Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating love? Especially when you adore the person(s) celebrating. That’s why anniversaries are so wonderful. And yet, they can also feel like high-stakes celebrations. For partners, anniversary gifts reaffirm that they’re head over heels for each other and express how grateful they are for each other’s love, care, and time. For friends or family members, they are a great way to say, “I’m just as happy for you now as I was on the day you made it official.” But how do you find a gift that says all that?
Since you’re here, you’re probably still figuring that out. You can always consider the traditional anniversary gifts associated with each year or even a romantic date night. But don’t be shy about getting creative. You can give china jewelry rather than dinnerware; clothing items or fabric flowers made of silk, linen, cotton, or wool; a leather watchband or bracelet with a secret message on the interior. Or, you can toss convention aside altogether and choose something that just feels like them, such as a personalized anniversary gift. According to Katie Brownstein, resident wedding expert for Joy, that’s the most important key element to focus on. “Personalization shows that you've put thought into the gift, making it more meaningful to the recipient,” she explains.
To help you find the perfect gift, we spent hours researching the best options available online for every kind of couple. With Brownstein's expert insight in mind, we made our final selection based on the materials, thoughtfulness, price point, anniversary theme, and overall quality.
Read on for the best anniversary gifts for couples.
World Vibe Studio Paper Anniversary Custom Map Gift for Couple
Paper anniversary (AKA, first anniversary) or not, this piece of art is the perfect way to commemorate all of the adventures a couple has shared. It features a sun above a mountain range made of map pieces from the places that are significant to them. Include as many as 10 mountains to display where they met, where they got engaged or married, where they took their first trip together, and beyond. This would be a fun gift to present while on a romantic getaway for your anniversary.
Who It's For
While this is a thoughtful anniversary gift for just about any couple, it's especially on-brand for the adventurous couple who's always booking their next flight. Avid travelers are sure to appreciate this custom map print and admire it on their wall at home for many years (and adventures!) to come.
Uncommon Goods Anniversary Wine Box
If you’re shopping for wine lovers celebrating a fifth or sixth (wood) anniversary, consider this birch and aspen wine box. Its engraved, tree-trunk design includes a heart with initials and anniversary date “carved” inside and has the words “love” and “adore” hidden in its bark. The box has three compartments so that they can celebrate the passing years with something that ages as well as their love for one another. If you aren't sure which wine to include in the box, consider a wine delivery service as an additional gift so you can try new wines throughout the years.
Who It's For
Of course, this gift was made for wine lovers! If your partner, or the couple you're celebrating, is a self-proclaimed sommelier, they'll love opening up a new bottle of vino for such special occasions as your first, third, and fifth anniversaries.
Abss Oluto Gemstone Tree
Did you know that each gemstone has a special meaning, as well as a stone for each year you are married? This Etsy shop, Abss Oluto, hand-makes delicate wire and gemstone trees to commemorate each year—it's the perfect way to celebrate as a couple that grows stronger together over time.
Who It's For
This is great for the artistic partner or couple who appreciates the symbolic meaning behind otherwise ordinary items. This gemstone tree brings creativity and thoughtfulness to the forefront, and they'll think of the love you share every time they look at it.
Grace Began To Grow Custom Stamped Silverware Set
You won’t find a cuter way to celebrate a fifth or twenty-fifth anniversary than these hand-stamped, silver-plated spoons and forks that feature cheeky puns engraved in the center. The messages can also be personalized upon request if you prefer something like “Mr. Right” and “Mrs. Always Right” or “Forever” and “Always.”
Who It's For
While these punny spoons are on-theme for the fifth and 25th anniversary, they're also a fun item to gift the foodie partner or couple who loves to cook—and eat, of course! If they're always whipping up a new recipe or scoping out the best restaurants in town, they're sure to get a kick out of this gift.
The Anniversary Clock Unique Clock Display
Clocks are the modern gift for the first anniversary, but, since every anniversary is a celebration of time spent together, this elegant display makes a meaningful gift any year. The piece consists of three clocks that record the years (clock 1); months and days (clock 2); and hours, minutes, and seconds (clock 3) since “I do.” It comes with a wooden base and a glass dome covering, and it plays the first dance song automatically on each anniversary.
Who It's For
How poetic is this gift? It's the ultimate option for the hopeless romantic in your life. It will remind them that, despite the challenges, loss, and changes along the way, your love will stand the test of time.
Fossil Three-Hand Leather Watch for Men and Women
This gift has you covered for the watch anniversary (15th) and the leather anniversaries (third and ninth). The women’s Jaqueline and men’s Minimalist three-hand watches have sleek, timeless designs, and their stainless steel cases and leather straps come in a variety of tones. As with all Fossil watches, you can have them engraved with a personal message for free. What a lovely way to recognize that time spent with the one you love is the most valuable gift of all.
Who It's For
Perfect for the person who loves to accessorize, this watch is both chic and meaningful. Every time they look down at the personalized, engraved piece on their wrist, they'll think of all the amazing time you've spent together.
Tom Design Raw Gemstone Necklace
How gorgeous are these gemstone necklaces? You can select the gemstone or precious metal that corresponds with the anniversary year, the one with the mystical properties they need the most, or the one they’ll find most beautiful. All of these stunning pieces are handmade and ethically sourced, and they arrive in a nicely packaged gift box, too. So you don't have to worry about wrapping it up yourself.
Who It's For
One of these boho gemstone necklaces would make an excellent gift for the jewelry lover in your life. If your partner is always dressing up and adding sparkling accessories to their ensemble, look no further for your next anniversary gift.
Harry & David Founder’s Favorites Gift Box
Did you know fruit is one of the traditional gifts for the fourth anniversary? But why stop at fruit when you can send this mouth-watering gift box full of treats? The Founder’s Favorites box includes everything from juicy Royal Verano pears to gourmet chocolate popcorn, truffles, and raspberry galettes. It's a sweet (and salty) way to celebrate another year of love.
Who It's For
This delectable gift box is the perfect gift for foodies. They'll have fun tasting every item in the box, whether they're putting together a charcuterie board with the crackers and gouda or finishing their meal with a delicious chocolate truffle.
Wandering Rabbit Print Custom Foil Metallic Song Lyrics Art
They say music is tied to memory more closely than any other sensory experience. If that’s true, this piece of art will have them humming their first dance song and replaying happy memories of their wedding day every time they see it. The design takes the shape of a vinyl record, with the couple’s names and wedding date at the center, surrounded by a spiral of their first dance song lyrics.
Who It's For
The ideal gift for the music-obsessed, this record-shaped art piece of your first dance song will instantly melt their heart as soon as they open it. Whether, they're a singer, musician, or they just love a good beat, this thoughtful find will be a cherished piece of home decor for years to come.
Verve Culture Countertop Citrus Juicer
For a delightfully unexpected tenth-anniversary traditional tin gift, consider this retro-style countertop juicer made from recycled aluminum cans. It requires very little force to operate—which means it’s easy on the wrists—and it’s equipped with a strainer that catches seeds and pulp, leaving nothing but fresh juice in the glass. Given how stylish and easy-to-use this is, we’re guessing the recipient(s) will never buy OJ from the store again.
Who It's For
If your partner or the couple you're celebrating is passionate about health and wellness, this practical yet exciting gift will satisfy and delight them. They'll love making fresh juice each morning with this kitchen accessory that brings old-fashioned charm to the countertop.
Lovepop Despicable Me You're One in a Minion 3D card
If your favorite person or couple is a fan of Despicable Me and has a relationship that truly is “one in a minion,” they’re going to love this adorable pop-up card. If the minions aren’t their thing, Lovepop has cards for all kinds of couples—from cat and dog lovers to Star Wars nerds to writers and readers who appreciate all things punny. Now all you need is the perfect romantic message to let them know your love is forever.
Who It's For
For the "Disney Adults," the kids at heart, or the ones with a lighthearted sense of humor, this punny pop-up card makes the perfect addition to any gift.
Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art
This photo display makes a thoughtful gift for any and every anniversary, but you can even choose the frame and materials to best fit the traditional theme. The display’s geometric, heart-shaped design is both trendy and heartfelt (literally), as it provides space for 30 photos of your choosing—we recommend selecting a variety of photos from your wedding day as well as special moments and memories throughout the years.
Who It's For
This gift was made for the couple who's always breaking out their camera and snapping photos, whether they're traveling or making memories right at home. They'll love having a collection of their favorite shots displayed in a beautiful heart shape.
Paper Anniversary by Anna V. Personalized Cufflinks
If you’re shopping for someone particularly dapper, these sleek, simple cufflinks are just what you’re looking for. Paper Anniversary makes a wide variety of stylish cufflinks, using materials suitable for different anniversaries: cotton, linen, silk, wood, leather, and paper. Many of them can even be customized with initials, anniversary dates, vows, song lyrics, or personalized messages.
Who It's For
The one who's always dressed to impress will be especially appreciative of this fashionable gift. And when they see personalized details, they'll swoon over the thought that went into choosing an anniversary gift. Not only that, but it's the perfect gift for your forever wedding date!
Abren Table Runner
The table is an important source and symbol of community, family, and togetherness in the home. That’s why this table runner is the perfect household gift for celebrating the cotton (second) anniversary. Its design is simple and elegant, perfect for giving the kitchen or dining room table a minimalist, modern vibe. It’s also handwoven from 100% Ethiopian cotton and is, conveniently, machine washable.
Who It's For
For the home cook who's always whipping up delicious family dinners, this gift can do no wrong. It's a simple yet meaningful reminder of the many shared meals you enjoy at home as a couple and as a family.
Jungalow Kaya 2-Piece Ceramic Bowl Planter
Pottery is a traditional gift for the eighth and ninth anniversaries. However, it makes a wonderful gift regardless of the year. Just as a piece of pottery begins as clay that must be shaped and fired by loving hands, a couple’s relationship, at first unformed, must be sculpted into something lasting and beautiful. And if you want lasting and beautiful, it doesn’t get better than Justina Blakeney’s stunning Kaya pots, which come in 10 striking colors and patterns.
Who It's For
For the modern couple who loves a pop of color in their home, this gift will be the perfect addition to their vibrant decor aesthetic. With several hues and the choice of either a solid or striped design, the couple can purchase more to mix and match the color options.
The Adventure Challenge Couples Camera Set
Here’s a perfect way to bust out of a date night rut—and capture some fun memories in the process. This scratch-off book holds 50 unique date ideas and activities (none of which cost more than $50). It also comes with an instant camera so that you can document said new adventures and experiences, then put it all inside the book for a sweet keepsake.
Who It's For
Adventurous couples who are always looking for the next exciting thing to do will get a thrill out of this gift. Not only will they bond in their challenges together, but they'll have fun doing it!
New York Times Custom Anniversary Book
Commemorate every day of your married life with this unique gift. Simply set your wedding date and the book is custom printed with the front page of The New York Times from your big day up through your most current anniversary. We love it as an option for big milestone anniversaries, or as a nod to the traditional first anniversary theme of paper.
Who It's For
This one is for all of those history buffs. Not only will this give them a glimpse into the past, but it's a thoughtful gift that will show them how well you know them.
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin
Mix up game night with this thought-provoking, conversation-starting card game. Created by a relationship expert, it’s meant to spark meaningful discussions—and laughs, too. It’s great to play as a couple, but it's also fun with family and friends on future game nights.
Who It's For
This gift is perfect for the couples who love deep conversations, but who also like to laugh and have fun! If your favorite couple loves to host game night, they'll be sure to add this to the rotation.
Gorjana Engraved Adjustable Bracelet
Consider this proof positive that a beautiful piece of personalized jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank. (And remember, personalization is always the way to go.) The gold plate can be engraved with initials, a special date, meaningful phrase…you name it, you can add it.
Who It's For
Simple, thoughtful, and stylish, this bracelet will melt the heart of someone who appreciates a sentimental yet beautiful piece of jewelry. They'll be excited to show this beauty off on their wrist each day.
Ambergrissun Food Decision Dice
Sure, this may feel a little silly, but it’s a gift that you’re guaranteed to get good use out of. Settle the perpetual "what should we order for dinner?" debate once and for all, with this food decision dice that features six different common take-out options: pizza, steakhouse, Mexican, sushi, fast food, and Chinese.
Who It's For
Of course, this playful gift is great for foodie couples who's always debating on their next restaurant or takeout of choice. It's also a funny nudge to your spouse if they can never choose where to eat for a night out.
Sephora Perfume Sampler Set
Fragrance makes an undeniably great gift. The only problem? It’s admittedly very personal. That’s where this sampler set comes in, with samples of six popular scents so that your recipient can try a little bit of everything. Best of all, it also comes with a certificate so that they can redeem a full-size version of their favorite scent.
Who It's For
For the beauty buff who is always experimenting with new makeup, skincare, and of course, perfume scents, this gift is sure to delight their senses (literally).
Yves Saint Laurent Men's Cologne Travel Spray Set
To that point, fragrance is a great gift for the guys, too. Here, they get travel-friendly sizes of three of the design house’s top colognes. They range from bold and woody to warm and spicy to fresh and woody, offering a little something for everyone.
Who It's For
Is your spouse looking for a new signature scent? This gift will help them make their next full-sized cologne purchase.
Necessaire The Body Essentials Trial + Travel Set
Treat them to this set of luxe, unisex bath and body essentials. There’s a body wash, body lotion, and body serum, all of which are gentle and deeply hydrating. And we’d be remiss not to mention the sophisticated and minimal packaging, too.
Who It's For
For the couple who appreciates a dose of self-care, they'll love adding this invigorating body set to their daily shower routine.
La Perla Short Silk Robe in Onyx
This pick may be pricey, but it’s sure to elicit a major response. The wrap-around robe is sophisticated and sexy, with black silk and lace detailing around the neckline, sleeves, and hem.
Who It's For
For the woman who loves some luxury, she's sure to appreciate this extravagant silk robe. Plus, it's something she can actually use every day and night. And silk is also perfect as a 12-year anniversary gift.
MadeInSunState Our Adventures Box
Wood is the traditional theme for the fifth anniversary as a symbol of strength. Pay homage to that theme with this engraved keepsake box, the perfect spot to store special shared momentos—think boarding passes, ticket stubs, photos, and more.
Who It's For
This gift could not be more perfect for someone who loves to collect keepsakes from all the special moments in life. This sweet box will give them an even more sentimental place to keep them all.
Nespresso Creatista Plus
Make any coffee aficionado extremely happy with this souped up espresso machine. It boasts a built-in milk frother that can be tailored to your preferred temperature and style, meaning it can even be used to create latte art. Wannabe baristas are sure to appreciate that fun feature.
Who It's For
At-home baristas and coffee lovers will be head over heels for this high-tech espresso machine. It will give the coffee-obsessed couple something to look forward to and enjoy together every morning.
Michael Aram Heart Double Dish
An adorable gift for a couple, this stainless steel dish features two joined hearts. A brass inlay adds a touch of glam, and the small size is perfectly practical for holding jewelry, change, or other small miscellaneous items.
Who It's For
Perfect for the person who is always misplacing their keys, this sweet dish will give them a place to put their things so that they never forget again!
Puno Prints Faceless Portrait
A fun piece of personalized art, this is also a choice gift when time is of the essence. Simply send in your favorite photo of the two of you and the artist will turn it into this whimsical piece of art the same day. All you have to do is print it out and pop it into a frame.
Who It's For
This gift is great for those who are looking for a last-minute gift but still want to make it feel special. This gift is both thoughtful and artistic, and it'll make a great addition to your home decor.
Bella Cucina At-Home Pizza Making 6-Piece Set
It’s fun to go out for pizza, but it can be even more fun to make it at-home together. Here, you get everything you need to whip up a delicious pie: focaccia dough, pizza sauce, pesto, tomatoes, oregano salt, and olive oil. Just add cheese and any other of your favorite toppings and you’re ready to mangia.
Who It's For
Planning a trip to Italy next summer? This fun and interactive gift will get the couple excited for the big adventure ahead.
Our Bucket List Adventures
Another great pick for a one-year, paper-themed anniversary gift, this hardcover journal is the perfect place to document all kinds of shared goals, plans, and things to check off your bucket list. It also comes with helpful prompts and extra pages to add things like ticket stubs, photos, and more.
Who It's For
You have a lifetime to spend together, and you don't want to forget the special moments along the way. This journal is perfect for the more recently married couples as they embark on the journey of their married life ahead.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Hearts Four-Across Game
Think of this as the personalized version of Connect Four. It can be customized with names, a special date, or short message, and it makes for not only a fun game, but also a cute decor piece to display.
Who It's For
This is another gift that's perfect for the couple who loves game night. They're sure to break out this adorable game on their next at-home date night.
Plants.com Sweet Heart Bamboo
For those looking for a gift that’s similar to flowers but offers slightly more longevity, a plant is the perfect alternative. Particularly when it’s this bamboo plant, which not only is incredibly resilient and long-lasting, but also comes in an adorable heart shape.
Who It's For
For the spouse with a green thumb, this heart-shaped plant is the ultimate way to say, "I love you."
Uncommon Goods Glass Flower Garden Centerpiece
Per our previous point about long-lasting flowers, this floral glass centerpiece is another top choice. It’s also great for a third year anniversary glass theme. It’s stunning and totally unique, and it comes in two different sizes and price points.
Who It's For
This beautiful floral gift is perfect for the one who appreciates surprise flowers. Now, you can give them a bouquet that never dies.
FPM 53 Bank Cabin Spinner 21” Carry-On Suitcase
A splurge-worthy piece of luggage is one of those gifts that strikes the unique balance between being both practical (you’re guaranteed to get plenty of use out of it) and special enough to be a meaningful gift. That holds even more true when it’s this suitcase, an Italian-made aluminum hard shell carry-on that’s equal parts durable and very aesthetically pleasing.
Who It's For
The avid traveler will be overjoyed to open this beauty up. They'll feel so chic walking through the airport next time they're ready to take flight.
The Corkbox Co Wooden Wine Cork Holder
Lots of wine connoisseurs love saving the corks from special bottles. This makes for the perfect place to do exactly that, not to mention the beautiful box can be engraved and customized with a variety of different designs featuring initials, names, dates, and more.
Who It's For
There's no better gift for the wine lovers than this. You're sure to share countless bottles of wine throughout your life together, and this gorgeous piece gives you a place to remember them all.
Uncommon Goods Industrial Brass and Copper Drink Dispenser
Upgrade any bar set-up with this unique drink dispenser that makes a serious statement, thanks to the wrapped copper tubing. (FYI, copper is the traditional theme for the seventh anniversary.) It works with all types of bottles, so add the recipient’s favorite spirit of choice if you want to up the gifting ante.
Who It's For
Any amateur bar tender will be ecstatic to add this unique and eye-catching gift to their bar cart. They'll have so much fun planning their next cocktail recipe after opening this up.
Anthropologie Delaney Candle Holder
If you’re looking for a smaller gift to give a couple, these handcrafted glass candle holders are it. Give one, or mix and match a few of the unique shapes and colors to create a beautiful array that looks gorgeous as a table centerpiece, on a mantle, or on a bookshelf.
Who It's For
This colorful and unique home decor gift is perfect for the couple who has funky style and appreciates a vibrant aesthetic.
Brook and York Personalized Name Cuff
In the world of jewelry gifts, a simple gold cuff is the equivalent of a little black dress—something everyone can use and will get plenty of wear out of it. But this one feels even more special and anniversary appropriate since it can be personalized with your significant other’s name.
Who It's For
While this gift is great for just about anyone, those who love to accessorize will especially love sporting this thoughtful and beautiful piece on their wrist every day.
Smeg Electric Kettle
Fashion meets function in this vintage-style electric kettle that’s perfect for whipping up your morning cup of tea. And sure, it will look pretty on the counter, but it also boasts nice features such as a 360-degree swivel base and water-level indicators.
Who It's For
Of course, this gift is ideal for tea connoisseurs who are always sipping a hot cup of their favorite herbs.
Jonathan Adler Vienna Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
Fun and whimsical, these art deco-esque salt and pepper shakers make a great addition to any table. We especially love the combination of black, white, and gold accents.
Who It's For
This is a great gift for the couple who is always in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe. After all, you can't make a great dish without some salt and pepper in the mix.
MarieBelle Handmade Dark Chocolates
Make no mistake about it, this isn’t your average box of chocolates. They’re all handmade, filled with delicious ganache, and beautifully decorated with unique designs that truly make this look more like a piece of art than anything else.
Who It's For
There's no better gift for the one with a sweet tooth than a decadent box of chocolates.
PerraBella 3 Succulent Pots
Tell your wife how you really feel about her with this adorable trio of succulent pots that read "best wife ever." Each is handcrafted, has a built-in drainage hole, and is the ideal size for displaying on a window ledge or small side table.
Who It's For
Perfect for the wife who is always in the garden or potting her new plants, she's sure to appreciate this simple yet sentimental present.
Minted Custom Vows Art Prints
Commemorate the most important part of your wedding day—your vows. Simply send them in and Minted will turn them into a truly special piece of art for you. We also like that there’s a wide array of sizes and frame options to choose from, hence the wide range in price.
Who It's For
We love the idea of giving this to a couple on their first anniversary as a way to commemorate their first year of living our their promises to each other in their vows.
Mark & Graham Wood and Marble Platter
The pairing of marble and wood makes this platter stand out among others. We also appreciate that there are three condiment bowls included, making this a one-stop-shop for displaying all kinds of apps. And, per the gifting part of things, this can also be personalized for an extra special touch.
Who It's For
The host or hostess with the most will appreciate a gift like this one. They'll be excited to show it off at their next gathering.
Farmgirl Flowers Big Love Burlap Wrapped Bouquet
Oversized and luscious, this stunning bouquet comes with 35 stems of flowers plus tons of foliage. It’s statement-making and special, the type of flowers that really show you care.
Who It's For
When in doubt, a stunning bouquet of flowers can do no wrong. This pick is perfect for the one who loves a romantic gesture.
What to Look for in an Anniversary Gift
- Personalization: According to Brownstein, this is the most important aspect of an anniversary gift. No matter whether you’re shopping for your spouse or purchasing a gift for a couple, personal touches make all the difference. Some things to consider: Adding your wedding date, monogramming, engraving, and more.
- Sentimental Value: “Look for a gift that holds sentimental value,” Brownstein suggests. “This could be an item that either has special memories for both of you together, or symbolizes something significant in your relationship,” she adds.
- Quality: While it’s of course the thought that counts (and great anniversary gifts are available to fit every budget), Brownstein says it’s still worth paying attention to the quality of the gift. “It reflects the effort and care you've put into selecting it. High-quality items also convey a sense of value and importance in your relationship, showing that you consider your partner worthy of only the best,” she explains.
Why Trust Brides?
Brides contributor Mckenzie Eggers has over seven years of writing experience and holds a PhD in English literature from Penn State University. For this article, she researched the best anniversary gift options online and narrowed them down based on materials, price, thoughtfulness, customization options, and overall quality.
Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written countless gift guides across a wide array of topics and categories. (She also prides herself on being an excellent gift-giver.)
For this article, the BRIDES team spoke with an industry expert for their valuable insight:
- Katie Brownstein is the resident wedding expert for Joy, a wedding planning and registry website.