Traditional Anniversary Gifts Years 1-5
Posted by tara kirkland on
We know a lot of people are inspired by the traditional wedding gift prompts of each year but perhaps still may need a little extra direction- and we are here to help!
Don't worry- if this list isn't your thing- we have great gifts no matter what the style, budget or theme.
Our inventory is always evolving, so when in doubt, or if you need extra help, pop in the store, call us or email us. If you're not local- no worries- we can set up virtual appointments, we ship, and we are always happy to gift wrap and include gift notes.
Let's dig in!
Year 1:
PAPER
Why paper? The most common belief is that paper represents a blank slate – an indication of blossoming love and a new life together, ready to be filled with new experiences and achievements.
Tara's personal touch idea- buy two note books, one for you to gift as a blank notebook for them to enjoy as they wish, and the other for you to write in and gift to them to keep. You can use it to tell them things you love about them, or share what you hope to have in your future together, or use it to plan a trip- you get the idea.
Year 2:
COTTON
Why cotton for the second anniversary? Cotton is an interwoven material that reflects how marriage brings a couple closer together. This material is also flexible but strong and symbolizes that, after two years of marriage, the couple have adapted to each other and become stronger for it.
One of my favorite cotton options is THIS BLANKET
or THIS ONE
There's always lots of cotton clothing to choose from as well- and you can always browse our current selection of COTTON HERE.
Year 3:
LEATHER
Why Leather? Leather, derived from the natural hide of animals, represents durability and strength—qualities that resonate deeply with the foundations laid in the first three years of marriage. Just as leather withstands wear and tear over time, a successful marriage weathers life's challenges, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Shop our LEATHER GOODS HERE
I also love a wrap belt- shop those HERE
Vegan? Vegetarian?
For a thoughtful, cruelty-free leather alternative, look into cork leather, plant-based textiles (like pineapple or cactus), or waxed canvas. These materials offer the sophisticated look and durability of traditional leather but are made from renewable resources, and the idea is still there!
We have WAXED CANVAS BAGS HERE
Tara's personal touch- sometimes it's fun to just go EXTRA, when budget allows, I say- FILL THE BAG! If you're going for a leather tote/bag- why not fill it with small things your partner loves? Maybe it's something simple like their favorite candy, or maybe it's a little bit more over the top with gift cards to their favorite places (like Custard!) or donations made to their favorite organizations. PS: If you've got a veg partner- you can always make a donation to an animal rescue in lieu of a faux leather item.
Year 4:
FRUIT/FLOWERS
Why fruit and flowers? They are tied to this milestone because they represent growth that takes time, not overnight changes.
This is a really fun one to shop for! We have so many options! Fruit hair claws, boldly fruit forward jewelry (One example: our recycled can earrings that are grapefruit slices) and fun fruit prints on graphic tees and sweaters. There's always lots of flower prints and flower shapes as well. The selection is ever evolving and expanding and likely not all options are represented on the website, so feel free to reach out for additional info.
Tara's personal touch- Sometimes it's fun to go out of the box with things like this too! Should you grab some fun earrings from us? YES! Could you also pair it with some fruit trees for the yard? OF COURSE! Did I once gift an APPLE TV and call it fruit? I sure did! What about fresh flowers? A handcrafted bouquet from a local flower shop something that pairs with anything else? OH YEA! Speaking of fresh flowers... Why not splurge on a pottery vase to keep fresh flowers in year round?
One of my favorite flower quotes is from Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht. I saw them on a morning show responding to how to get flowers to last longer and it really resonated with me.
“Flowers are not meant to last. Their job is to help us stay in the present. They grow, they blossom, they thrive, and then they’re gone.”
Year 5:
WOOD
Why Wood? By the fifth year, the marriage has blossomed into something more mature and stable, much like a tree that has grown from a sapling into a sturdy, well-rooted entity. Wood, as a symbol of growth, reflects the journey that the couple has undertaken together.
Believe it or not- Custard has LOTS OF WOOD OPTIONS
And one of the best things is that a lot of these pieces are light as a feather. It is wood, but it's not heavy. One of my favorite options for adding on to a gift is one OF THESE MAGNETS. You can just tie one on to whatever gift your giving- so if you're not into the whole "wood" thing- this is a great option to stay on theme but not make it the whole gift.
Thanks for reading!
Years 6-10 next.