Does china only refer to dishes?

Not at all! While it most often includes plates and teacups, bone china and porcelain come in all forms, including home decor and jewelry.

Is china dishwasher-and microwave-safe?

Make sure to check the manufacturer's label—most fine china pieces should only be washed by hand and is too fragile to go in the microwave. This is especially true if the pieces have metallic accents or delicate detailing. Many couples choose to have at least two sets of dish ware—one, more durable option, for every day use and a more high-end option for entertaining and special occasions.

The 13 Best China Anniversary Gifts

People sitting around a wooden table handling plates of food and drink — GETTY IMAGES

If 20 years of marriage isn't a reason to celebrate, we don't know what is. Whether you're about to reach the milestone with your spouse or you know a couple who is, the occasion calls for a meaningful anniversary gift. And in case you're not hip to the long-standing customs dating back to medieval times, every year of marriage calls for a traditional gift that grows in value each anniversary. Each was selected as an agent of good fortune and prosperity for the marriage.

Two decades of marriage call for the traditional gift of china. The term 'china' comes from its country of origin and describes a smooth, white, lustrous, and often fragile product. It represents the delicate nature of your relationship and symbolizes the beautiful life you and your partner have built together.

Interior designer Lauren Behfarin tells us, “people can be intimidated when shopping for china because it has long been associated with antiques and fine dish ware,” but incidentally, she says, “it’s another word for porcelain.” Used interchangeably, china or porcelain has many iterations from vases to candle holders and many decorative objects in between. And the best part is it comes in every price point to suit your budget.

Read on for the best china anniversary gifts.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Olivia & Oliver Harper Marble Gold Dinnerware in Blue

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Bed Bath & Beyond

We can only imagine you're eager to update that china set you registered for 20 years ago, and this design is just what you need to modernize your place setting. This watercolor-inspired composition with gold banding and metallic splatters is both fun and effortlessly elegant.

Amara

View On Neiman Marcus $215 View On Amara.com View On Horchow.com

If you're looking to make that special someone's morning coffee a whole lot more luxurious, this Versace mug is just the way to do it. Emblemized with the signature Medusa head, this is a gift sure to wow.

Bloomingdales

View On Neiman Marcus $315 View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue $315

A perfect table addition for formal dinner parties and garden brunches alike, this casserole dish with ornate pomegranate branch handle designs is sure to make for an Instagrammable moment every time.

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma

20 years warrants popping the cork off your best champagne, and this porcelain ice bucket will keep your bubbles chilled toast after toast. And the classic blue and white chinoiserie pattern paired with a woven cane handle looks beautiful to boot.

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma $120

If you plan to host guests at a 20-year-anniversary party (because why wouldn't you?), this stand will display all your celebratory confections most beautifully. It's a traditional piece that's been streamlined for a more modern feel.

Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus $32 View On Wayfair $20 View On Horchow.com

If you're thinking of recreating the cutting of your wedding cake, this gilded cake slicer with a porcelain handle is the perfect piece to do it in style. We especially love the gorgeous bird pattern embellished with 22K gold gracing the handle.

Lladro "Endless Love" Porcelain Figurine

Bed, Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon $283 View On Bed Bath & Beyond $345 View On Macy's $345

A classic ode to love, this porcelain swan figurine featuring a heart shape is a perfect gift to celebrate 20 years. Handcrafted in Valencia, Spain by an iconic heritage brand, this piece is one that they'll treasure forever.

Lenox x Kate Spade New York Wedding Picture Frame

Amazon

View On Amazon $250

If you're still meaning to display your favorite wedding photo after all these years, this is the perfect frame to show it off. The porcelain frame with the words "better together" couldn't be more perfect for a 20-year union.

Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

It's always a good idea to gift a candle, and this one is sure to catch the eye of anyone who receives it. Enjoy notes of green vetiver for hours, then enjoy the look of this porcelain holder with 24k gold plating in your space after the wick has run out.

L'Objet + Lito gold-plated porcelain marble vanity mirror

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $425 View On Bloomingdales View On Olivela.com

This gorgeous vanity mirror featuring a protective eye shape is certainly an unconventional option, but the porcelain frame qualifies it as a traditional china gift. Her vanity will feel extra luxe while she's getting ready for an anniversary date.

Simone Rocha Cameo Porcelain Hoop Earrings

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter View On Matchesfashion.com

If your significant other is all about the statement earrings, consider this pair, which is sure to make quite the impression. Cast from gold-tone metal and set with engraved porcelain, these modern earrings are a gorgeous twist on antique styles.

Ginori The Friar porcelain incense burner

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $177

This is the most bougie incense burner we've ever seen, and we can't get enough of it. Hand-painted and crafted from porcelain, this coffee-table staple doubles as a beautiful art piece.

Scully & Scully

View On Scullyandscully.com

As far as jewelry goes, we love a good layering piece, and this porcelain bangle is sure to inspire a perfectly curated arm stack. Handmade and hand-painted with 24k gold accents, it's sure to add style to any outfit for another 20 years.

Meet the Expert

Lauren Behfarin is a NYC-based interior designer who focuses on residential home decor.

What to look for in china gifts

China is used interchangeably with porcelain and can range from luxury items to affordable pieces. No matter your budget, you can gift the traditional material to anyone celebrating 20 years of marriage—or any other anniversary if you'd like to go off the traditional theme!

FAQ

Does china only refer to dishes?

Not at all! While it most often includes plates and teacups, bone china and porcelain come in all forms, including home decor and jewelry.
Is china dishwasher-and microwave-safe?

Make sure to check the manufacturer's label—most fine china pieces should only be washed by hand and is too fragile to go in the microwave. This is especially true if the pieces have metallic accents or delicate detailing.

Many couples choose to have at least two sets of dish ware—one, more durable option, for every day use and a more high-end option for entertaining and special occasions.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Stephanie Montes has been testing the latest trends in lifestyle and beauty and, and exploring all things current in clothes and accessories for over 10 years. Stephanie's bylines have also appeared on Elle, Byrdie, Who What Wear, Women's Health, Well + Good, and more. She keeps her finger on the shopping pulse, including the best in gifts at all price points.