5-Year Anniversary Gifts: Traditional and Modern Interpretations

The 5-year wedding anniversary is a significant milestone, marking half a decade of shared experiences, growth, and deepened commitment. When it comes to celebrating the 5th anniversary, many couples look to both traditional and modern symbols to find the perfect gift. Each of these symbols carries its own meaning, helping couples commemorate their journey together in a way that reflects their unique bond.

Traditionally, the 5th anniversary is symbolized by wood, while modern interpretations bring silverware into the mix. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of these symbols, their deeper meanings, and unique gift ideas that align with both traditional and modern interpretations.

Why Wood?

The traditional symbol for the 5-year anniversary is wood, which represents strength, stability, and growth. Just like a tree with deep roots, a marriage that has lasted five years is seen as having strong foundations, withstanding challenges, and continuing to grow stronger over time. Wood is also a symbol of warmth and life, reflecting the couple’s growing bond and shared memories.

In many cultures, trees are viewed as symbols of longevity, wisdom, and connection with nature. By the time couples reach their 5th anniversary, they have often developed a more grounded and enduring relationship, making wood a fitting symbol for this milestone. The idea is that after five years, the marriage has deepened its roots, and, like a tree, it continues to thrive.

Handcrafted Wooden Boxes: A beautiful and functional gift, a handcrafted wooden box can be used to store treasured items such as letters, photos, or jewelry. It can also be engraved with special dates or initials, adding a personal touch.

Wooden Jewelry: Wooden jewelry offers a unique way to incorporate the traditional material into a more contemporary gift. For example, a wood-accented necklace, earring or bracelet can be both stylish and symbolic, blending the traditional material into a modern design. Some great examples include:

Engravable Gold Bar Bracelet


Make a timeless statement with the elegant Engravable Gold Bar bracelet, designed to blend modern sophistication with natural beauty. Featuring a sleek rectangular gold bar bezel with a slim wood bar set within it. This piece exudes warmth and charm, perfect for wearing solo or layered with other bracelets.

Silver Bar Inlay Pendant

A modern and sophisticated piece that seamlessly blends silver and wood. The minimalist bar design makes it a versatile accessory, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Its sleek silhouette embodies both strength and elegance, making it a meaningful representation of your five-year journey together.

Eagle Eye Wood

A bold and stylish bracelet featuring dark hued Pau Ferro wood and genuine eagle eye stones. The Eagle Eye Wood bracelet is designed for those who appreciate a rugged yet refined aesthetic, making it a perfect 5th-anniversary gift for men who enjoy statement pieces with meaning.

Gold Ring Pendant



The Gold Ring Pendant is quintessential classic meets contemporary. The ultra-versatile necklace offers 2 unique looks in one: Wear it as a stunning wood and gold classic combination pendant or flip it to showcase the all-gold side for a sleek contemporary vibe.

Rose Gold Mini Heart

A delicate and romantic pendant crafted in stunning rose gold. This petite heart symbolizes deep affection and devotion, making it an elegant yet sentimental way to celebrate five years of love and commitment.

Gold Sphere Stud


Beauty is in the simplicity of this classic design. The wood and metal are seamlessly integrated and the contrast of the two materials makes for a beautiful wood earring. The depth of the sphere gives the earring great presence, while still being super lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. 

Blue Sapphire Round - Yellow Gold

Featuring a rich blue sapphire set in a luxurious yellow gold bezel, this exquisite pendant captures both tradition and timeless beauty. A perfect gift for marking a special occasion, its vibrant gemstone symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, and lasting love.

Wooden Furniture: For couples who appreciate practical gifts, wooden furniture offers both beauty and longevity. A custom-made chair, bench, or table can become a cherished part of the home and a daily reminder of the strength of the relationship.

Wooden Artwork: Art made from wood—whether it's a sculpture, wall art, or a custom carving—can be a meaningful way to honor the traditional anniversary symbol. This type of gift allows for creativity and personalization, making it deeply personal.

Plant a Tree Together: For couples who love nature, planting a tree together can be a symbolic gesture that honors the growth and strength of their marriage. Over time, the tree will grow alongside the relationship, becoming a living reminder of the couple’s enduring love.

Why Silverware?

The modern symbol for the 5-year anniversary is silverware, which represents the refinement and elegance that comes with time. Silverware is often associated with dining and shared meals, which are important moments of connection and intimacy in a marriage. As couples settle into their relationship, they often find beauty in the routines of everyday life, such as sharing meals together.

Silverware also represents the care and attention that a marriage requires. Just as silver needs to be polished and maintained to retain its luster, so too does a relationship need nurturing and effort to thrive. By the fifth anniversary, couples have often settled into a rhythm of life together, making silverware a fitting symbol of the relationship's elegance and functionality.

Modern Gift Ideas

Engraved Silverware Sets: A personalized set of engraved silverware is a beautiful way to honor the modern symbol of the 5-year anniversary. You can have your initials, wedding date, or a special message engraved on the utensils, creating a meaningful keepsake that’s both functional and sentimental.

Fine Dining Experience: Instead of giving a physical gift, you might opt for a special dining experience at a fine restaurant. The elegance of silverware is reflected in the shared experience of a romantic meal, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Silver Jewelry: Silver jewelry can be a luxurious and meaningful gift that reflects the modern anniversary symbol. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, silver jewelry is timeless and can be worn every day as a reminder of the love and commitment you share.

Personalized Cutlery or Serving Utensils: For a more creative take on silverware, consider giving personalized cutlery or serving utensils. You can have special phrases, dates, or initials engraved on the handles, making them a cherished part of your dining experience.

Silver Picture Frame: A silver picture frame holding a cherished photo of the two of you is a thoughtful and elegant gift. This combines the modern anniversary symbol with a personal touch, preserving a special memory from your five years together.

Blending Tradition and Modernity

For couples who appreciate both tradition and modernity, there are many ways to blend the two symbols—wood and silverware—into one thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas for merging these two meaningful materials:

Wood and Silver Jewelry

Jewelry that combines both wood and silver elements offers a unique way to honor both the traditional and modern symbols of the 5th anniversary. A wood-inlaid silver pendant or bracelet, for example, can be a stylish yet meaningful gift that captures the essence of both symbols. Liel & Lentz offers a stunning collection of modern, minimalist jewelry that artfully blends wood and metal. For example, the Silver Heart Inlay combines both wood and silver into a seamless design:

New Silver Bar Inlay



5 Sapphire Bar - Silver

The 5 Sapphire Bar is very special take on the traditional gift of wood for the 5th wedding anniversary: Five white sapphires are set in a wood pendant and hung from a .925 silver chain

Customized Wooden and Silver Utensils

If you want to take a creative approach, consider commissioning a set of utensils made from both wood and silver. This could be as simple as wooden-handled silver knives or forks or as elaborate as custom serving spoons that blend the two materials. These pieces would not only be functional but also a lovely nod to both anniversary traditions.

Wood and Silver Keepsake Box

A keepsake box made of wood with silver accents combines the best of both worlds. This type of gift is elegant and practical, offering a place to store special items such as photos, jewelry, or letters. With personalization options such as engravings or custom designs, this box can become a cherished memento of your relationship.

Anniversary Celebration with Themed Decor

If you’re planning an anniversary celebration, consider incorporating both wood and silverware into the decor. A dinner party with wooden table settings and silverware accents can honor both traditional and modern symbols, creating a cohesive theme that ties everything together.

Conclusion: Honoring Tradition and Celebrating the Future

Whether you choose to follow the traditional route with wood or opt for the modern interpretation of silverware, your 5-year anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate your journey together and look forward to the future. Both symbols—wood and silverware—carry deep meanings that reflect the growth, strength, and elegance of your marriage.

At Liel and Lentz, we understand the importance of finding the perfect anniversary gift. Our collection of unique and meaningful jewelry pieces blends tradition with modern design, offering something for every couple celebrating this significant milestone. As you commemorate five years of love and commitment, let your gift reflect the depth and beauty of your relationship.