Your anniversary is a really special way to remember and celebrate all the challenges, growth, and strength you and your partner have encountered together as a married couple. For many couples, trying to find the perfect anniversary gift to sum all that up, is nothing short of a daunting task. We fear we might get our partner something they will not like or that doesn’t meet their expectations.

Not to worry! To help get you thinking about your upcoming anniversary, we have complied a list of the traditional gifts for the first 50 years of your marriage.

The traditional list of gifts dates back to the 1800's with the driving factor that each year the gift becomes greater in value, and stronger in material - moving from paper to gold. The shift is a sweet reflection of the strengthening bonds of your marriage and one of the reasons we enjoy using this list for our anniversaries.

When the original list was created, it highlighted practical gift giving ideas that help the couple make their house into a home with meaningful items purchased together. Especially in the earlier years of marriage the items were easily accessible. Cotton is far less expensive than precious gems, am I right? As time passed, a new version of the list appeared and suggests some modern options.

Think of this list as more of a guide than a set of rules. You can be as traditional or creative in using these ideas as you want. Just have fun with it! With a little thoughtfulness and a lot of love, your partner is sure to appreciate whatever you wrap up!

Traditional Anniversary Gift List

12.Silk

13.Lace

14.Ivory

15.Crystal

20.China

25. Silver

30. Pearl

35.Coral

40.Ruby

45.Sapphire

50.Gold

1.Paper

2.Cotton

3.Leather

4.Fruit/Flowers

5.Wood

6.Sugar

7.Copper

8.Bronze

9.Potter

10.Tin

11.Steel

Just remember, the reality is that all your partner wants is you! Anniversary gifts symbolize the moments and events in your marriage, but your relationship - full of love, happiness and commitment - is what makes your marriage special.