What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

If you’re crafty, it can be fun and cute to make your own on-theme gift. Think about creating a wax sculpture or a DIY portrait out of wax-based media. You can also make some unique jewelry pieces out of silverware if you have the proper equipment. If you’re not so artsy, take the advice of Hunker Senior Design Editor, Ariane Moore: “Consider gifting a new experience that one or both of you have been wanting to try, such as stand-up paddle boarding lessons or a hot air balloon ride." Moore also suggests interactive ideas like a scavenger hunt. "You could even create a commemorative street map poster or a puzzle," she recommends. " Include an aerial shot of a sentimental location, such as where you had your first date.” And iff you’re looking for a quirky experience gift with a nod to the 16th-anniversary wax theme, consider a trip to one of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums—there are seven locations in the United States, including NYC, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

Do I have to follow traditional and modern anniversary gift themes by year?

Absolutely not! If you find an on-theme gift that’s perfect for your loved ones, that’s great, but it’s much more important to get them something that will be meaningful to them. As Moore puts it, “This is one rule that I am definitely in favor of breaking. Ultimately, you want to get your spouse a gift that symbolizes and celebrates your bond, but you also want them to. have something they'll love. And no one knows your spouse better than you do, so it might be best to throw out the list and go with your instincts. On the other hand, if you like the idea of the following tradition, or perhaps you appreciate a little guidance, the classic gift-giving guidelines might be the way to go.”

The 16 Best 16-Year Anniversary Gifts of 2023

Couple smiling at each other outdoors — AzmanJaka / Getty Images

After 16 years, they still burn for each other. They’ve fanned a spark into a flame and tended the fire carefully. And those fireworks they share deserve to be recognized and celebrated, don’t they?The traditional gift is wax (think candles, wax seals, and more) and the modern gift is silver holloware. (metal serving pieces like bowls, serving trays, or teapots). The gemstone (Peridot) and color (silver) associated with the 16th anniversary also provides lots of gifting opportunities for gorgeous jewelry, sentimental trinkets, and other accessories they'll love.

To help, we've rounded up some of our favorite gifts, from unexpectedly cool wax items to silver holloware that that's both practical to luxurious, We promise you’ll find something that will make them light up.

Read on for the best 16th anniversary gifts.

Introducing Minted + Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of customized gifts for the couple, wedding party, and more.

Our Top Picks

Uncommon Goods Anniversary Map Candle at Uncommon Goods ($45)

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10th Anniversary Gifts You Are My Rock Paper Weight at Etsy ($26)

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The Davidson Workshop Personalized Song Lyric Wall Hanging at Etsy ($125)

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Lunar Landings Massage Soy Candle at Etsy ($49)

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LISABAG01 Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag at Etsy ($160)

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Pop Shop America DIY Candle Making Kit at Etsy ($40)

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Anniversary Gifts Metal Date Night Dice at Amazon ($17)

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DANIBARBEshop Green Ombre Gemstone Ring at Etsy ($136)

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The Engraver Engraved Silver Flask at Etsy ($49)

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Georg Jensen Stainless Steel Pitcher at Saks Fifth Avenue ($249)

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

View On Uncommon Goods $45

In keeping with the traditional 16th-anniversary theme (wax), this soy candle is an amazing gift for your favorite candle lover. It has a celebratory champagne scent, and its design couldn’t be cuter. The personalized label includes a heart-shaped map of a special place and their names and wedding date. Its lid bears a punny message—“Burning bright since [year]”—and its double wick symbolizes the flames these two still carry for one another.

Price at time of publish: $45

10th Anniversary Gifts You Are My Rock Paper Weight

Etsy

View On Etsy $26

Want to make them smile with something they may not think to get for themselves (but will definitely appreciate)? This heavy metal rock is just what you need. It’s polished to shine and reads “You are my rock. 16 years.” It’s just the thing to cheer them up when they’re having a rough day at the office.

Price at time of publish: $26

The Davidson Workshop Personalized Song Lyric Wall Hanging

Etsy

View On Etsy $125

What’s the best way to show your loved one “How Sweet It Is” to be loved by them? This music lyric wall hanging. The piece resembles a vintage record player with dark and light wood components that contrast wonderfully. Song lyrics are printed in a spiral pattern around the record, and the center is engraved with the song title, the couple’s names, and their anniversary date.

Price at time of publish: $125

Etsy

View On Etsy $49

When they're feeling tense, treat them to an at-home massage. This massage candle It’s made primarily of soy wax—a great, safe option that has a low melting point and is unlikely to burn skin—and is free of any irritants like chemical dyes or fragrances. The attached wooden spoon makes it easy to apply melted wax for a soothing massage.

Price at time of publish: $46

Etsy

View On Etsy $160

If their briefcase or laptop carrier is looking a little worn, this vintage-style messenger bag will be a welcome replacement. It’s made of high-quality waxed canvas and full-grain leather and has a cotton interior lining. The bag has plenty of compartments for their phone, pens, laptop, and Ipad—and it comes in some very stylish shades, including olive green, black, khaki, coffee, and gray. You can have it engraved with their initials for a personal touch, too.

Price at time of publish: $162

Etsy

View On Etsy $40

For couples who still make each other melt, this DIY kit is a must. Not only do they get six gorgeous candles out of it, but they get to spend time together making their own wax masterpieces. The kit comes with the necessities (glass vessels, soy wax, cotton wicks), your choice of essential oils (bergamot, eucalyptus, jasmine, grapefruit, and more), and decorative additions (dried flowers, seashells, or gemstone crystals).

Price at time of publish: $40

Anniversary Gifts 16th Anniversary Metal Date Night Dice

Amazon

View On Amazon $17

Sometimes the perfect date idea just comes to you, and sometimes…it doesn’t. These silver dice present the perfect solution to that “What do you want to do?”/ ”I don’t know. What do you want to do?” loop. Just roll the dice, and it’s settled. With 36 different combinations, there’s no need to leave date night success up to chance.

Price at time of publish: $17

Etsy

View On Etsy $136

Dani Barbe is well known for her exquisite bohemian pieces made with raw gemstones, and this gorgeous ring is no exception. Along with peridot, it includes prasiolite, green tourmaline, emerald, and green garnet stones, all arranged in a distinctive hombre pattern on a hand-hammered, 14k gold-plated band. This one is sure to make everyone else green with envy.

Price at time of publish: $136

Etsy

View On Etsy $49

This stainless-steel flask is simple and sleek. It’s large enough to be functional (it can hold 6 oz of liquid) and classy enough to display in the office. You also get to choose an engraving style and message to make it a one-of-a-kind gift for someone who’s one in a million.

Price at time of publish: $49

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $249 View On Houzz $261

A pitcher doesn’t have to be boring and functional. It can be, like the Georg Jensen Masterpiece Pitcher, a work of art. Appropriately, this pitcher’s lines and overall shape are fluid, and its highly polished, stainless-steel surface reflects light and images like a pool of water. The piece is an homage to an iconic silver holloware pitcher designed by Henning Koppel in the late 1940s and, as such, is an excellent reminder that classic beauty, like true love, has staying power.

Price at time of publish: $559

Etsy

View On Etsy $25

Want to make your loved one feel like a million bucks? Then snag this classy gentlemen’s set for them. It includes a money clip, tie clip, and cuff links, all in polished stainless steel. Each piece comes personalized with the recipient’s name or initials, and the set arrives in a lovely wooden box, also engraved with their name.

Price at time of publish: $45

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $180

This convertible wine carrier/picnic table makes it easier than ever to set off on a romantic picnic for two. Pack a bottle of wine, some glasses, and your favorite cheeses. Once you arrive, your carrier converts into a small table that will hold all of your snacks. The cherrywood carrier is even engraved with your family name and the anniversary year.

Price at time of publish: $180

The Beard Club

View On Thebeardclub.com

This jar of beard wax is a game-changer for anyone serious about their facial hair. It has a stronghold for taming wild beards or playing around with elaborate mustache styles, and it softens and moisturizes even the scruffiest hair. You can also pick up related products from The Beard Club’s line of beard shampoos, creams, and oils as well!

Price at time of publish: $10

Crate&Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel $100

A beverage tub is essential for those who love to entertain, and this one hits just the right balance between classy and casual. It’s perfect for keeping beers cool at backyard gatherings or chilling wine for fancy indoor dinners. The hammered aluminum has a lovely shine to it, and subtle cutout handles make it easy to carry from place to place.

Price at time of publish: $100

Dalvey

View On Dalvey.com

Somehow, you found your way to each other, and you’ve managed to navigate a wonderful relationship together ever since. So, why not commemorate your anniversary with a luxury compass to take with you on future adventures? Its mirror-polished stainless steel fob case and intricately detailed dial really set it apart. Best of all, you can have the interior or exterior engraved with a sweet message for that person who’s your true North.

Price at time of publish: $139

Personal Creations All Because Two People Wind Chime

View On Personalcreations.com

These personalized wind chimes are an excellent gift for couples who enjoy spending time together on the porch or in the garden. The chimes are engraved with a sweet sentiment—”All because two people fell in love”—and the sail can be personalized as well. Have it engraved with your family name and anniversary date or with any short message you like. What an excellent way to celebrate years and years of being in tune with one another.

Price at time of publish: $130

What to Look For in a 16th Anniversary Gift

You certainly don’t have to follow the gift-giving guidelines for the sixteenth anniversary, but the traditional gift (wax) lends itself to creative interpretation, and the modern gift (silver holloware) offers an opportunity to buy small items that your loved ones will actually use. The gemstone (peridot) and color (silver) associated with the sixteenth anniversary also leave you with a lot of opportunities to buy gorgeous jewelry and accessories or cute trinkets that they’ll love.

The traditional gift, wax

Wax is, of course, closely associated with candles; their flames represent the passion partners feel for one another. This does not, however, limit your gift options as you may think. There are plenty of wax-related gifts for lovers of beauty products, spa days, coats, shoes, bags, crafting, and more. So, feel free to think outside the box when searching for a “traditional” gift.

The modern gift, silver holloware

Holloware refers to metal serveware and includes an array of items like bowls, serving trays, teapots, and more. The only exception to this category are flatware and utensils. Silver holloware is a symbol of longevity and representative of time spent sharing meals together. Traditionally, it was made of sterling silver—today, it’s much more common to give silver-colored holloware, which is often made of stainless steel core.

When buying a holloware gift for someone, consider their tastes and needs. If they love antiques (and if you have the budget), you might consider looking for a vintage piece that actually is made of sterling silver. If they prefer modern pieces, you might look for a well-designed, high-quality piece made by a contemporary designer. You should also think about what they need. If they love to entertain, they might need a large beverage tub or pitcher. If they enjoy small family gatherings, you might consider a small serving bowl or even a champagne bucket for a romantic dinner.

The gemstone, peridot

Many people aren’t familiar with peridot, but it’s a beautiful, green gemstone with a distinctive, chartreuse hue. It has long been thought to be a source of strength, cheerfulness, balance, health, and peacefulness, all of which are incredibly beneficial to any marriage. If you’re shopping for someone who loves jewelry and other metal accessories, a peridot piece will be a lovely addition to their collection.

The color, silver

You can buy so many incredible gifts that are silver-colored or made of silver like jewelry, picture frames, and dinnerware. You could also repurpose a silver trophy or medal commemorating the "world’s best partner." Consider wrapping your gifts in silver paper too, if you want to nod to a 16th anniversary theme.

Ultimately, you'll want to choose a gift that will have meaning for your loved one—an activity they’ll enjoy, a household item they’ll make use of, or a token of affection that they’ll cherish.

FAQ

What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

If you’re crafty, it can be fun and cute to make your own on-theme gift. Think about creating a wax sculpture or a DIY portrait out of wax-based media. You can also make some unique jewelry pieces out of silverware if you have the proper equipment.

If you’re not so artsy, take the advice of Hunker Senior Design Editor, Ariane Moore: “Consider gifting a new experience that one or both of you have been wanting to try, such as stand-up paddle boarding lessons or a hot air balloon ride."

Moore also suggests interactive ideas like a scavenger hunt. "You could even create a commemorative street map poster or a puzzle," she recommends. " Include an aerial shot of a sentimental location, such as where you had your first date.”

And iff you’re looking for a quirky experience gift with a nod to the 16th-anniversary wax theme, consider a trip to one of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums—there are seven locations in the United States, including NYC, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
Do I have to follow traditional and modern anniversary gift themes by year?

Absolutely not! If you find an on-theme gift that’s perfect for your loved ones, that’s great, but it’s much more important to get them something that will be meaningful to them. As Moore puts it, “This is one rule that I am definitely in favor of breaking. Ultimately, you want to get your spouse a gift that symbolizes and celebrates your bond, but you also want them to. have something they'll love.

And no one knows your spouse better than you do, so it might be best to throw out the list and go with your instincts. On the other hand, if you like the idea of the following tradition, or perhaps you appreciate a little guidance, the classic gift-giving guidelines might be the way to go.”

Meet the Expert

Ariane Moore is based in Los Angeles and is the senior design editor for Hunker.

Why Trust Brides

Mckenzie Eggers takes gift-giving seriously, and she knows the practice can be a meaningful act of care and an opportunity to show someone you listen to them, see them, and value them. For example, her best friend used to complain that her feet were always cold. So, Mckenzie got her a pair of heated socks for her birthday to keep her feet nice and toasty.