with Welsh gold accents elevates the tradition with rare heritage. The Insignia Charm necklace (£179) or Kit Heath’s Alicia bracelet (£220) are both exceptional 25th-anniversary gifts. ChloBo’s sterling silver bracelets work beautifully as a stack of two or three pieces.
What should I buy for a golden wedding anniversary?
The 50th anniversary calls for real gold. Clogau’s 9ct gold collection with Welsh gold is our top recommendation — the Tree of Life necklace (£720) or bracelet (£600) carries genuine heritage. The Celebration necklace with lab-grown diamond (£880) is the ultimate golden anniversary gift.
Do I have to follow the traditional anniversary gift list?
Not at all. The tradition is a guide, not a rule. Many couples prefer to choose gifts based on personal taste rather than material. The tradition adds a thoughtful layer if you follow it, but the best anniversary gift is always one that shows you know your partner.
What is a good anniversary gift for a husband?
Watches are the classic choice — Tissot from £229 for Swiss quality, Citizen Eco-Drive from £169 for practical elegance. For jewellery, BOSS or Tommy Hilfiger bracelets are masculine and wearable. A Nomination charm for his existing bracelet adds sentimental value without being flashy.
Can you help me choose an anniversary gift in store?
Absolutely. Tell us the anniversary year, your partner’s style, and your budget — and we will show you the best options. We have helped couples celebrate every milestone from first to fiftieth. No appointment needed: 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.