What Is the 5th Anniversary Gift? Wood, Anniversary Traditions and Engraved Gift Ideas

Wood is the traditional gift for the 5th wedding anniversary on both the UK and US lists. Some modern UK lists also give wood for the 6th anniversary, and clocks for the 1st. So an engraved oak clock, sign or keepsake with the couple's names and wedding date fits the 5th anniversary tradition directly, and suits other anniversaries as a personal keepsake.

What the anniversary lists say

Anniversary gift lists are conventions rather than rules, and they vary between sources, particularly for the 4th and 6th years. The years most lists agree on:

• 1st: paper (traditional); clocks on some modern lists
• 2nd: cotton
• 3rd: leather
• 5th: wood (traditional); silverware on some modern lists
• 6th: iron (traditional); wood on some modern lists
• 25th: silver
• 40th: ruby
• 50th: gold

One UK anniversary guide, Bridebook, lists wood as the 5th traditional and 6th modern gift, and clocks as the 1st modern gift. Check the list your couple follows if the year matters to them.

Why wood suits the 5th anniversary

Wood is usually read as a symbol of something that has grown roots and become solid. In practice, a wooden gift engraved with the couple's names and wedding date is something they can keep on display, which suits a milestone better than something consumable.

Engraved wooden anniversary gift ideas

• Wall clocks. Our 30cm oak clocks are engraved with names and the wedding date. The Mr and Mrs anniversary clock is made for anniversaries and vow renewals; the wedding couple clock carries names and date without titles. A clock also covers the 1st anniversary on modern lists.
• Keyrings. The 5th anniversary heart keyring marks the year directly; the couples heart keyring takes names and a date.
• Signs. The surname meaning sign explains the couple's shared name; a poem sign carries your own words.
• Coasters. A set of Mr and Mrs oak coasters engraved with the wedding date.
• Something lighter. The anniversary survival medal is a humorous oak medal for milestone years.

For wording ideas, see what to engrave on an anniversary gift.

Choosing the material

Most of these gifts are 4mm FSC-certified oak veneered MDF, which engraves with consistent dark contrast. Coasters also come in FSC-certified Moso bamboo (certificate BV-COC-190523), which shows more natural grain variation. Oak veneered MDF gifts are for indoor use.

Ordering

Everything is made to order, and the dispatch time is shown at checkout, so allow for it if the anniversary date is fixed. Engraving is permanent: check names, dates and spelling in the personalisation box before you order. Proofs are not standard; ask for one in the personalisation box if you want to approve the layout.

All items are made to order. Dispatch time is shown at checkout. UK orders via Royal Mail Tracked 24. International via Royal Mail International Tracked.

Frequently asked questions

What is the traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift?
Wood, on both the traditional UK and US lists.

Is wood used for any other anniversary?
Some modern UK lists give wood for the 6th anniversary. Lists vary between sources.

What is the modern 5th anniversary gift?
Some modern lists give silverware for the 5th. Wood remains the traditional choice.

Can I engrave our exact wording?
Yes. Add names, date and message in the personalisation box. It is engraved as entered.

Can these gifts go outdoors?
No. The oak veneered MDF gifts are for indoor use.

Browse wooden anniversary gifts or romantic gifts.