Anniversaries are a time to celebrate, but we know they can also be stressful when it comes to the gift exchange. No matter how long you and your partner have been together, thinking up a perfect anniversary present is never an easy task. However, the great thing about dating anniversaries is that you don’t have to subscribe to any traditional gift ideas. So you can focus solely on your partner and your relationship to come up with a gift they'll cherish.
“I always like to start with something light and fun, and then layer in a more serious, bigger gift on top, if it’s a special occasion,” says Ann Cantrell , founder of Brooklyn-based Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store. “For instance, a little treat might be a special candle, book, or soaps or something that reminds you of them." When shopping for an anniversary gift for your girlfriend, look for thoughtful items that feel personal and that represent her or your relationship together. Think about her hobbies, interests, and passions or the many things you love to do together, then go from there.
To help you find the best anniversary gift for your partner, we researched various options, considering their customization, sentimentality, and overall quality. For something fun to do together as a couple, we recommend the Comrades In Life, Love & Adventure - Custom Trip Journal For Couples and Eat What You Watch: A Cookbook for Movie Lovers Hardcover. Looking for something totally sweet and sentimental? Your partner will adore the HENDOGDesignsGB 12 Mini Love Letters and the Wood Life Prints Night Sky When We Met Personalized Gift.
Read on to find the best anniversary gifts for your girlfriend.
VRAI Duo Lariat Bracelet
Diamonds really are a girl's best friend, at least when they come on a gorgeous accessory like this one. Selected from the VRAI x Brides Collection, this dainty and elegant bracelet features two petite round brilliant lab-grown diamonds displayed in a minimal setting that’s simple yet modern. With a customizable 14k solid yellow or white gold adjustable chain, your girlfriend will wear this for years to come.
Image 3D Create Your Own Reel Viewer
Take a retro spin on the traditional photo album, and gift your partner this interactive reel viewer. Simply upload photos from a recent trip or highlights from your relationship, and Uncommon Goods will turn them into this fun childhood game. Aside from personalizing this gift with your pictures, you can also choose between a red, blue, black, or white reel viewer. We love how interactive this gift is, and you can even purchase an extra reel redemption card, so your partner can make one in the future.
Custom Trip Journal For Couples
Gift your partner this personalized journal to document your travels together. You can choose between four different color schemes for the front cover and customize it with your names. Measuring 6.25 x 8.25 inches, it's the ideal size to throw into a tote or duffle bag on a day trip or in a suitcase for longer vacations. We also love that it has a hardcover, so it should last through years of travel and re-reading. It has 80 college-ruled pages (160 pages if you write front and back) that are acid-free. The best part is that this gift will only get more special with time as you fill up pages with beautiful memories.
Knock Knock What I Love About You Book
Truly great gifts don’t have to cost a lot, and this fill-in-the-blank book is proof. Ringing in at $10, it’s a great budget piece that offers endless value, allowing you to pour out your heart to your partner. It's the perfect way to let them know just how amazing they are and why you love them. Each page has a prompt for you to fill in, such as “I love going to _____ with you.” Your partner will love this precious keepsake, and it's bound with a hardcover so it will last for years to come.
Lunya Washable Silk Set
Gift your partner a luxurious sleep experience with these washable silk pajamas. You can pick between six colors, and they're available in inclusive sizing, so there's an option for every body type. Each set includes a 100 percent mulberry silk tank top and matching shorts, and they are thermoregulating to keep your partner at a comfortable body temperature all night long. It's truly the gift of their dreams!
Kurafuchi Rose Gold Dainty Double Multicolor Necklace
If you’re nervous about nailing exactly what type of jewelry your partner loves, this simple gold strand is a crowd-pleaser. The tiny seed beads add a fun pop of color to any outfit, and your partner will be able to wear and layer this necklace with any of their favorite pieces. You can choose from three color palettes for the beads and several chain lengths to find the perfect fit. We recommend going for a longer chain if your partner already layers necklaces.
Eat What You Watch
The couple that binge-watches together stays together, right? Level up your date nights by watching your favorite show and making a thematic meal with this cookbook. Enjoy "Goodfellas" with pasta and gravy or "Kramer vs. Kramer" with vanilla bourbon French toast sticks courtesy of Andrew Rea, the man behind Youtube’s "Binging with Babish." It has over 40 recipes and comes in a durable hardcover book. Cook the recipes together before you unwind with your show or film for some precious time spent at home.
Wood Life Prints Night Sky When We Met Personalized Gift
You may not be able to fully capture that magical feeling of the night you met, but you can get pretty close with this custom star map. This artist prints a custom star map of the special night along with the date, location, or any text you wish. The finished piece comes on a rustic block of baltic birch plywood, and it includes keyholes for easy hanging or a kickstand to display on a shelf or table–it'll look gorgeous on your partner's nightstand. You can choose between four sizes and three different color options for the backing of the map.
LOSARON Custom Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
You two fit just like a puzzle, so your partner will love this personalized one made from a favorite photo together. The custom puzzle comes in a few different sizes, and if you choose to do a 1,000-piece puzzle, the backs of the pieces have alphabet-labeled sections to make assembling it a bit easier. The photo is printed directly on the durable wood pieces, so it won't chip or fade over time. Add to the fun by keeping the image a surprise until you’ve assembled the whole thing.
Chocolate Covered Company Chocolate Covered Berry-Grams
Nothing says romance quite like chocolate-covered strawberries, and this is not your average box of chocolates. Each one is hand-dipped in Belgian milk and dark chocolate, then coated in a red chocolate drizzle or white chocolate letters that spell “LOVE.” Even better, overnight shipping for the dozen strawberries is included. This gift will make your favorite person feel appreciated, and it easily pairs with other gifts if you're planning something big.
Kate Spade New York Garden Drive Hinged Pocket Frame
Find two of your favorite couple photos and immortalize them in this cute pocket frame from Kate Spade. Your partner can carry it around with them or display it on a table or shelf. We love the gold-plating detailing, and you can choose between pink, turquoise, and a polka dot pattern for the enameled top.
Leatherology Medium Jewelry Organizer
If your partner is always on the run but also loves to wear jewelry, they’ll appreciate this bespoke holder. This full-grain leather case has ring band attachments and snap-on earring flaps to keep everything completely safe. It's available in over 10 colors, so you can find an option that suits their personal tastes. Plus, you can also have it monogrammed or hand-painted for an extra-special touch.
Delight Customize Your Own Message (Vanilla Shortbread Cookies)
Show your partner how much you appreciate them with these sweet customized shortbread cookies. Baker Celine Zhou can put up to three lines of text (think inside jokes, song lyrics, or just “Happy Anniversary!") onto this buttery set of 24 cookies. It comes in a stunning floral gift box, so you don't even have to worry about wrapping it.
Covet Amore Necklace
This lovely necklace is the ideal gift for romantic jewelry lovers. Small block letters read “AMORE,” and hang on an 18-inch gold-filled chain. It’s dainty enough to be worn every day and layered with other necklaces, and there’s no doubt your partner will think of you each time they put it on.
HERMÈS Mini Fragrance Discovery Set
Ah, is there anything more iconic in the designer world than the signature Hermes orange box? We think not. She’s sure to get excited when she sees the packaging alone, and even more so when she opens it to find four of the brand’s best-selling perfumes. Also nice: They come in a range of different scent families, ensuring there will definitely be something to fit her liking.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
Sure, taking pictures on your phone is the default these days, but let’s not forget how fun it is to take a *real* photo. This camera lets you capture memories in real time, and provides instant gratification, immediately printing out a pic.
Nike Waffle Debut Women's Shoes
These retro-inspired sneaks are the perfect thing to wear while knocking around town, a mix of suede and nylon in a variety of fun colors. Not to mention that they’re super comfy, with a wedge, foam midsole.
Jenny Bird Toni Link Earrings
Standard hoops get a modern and stylish upgrade, thanks to a link style and flat profile. Still, they’re timeless enough to work with pretty much any type of look or outfit, particularly given their high-polished gold finish and one-inch size.
Drybar Dryer Brush Value Set
Here’s everything she needs to master the art of the perfect blow-dry in the comfort of her own home. We’re talking a blow-dryer brush that creates perfect bounce and waves, clips for sectioning, plus detangler, finishing spray, and dry shampoo.
Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe
This robe has serious spa vibes. Made of gauzy Turkish cotton, it’s a nice alternative to those who don’t like super plush or thick robes and has an extra soft feel from the very first wear. Also nice: It’s OEKO-TEX certified so it doesn't contain harmful substances.
Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag
This just may be the most stylish tote bag she’s ever seen. We love the witty graphic and the rugged canvas material that comes in four neutral hues. Top handles plus an adjustable strap make for easy carrying, and it also folds completely flat, great for storage and/or travel.
Givenchy 61mm Aviator Sunglasses
Channel your inner Maverick with these designer aviators. The classic style features the brand’s distinctive ‘G’ on the hinges, adding a sophisticated touch. They also come in both a classic gold/gray combo, as well as rose gold and blue pairing.
VOLUSPA Mini Candle Set
We’ve said it once, we’ll say it a thousand times more: Candles really are a foolproof gift. Especially when it’s these, which look and smell equally beautiful. This set comes with four minis, in a variety of scents—including Tahitian Vanilla and French Cade Lavender—all housed in gorgeous glass vessels.
Ugg Tasman Slipper
PSA: Get your hands on these slip-ons when you can, as they’re one of the hottest shoes of the season. They’re great as slippers for around the house, yes, but also stylish enough to wear out of the house—especially when paired with a pair of on-trend crew socks. Bonus points for the fun array of colors they come in.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray
If a Chanel purse or shoes aren’t quite in the gifting budget, consider giving your girlfriend this refillable atomizer. It comes with two extra vials of the classic Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, an intoxicating blend of jasmine, rose, patchouli, and vetiver.
Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Recycled Vegan Shoulder Bag
This is an uncanny dupe for a (much more expensive) designer purse. The rounded shape and woven style are perfectly on-trend, while the faux leather looks like the real thing…but it's much more durable. Take your pick from a range of gorgeous colors; you really can’t go wrong.
NuFACE Mini Facial Toning Device
Skincare aficionados will appreciate that this tiny-but-mighty device can really do a little bit of everything. Namely, it tones and lifts the skin using a microcurrent, not to mention it works in just five minutes and only needs to be used for five minutes per day to see results.
GINGER BIRCH STUDIO Purple Capiz Shell Waterfall Windchime
Gift her this pretty wind chime and she’ll think of you every time it rings. The lavender color makes it a gorgeous addition to any outdoor set-up, be it on a patio, front porch, or just in the backyard.
VESPRO Relaxing Spa Gift Basket for Women
Bring the spa home with this gift basket. It comes with everything you need to set a spa-like vibe. We’re talking a candle, a mug for her favorite warm bevvie, bath bombs, fuzzy socks, and more. And since it’s available on Amazon, you can get it fast.
CraftsByAleja Memory Film Keychain
Guaranteed to be so much more special and meaningful than her current keychain, this one can be personalized with anywhere from one to 10 photos of your choosing. The film-inspired design is super cute, too, and it’s a fun way to remind her of memories you’ve shared together.
Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Generation)
Whether she's on zoom calls all day or loves to go for a morning jog, she'll appreciate this major headphone upgrade. These boast twice as much noise cancellation as the older models, as well as customizable fit, longer battery life, easy controls, and more.
TONYMOLY I'm Real Sheet Mask Pack of 10
This pack of 10 sheet masks offers a little something for every complexion concern. There are options for hydrating, soothing, brightening (you get the picture), so she can easily choose the one that's best suited for whatever her skin needs at any given moment.
Bamboo Trading Company Good Vibes Only Cell Phone Bag
Equal parts fun and practical, this convenient little beaded bag (which has serious ‘70s energy), is just the right size to stash a phone. It also works great for a few basic essentials—think credit cards and keys—so she'll stay organized while on the go.
Saint Laurent Uptown Leather Compact Wallet
Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. If you’re in the market for a splurge-worthy option, you can’t go wrong with this wallet. It’s the ideal size—roomy enough to house all the essentials, but not so clunky that it will take up too much space in a small purse. The crocodile-embossed black leather is stunning, accented with the brand’s classic gold logo.
Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment
Everyone likes cookies, that’s just a general life rule. But these aren’t your average cookies, oversized and perfectly chewy, a truly special sweet treat. Here, you get 12, in a mix of the signature flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. Just make sure to sneak one for yourself.
Nathalie Lete Velvet Throw Blanket
No matter whether she uses this as a piece of decor and/or to cuddle up with on the couch, she’s sure to get plenty of use out of this beautiful throw. The velvet texture and whimsical woodland motif make it truly unique, and we also love the oversized 50-inch by 60-inch size.
54 Thrones African Beauty Butter
These hand and body butters are not only pretty, they’re also practical—who doesn’t want to have an extra luxe moisturizer at the ready at all times? Two types of shea butter coupled with natural oils make the formula mega-hydrating. This set comes with five tubes in different scents, all housed in a giftable tin.
The North Face Oxeye Tech Hiking Sneaker Women
If your girlfriend is the outdoors-y type, she’ll get a kick (pun intended) out of this lightweight hiking sneaker. It offers the same type of support and traction you’d get from a clunkier boot, but in a sleek sneaker silhouette. Not to mention that it’s durable, comfortable, and cute—what more could you ask for?
Jake Makes a World Book
If she's an art-lover, she'll appreciate this special book. Published by New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, it follows the adventures of a young artist in Harlem and is gorgeously illustrated. The book makes a beautiful addition to any coffee table or shelf.
The Rainbow Atlas
Another fun coffee table addition, this book features a stunning array of colorful photographs from locations around the globe. Make this gift feel even more personalized by tagging the places you want to visit together.
NT Handmade Jewelry Birth Month Flower Necklace
Sure, you could give her a piece of jewelry that’s personalized with her birthstone, but we’re willing to bet she’s never gotten anything customized with her birth flower. Each of these pendant necklaces features a hand-pressed flower inside the glass pendant, with a unique one that corresponds to each month.
Baublebar Custom Nameplate Bracelet
If your girlfriend is into signs and spirit guides, this is the gift for her. Pick from any one of 10 “angel numbers,” set in either gold or gold pave on a beautiful bracelet.
Le Creuset Demi Kettle
Give her this special kettle and she’ll think of you every time she sips her morning tea. Made of carbon steel with a glossy enamel finish, it’s super durable, and we love the slightly vintage design and array of seven colors it comes in.
Maya Chia The Straight A Advanced Gentle Retinol Treatment
This unique retinol serum is effective, clean, and a good pick for all skin types, the perfect addition to her current skincare routine. Not to mention that it can pretty much do it all, from brightening skin to plumping to even minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And who wouldn’t want that?
My Happy Place Art Shop Personalized Custom Anniversary Gift
A fun and special piece of custom wall art, this can be personalized with your names and when you met. We also like that you can pick from a wide range of sizes and different frame types.
Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum Rollerball and Mascara Set
Floral and feminine, this Gucci fragrance is a true crowd-pleaser. And even more so when it’s part of this set, where it comes in a travel-friendly rollerball (no need to worry about spills) and is accompanied by a buildable mascara.
What to Look for in a Gift for Your Girlfriend
- Something personalized: Even if the gift itself isn’t personalized, the present should still feel personal to your relationship. It’s a nice way to ensure she feels special when she opens it, and whenever she puts it to use. If you do want to go custom, a piece of art, like the MyHappyPlaceArtShop Personalized Intersection Sign, is always a good move.
- Her hobbies: It's also a good idea to consider your girlfriend’s hobbies, interests, and passions. This can help you narrow down your gift options while also finding something they'll love and actually use. Does she enjoy the outdoors? A pair of The North Face Oxeye Tech Hiking Sneakers is an awesome idea. Does she make a matcha every morning? Pick up the Ippodo Tea Essential Matcha Kit.
- Something pretty and practical: When in doubt, go for an upgraded basic of a simple item that you know she’ll use every day. The YSL Uptown Leather Compact Wallet and Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag are great examples.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Erica Finamore is an expert in the world of entertaining and home decor. She has shared her knowledge and market skills in published pieces at Food Network Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Real Simple, Refinery29, and others.
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.)
- Ann Cantrell is the Founder and CEO of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, a modern gifting shop in Brooklyn, NY.