55th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional, Modern and Symbolic Anniversary Gifts

Below is a list of both traditional and modern gift materials, as well as classic flower and gemstone symbols, which mark a couple’s 55th wedding anniversary in countries around the world…

Traditional Gift – UK		Emerald
Traditional Gift – US		Emerald
Traditional Gift – Spain		Emerald
Traditional Gift – Germany		Platinum
Traditional Gift – Russia		Emerald
Traditional Gift – France		Orchid
Traditional Gift – Italy		Emerald
Flower Gift		Green Foliage Plants
Gemstone Gift		Emerald
Modern Gift		Emerald

About 55th Wedding Anniversaries

The 55th wedding anniversary might not have a traditional symbolic name in marriage folklore, but it is identified with a stunning gift theme. For many couples, this is known as the “Emerald Anniversary” and – like emeralds – a marriage that lasts 55 years is an extremely rare find indeed.

To commemorate such a dazzling event, the couple, friends and family members should be at their most inventive to ensure the big day is celebrated in glittering style.

Pearly Whites Bouquet – £26.99, Flying Flowers

How to Celebrate a 55th Wedding Anniversary

Arrange a short break or extended holiday in Ireland, popularly known as the Emerald Isle. If you fancy a quiet holiday in the verdant countryside, or even something a bit livelier, Ireland offers the ideal getaway and celebration for all tastes and ages.

Even better, if you are living in the UK or even elsewhere in Europe, tickets for a short flight and accommodation won’t break the bank. Ireland – ever-welcoming and hospitable – will ensure the happy couple can enjoy a celebration bathed in emerald-themed 55th wedding anniversary fun and pleasure.

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” Quoted by: Aristotle

55th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him, Her, Parents and Grandparents

For the green-fingered, there is a huge range of gifts you can buy to incorporate the emerald, or at least an emerald or green-coloured theme.

If you are on a modest budget, opt for plants that will make an impressive impact and last year on year: perhaps a shrub, architectural plant or herb collection.

If you can spend a bit more, consider trees, either fruit or decorative, to provide an attractive splash of green to any garden or patio.

Alternatively, put together an “emerald” basket filled with gifts in shades of green, such as note cards, candles, green tea, and snacks and treats in green packaging. And add a card to wish them a “Happy Emerald Anniversary”.

55th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him

What can I buy my husband for our 55th wedding anniversary?

These gift ideas would also be ideal for parents and grandparents celebrating their 55th anniversary. Tailor your gifts around their special interests and activities.

55th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her

What should I buy my wife on our 55th wedding anniversary?

Personalised message gifts are a great idea for any couple, and they are available in many items… including vases and glass tumblers, to name just two.

55th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him & Her

Travel & Experience Gifts

• Location visit
• Travel and activity gift vouchers
• Adventure days
• Food and drink (afternoon tea for two)
• Country house stay and dinner for two
• Escape to the country (many locations to choose from)
• Luxury spa day for two
• Champagne afternoon tea for two
• Eden Project private guided rainforest tour for two

Jewellery

The traditional 55th anniversary gemstone is emerald.

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Rings
• Necklace
• Tie Pin
• Cufflinks

Forty Shades of Green

American country singer Johnny Cash wrote the song “Forty Shades of Green” in 1959 during a trip to Ireland. The lyrics begin:

Green, green, forty shades of green

I close my eyes and picture

The emerald of the sea

From the fishing boats at Dingle

To the shores of Donaghadee

I miss the river Shannon

And the folks at Skibbereen

The moorlands and the meddle

With their forty shades of green”

For Something Slightly Different

• Follow in the steps of Johnny Cash – at least some of them – and book a luxury boat cruise along the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river and named after the Celtic goddess Sionna (“possessor of wisdom”). You might even see the mythical river monster Cata, which is described as having a horse’s mane, gleaming eyes, thick feet, nails of iron and a whale’s tail.
• If monster-watching is not exactly your thing, you could stay in Dublin and spend many chilled-out hours ambling around the city’s 1,500 hectares of parks – with a few revitalising pub stops along the way.

The “7-38-55 rule” – a concept related to communicating emotions – states that 7% is through the spoken word, 38% tone of voice and 55% body language. So, no matter how you celebrate – and whatever anniversary budget you have available – an extraordinary gift is possible. It’s all about communicating love.

Next Anniversaries

56th wedding anniversary
57th wedding anniversary
58th wedding anniversary
59th wedding anniversary
60th wedding anniversary