Our Favorite Anniversary Ideas & Gifts

We get it, it can be nerve-wracking to find the perfect gift for your anniversary. But luckily, there’s so many creative and unique ways to show your significant other how much you care! Whether you want to stick to the traditional yearly gifts—paper for year 1 or silver for the big 2-5—there’s plenty of ways to put a personal and modern spin on tradition. Below are some of our favorite anniversary gift ideas that you can make your own. And we’re sure they’ll make your loved one swoon, too.

1ST YEAR: Paper

As tradition goes, paper is the prime first anniversary gift. We love the idea of a custom sketch of you and your love on a paper canvas, a cookbook of your significant other’s favorite recipes, or a one-of-a-kind journal. If they’re into paper goods, consider a stationary set with their initials so that every time they write a note, they think of you. For something totally custom, put your own image, logo, or monogram on a Moleskine Hard Cover Notebook. Make it a special journal where your spouse can document your travels or memories. For extra credit, start by writing a love note in the first few pages!

2ND YEAR: Cotton

To stick to the second year tradition of a cotton gift, we’ve totally got you covered. Customize a cotton t-shirt! Create couples tees with some of our great no minimum options, or design a shirt with things your special someone loves—donuts, cats, you name it! We love our Comfort Colors 100% Cotton T-shirt—it has a vintage look and it’s so soft, it’ll feel like they’ve owned it for years! They’ll love wearing their custom tee on your anniversary vacation or when you’re apart. Another great cotton option is a custom Lightweight 100% Cotton Tote that they can use for shopping or the gym! Personalize it with any fun quote or saying, and they’ll think of you on the go.

3RD YEAR: Leather

By year three, you’re upping the ante with a leather gift. Sure, you can go classic with a leather belt or leather strap watch, but this is one of those times you can let your creativity really shine! Buy your girl a pair of cowboy boots and take her line dancing, or get your guy a leather bound journal and write him love notes all year leading up to your anniversary. For tech lovers, consider gifting a leather phone case, or for travel lovers, a personalized leather passport cover! The best part about leather? As it wears it gets better with age, just like your love!

4TH YEAR: Fruit & Flowers

For year four, your gift is bound to smell or taste amazing! With the traditional fruit or flowers gift, you have tons of great options. Instead of giving your loved one a basket of fruit, take them to a strawberry patch or apple orchard and pick your own! You’ll get to spend quality time together and pick some treats to enjoy later. If you’re more into flowers, make it really personal. Find a photo of your wife’s bouquet from your wedding day and have a florist recreate it for a heartfelt and unique gift.

5TH YEAR: Wood

Take a cue from Mother Earth for year five with a wood gift. We love the idea of painting a photo of you two on wooden pallets for a one of a kind portrait you can hang in your home. Are you more outdoorsy? Plant a tree in your backyard so your can watch it grow all throughout your relationship. Or if you already have a tree, hang a wood swing where you can take turns pushing one another on nice nights. If you love to be on the go, make your gift a wooden piggy bank, where you can put away cash for nice weekend trip away.

10TH YEAR: Tin or Aluminum

Go full metal for year 10! Keep it simple and get a tin to fill with their favorite things—movie tickets, chocolate, or a gift card to go to dinner to your favorite restaurant. Other unique ideas are aluminum jewelry or if your love to jetset, an aluminum suitcase. Custom Ink can be of some help here, too. If you love to be active together, gear up for your next hike or adventure with 26 oz Aluminum Water Bottles! Customize it with your initials, a favorite quote, or a line from your vows. It’s a special way to show your love—while also breaking a sweat!

15TH YEAR: Crystal

Crystal gifts are pure class, but it’s still possible to add your own touch. If your hubby loves cocktails, get him a crystal decanter and monogram it with your last name. Gather the ingredients for his favorite cocktail or grab a nice bottle of scotch that he can put inside. For her, buy a bottle of champagne from the year of your anniversary and accompany it with crystal champagne flutes. You should always toast to your love—especially after 15 years!

20TH YEAR: China

Plates are great and all, but what about celebrating 20 years with the trip of a lifetime? Surprise your loved one with a vacation to…China! (They’ll never see it coming!) If a trip isn’t in your future, who doesn’t love a Chinese takeout night? Put a fun twist on the “China” tradition and order lo mein, egg rolls—all your favorite delivery dishes. Eat them in bed, at the dining table with candles, or any way that feels special to you! If China isn’t your thing, no worries, there’s plenty of other 20th anniversary gift traditions. Platinum is a modern choice, and is perfect if you’re looking for some new bling. Customize platinum rings for you and your betrothed with your wedding day and “20 years” engraved.

25TH YEAR: Silver

There’s so many great ways to make a silver gift special. Print a copy of your original wedding vows and put them in a silver frame. Can’t find them? Print the lyrics of your first dance song and frame those. To be extra charming, hang the frame on the wall before they get home, and have the song playing when they walk in. Is your loved one always jotting something down? Customize a silver pen! No matter how fancy you want to get, a one of a kind pen will have them thinking about you every time they write in their journal or mark a calendar date. Check out our BIC Esteem Pen in silver and gold for a high quality look.

30TH YEAR: Pearl

Kick off year 30 with an oyster feast! Take your loved one to an oyster bar and toast with some briney appetizers and champagne. For a wearable gift, give your wife a beautiful pair of pearl earrings, or your husband Mother of Pearl cufflinks. Want to feel young again with a night out on the town? Plan some fun dinner and drinks followed by a cover band of you guessed it…Pearl Jam!

40TH YEAR: Ruby

As tradition goes, ruby is the gift for year 40. But if jewels aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of ways to nod to this in your own way. New on the scene, but a delicious confectionary treat, is ruby chocolate! Give your loved one a box of ruby sweets that you can enjoy together. If you’re more of a snuggle up under the stars kind of couple, customize a cozy blanket—in red—that the two of you can share! Our Field & Co.® Sherpa Blanket is super soft and timeless. You’ll love getting cozy under the Sherpa backing.

50TH YEAR: Gold

50 years? Now that’s impressive, no wonder you’re considered a golden couple by now! To stick with tradition, buy her a classic gold band with your anniversary date engaged inside, or for him, a gold watch or timepiece. Shake things up and follow the Gold Rush! Plan a romantic trip for two to California—Lake Tahoe, anyone? Spend time by the lake, relaxing in a cabin, and try your shot at gold panning! If you don’t find any, it’s still a great memory, or if you do, keep it as a memento of 50 years of your love.

Ready to customize your own anniversary gift? Check out our anniversary templates for more inspiration!