In 1922, Emily Post, the queen of social etiquette, wrote that only eight anniversaries required traditional gifts.  Her gift list is referred to as the traditional list and is most commonly followed. Over the year, probably thanks to Hallmark Greeting Cards, the list has been extending out to the 75^th anniversary as well as adding a second more modern list.

The contemporary or modern anniversary gift list was created to reflect a changing society. The original list focused on items that could help a couple put their house together as they started out in life. Today, people are more affluent and most often have a fully equipped home.

Here is the list of traditional anniversary gift ideas as well as their modern counterpart:

YEAR Traditional / Modern

1st       Paper / Clocks

2nd     Cotton / China

3rd      Leather / Crystal

4th      Books, Flowers, Fruit / Appliances

5th      Wood / Silverware

6th      Iron / Wood

7th      Wool, Copper / Desk sets

8th      Bronze / Linens, Lace

9th      Pottery / Leather

10th    Tin, Aluminum / Diamond jewelry

11th    Steel / Jewelry

12th    Silk / Pearl

13th    Lace / Textiles, Furs

14th    Ivory / Gold jewelry

15th    Crystal / Watches

20th    China / Platinum

25th    Silver / Silver

30th    Pearl / Diamond

35th    Coral, Jade / Jade

40th    Ruby / Ruby

45th    Sapphire / Sapphire

50th    Gold / Gold

55th    Emerald / Emerald

60th    Diamond / Diamond

 

70th    Platinum