Celebrating your fifth wedding anniversary? An expert shares the theme your gifts should follow

It's time to shower your sweetheart with love (and a few gifts).
Vivian Le / TODAY

It feels like just yesterday you said "I do" and somehow it's already time to celebrate five years of marriage with your better half. The gift possibilities are endless, but each anniversary is associated with a special theme. We asked an expert about everything you need to know to make it special.

Not your anniversary? No problem! We’ve also included plenty of options if you’re shopping for another couple who’s celebrating the milestone.

Fifth anniversary theme | Other gifts for fifth anniversaries | Wood gifts | Gifts for her | Gifts for him | Jewelry gifts | Personalized gifts | Food gifts | Couple gifts

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What is the fifth wedding anniversary theme?

When most people hear that the fifth wedding anniversary theme is wood, the word "romance" doesn't immediately come to mind. However, the meaning behind the theme is quite special.

"Wood is a symbolic material for the fifth wedding anniversary because it represents the roots and foundation a couple is creating for their marriage," The Knot editor Samantha Iacia tells us.

"After five years of marriage, couples are transitioning out of the newlywed phase and finding their groove as spouses. Wood may not be the flashiest wedding anniversary gift, but it’s practical, versatile and sturdy, which are all important qualities to embrace for a long-lasting marriage," she explains.

Other gifts associated with five years of marriage

If wood doesn't fit either of your aesthetics, there are a few other symbolic gifts that also represent the milestone. Here, Iacia breaks down their meaning:

  • Silverware: "Like wood, silverware is practical and useful, but it has a little more flair thanks to its metallic finish," she says.
  • Sapphire: "Sapphire is the fifth wedding anniversary gemstone, symbolizing loyalty, clarity and healing," Iacia explains. (Bonus points if they're also a Virgo. Sapphire is the birthstone for September!)
  • Daisies: "Daisies represent happiness and optimism. Give fresh daisies or daisy-themed items for a unique anniversary gift that’s lighthearted and playful," she suggests. 

5th anniversary wood gifts

Mud Pie You’ve Got This Wood Trinket Dish

When times are tough, it helps knowing that you have your best friend by your side. This mini trinket tray is made of wood and has the phrase "You've got this" on it to remind you that your spouse is always in your corner.

Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood 3-Wick Candle

Prefer not to take the wood theme so literally? Burn a candle that smells like fresh wood instead. This one has fragrance notes of mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak and frosted lavender.

Scroll Heart Wooden Photo Album

Take a walk down memory lane and put together a photo album with all of the highlights from your relationship so far. This wooden album has a laser-etched heart on the front and 100 pages you can fill up with your favorite pictures.

To The Moon And Back Stainless Steel Poster

If you love your sweetie to the moon and back, you'll get all the warm and fuzzy feelings when you look at this poster on your wall. Available in multiple sizes, the poster can be framed in five ways, including one frame that resembles wood.

5th anniversary gifts for her

Loft Floral Skinny Scarf

Each time your wife sports this scarf, she’ll smile remembering you bought it for your fifth wedding anniversary. The pretty floral print features several vibrant colors (including daisies!) and would look equally chic paired with formal or casual attire.

Asutra Silk Eye Pillow

Shopping for a gal who loves her beauty sleep? Help her catch some zzz's with this weighted silk eye pillow that comes in 11 colors. It has a subtle lavender scent and can be popped in the microwave for a bit of heat therapy or tossed in the freezer for a cooling effect.

Wallaroo Hat Company Scrunchie Hat

Upgrade your favorite gal's go-to sun hat with this fashionable option that's made with a UPF 50+ fabric that blocks harmful UV rays. The packable style can be rolled up and comes in 10 colors.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Side Zip Cardigan

Nothing beats cuddling up on the couch together, but this cozy cardigan sure comes close. Available in four colors, the zip sweater is made of an ultra soft material she won't want to take off.

5th anniversary gifts for him

Super Mario Bros. Mario and Luigi Salt and Pepper Shakers

Cooking together is a great bonding activity and it's even more fun when you have kitchen essentials that match your personality. If your favorite guy is an avid gamer, he'll dig these mini salt and pepper shakers that are shaped like Mario and Luigi. They even come with a question block base that Nintendo fans will love.

Rag & Bone 51mm Sunglasses

Fact: You can never have too many sunglasses. Whether your main squeeze is constantly losing his shades or he has a growing collection, he'll appreciate these square frames with a tortoiseshell design.

Manscaped The Beard Hedger

Consider this one a gift for you and him. This waterproof beard trimmer offers a 60-minute battery life, a unique cutting angle and 20 different length settings.

Chrome Industries Camden 16L Backpack

This spacious backpack is equally perfect for travel or the gym. Notable features include comfortable shoulder straps, a laptop sleeve, a water bottle sleeve and a lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects. Plus, it comes in four colors so you can choose the one that best fits his style.

5th anniversary jewelry gifts

Alex and Ani Sapphire Crystal Charm Clip Bangle

A subtle touch of sapphire, this silver bangle bracelet features a pint-sized charm with the blue gem in the center. It's a fun way to honor the theme without going over the top.

Radiance by Absolute Open Heart Drop Earrings

Available in gold and silver varieties, these heart-shaped earrings are an endearing pick for the lovely lady in your life. The bejeweled style will catch the light every time she turns her head and will serve as a beautiful reminder of the love you share. 

Swarovski Mixed Metal Flower Bracelet

Not fond of real flowers? This floral bracelet is a stylish alternative to actual blooms. It features a sweet crystal daisy charm, a mixed metal finish and a sliding clasp.

Zales Men’s Light Wood Inlay Cuff Bracelet

Guys who love a bit of bling every now and then will perk up when they open this gift. The cuff bracelet has a wood inlay and a stainless steel exterior.

Personalized 5th anniversary gifts

Infinite Love Personalized Glass Wedding Vase

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or bringing home a fresh bouquet of flowers just because, you’ll always have somewhere to put them with this glass vase. It can be personalized with your title, date and last name that’ll make you smile every time you see it.

Vistaprint Wood Prints

This wood photo print is perfectly on theme for your anniversary. All you need to get started is a photo of you and your spouse. Once you upload it, you can select a natural finish or a white base, choose your size and wait (im)patiently for it to arrive at your doorstep.

Custom Wood Sign

It feels pretty sweet to share a last name in marriage, so it makes sense why you’d want to show it off. To ring in five years of wedded bliss, consider a custom wood sign with your last name and the year of your marriage. This one even has a dynamic 3D appearance!

Perfect Pair Heart Cutting Board

This cutting board is a fun way to create a custom gift that's still on theme for your sweetheart. You can personalize it with your names or a message that's meaningful to you as a couple.

5th anniversary food gifts

Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries

After enjoying a romantic anniversary dinner, treat yourselves to some chocolate-covered strawberries at home to kick off the second part of the evening. This set comes in half dozen, dozen and two dozen varieties depending on how much of an appetite (or sweet tooth) you have.

Taylor Chip Cookies

If you and your spouse are cookie monsters, you’ll both enjoy a delicious dozen (or half dozen) cookies from Taylor Chip. The company was founded by husband and wife duo Sara and Doug Taylor. You can select which cookies you want or opt for a themed dozen like one called “The Most Chocolatey.”

Hickory Farms Chardonnay & Savory Snack Collection

Throw yourself a mini party at home with this gift box that comes with everything you need to create your own charcuterie board. It includes dry salami, cheese, strawberry fig jam, olive oil, rosemary crackers and a bottle of chardonnay.

Wolferman's Bakery Mix & Match Bakery Gift

Breakfast in bed with your sweetheart is a real treat, but some days you just feel too lazy to cook. Make it easy for yourself by just ordering this bakery set instead. You can choose from a variety of breakfast faves including Belgian waffles, English muffins, sweet rolls, scones and loaf cakes. Yum!

Celebration Dozen Box

Do you ever really need an excuse to order cupcakes? Not really, but an anniversary is an extra special reason to indulge. This box comes with a dozen of Sprinkles' bestselling sprinkle cupcakes, so it's extra celebratory and festive.

5th anniversary gifts you both can enjoy

Happy Gerbera Daisies 12 Stems

Flowers are a classic anniversary gift that will never go out of style. This bouquet is on theme for a fifth anniversary with its colorful Gerbera daisies and is available in 12 or 24 stems. Plus, you can decide which vase you both adore the most!

K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker

This one is perfect for the couple who can't wake up without a jolt of caffeine. The single-serve coffee maker brews your morning cup of java in a jiffy and comes in seven color options. It also features a slim design that won't take up too much counter space.

Four Seasons Gift Card

Craving a much-needed couple getaway? You’ve certainly earned it. If you’re not sure where you’d like to go but want to get the vacation planning started, you can pick up a Four Seasons gift card that can be redeemed at any Four Seasons property worldwide for overnight stays, spa treatments, dining and other experiences.

Cuisinart 15-Piece Elite Series Stainless Steel Block Set

Silverware is one of the fifth anniversary themes and it also happens to be a fabulous gift option. If your kitchen knives simply aren't cutting it anymore (no pun intended), treat yourselves to this 15-piece set from Cuisinart that comes equipped with ergonomic handles and extra sharp stainless steel blades.

Casper Foam Pillow with Snow Technology

Available in a single and double pack, this innovative pillow is perfect for couples who want to stay cool while sleeping. The design aligns your head and neck to focus on comfort, while the AirScape perforated foam fends off extra heat, according to the brand.

Meet the expert

  • Samantha Iacia is an editor at The Knot, a wedding planning site and vendor marketplace.

Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for other milestone anniversaries including one year, 10 years and 20 years.