35+ Unique Gifts for Every Milestone Anniversary
We even found suggestions for tricky anniversary themes like ruby, pearl and paper!
Anniversaries are more than just a numerical milestone. They’re a day to celebrate all the big and small moments you and your significant other have shared, and all the love you have for each other. Whether you choose to celebrate your anniversary by throwing a lavish party, or you want to keep it a more intimate affair, a gift needs to be purchased! According to Hallmark, associating various anniversary milestones with a specific category of gifts has always been a popular custom, though most believe it emerged somewhere in Germanic Europe. Though you can and should spoil your soulmate in whatever way you choose, food-related (and food-adjacent) gifts are some of the most exciting to open up. They’ll also leave you with much more flexibility when it comes to finding presents for those more “significant” anniversary themes like china (20 years), pearl (30 years) ruby (40 years) and gold (50 years.) Whether you go with one of the suggestions we’ve listed below, or you choose something on your own, be sure to keep this in mind: so long as the gift makes your one-and-only smile, you’ve done a good job!
1st Anniversary: Paper
Though it’s not as numerically impactful as bigger numbers like 50, 60 and 70, your very first anniversary is still super important! Symbolically represented by paper, first anniversary gifts are meant to signify a married couple’s new life together or their “blank slate” of sorts. Greeting cards filled with handwritten messages are a lovely place to start, but if you want to get a bit more creative, we’ve included some paper-related buys below.
Want to thank your partner for "sticking with you" through the good times and the bad? This personalized bottle label is a sentimental way to do just that! Not only can it feature the message and photo of your choosing, but the vinyl sticker also fits snuggly on the front of most standard-sized wine and champagne bottles. To make your label extra-special, we suggest having your wedding portrait printed across the front of it.
This customizable recipe book from Etsy best-seller Kubik Ge is a fun interpretation of the classic paper anniversary gift. With three unique styles to choose from, including a hardcover, a softcover and a spiral-bound version, this notebook is a great purchase for spouses who love to spend all their free time in the kitchen. Each version of the notebook also comes equipped with a handy list of measurement conversions and a table of contents nestled in the front of it, so whoever you give it to will stay professionally organized, no matter what they decide to cook or bake first.
Like we said above, paper greeting cards always make a meaningful gift, especially if they’re filled with heartfelt words of love and appreciation. This adorable set is a yummy way to make your first anniversary card all the more sweeter. Featuring charming messages like, "I Love You Berry Much," and "I Love You More Than Chocolate," each card also has a sea salt caramel dark chocolate bar hidden inside it. Note: the card depicting the dog on its front has "February 14th" written across its inner cover, so be sure to save that one for Valentine’s Day 2023.
If your hubby or wifey loves cookies above all other desserts, this celebration tower from Cheryl’s Cookies is sure to make their day. Inside each one of the stacked paper boxes, they’ll find a colorful assortment of the brand’s fan-favorite buttercream-frosted cut-out cookies, plus some pretzel clusters, brownies and other sweet treats. The tower also contains some one-of-a-kind cookie flavors, including orange citrus, lemon burst, strawberry and key lime-white chocolate chip. To really play up the anniversary vibes, go ahead and enjoy your Cheryl’s goodies with a bubbly glass of champagne on the side.
5th Anniversary: Wood
Congratulations — you and your partner are halfway through being together for a decade! To mark the importance of your 5th wedding anniversary, you’ll want to get your special someone a wood or wood-related gift. Some believe the material is meant to represent the “durability of your marriage,” while others say it’s to act as a physical reminder of the “roots” you and your life partner are laying down together. No matter which way you choose to interpret it, these wood-themed gifts can help you spruce up your special day.
We can’t think of a better way to show your S.O. just how "nuts" you are about them then by gifting them this wooden crate from Harry & David on your anniversary. It’s stocked full of gourmet nuts, including jumbo cashews, shelled pistachios, roasted almonds, pecans and walnuts. If you and your cutie enjoy watching romantic movies together, this basket is a great thing to have on hand for quick and easy snacking.
Though chances are pretty high you and your partner already own a cutting board (maybe you even got it as a wedding gift!), your "wood anniversary" is the perfect excuse to give your old one the boot and replace it with something much more nostalgic. This engraved one from Etsy seller Willow Works Design Co. should do the trick. Not only can you add your married name and wedding year to the front of it, but the rustic board is also available in several wood finishes, including maple, hickory, cherry and white oak.
Nothing is more romantic than a picnic for two, especially on your anniversary! Whether you set yours up in the park or on your living room floor, this delicious bundle from Williams Sonoma can lend a helping hand. Inside the wooden crate, you and your everlasting-lover will find a chic assortment of Europe’s finest charcuterie offerings, like cured Italian prosciutto and salami, German ham (from the country’s famous Black Forest region) and a handful of rich and creamy cheeses from Switzerland and Italy. It also comes with a traditional Italian Panpepato cake, which is filled with clusters of dried fruits and crunchy nuts. All you need to do is grab a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine from the grocery store before digging in with your sweetie.
If you and your partner decided to freeze the top tier of your wedding cake, so you could dig into it at a later time (maybe on your first anniversary perhaps!), you’ll absolutely love this wooden wine box from Uncommon Goods. Based on that very same principle, the box is meant to act as a "saver" of sorts and contains three different compartments where you and your cutie can store your favorite bottles of wine. Along with your initials and your wedding date, the box, which is handmade from birch and aspen wood, can also be engraved with three separate anniversary milestones. Just be sure to make "5" one of them! The box also contains hidden messages within its design, if you look super closely.
10th Anniversary: Aluminum
Give yourself an extra-firm pat on the back, you and your love have made it 10 years together! To commemorate this joyous occasion, a gift made from aluminum is in order. Acting as a reminder of your marriage’s “strength and resilience,” aluminum can be one of the trickier anniversary themes to shop for. Luckily, we’ve found a bunch of fun suggestions that are metallic in color and shiny in texture, just like real aluminum is.
This personalized enamel mug set makes a great gift for the adventurous couple. If you and your sweetheart spend most of your weekends camping, hiking or doing a number of other outdoor activities, you’ll want to make these mugs your own. You can even get your S.O.’s first name printed on the back of their respective cup!
Although this elegant serving set from Anthropologie is crafted from stainless steel (not aluminum), they shine just as brightly, making them a nice modern alternative to the traditional 10-year anniversary present. We love the heart-shaped handles on both the knife and cake shovel, which will both continue to serve as a reminder of your love for years to come. If you’re as obsessed with the design as we are, the shop also has a set of matching teaspoons available too.
If tea or pour-over coffee plays a leading role in your spouse’s morning routine, this copper-colored pour-over kettle from Fellow Stagg will make a nice addition to their breakfast hour. The kettle’s slim "gooseneck" spout ensures that heated liquids come out evenly and steadily, and it’s vibrant stainless-steel finish is an attractive and creative way to pay homage to traditional aluminum gifts.
These whimsical salt and pepper shakers are a really fungi way to tell the love of your life how mushroom they have in your heart! Both shakers are ceramic, food-safe and will look just as bold sitting on a table as they do on a shelf or cupboard. They’ll also serve as a hilarious conversation-starter the next time you two have company over.
If you normally give flowers to your spouse on their birthday and other big holidays, this beautiful blossom-shaped pan from Nordic Ware is a fun way to keep that tradition, while simultaneously highlighting the meaningfulness behind your 10th anniversary. Unlike the other items we’ve shared in this section, this dreamy Bundt pan is actually made from cast aluminum, so you’ll also be sticking to the larger anniversary theme here too, if you choose to buy it.
15th Anniversary: Crystal
Crystal is something most couples ask for on their wedding registry, but there’s more to it than wine glasses and champagne flutes. Meant to represent the “clear and sparkling love” between spouses, there’s lots of interesting ways for the crystal anniversary theme to be interpreted. While most people will give their S.O. a clock on their 15th anniversary (to symbolize all the time they’ve spent together), we’ve also found a handful of mesmerizing crystal-shaped and glass-based gifts you can purchase.
Whether your S.O. falls into the "baker" or "entertainer" category, they’re really going to appreciate this super chic cake stand from Anthropologie. It’s two-tone color and hand-glazed glass finish make it perfect for one-on-one and group entertaining alike, and it’ll probably spend a lot more time on your kitchen table than a cake stand that’s made from more expensive Waterford or Baccarat crystal will.
One of the best parts of being married is when you first realize that what was once "yours" and "mine" is now "ours." This simple and elegant crystal decanter from Kate Spade’s "Two-of-a-Kind" collection can help you memorialize that moment forever. The collection also offers coordinating "His" and "Hers" and "Mr." and "Mrs." beer-, old-fashioned-, high-ball-, stemless wine- and champagne glasses, in case you want to get the entire set.
If you and your partner already have all the crystal you need, these delicious handmade candies from woman-owned business Misaky Tokyo make an equally breathtaking gift for your 15th anniversary. The crystal-shaped, crunchy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside treats are brightly colored, completely free of additives and feature unexpected flavor combinations, like lavender mango, hibiscus cherry and passion fruit dragon fruit. They also come packaged in a sophisticated "jewelry box," equipped with pull-out drawers, so your sweetie will be left feeling uber-spoiled after opening it.
Next to candle sticks, champagne flutes might just be the most well-known crystal-based items around. If you and your life partner already have a set of champagne flutes you use for fancy occasions only, feel free to use these colored ones from Anthropologie for everyday use. Each flute is handcrafted, rimmed in gold, and features an iridescent exterior to add a luxurious touch to all your daily meals. Stick with the mint-green colored ones pictured above or buy the coordinating blue-purple and honey-gold flutes to mix and match.
20th Anniversary: China
Please give yourself a loud round of applause: you’ve survived 20 years of marriage! All jokes aside though, being married for 20 years is a big accomplishment. Typically, this anniversary milestone is represented by tokens made from china, which are meant to symbolize the “delicate balance” of a couple’s love. Though most people pick out their wedding china before they get married, this anniversary milestone gives you the perfect excuse to add to your dinnerware collection or change it up altogether. In place of traditional dishes and flatware, we’ve found quite a few ceramic options worth clearing out your credenza for.
If your better half prefers gifts that are more on the understated side, this charming platter is for them. Hand-painted by Massachusetts-based ceramicist and artist, Suzanne Pollack, the ceramic plate can be customized with a couple’s first names, plus their wedding month, day and year. The platter also depicts a lovely hand-drawn illustration in the middle, which can feature a dancing bride and groom, two grooms or two brides.
If your better half prefers gifts that are more on the understated side, this charming platter is for them. Hand-painted by Massachusetts-based ceramicist and artist, Suzanne Pollack, the ceramic plate can be customized with a couple’s first names, plus their wedding month, day and year. The platter also depicts a lovely hand-drawn illustration in the middle, which can feature a dancing bride and groom, two grooms or two brides.
Is your S.O. the "funniest person" you know? Then shower them on your 20th anniversary with this equally hilarious porcelain teapot from Jonathan Adler. Mustachioed on one side and full lipped on the other, it’ll keep you both laughing for years to come. The funny design is also offered on a sugar bowl, a creamer, a serving bowl, a vase and a set of coffee mugs, in case you wanted to purchase the entire collection.
If you and your special someone always find yourselves talking about how great a match you are, these porcelain mugs can serve as a nice daily reminder of that very same fact. Each one is uniquely shaped to fit snugly inside of the other, giving off the appearance that the two mugs are kissing. The mugs’ handles are also exaggeratedly curved and are meant to represent two halves of a heart, according to their online description.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Like a very fine wine, a marriage keeps getting better with each and every passing year. To celebrate your 30th wedding anniversary, pearl-based gifts are the go-to standard; pearls are meant to represent all “the wisdom” you and your spouse have gained, and the “insight” you’ll continue to learn together. Though pearl-studded necklaces, rings and bracelets are common, jewelry is by no way, shape or form the only gift you can purchase to honor this moment in your happy union. Here’s a fun assortment of pearl-esque finds that sparkle just as brightly as their gemstone counterpart.
If both you and your life partner enjoy cooking together, this colorful knife set from Cuisinart makes a very practical and functional 30th anniversary present. It comes with 12 knives in total, each with its own plastic knife guard. The knives also have a lustrous, pearlized non-stick coating, so you and your sweetie can prep and chop veggies, fruits and other ingredients with precision and style!
Cupcakes always make a delicious gift, and these mini ones from Miami-based sweetshop Misha’s Cupcakes are as delicious as they get! Despite being completely gluten-free, the vanilla and chocolate buttercream-frosted assortment are heavy on the decadence. Wondering what makes them a good gift suggestion for your pearl anniversary? We’ll tell you — nestled on top of each one, your sweetheart will find a glistening, and completely edible, silver pearl!
Though we’ll be the very first ones to admit that this next gift idea doesn’t scream "pearl" right off the bat, we think our reasoning for including it in this mix of 30th anniversary gifts is pretty clever. Not only is it glossy white, just like an actual pearl, but the 5-quart bowl from KitchenAid is also scalloped like a mermaid’s tale, making it very pearl- adjacent If your partner enjoys baking, they’ll love adding this snazzy find to their collection of sheet pans, measuring cups, spatulas and other supplies. We’re also confident that you’ll be dubbed "soulmate of the year" if you give it to them along with the brand’s brand-new beet root-colored stand mixer.
Though we’ll be the very first ones to admit that this next gift idea doesn’t scream "pearl" right off the bat, we think our reasoning for including it in this mix of 30th anniversary gifts is pretty clever. Not only is it glossy white, just like an actual pearl, but the 5-quart bowl from KitchenAid is also scalloped like a mermaid’s tale, making it very pearl- adjacent If your partner enjoys baking, they’ll love adding this snazzy find to their collection of sheet pans, measuring cups, spatulas and other supplies. We’re also confident that you’ll be dubbed "soulmate of the year" if you give it to them along with the brand’s brand-new beet root-colored stand mixer.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
Since pure rubies cost quite a bit of money, we suggest looking for presents that are red in color when you’re on the hunt for a meaningful 40th anniversary present. From chocolate-covered strawberries to giant chip cookies, here are some unexpected ways to show off “the eternal flame of your love.”
Chocolate-covered strawberries are all the rage come Valentine’s Day, but the fruity treats also make a truly romantic 40th anniversary gift. These whimsical ones from Shari’s Berries are sure to leave a lasting impression. Their bright red color makes them a nice fit for celebrating your ruby milestone, while they’re' adorable design also makes them a kid-friendly snack, if you and your lovebug happen to have children running around.
Though a bouquet of red long-stemmed roses might seem like a no-brainer for celebrating your 40th anniversary, we think your partner will appreciate this bright red, rosette-covered cake so much more. The limited-edition creation, made in partnership with Goldbelly and Ft. Lauderdale-based bakery We Take the Cake, is made up of four luscious layers of decadent chocolate cake, dreamy chocolate cream cheese frosting and traditional vanilla buttercream. If you often find yourself playfully fighting your spouse for the last bite of dessert whenever you go out, this festive cake is a must.
Le Creuset Dutch ovens have long developed a reputation for their durability and reliability. Chances are after 40 years together, you and your partner might use those same exact words to describe your marriage, and each other. Keeping that idea in mind, go ahead and spoil them with one of the brand’s fan-favorite heart-shaped cast iron cocottes. Though it’s also available in matte black and rosy pink, the rustic Cerise-color pictured above makes it perfect for marking your ruby year together.
Anyone who’s been married for 40 years will probably tell you that they know their spouse so well it almost feels like they own a piece of their heart. This jumbo heart-shaped cookie from Baked in Color is a playful way to give life to that sentiment. The red-hued dessert features a gooey bottom layer made up of fudgy brownies, followed by a crunchy middle layer of crushed up Oreo cookies. A chocolate chip cookie sits at the very top, so if your partner is someone with a serious sweet tooth, this sugary treat has their name written all over it.
50th Anniversary: Gold
Whether you refer to it as “five decades” or “half-a-century,” being married for 50 years is no easy feat. In fact, it’s pretty inspiring! You should be proud of both yourself and your spouse, and you both deserve a gift that matches the enormity of the occasion. Though we’re sure neither one of you will say “no,” to a brand-new watch, bracelet, necklace, cufflinks or any other traditional gold-based present, we’ve found some additional alternatives, in case you want to go with a more out-of-the-box approach.
Though it isn’t made out of pure gold per se, this fortune cookie locket is just as rich in its overall meaning and significance. Inside the medium-sized pendant, your significant other will find a tiny scroll of paper that contains the fortune, message, wish or quote of your choosing. If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to express just how fortunate you feel to have your partner in your life, this is the gift to go with.
After five decades together, it might seem like you and your partner already own all the material items you could ever need, or ever think of needing. In that case, we suggest going with an 50th anniversary gift that’s more of a splurge than a necessity, like this whimsical bud vase from Jonathan Adler. Not only is the statement piece shaped just like a realistic ice cream cone, but it also features a luxe gilded interior made from real gold accents. Trust us, it’s the perfect way to spoil your one and cone-ly.
Gold-based gifts can be pretty expensive, but you don’t need to break the bank to adequately spoil your partner on your golden day. This champagne-colored toaster from Smeg makes a bougie gift thanks to its over $200 price tag, but it’s still super practical since you and your S.O. can enjoy it together.
After 50 years together, it might seem like there’s nothing you can do anymore that’ll surprise your spouse. Pulling this hare-sterical bottle holder out of a gift box or bag is a cute way to prove that theory wrong, since it’s sure to be totally unexpected. To add some extra oomph, go ahead and give it to them with a bottle of their favorite vintage red or white wine already sitting inside.
Gifts for Any Anniversary
Anniversaries don’t need to have a huge number in front of them in order to be a cause for celebration. In fact, it’s the anniversaries that occur in between the really big ones that are the most fun to shop for because you can buy just about anything you want to commemorate their passing. Here are some festive finds both you and your partner can indulge in, and enjoy, together.
You and your spouse will have absolutely no hesitations saying "I do" to these beautifully decorated caramel apples from Harry & David. Each one is covered in white and dark Belgian chocolate and features intricate details like sugar pearl buttons on the "bride" apple and a piped bow tie on the "groom" apple.
"Love You XOXO." That’s the adorable message that’ll greet your S.O. once they pull these golden and delicious miniature pies out of their delivery box. The assortment, from Texas-based bakery Tiny Pies, comes with 12 of the eatery’s fan-favorite flavors, including cinnamon-spiced apple, tart cherry, regular pecan and brownie-topped Texas pecan pie.
Cooking a romantic dinner for your partner is the picture-perfect way to celebrate any anniversary. If you need a little extra help coming up with a menu that’ll leave your soulmate feeling adequately satisfied, this impressive care package from Chesapeake Bay Gourmet can offer some assistance. It’s loaded with everything you need to make a restaurant-quality dinner right at home, including a stunning heart-shaped (yes you read that correctly!) black angus ribeye steak, plus two servings of au gratin potatoes and gooey molten chocolate lava cake.
Love letters get a modern upgrade with these delicate vanilla-flavored shortbread cookies from DeLight Patisserie. The yummy treats are a simple, yet effective, way to give your lover a "stamp" of approval. Want something straight to the point — go with a box of the "I Love You" cookies. Or if you’re looking for something more playful, the brand also offers an adorable "Love Bug" option.
Want to turn your anniversary into a one-of-a-kind date night?! This dinner box from McLoons Lobster Shack can help. Inside it, you and your one-and-only will find your very own DIY lobster roll kit (complete with the restaurant’s award-winning lobster tail, claw and knuckle meat), plus one quart of creamy clam chowder. The goodie-filled package also comes with a heart-shaped version of the shack’s top-selling dessert: a decadent bread pudding made from blueberries, white chocolate chips and vanilla custard. You’ll literally feel like they’re vacationing in Maine, but in sweats or pajamas!
We’d love to open this whimsical assortment of "flowers" any day of the week — and we can confidently say your significant other will feel the same exact way when they arrive on your doorstep. Composed of 12 buttercream-frosted and sprinkle-topped cookies in total, the elegant bouquet from Cheryl’s is an easy way to add a little sparkle to all anniversaries – even ones in the single digits!
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