What are some creative ideas for celebrating your 18th-anniversary?

Physical items can always be wonderful as gifts, especially if it fits your partner to a T. But sometimes, an experience may be that much more special. With the 18th-anniversary in particular, it's a great idea to celebrate with the porcelain theme in mind. To combine the porcelain with an experience, perhaps consider heading to an art studio for a class, or even search for a DIY pottery shop. You’ll have a blast sculpting and painting a piece of porcelain art together that can later be displayed in your home. Plus, you'll always be able to remember the fun experience you enjoyed while celebrating this major milestone.

Do I have to follow the traditional and modern gift etiquette for an anniversary?

While each anniversary typically comes with a symbol or meaning to guide you, there’s certainly no need to stick to it. If you’re someone who loves to lean into symbolism, especially as it pertains to strength, durability, and elegance, then by all means go for it! If your partner has been hinting at a gift that falls out of the typical theme, don’t be afraid to go in that direction. And personalized or custom gifts are always winning choices—they'll appreciate the care that has gone into it. After all, as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts.

The 14 Best 18th Anniversary Gifts

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Marking your 18th anniversary? It’s certainly time for a celebration! From fun adventures to tough challenges, you've been through a lot in 18 years—and your relationship is that much stronger and happier for it. A thoughtful gift is a great way to commemorate this big event.

As with any anniversary, you can opt for either a themed traditional or modern gift. While many anniversaries highlight different gifts for each, the 18th-anniversary features porcelain for both the traditional and modern theme. Porcelain might seem delicate, but it’s also incredibly durable and can last for a long time—a perfect symbol for a healthy, happy marriage. It also symbolizes elegance and refinement, qualities that are ideal for a couple who appreciates beauty in their home and life together.

From graceful porcelain dishes and jewelry to special items for your home bar, we've selected a range of gifts for every price point and style. And remember, thoughtfulness is the most important part of an anniversary gift, so don't be afraid to go off-theme with a personalized present that's just right for your spouse.

Read on for the best 18th-anniversary gifts.

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While this gift may be small, it's a meaningful one—and useful too! We love the idea of wrapping it up with a thoughtful card that expresses your love. The sweet script text can be customized with whatever text you choose, making it a lovely little trinket to commemorate a big day. Incidentally, personalized ring boxes and dishes are also on-trend at modern-day wedding ceremonies.

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Certainly, by now, the two of you have a favorite song. You may have played it at your wedding, or you may sing it at the top of your lungs in the car together. Commemorate those lyrics with a sweet print. All you have to do is submit the song title and artist’s name, and you’ll receive a custom piece of art with the song lyrics, along with your names and significant date, if desired. Frame it and hang it as a unique celebration of your love.

Mark & Graham Monogram Marble and Wood Cheeseboard

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Do you and your spouse love to host? A new cheeseboard makes for a lovely gift. Made of wood and marble, it’s super durable to utilize for afternoon snacks or parties at home (and a fun echo of your wedding, if you had a cheeseboard!). You can also have it engraved to include your personalized monogram as a couple.

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Gift a flower that will live on forever. This gorgeous dahlia is handcrafted with incredible detail and delicacy. Crafted from porcelain, it carries double symbolism with its red glaze, the shade that represents passionate love. Wrap it up as the ideal gift for your partner to display on their desk, or to incorporate into your décor at home.

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Give the gift of gorgeous new stoneware for the kitchen, and then plan an evening to make a dish together. This Le Creuset baker is a total classic, with plenty of room for casseroles, roasts, lasagnas, and more. Plus, it’s finished with super strong and durable porcelain glaze that fits the theme—and will keep your cookware going strong for years.

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Is your partner a beer lover? Gift them something to fill up their favorite brew. Growlers from their favorite brewery are great, but what if you could make it more personal? This custom etched version allows you to include a name and even the date of an important occasion—your anniversary date, perhaps?

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When you think of porcelain, do stunning blue plates come to mind? They’re a long-standing traditional design and this bowl captures the best of that old-world style. Featuring a drawing of the Italian countryside paired with intricate floral motifs, it’s a beautiful piece for serving salads, holding fruit, or simply using it as a décor statement in your home.

Brooklinen

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Every couple starts off with a set of bedsheets from their wedding registry checklist that gets replaced over the years, so why not upgrade to something new and luxurious this time. The Core Sheet Set from Brooklinen is made from 100 percent linen fibers, a long-lasting and naturally moisture-wicking material. Plus, they’re light so you won’t get too hot at night.

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There’s no doubt that 18 years of marriage is a huge accomplishment. But can you believe there’s also scotch whisky that’s been sitting in the barrel that long? This Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is the ideal bottle to pop open for the celebration if you’re a scotch fan. It took 18 years of care and patience to produce this bottle featuring robust tasting notes of dried fruit and plenty of oak.

Royal Albert Miranda Kerr Everyday Friendship 3-Piece Tea Service

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If your partner is a tea lover, this anniversary might be the ideal opportunity to bring home a new porcelain tea set. Celebrate the occasion with this garden party-inspired trio, decorated with romantic peonies and butterflies. The set comes complete with a charming teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer (just add the tea!).

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Love to get creative in the kitchen together? Take it to a whole new level with beautiful cookware. This wok is made from stainless steel, but it features the ability for quick and easy cleanup with nonstick. It’s great for use with metal utensils and is even dishwasher-safe. Whether you love to whip up pastas, soups, or your favorite stir-fry, this is the ideal addition to your kitchen line-up.

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If you’re still using the same wine glasses you got from your wedding registry, it’s probably high time for a refresh. This set of eight handblown glasses comes with four Cabernet glasses and four that are specifically designed for Pinot Noir. Bonus: they’re strong enough to last for plenty of sips.

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Treat your sweetie to some serious self-care. With a combination of Epsom salts, essential oils, and dried flowers, these bath salts are entirely soothing and wonderfully relaxing. Plus, with a set of four including lavender, eucalyptus and spearmint, jasmine, and rose, there’s a new scent to try almost every day! You can even level up the indulgence and add some new spa-worthy bath towels.

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Celebrating your 18th-anniversary is certainly an occasion to raise a glass. But if you’re not able to finish the whole bottle together, you may need a saving grace. The Coravin wine preservation system allows you to enjoy a glass or two from the bottle and then preserve the flavor and aroma of the wine for up to four weeks.

What to look for in an 18th-anniversary gift

The traditional and modern gift, porcelain

Porcelain is elegant, yet incredibly durable, making the perfect symbol for the 18th-anniversary. “An 18th wedding anniversary can be thought of as stable, fine, very strong, but still glossy and new," says etiquette expert Maryanne Parker. "Porcelain is the perfect symbol of an elegant union between two people.”

According to Parker, porcelain’s origin is from ancient China, and it didn’t take long to recognize the material’s strength and durability. When tea made its way to England in the 18th century, high society drank their brew from solid, high-quality bone china cups, while others had to use teacups made from cheap clay that would break easily. In contrast, porcelain was much more durable and long-lasting.

FAQ

What are some creative ideas for celebrating your 18th-anniversary?

Physical items can always be wonderful as gifts, especially if it fits your partner to a T. But sometimes, an experience may be that much more special.
With the 18th-anniversary in particular, it's a great idea to celebrate with the porcelain theme in mind.

To combine the porcelain with an experience, perhaps consider heading to an art studio for a class, or even search for a DIY pottery shop. You’ll have a blast sculpting and painting a piece of porcelain art together that can later be displayed in your home. Plus, you'll always be able to remember the fun experience you enjoyed while celebrating this major milestone.
Do I have to follow the traditional and modern gift etiquette for an anniversary?

While each anniversary typically comes with a symbol or meaning to guide you, there’s certainly no need to stick to it. If you’re someone who loves to lean into symbolism, especially as it pertains to strength, durability, and elegance, then by all means go for it!

If your partner has been hinting at a gift that falls out of the typical theme, don’t be afraid to go in that direction. And personalized or custom gifts are always winning choices—they'll appreciate the care that has gone into it. After all, as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts.

Meet the Expert

Maryanne Parker is a protocol consultant, etiquette expert, and the founder of Manor of Manners.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Molly Allen is a former small business owner with years of experience in the lifestyle and wedding industries, with a focus on parties, entertaining, food, and beverage. She is dedicated to searching for high-quality, beautiful products that will bring a smile to any recipient’s face.