Wedding Anniversary Gifts

( Originally Published 1954 )

The custom of observing wedding anniversaries reached its zenith around the turn of the 20th century. At that time it was not uncommon for a happy couple to celebrate every anniversary with a party for friends. An "at home" invitation was sent out, often with the notation "no gifts" written in. But man and wife always exchanged gifts and that practice has continued to, be popular. Today's practice seems to favor the formal celebration of large milestones-like the 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries. However, for those who would observe each anniversary, even with a private party for twos here are the appropriate type of gifts:

1st year-paper
2nd year-cotton
3rd year-leather
4th year-book or fruit
5th year-wooden
6th year-iron or sugar
7th year-brass and copper
8th year-electrical (appliances)
9th year-pottery
10th year-tin
11th year-steel
12th, year-silk or linen
13th year-lace
14th year-ivory
15th year-crystal
20th year-china
25th year-silver
30th year-pearl
35th year-jade or coral
40th year-ruby
45th year-sapphire
50th year-golden
55th year-emerald
60th year-(crown-diamond)
75th year-diamond