Why is the 50th anniversary called the "golden anniversary"?

The name dates back to the middle ages in the early days in Northern Europe, where the husband would present his wife with a golden wreath or necklace on their 50th anniversary.

What are some other ways to celebrate an anniversary?

Beyond physical gifts, think about the things you already love to do together. A wine tasting, a weekend trip to a favorite beach town, or a relaxing day at a spa are all ways to make the day special. Anniversaries are always a great opportunity to slow down and appreciate each other. Regardless of the gift or activity you choose, make sure to add a thoughtful note to your spouse or the couple who is celebrating. It's a simple, yet important way to express your love and appreciation.

The 18 Best Golden Anniversary Gifts

Senior couple lounging on a rock next to a lake — Johner Images / Getty Images

Traditionally known as the golden anniversary, the 50th anniversary is a big deal. There are different ways to honor a pair reaching such an astounding milestone. When it comes to gifting, you can keep with tradition and choose gold-themed ideas, or you can go off-theme with custom presents and other items that fit the personalities of the recipients. But whether it's jewelry, home decor, or other accessories, gold (and gold-hued products!) abound–and perfectly represent the long-standing bond that the two of you share.

“The 50-year mark certainly is a cause for a major celebration," says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s Trend Expert. "Whether selecting hand-engraved jewelry, a personalized family portrait, or a bespoke piece of decor, couples should look for gifts that represent their relationship and reflect the memories they've made together over the years.”

Whether you're buying for your spouse, your parents, or your closest friends, there's a special gift out there that will touch their hearts. We're here to help you find the perfect one.

Introducing VRAI x Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of lab-grown diamond jewelry, perfect for the big day and beyond.

Read on for the best golden anniversary gifts.

Our Top Picks

Mark & Graham Gold Ice Bucket at Markandgraham.com ($89)

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Naked Wood Works Personalized Cutting Board at Amazon ($25)

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The Gild The Gold Layered Hoop at Verishop.com ($2,295)

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Anselmo Pebble Art Family Picture at Etsy ($186)

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Vista Allegre Bicos Wine Decanter at Neiman Marcus ($140)

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Kintsugi Loo Japanese Ceramic Bowl at Etsy ($229)

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IBee Gifts Gold Foil Portrait at Etsy ($34)

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Glenfiddich’s Grand Cru Series at Drizly ($216)

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New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle at Uncommon Goods ($55)

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Please Repeat Radial Heart Stone Necklace at Pleaserepeat.com (See Price)

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In This Article

Our Picks
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Mark & Graham

View On Markandgraham.com $89

This gold-hued stainless steel ice bucket is the ideal marriage of celebratory joy and tradition. Make this chiller extra special by getting it monogrammed with the initial of their last name (and include a bottle of bubbly!). It's a timeless piece they'll use on holidays, special occasions, or any night when they want to grab some glasses, a bucket of ice, and a nice bottle.

NakedWoodWorks Personalized Cutting Board

Etsy

View On Amazon $25 View On Etsy $19

A practical gift with a personalized twist, this engraved cutting board will get used all time. Order it with their names and wedding anniversary date carved in the wood—choose from a variety of types and sizes to match their kitchen decor. Every time they put out a charcuterie board, they'll appreciate this thoughtful gift.

Courtesy of Verishop

View On Verishop.com $2,295

If you're looking for a good anniversary gift for the wife, jewelry is always a great option—especially on such a special anniversary, and these sleek hoops feel modern yet entirely classic. Read: it's a pair she'll wear all the time. She'll reach for these on every fancy occasion, but they won't overwhelm her outfit–and they're petite enough to dress up a simple black sweater.

Etsy

View On Etsy $186

While this anniversary is about the couple, it is also nice to recognize the family they formed throughout the years. Honor them with a handmade portrait crafted out of rocks, representing their children, grandkids, and other family members. It's a heartfelt gift that's perfect for lovers of the outdoors.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Neiman Marcus $140

They'll love this stunning decanter—it's perfect for filling with anything from red wine to bourbon. The vessel will allow the vino or liquor to breathe before it's served, so it will always be at its best. This piece can also be used as a striking decor element on their bar or table.

KintsugiLoo Japanese ceramic decorative handmade bowl

Etsy

View On Etsy $229

Johnson loves this ceramic piece that features Kintsugi, a Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery by using lacquer with a dusting of metallic powder. “It's a wonderful symbol of coming together beautifully, even through cracks and breakage,” she says. Instead of seeing them as flaws, this art form celebrates irregularity and age as part of the history of the piece.

Etsy

View On Etsy $34

Looking for a golden anniversary present that's both unique and affordable? This custom artwork will do the trick. Choose a picture of the couple from their wedding day or another special event from over the years. This company will create a shiny likeness crafted out of metallic foil.

The Whiskey Exchange

View On Drizly $216 View On Totalwine.com

For anyone who enjoys a well-aged scotch, Glenfiddich’s Grand Series is an exceptional present. Aged for 23 years, this liquor combines the finest flavors of Scotland and France. Celebratory times should be accompanied by a toast, and this robust blend suits the mood perfectly.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $55 View On Nytimes.com

Puzzle fans will truly love this present. Recreating the front page of a day and year from the iconic paper, this interactive gift is also informative. As they complete the puzzle, they'll slowly learn what was front-page news on their wedding day, 50 years ago.

Please Repeat

View On Pleaserepeat.com

Honor her heart of gold with this stunning pendant necklace. Worn alone or with other gold strands, it's sure to shine around her neck—and the white topaz stone in the center is an added detail that makes these pieces truly stand out.

stabo Golden Wedding Anniversary Personalized Throw

Etsy

View On Etsy $130

Johnson recommends this blanket as a personalized gift that will make a cozy home that much cozier. Made from 100 percent wool, this handmade throw will keep them warm while they stream their favorite shows and movies. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns, and add a sweet, discreet message on the tag.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Are you looking for a sustainable anniversary gift? This keepsake vase is actually a recycled champagne bottle—just the thing to commemorate the happy couple. Handmade in the USA, the olive green glass can be engraved with a personalized label that can include dates, names, and numbers. Fill the vase with their favorite flowers for a gift that will make them swoon.

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $995 View On Neiman Marcus $995 View On Bloomingdales $995

If you are looking to spoil your favorite guy with a gift that he'll adore (and use!), a sleek watch is an excellent option. This style has a distinctive, vintage-inspired profile with complex construction. A steel case, sapphire crystal face, and leather strap keeps it classic, timeless, and versatile.

Define Design 11 Personalized Watercolor Wedding Map

Amazon

View On Amazon $55

Whether it’s where you met, got married, or a place that holds special memories, this custom map will immortalize the locale with a sweet heart icon. Choose from a range of different colors and two different styles of frames—it's ready to hang as soon as it arrives.

Sugarwish

View On Sugarwish.com

From chocolate to gummy bears and other classics, surprise them with their favorite sweets in this customizable box. If sugar isn't their thing, the site also has other fun snack box options featuring treats like popcorn, coffee, and tea.

Etsy

View On Etsy $32

Johnson suggests a brass cocktail bar spoon as a unique present for a cocktail aficionado. Polished and chic, this gorgeous set will make them want to up their bartending skills (and their bar cart), and it makes stirring up their favorite drinks so much more fun.

Amazon

View On Amazon $32 View On Uncommon Goods $30 View On World Market $18

Collect all the family recipes and store them in one special book. With space to include over 80 recipes, it's easy to write in or paste recipe cards from favorite dishes. The book is completely customizable, so family members can personalize pages for the couple and turn this tome into a family heirloom.

Diptyque

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $230

Consider this a functional piece of art. It's a bold decor piece that promises to leave their home smelling like romantic roses. The scent is diffused with a simple flip of the glass and lasts around an hour. It comes with a fragrance included, and additional refills can easily be purchased.

Meet the Expert

Dayna Isom Johnson is Etsy’s Trend Expert and judge on the show, Making It.

FAQ

Why is the 50th anniversary called the "golden anniversary"?

The name dates back to the middle ages in the early days in Northern Europe, where the husband would present his wife with a golden wreath or necklace on their 50th anniversary.
What are some other ways to celebrate an anniversary?

Beyond physical gifts, think about the things you already love to do together. A wine tasting, a weekend trip to a favorite beach town, or a relaxing day at a spa are all ways to make the day special. Anniversaries are always a great opportunity to slow down and appreciate each other.

Regardless of the gift or activity you choose, make sure to add a thoughtful note to your spouse or the couple who is celebrating. It's a simple, yet important way to express your love and appreciation.

Why Trust Brides

If Gabrielle Rello had a penny for every time someone in her life asked her gift-giving advice, she’d be living on a private island. She has over 15 years experience writing about everything from engagement rings to bridal fashion. Her parents are also celebrating their golden anniversary this year, so she's well versed in gift research for the special day.