Themed wedding anniversary gifts by year is a practice we’ve done for centuries and a cherished tradition for many couples. Each year’s gift is meant to symbolize the growth and depth of your relationship, making these traditions not just a nod to history but also a meaningful way to honor your journey together. If you’ve wondered what the wedding anniversary gift theme is for each year and how to celebrate them, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a quick look at the first 10 traditional anniversary gifts by year:
- 1st Anniversary: Paper
- 2nd Anniversary: Cotton
- 3rd Anniversary: Leather
- 4th Anniversary: Fruit/Flowers
- 5th Anniversary: Wood
- 6th Anniversary: Iron
- 7th Anniversary: Wool/Copper
- 8th Anniversary: Bronze
- 9th Anniversary: Pottery
- 10th Anniversary: Aluminum
In today’s fast-paced world, handcrafted and DIY gifts carry a special significance. Anyone can buy a store-bought item for their spouse. But taking the time to create something shows thoughtfulness and personal effort, reflecting the uniqueness of your bond. Whether you’re just starting out or marking decades together, choosing to create something by hand adds a deeper layer of meaning to the occasion.
With that in mind, let’s explore how Craftsman Ave’s classes can help you make these anniversaries truly memorable with DIY projects that perfectly align with each year’s theme! Here are five great ideas for ways to celebrate significant anniversaries and create a themed gift with your spouse.
3rd Anniversary: Leather
Leather, symbolizing strength and durability, is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the third anniversary. Much like a strong relationship, leather grows more beautiful with time. To celebrate, why not craft a personalized leather tote together?
Craftsman Ave offers leather-making classes that are perfect for couples looking to create a custom piece together. Imagine spending a date night learning a new skill and walking away with a tangible reminder of your love’s resilience.
In our classes, we’ll also teach you how to properly care for your leather goods, so they last through the years.
5th Anniversary: Wood
The fifth anniversary is all about wood, a symbol of growth and deep roots. This milestone is an opportunity to create something that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s making a barrel for aging your favorite whiskey, crafting a stylish wooden side table in an introductory woodworking class, or carving a classic longboard, wood offers endless gift possibilities for your spouse.
Couples can take a woodworking class at Craftsman Ave to bring these ideas to life. Together, you can craft something functional and beautiful, a piece that will remind you of your shared journey every time you see it. For wedding anniversary gifts by year, the fifth year is an important one in its symbolism and significance.
7th Anniversary: Copper/Wool
Copper, with its warmth and durability, is the traditional gift for the seventh anniversary. This metal has been used for centuries in jewelry, home décor, and functional pieces.
At Craftsman Ave, you can take a metal fabrication class to create a custom copper piece, such as a modern copper lamp. Not only will you end up with a gorgeous piece for your home, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you crafted it together.
15th Anniversary: Crystal or Glass
Reaching the 15th anniversary is a significant milestone, one that deserves an elegant celebration. Crystal or glass, representing clarity and transparency, is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for this year.
Craftsman Ave offers stained glass art classes, where you can create a beautiful piece of home décor together. This hands-on experience allows you to express the clarity and beauty of your relationship through a tangible, lasting creation.
Need More Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year Ideas?
You can create something special with your spouse no matter what the traditional wedding anniversary gift is. Here are a few more ideas for the years we didn’t mention! You can celebrate at a wide variety of craft workshops, or in the comfort of your own home.
- 1st Anniversary: With the paper theme, you can take a paper paper pottery class or you could create your own paper mache at home.
- 2nd Anniversary: Take an introductory sewing class together and create something beautiful with waxed cotton canvas.
- 4th Anniversary: For the fruit and flowers traditional wedding anniversary gift theme, you could take a bouquet design class, or you could weld a steel rose with us at Craftsman Ave.
- 6th Anniversary: Celebrate a love forged in the fires of time with an iron working class.
- 8th Anniversary: Take a bronze jewelry class or bronze casting class together to celebrate this milestone.
- 9th Anniversary: A pottery class is a fun way to celebrate (and may or may not remind you of a certain scene from the movie Ghost!).
- 10th Anniversary: Craft with aluminum or tin and create an upcycled memory you can cherish forever.
Just for Fun Hands-on DIY Workshops for Date Night
Of course, you don’t have to wait for a special anniversary to enjoy a creative date night. Crafting together can be a fun and meaningful surprise at any time. Whether it’s knife making, blacksmithing, or another hands-on class, the experience of learning and creating together strengthens your bond in a unique way. If you’re not ready to decide which class to pursue yet for your anniversary, you can always buy a gift card to save for a special day!
The Perfect Gift is One You Create
Handcrafted gifts carry a sentimental value that store-bought items simply can’t match. By learning a new skill—whether it’s blacksmithing, woodworking, or leather crafting—you’re not just making a gift, but also building memories, teamwork, and communication with your partner.
Explore the creative classes at Craftsman Ave and design a personalized anniversary gift that will be cherished for years to come.