06 August 2024
Anniversary Gift Ideas Guide
Anniversaries mark important milestones in relationships, celebrating the love and commitment shared between a couple. The tradition of giving anniversary gifts - whether paper or precious metals - symbolises the growth and strength of the bond between a truly loved-up pair.
In our helpful gift guide, you can expect an overview of the history and significance of gift giving, alongside creative and thoughtful anniversary gift ideas to make each one memorable and meaningful.
The Tradition of Anniversary Gifts
The tradition of giving anniversary gifts dates all the way back to the middle ages, when couples began marking 25 years of marriage with silver, and 50 years with gold.
The association of gift giving with wedding anniversaries was popularised in the 19th century, when more milestones were linked with specific materials, like paper for a 1st anniversary, and cotton for a 2nd.
Each material is designed to symbolise the growing strength of marriage in its own special way. Personalised anniversary gifts add a unique touch to these traditions, making them more meaningful and reflective of the couple's individual journey.
Gift Ideas by Anniversary Year
Looking for traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year? We can help. Explore our handy gift ideas by milestone below.
1st Anniversary (Paper)
Opt for a gift incorporating paper to celebrate your 1st wedding anniversary. Popular gift ideas include personalised stationery - such as practical and style notebooks or commemorative pens.
Other suitable gifts could include high quality photo books filled with precious memories from your first year of marriage, or custom wall art prints for the home you or they share together.
2nd Anniversary (Cotton)
Celebrate your 2nd wedding anniversary with something made from cotton, a cotton blend or similar soft fabrics.
Online, you’ll find a selection of perfect gifts for your spouse or another special couple to mark a cotton wedding anniversary. These include personalised pillows and cushions, embroidered towels, and even matching personalised clothing and accessories such as hats, socks or aprons.
5th Anniversary (Wood)
Mark five happy years of marriage with a suitable 5th wedding anniversary gift. Wood is the traditional gift material of choice for this particular milestone.
Why not treat your other half or the happy couple to a personalised wooden keepsake they’ll cherish forever? We also have a wide selection of engraved personalised cutting boards available. You could even surprise them with a personalised wooden photo frame, perfect for displaying a romantic snap.
10th Anniversary (Tin/Aluminum)
Wondering what to buy someone for a 10th wedding anniversary? We recommend a beautiful piece of engraved jewellery - we have options for both men and women online, including necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and more.
Other ideal items for a tin or aluminium anniversary include custom tin signs, and personalised keepsake boxes for trinkets and jewellery.
25th Anniversary (Silver)
There are so many gorgeous gifts to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect item to mark a silver wedding anniversary. Silver jewellery is a popular choice for many couples, and our offerings can be customised with names, romantic messages and more.
Consider engraved silverware for the marital home, or a beautiful custom silver photo frame complete with an etched message of adoration.
50th Anniversary (Gold)
If you or a special couple in your life are lucky enough to need 50th anniversary gifts, it’s time to go for gold.
Explore beautiful items of gold plated jewellery online and surprise them with something they can wear on special, romantic occasions. Or, give them a gorgeous golden wedding anniversary photo album. There are all kinds of thoughtful personalised gold keepsakes to explore at Getting Personal.
Unique and Personalised Gift Ideas
Customised home decor
A gift that adds a personal touch to their home is guaranteed to go down a treat. Discover a piece of art that truly reflects their lives, or your lives together as a couple.
Shop high quality personalised wall art featuring wedding photos, or snaps from other important milestones throughout their or your own marriage. We also have unique custom name signs, canvas photo prints and more to choose from.
Sentimental keepsakes
Whether you’re shopping for a couple or your own spouse, we have some lovely anniversary gifts and ideas to suit.
From engraved lockets to ornamental messages in a bottle, there really are so many gorgeous keepsakes to choose from online. Have you considered a personalised glass token engraved with a romantic quote, or a hanging slate sign etched with your own special message?
Indulgent food and drink
Why not treat the couple who are marking a milestone - or your own beloved spouse - to some alcohol or sweet treats to be enjoyed as part of the wedding anniversary celebrations? Online, you’ll find a fabulous selection of luxurious personalised champagne gifts, as well as tasty customisable chocolates and sweets.
Budget-Friendly Anniversary Gift Ideas
Finding the perfect anniversary gift doesn't have to break the bank. Budget-friendly options can be just as thoughtful and cherished. Consider gifting personalised notebooks for their shared plans, or custom mugs for their morning coffees together.
Keepsake cards add a sentimental touch, while elegant glassware can be used for toasts on special occasions. These affordable ideas are sure to delight any couple or your special someone.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Anniversary Gift
Consider personalities and preferences
Be sure to find an anniversary gift that suits their likes and interests; a gift that reflects how well you know them as a couple, or as an individual.
Think about shared memories and experiences
If you’re shopping for your own husband or wife, choose a personalised gift that reflects your favourite memories, or the times you’ve both shared together as a married couple.
Choose gifts that reflect the milestone
Don’t forget to research the traditional gift material for the year being celebrated. For example, if it’s a 30th wedding anniversary, treat them to something made of pearl.
Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him
Finding the perfect anniversary gifts for men doesn’t have to be difficult, thanks to the wide range of thoughtful and personalised options on offer at Getting Personal.
Explore engraved watches that add a touch of elegance, custom cufflinks that can be worn on special occasions, or a personalised leather wallet featuring his initials for everyday use. An engraved pocket watch also makes a timeless keepsake for the man in your life.
Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her
Searching for the perfect anniversary gift for her? Why not browse our range of engraved jewellery like necklaces, custom bracelets, and personalised rings?
A necklace with her name or a bracelet engraved with a significant date can serve as a beautiful reminder of your shared moments.
Customised home decor also makes a thoughtful and unique anniversary gift for her. Consider personalised cushions featuring names or special dates, custom photo frames to display cherished memories, or engraved candles that add a touch of elegance to any space. Products like a photo canvas or a personalised family name sign are perfect for adding personality to any home.
We Hope you’re Feeling Inspired to Find the Perfect Anniversary Present
From engraved jewellery and custom home decor to thoughtful keepsakes, each item listed here in our extensive gift guide can be perfectly tailored to suit the anniversary you’re celebrating.
Now you’re armed with the best gift ideas, it’s time to browse our extensive selection of wedding anniversary presents for the perfect token of affection. Whether you’re shopping for your own wedding anniversary or someone else's, we know you’ll find something ideal.
