The Greatest Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide. Ever.
Whether you’re into traditional or modern gifts, our picks will have your loved one saying ‘I do’ all night long.
Sep 12, 2023
A wedding anniversary is a time for spouses to look back on one of the most magical days of their lives. And the tradition of celebrating a marriage on the same day every year is nearly as old as the institution itself.
History of the wedding anniversary
The first recorded wedding ceremony dates back to 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia, but the practice of celebrating the occasion one year later didn't catch on for quite some time.
While the exact date of the first wedding anniversary is somewhat dubious, some researchers believe the tradition began, as many things did, with the ancient Romans. Others believe the first recorded wedding anniversary happened in Germany sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries.
It wasn't until the mid-1800s, in Germany and England, when significant marriage milestones — years 25 and 50 — were celebrated with a gift. In those days, to still be alive and together after that many years was considered quite a feat. (One could argue that still being alive and together for a 50th wedding anniversary is quite a feat even these days.) On the 25th anniversary, couples would be given a wreath made of silver. If they made it to their 50th anniversary, they received a wreath made of gold — each metal representing the strength of the relationship.
Traditional vs. modern anniversary gifts
Silver and gold are still the traditional gift for the 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries today. It wasn't until post-Industrial Revolution consumerism that gifts were given on a more annualized basis, with the value of the gift increasing year after year, as if to say, “Congratulations for staying married another year!" Or, more flippantly, “You're totally worth it, babe!"
Today, most anniversary gifts fall into two categories: traditional and modern. The notion of “modern" was first introduced in 1937 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, which saw an opportunity to capitalize on celebrating significant life milestones with fine jewelry. Fun fact: It was this same association that standardized birthstones in 1912.
Anniversary gift guide for the 21st century couple
Not sure if your better half falls into a more traditional or modern gift camp? That's OK. The secret to giving the perfect gift that says “I love you" is simple: Make it personal and unique, just like the couple you are.
AUTHOR
Jenn Bussell has worked as a writer, editor, and communications strategist for more than two decades. She’s the co-author & editor of “Have Fork Will Travel: A Practical Handbook for Food & Drink Travel Industry Professionals” and a contributing writer to Centennial Media’s “The United States Presidents: The Best and Worst of All Time | 2020 Election Special.” In addition to writing about food and beverage, travel and tourism, and political history, Jenn also covers fashion and personal style. Her previous work includes a style column for the Washington Examiner and content creation for The Working Wardrobe.