Here you are, about to celebrate 10 whole years of happiness with the love of your life – what an incredible milestone to reach in your marriage. A whole decade spent with the person you chose to dedicate your life to – magical!
So, to mark such an incredible occasion, you might wonder what sort of gift you can give your other half. Do you give them flowers or chocolates, treat them to a fancy dinner or a trip away, or do something else entirely? What kind of gift do you give your person to tell them how much you love them after 10 years of marriage?
Well, did you know that there are actually traditional gifts, flowers and gemstones that couples celebrating their 10th anniversary have chosen to give each other for more than a century? That’s right, if you want to give your partner a 10-year anniversary gift full to the brim with symbolic meaning, there are unofficial ‘rules’ you might want to follow.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the gift-giving traditions which surround that all-important 10th wedding anniversary, so you can give your partner something fitting for such a special occasion. We’ll also give you 50 gift suggestions and get your imagination working so you can find your partner a gift they’ll treasure until the next major milestone and beyond.
To learn all about every wedding anniversary tradition from 1 year to 90, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.
Many different anniversaries have traditional and modern themes associated with them, as well as traditional gemstones and flowers. Each has a historical and symbolic meaning, so if you choose to, you can give your partner a gift that lets them know exactly how you feel.
If you’d like to go with the traditional 10th anniversary gift theme, you actually have a choice of two: tin or aluminium. They’re both similar metals, but there are a few differences which might sway your decision. Tin is often more silvery than aluminium, while aluminium is far closer to grey, and aluminium melts at a higher temperature. But, both are strong and don’t rust, which means they’re incredibly durable – just like your marriage after making it to 10 years.
If you’re looking to give your partner a gift linked to the modern anniversary theme, you’ll want to pick up something linked to diamond. Diamonds are one of the hardest materials on Earth and exceptionally beautiful. They symbolise beauty, strength and durability, which makes them the perfect gift for celebrating 10 years. But on the flip side, they can be rather expensive.
You might not be surprised to learn that the traditional 10th anniversary gemstone is diamond, which means it’s both the traditional gemstone and the modern anniversary gift – a double hitter. Diamonds are stunning and often set in pretty much every type of jewellery piece or accessory you can think of, so if it’s something you choose to give your partner, you’re guaranteed to find something they’ll love.
Despite diamond playing such a prominent part in a 10th anniversary’s gift-giving traditions, it’s not the official ‘diamond anniversary’. This name is exclusively reserved for your 60th wedding anniversary, when diamond is the traditional and modern gift, and the anniversary gemstone. That means, in another 50 years, you’ll have another opportunity to give your partner a diamond-themed gift if you’re keen to stick to the traditional themes.
While diamond is a big focus of the 10th anniversary themes, the traditional flower for celebrating a decade of marriage is the far more humble, but no less beautiful, daffodil. Daffodils are bright and colourful and are one of the symbols of spring. When it comes to celebrating your anniversary, they represent new beginnings, which couldn’t be more appropriate as the two of you begin a whole new decade of life together.
For many couples, celebrating your 10th anniversary is a big deal, so you might want to do what you can to spoil your other half. If you’re keen to stick to traditional or modern gifts, this can be a little tricky – there’s a big difference between the cost of aluminium and diamonds, after all. So, when the time comes to choose a gift, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
If a couple in your life are about to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, you might be looking into whether you can give them something linked to traditional or modern gifts. The great news is that you absolutely can. However, diamonds can be a difficult gift to buy for a couple (then again, you might have found the perfect diamond-related couples gift) so you might be more inclined to choose something tin-, aluminium- or daffodil-themed instead.
Depending on who you ask, you might be told that you ‘should’ give your partner a diamond to mark 10 years of marriage. This can put unfair pressure on some couples because diamonds can be rather costly!
So, you should definitely avoid doing this if diamonds aren’t within your budget. There are always affordable alternatives, which we’ll go into later in this article.
Yes, diamonds can be a special gift to give on your 10th anniversary, but it’s certainly not a rule set in stone. So, if you don’t have the budget for it, your partner isn’t particularly interested, you have a better idea or you simply don’t want to, then no – you shouldn’t have to buy your other half something related to diamonds.
What you give to your partner as an anniversary gift is entirely up to you. So long as you put some thought into it and it’s full of love, they’re bound to love your gift whatever you give them.
When it’s time to pick up the perfect gift for your partner ahead of your 10th anniversary, you can be faced with a huge dilemma: what should you give them that’s fitting for such an amazing milestone? Do you give them an incredible piece of diamond jewellery, or something a little kinder to your budget related to tin or aluminium?
If you know you want to give your love a gift related to one of the traditional or modern 10th anniversary themes but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in luck. Here are 50 gift ideas so you can treat your partner to something extra special on your big day.
The traditional 10th anniversary gift is tin or aluminium, two relatively affordable but incredibly strong and durable metals. You might think they’re not the most obvious choices for romantic gifts, but with a little creativity, you can still find a brilliant traditional gift.
The rose is one of the most well-known symbols of love all over the world. You could get your partner a bouquet of roses, but they’ll die and wilt and be gone within a couple of weeks. Instead, why not tie that loving symbol into the traditional theme and give your partner a tin rose so they can have a permanent reminder of your first 10 years of marriage?
Since you got married, you may have welcomed a third or fourth (or fifth or sixth!) little human into your exclusive family club. If so, you can include them in your 10 year anniversary gift, in the form of a family tin sculpture, which you can personalise to reflect the look of your perfect little family.
If your partner a) has a small collection of jewellery they’re not quite sure where to keep safe and b) loves cats, then we have the perfect suggestion for you. A personalised cat trinket box is small, on-theme and can be personalised to include an engraving of your choice.
For something small and personalised that your partner can always keep with them, a personalised anniversary calendar keyring contains the exact date you got married and slips right onto their keys. It’s also made from pewter, which contains tin, so is spot on when it comes to the traditional 10th anniversary theme.
One option you might consider as a gift for your partner is a good ol’ bottle of whisky. But how on Earth are you supposed to tie that into the theme of cheap but hardy metals? Well, by choosing Tincup American whiskey – which reviews say is delicious and refined.
One of the best things about aluminium is just how versatile it is, and it’s great for forming into any type of shape imaginable. That includes an aluminium heart decoration, which sits on a base that reads, ‘ten perfect years’. It’s an adorable gift that can sit proudly on a shelf until the next major milestone.
Trees might not be the traditional 10th anniversary gift, but they represent strength and life and have deep roots that can hold onto anything. Combine this with aluminium, and you have an aluminium anniversary tree, which is fantastic and full of delicate character.
Thanks to its strength, aluminium is a brilliant material for making into useful items you might want to use again and again. This includes a personalised aluminium bowl, which your partner might want to use for fruit, serving food, potpourri… anything, in fact. It can also be personalised to include a hand-stamped message of your choosing.
For the ultimate custom gift, a personalised floating aluminium slide includes the photo and message of your choice and can be hung on the wall to serve as a reminder about the love you and your partner share.
For something big and bold that can hang on the wall and be shown off to everyone who comes to visit, a textured aluminium wall clock is a real showstopper. It’s contemporary and minimalist but is totally on theme when celebrating 10 years of marriage.
Both the modern 10th anniversary gift and the traditional gemstone is the one and only diamond. Diamonds are stunningly beautiful and versatile precious stones that are popular but expensive additions to jewellery and accessories. They pair perfectly with almost every other type of stone and precious metal, which means you’re practically guaranteed to find something your partner will adore. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are 15 ideas for 10th anniversary gifts containing diamonds.
Eternity rings are a popular gift to give during milestone anniversaries, and with 10 years being one of the most special milestones, now’s your chance – especially since diamond has such a symbolic meaning during your 10th anniversary. Eternity rings are available in loads of different designs, from big and flashy to subtle and muted. For a good idea of what you might get for your budget, check out Ernest Jones’s selection of eternity rings.
Diamond cufflinks are one of the most luxurious and generous gifts you could give – they’re the ultimate status symbol. That means they can be rather pricey, but if you have the budget, it’s the perfect opportunity to spoil your partner. Deakin and Francis has an incredible range of diamond cufflinks.
Does your partner have a belly piercing? If so, you could give them a real surprise on your anniversary by giving them a diamond belly ring. This is one piece of jewellery that’s sometimes overlooked when it comes to the more precious gemstones, but they can be absolutely stunning and a unique way to give your other half a diamond on your 10th anniversary.
For a gift absolutely steeped in luxury, love and symbolic meaning on your big anniversary, you can’t get any more generous than a diamond bracelet. Bracelets can be dainty and delicate or firm and bold, offering you a wide range of choices.
The great thing about diamond earrings – apart from being fabulous and exactly on theme – is just how many options there are. Studs, hoops, drops, tear drops, clusters, C hoops… whatever type of earring your partner loves to wear, there will always be plenty available set with beautiful diamonds.
When asked to think about diamond jewellery, straight after a diamond ring, the next thing many people will likely think about is a diamond necklace. The ultimate statement piece, a diamond necklace just screams class and luxury. And you’re spoilt for choice – with so many designs available, the hardest thing will be choosing which one to go for.
A wonderful way to add personalisation to diamond jewellery is with a diamond locket. Lockets are lovely pieces of jewellery by themselves, but they also allow you to personalise them by including one or even two of your partner’s favourite photos inside. It could be the two of you, your kids, your entire family, your pets… whoever your partner adores most.
To spoil your partner and give them a real touch of luxury, a diamond watch has to be up there as one of the best. They’re available in loads of different styles and designs, and are suitable for different budgets – plus your other half can wear it every day if they want to.
Whether your partner has a nostril piercing, septum piercing or another type of nose piercing, a diamond nose ring is a unique way to treat them to diamonds for your 10th anniversary. Not only do they look fantastic, but they’re also among the most affordable ways to give your partner diamonds when celebrating this fantastic milestone.
If your partner has an eyebrow piercing, you can give them an anniversary gift they’ll never forget with a diamond eyebrow ring. It’s a sweet and totally unique gift that your partner will never see coming (especially if they don’t have an eyebrow piercing, in which case it’s probably not for them).
The great thing about a charm bracelet is how you or your partner can continue to add to it, choosing charms that are unique to the kind of things they love and enjoy. You could use this as the perfect opportunity to give them a meaningful diamond key charm from Tiffany & Co. as a symbol that only they have the key that unlocks your heart. It’s cheesy, but we bet it’s true.
The majority of diamonds that are given as gifts are cut and polished before being set in a piece of jewellery or an accessory. But, raw diamonds can be just as stunning, with a rustic aesthetic that still works incredibly well in some jewellery. A raw diamond ring is a real showstopper and a wonderful choice for a 10 year anniversary gift.
Anklets are super dainty and the perfect accessory during hot and sunny weather or when you jet off to nicer climates. If you have plans for a post-anniversary holiday, a diamond anklet can be shown off as you relax and unwind.
Brooches are retro accessories that are beautiful, statement-making and timeless. They come in loads of different designs, from incredible patterns to leopard-shaped designs. Check out Antique Jewellery Company to browse their massive selection of diamond brooches.
Do you see your other half as your queen? If so, then a diamond tiara is an accessory to top all other accessories. It’s not something they’ll wear on the average Saturday night down the pub, but when the occasion calls for it, they really can be something else.
Your 10th anniversary is one of the most memorable and special anniversaries you’re likely to have, but that doesn’t mean you can or necessarily want to drop hundreds or thousands on diamonds or something else just as pricey. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t still give your partner a brilliantly on-theme gift that sticks to the 10th anniversary theme. So, here are 10 suggestions for affordable gifts.
For a crafty way to spend your anniversary, diamond art is relaxing and creative. A diamond art coaster kit lets your partner design their own coasters and provides them with everything they need to give it a go.
A diamond paperweight looks great on a desk and is useful if your partner spends a lot of time shuffling through papers for work. It’s not a real diamond (we wish!), but it looks the part.
Diamond earrings can be pricey, and they might not fit everyone’s budget. Imitation diamonds, such as Zircondia, might not be as valuable as real diamonds but they can still look great. Sterling silver Zircondia earrings are an affordable gift that still works with the traditional 10th anniversary theme.
What’s sweeter than receiving diamonds as an anniversary gift? How about receiving edible diamonds made from sugar? They’re literally sweeter than diamonds and look great as decoration sprinkled on a cake or over a dessert.
If your partner has a spiritual side, Herkimer diamond rough crystals, also known as ‘Herkies’, are said to help boost someone’s clairvoyant abilities. It’s a unique, on-theme and affordable gift for a spiritual partner.
One of the longest-running film series, James Bond has a movie totally in keeping with the 10th anniversary theme, giving you the chance to have a snuggly date night when celebrating your anniversary. Diamonds Are Forever is available on Blu Ray, or catch it on your favourite streaming platform.
If you don’t want to buy your partner a crystal this time, why not give them a gift and let them grow their own? A crystal growing kit is a great bit of scientific fun, and if you have kids you can get them in on the action.
Is your other half a fan of Minecraft? If so, then they’ll know all about how precious diamonds are in the game. A Minecraft diamond necklace is cute and on theme, with the benefit of being really affordable.
Diamonds are usually super expensive, but do you know what isn’t? A diamond T-shirt! It’s a stylish and thoughtful token gift that works whatever your budget.
Ok, this one is a bit of a risk, so should only be done if you’ve talked about not giving each other a gift for your anniversary. But, a tin of beans, custard, rice pudding, ravioli, chilli con carne or similar makes for a fun and totally on-theme gift to give on your anniversary. But if you do, just make sure you have a backup present too. Chocolates or flowers often work best.
One way to give your partner a 10th anniversary gift filled with extra special thought and meaning is by making a gift yourself. But, with one of the major themes of 10 years of marriage being diamond, what kind of thing can you make? Well, even at home there are ways to tie the themes in, especially if you lean into the traditional theme of aluminium or tin. So, here are five suggestions to get you thinking on your feet.
If you pick up some affordable aluminium sculpting wire, it can be pretty quick and simple to make a wire scribble heart. You don’t need a ton of experience to make one that looks good, either – check out a video tutorial for tips on where to start.
Aluminium wire is super versatile so there’s a lot you can do with it, including heart-shaped jewellery. Again, you don’t need to have made anything before to produce something your partner will love. There are plenty of wire jewellery tutorials available online to help you with some ideas.
Tinfoil is an obvious joke gift when celebrating your 10 year anniversary, but with a little effort and know-how, you can actually make a lovely little keepsake tinfoil sculpture for your partner based on something they love. If you like the sound of it, there are guides to making tinfoil sculptures that show you the ropes.
An Ocean Diamond ring kit provides you with everything you need to design and carve your very own ring featuring an authentic, hand-dived ocean diamond. We really can’t think of anything more creative and fitting as a DIY 10th anniversary gift.
Diamond art is a wonderfully on-theme way to create a completely personalised work of art you can present to your partner on the morning of your anniversary. Just choose your favourite wedding photo, get to work, and then marvel at your handiwork before giving it to your partner on your anniversary. You can pick up personalised diamond painting kits online.
A memorable way to spend time with your love while celebrating your anniversary is by sharing a new experience together. You can even keep it tied into the 10th anniversary theme if you think creatively, and give your activity a deep and special meaning. Here are five suggestions for fun things to try on your big day.
The process of making diamonds is long and complicated, and making amazing jewellery requires a lot of patience and skill. Find out all about the process with a Royal Coster diamond factory tour, which is totally free. The only catch is, it’s in Amsterdam, but there are worse ways to spend your anniversary!
This one bends the rules a little, but a diamond driving experience at least has diamond in the name! It’s one way to get the blood pumping on your anniversary (and we’ll let you think of another for yourself).
This also slightly bends the rules, but it’s totally worth it to spend time trying something new with your love! A diamond fragrance experience gives the two of you a chance to invent your very own fragrance, which you can then wear out to a post-fragrance-making dinner.
Something of a lost art, tinsmithing is the process of making something out of tin. You can learn all about this ancient craft with a tinsmithing experience, and have a go at creating something of your very own.
If you’re not sure your partner would like to make something out of tin, maybe they’d love to learn all about its production. King Edward Mine in Cornwall offers a fascinating insight into an authentic Cornish tin mill – a super unique way to spend your anniversary.
The traditional flower when celebrating your 10th wedding anniversary is the dainty yet vibrant daffodil – a true symbol of spring. It’s also one of the most recognisable flowers there is, and can grow in pots, in the ground, in woodland, by the side of the road… it’s surprisingly hardy considering how delicate it looks. It’s also great at brightening up a room, whether in a bouquet or as part of an arrangement or design. Here are fie daffodil-inspired gifts if you fancy treating your partner to something floral.
We couldn’t make this list and not include a bouquet of daffodils. But how do you elevate the humble little daffodil and make it special enough for an occasion like your 10th anniversary? Well, how about a bouquet of 100 daffodils? It’s equal parts extravagant and elegant.
Because it’s so iconic, the daffodil makes for a lovely addition to jewellery and accessories. This includes a daffodil necklace, which captures the feel of this springtime beauty. It’s also small and versatile enough to be paired with loads of different outfits and other types of jewellery
To make a real impact in your garden, a cast iron daffodil ornament provides the birds with a floral perch and offers them a bite to eat. It’s a lovely addition to any garden that has special meaning on your big day.
For something fresh and eye-catching, a daffodil stained glass panel is actually a two-hitter. Not only does it represent the traditional flower of 10 years of marriage, the frame also contains tin – the perfect gift thanks to its double meaning.
For the LEGO lover you love, LEGO daffodils are realistic and affordable, and will happily sit in a vase for years and years and never wilt or need fresh water. And you can spend time together building them!
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