6th Anniversary Gift
For the 6th anniversary, the traditional US list turns to iron, and the modern list to wood objects. The British tradition differs: there the 6th is the sugar anniversary.
6th Anniversary Gift at a glance
| Traditional gift | Iron |
|---|---|
| Modern gift | Wood objects |
| Gemstone (GIA list) | Amethyst (February birthstone) |
| Flower (Emily Post Institute) | Calla lily |
| Length of marriage | 2,191 or 2,192 days (1 or 2 February 29s) |
Why iron for the sixth anniversary?
Iron comes in two forms that look alike but behave very differently. Cast iron holds a lot of carbon, usually 3.0 to 3.7 percent, says the National Park Service. It is poured molten into molds, so it can take almost any shape. It is also too hard and brittle to shape by hammering. Wrought iron is almost pure iron, with very little carbon. It is soft and tough, so a smith can heat it and work it into scrolls and railings. Cooking in unglazed cast iron can also raise the iron content of food, Clemson University's extension service notes.
Seasoning cast iron and telling it from wrought iron
- Seasoning is oil heated past its smoke point until it bonds into a water-resistant coat. Every meal cooked with oil adds to it, says NC State Extension.
- Buying antique ironwork? Cast iron often shows mold lines and is bolted or screwed together. Wrought iron pieces are riveted or heat-welded, the National Park Service explains.
- New "wrought iron" gates, railings and house signs are usually mild steel. The National Park Service notes that mild steel is now used for new hand-worked metalwork.
- For the modern gift, a wooden board or bowl, skip olive or vegetable oil when you oil it, since they can turn sticky and rancid.
6th anniversary gift ideas
- Cast iron cookware, such as a skillet or a Dutch oven
- An iron garden bench, candle holder or piece of wall art
- A wrought iron house number or sign with your family name
- Something wooden for the home: a bowl, a shelf or a frame (modern)
When is your 6 year wedding anniversary?
More date tools: Anniversary Calculator, Birthday Calendar, What Day Was I Born.
Anniversary gifts for other years
6th Anniversary Gift questions
What is the 6 year anniversary gift?
Iron, with wood objects as the modern choice. In 1937 the American National Retail Jeweler Association, now Jewelers of America, introduced an expanded list that gave a gift for each year up to the 20th.
Can a cast iron skillet go in the dishwasher?
No. University of Maine Extension says never to soak cast iron or put it in a dishwasher, because that ruins the seasoning and makes the pan rust. Wash it by hand with only a little soap. Dry it well, then wipe a thin layer of neutral oil inside.
Published October 9, 2026. Last updated October 29, 2026.