Traditional & Modern 5th Anniversary Gifts: Meaningful Ideas to Celebrate 5 Years of Love

Reaching your 5th wedding anniversary is a beautiful milestone—one that reflects deep roots, shared growth, and lasting love. Traditionally, this anniversary is symbolized by wood, a material that represents strength, stability, and endurance. In modern times, silverware or flatware has also become associated with the fifth anniversary, symbolizing shared meals, hospitality, and a life built together.

Whether you prefer to honour the classic symbolism of wood or opt for a modern take on this milestone, there are plenty of ways to show your love. From handcrafted keepsakes to practical treasures, here are some of the most meaningful and creative gift ideas for the 5th anniversary—both traditional and modern.

The Traditional Gift: Wood

Wood represents a strong and grounded relationship that continues to grow—just like a tree that gets stronger over time. Gifting something made of wood is a heartfelt nod to the foundation you've built together.

1. Wood Jewelry

Jewelry made with natural wood is a wearable reminder of love and tradition. It brings the warmth of wood into modern design.

Gift Idea: Gold Bar Inlay Bracelet

This beautiful golden bar pendant bracelet has a wood inset with 5 golden dots set into the wood representing 5 years of marriage.

2. Custom Wooden Map or Coordinates Art

Commemorate a meaningful place—your wedding venue, honeymoon destination, or first home—with a custom wood-carved map or engraved coordinates.

Where to Find It:

Look for sellers on Etsy who offer personalized wooden plaques with your chosen location, names, and dates. It’s a thoughtful piece of home décor with sentimental value.

3. Tree Planting Kit or Backyard Tree

What better way to celebrate the symbol of growth than by literally planting a tree? You can choose a tree native to your area or one with personal significance.

Gift Idea:

Order a tree planting kit online, or go together to a local nursery and pick out a tree to plant in your backyard—a living symbol of your marriage.

What better way to celebrate the symbol of growth than by literally planting a tree? You can choose a tree native to your area or one with personal significance.

Gift Idea:

Order a tree planting kit online, or go together to a local nursery and pick out a tree to plant in your backyard—a living symbol of your marriage.

4. Wood Watch or Sunglasses

Stylish and sustainable, a wooden timepiece or pair of sunglasses makes a great gift for the modern man or woman.

Gift Idea:

Brands like Treehut and Holzkern offer sleek wooden watches with customizable engravings for a personalized touch.

5. Handcrafted Wooden Keepsake Box

A beautiful wooden box engraved with your initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote is a lovely way to store photos, letters, and other mementos from your journey together.

Where to Find It:

Explore options from local artisans or look for custom designs on platforms like Uncommon Goods or Not on the High Street.

The Modern Gift: Silverware (or Flatware)

The modern 5th anniversary gift is silverware—something that might not sound romantic at first, but can be incredibly symbolic. It reflects the idea of shared meals, nourishment, and the daily rituals that define married life.

6. Engraved Silver Serving Set

Elevate your dinner table with a custom silver serving set engraved with your initials or anniversary date.

Where to Find It:

Many specialty shops offer personalized silver flatware that’s both beautiful and practical—ideal for anniversaries, holidays, and future celebrations.

7. A Private Chef Experience or Cooking Class

Instead of giving flatware, why not create memories around it? Book a private chef to cook a gourmet dinner at home, or take a cooking class together.

Why It’s Great:

It combines the symbolic meaning of the gift (a shared meal) with a shared experience—perfect for couples who value time spent together.

8. Artisan Cheese Board with Flatware

If you’re gifting silverware, pair it with a gorgeous artisan wood and marble cheese board for date nights at home.

Gift Idea:

Add a bottle of wine and some gourmet cheeses to complete the experience. You can even include a handwritten list of your favourite shared meals or recipes from the past five years.

9. Silver-Accent Jewelry

If your partner isn't into flatware, opt for jewelry that incorporates silver accents—a stylish nod to the modern symbol.

Gift Idea: Silver Ring Pendant

This minimalist piece is rich in symbolism: the ring for eternity, the wood for tradition, and the silver for the 5th anniversary’s modern theme.

10. Custom Anniversary Spoon Set

Whimsical and sweet, engraved silver spoons with phrases like “Still Smitten” or “Five Years Strong” can be a charming daily reminder of your bond.

Where to Find It:

Check out independent makers on Etsy or Spoonful of Love for one-of-a-kind designs.

Bonus Ideas: Combine Both Traditions

Why choose between modern and traditional when you can blend both into one memorable gift?

11. Matching Wood and Silver Jewelry

Choose complementary pieces that blend both materials—like a men’s wood bead bracelet paired with a women’s silver-accent necklace.

Gift Idea:

Silver Square Matte bracelet for him

Silver Mini Heart necklace for her

12. Personalized Charcuterie Set

A gift set that includes a wooden board, engraved silver cheese knives, and a selection of your favourite snacks can make for an unforgettable (and delicious) evening together.

Make It More Special:

Add a handwritten recipe card or custom engraving to the board.

13. Custom Wood & Silver Wall Art

Commission an artist to create a piece that combines wood and metal—a family name sign, anniversary date plaque, or abstract piece that reflects your relationship.

Where to Commission:

Try sites like Minted, Etsy, or reach out to local artisans who specialize in mixed media.

Celebrate Your Story

Your 5th anniversary is more than a date—it’s a celebration of your growth, resilience, and the life you’ve built together. Whether you lean traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, the most meaningful gifts are those that reflect your story as a couple.

Wood reminds us of strong roots and steady growth. Silver reminds us of shared meals and everyday connection. However you choose to honour your 5th year, make it a reflection of who you are—and where you’re going next.

Ready to find the perfect anniversary gift?
Browse the 5th Anniversary Collection at Liel and Lentz for meaningful, modern designs that honour tradition in fresh and beautiful ways.