47 Thoughtful Anniversary Gift Ideas
Looking for that perfect anniversary gift? It’s a tricky question but getting it right is rewarding: anniversaries are a chance to re-light the fire of a relationship and remember how far you’ve come.
This is our collection of the best anniversary gift ideas in 2021. There’s something for every couple: whether you follow big anniversary themes or are looking for a small but great gift to celebrate your first anniversary.
By Steve Benjamins • Published Jan 28 2022
2. Rose Noire Bath Salt
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A velvety mix of roses, moss, white pepper, Ceylon tea and pimento berry. Plus, it’s aesthetically pleasing.
3. Customized Illustration for a Couple
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Portraits drawn individually that are timeless keepsakes and unique.
4. State Shaped Cutting Board
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This personalized gift is made to order and can include a heart, home or star symbol on a city or place of your choice.
7. Adventuring Together Custom Print
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Travel together often? Pick your favorite spots and have them highlighted on this print.
9. A Library of Mini Exotic Chocolate Bars
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Flavors include bacon, charcoal, coconut ash, goji berries and more from Vosges Haut-Chocolat.
11. Where We've Been
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A map for wanderers. Draw on it, write on it, put pushpins in it, color it— whatever!
16. OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker
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After two years of testing, The Wirecutter rated the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker the best cold-brew coffee maker.
20. Three Nights Wine Box
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Celebrate the everyday and the extraordinary with this rustic handmade wine box.
21. Heart Snapshot of Photos
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Create a unique collage as a lasting keepsake for your loved one.
22. Printed Photos on Handmade Wooden Blocks
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Get favorite Instagram photos printed onto handmade wooden blocks.
24. The 50 Greatest Love Letters of All Time
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The letters of some of history’s most famous lovers.
26. Spreading Hearts
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One heart shaped pizza and a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie from Lou Malnati's.
28. Succulent Sweetheart
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Mixed succulents in a heart-shaped frame made with reclaimed wood.
30. Montblanc Star Cuff Links
Buy Now →These silver Montblanc cuffs feature black resin inserts with the iconic Montblanc snowcap emblem in the middle. Make it a memorable anniversary with these cufflinks, perfect for universe dinners or high profile meetings.
31. Wedding Vow art
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Relive that wonderful moment a year ago with this personalized wedding vow art, your vows and a photo of you recreated onto a beautiful piece of art to frame for your wall. Available in two sizes this includes personalized font choices. Made to order (does not include the frame).
32. Farm Fresh Spa Experience
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Take time out together with this spa experience in a tin. With milk bath tea, a bath truffle, and whipped shea cream and a hint of mint lip balm it's everything you need for a relaxing evening. The beautiful tin box makes it perfect for gifting.
33. Silver Figure Statue
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Celebrate the Silver Jubilee anniversary with these beautiful silver sculptures of two figures sitting as a couple. Beautiful soft lines in silver, they are single figures designed to sit together. They can be ordered with or without a base to sit on, they’ll also sit on a window or mantelpiece.
34. Champagne Flutes
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Toast this milestone of an anniversary in these gorgeous Wedgewood Vera Wang with Love Toasting Champagne Flutes. Crystal flutes with interlocking ring detail above the stem leading to a gold stem. Perfect to toast 50 years of marriage.
35. Charcuterie cutting board and knife set:
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Perfect for anniversary parties, picnics or staying in, this bamboo cheese board has everything you need. A centre serving and cutting board surrounded by an outer rim deep enough for crackers and olives and completed with a pull out draw revealing a 4 piece serving set.
36. Couple dancing Figurine
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An expression of love and caring this hand-painted figurine is a woman and man dancing. Hand-carved and painted, it’s been finished in soft neutral tones. It comes beautifully packaged ready to gift.
37. Quartz Crystal Bonsai Tree
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This gorgeous gemstone tree is handmade in either brass or gold wire with Citrine Quartz Gems. Bonsai sized this will be a feature piece in any room. Each gemstone is hand strung and twisted to create the leaf design. Sitting at 7inches tall it’s a lovely addition to any room.
38. Not on the high street gift card
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Not sure what to get? A gift card from Not on the High street is perfect, bringing together unique, personalized and hard to find gifts there’s something everyone will love here.
39. Farmhouse serving tray
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Rustic white farmhouse styled serving tray that you can personalize with initials and details. Made of whitewashed wood with metal handles, this is perfect for any event or just breakfast in bed. Add the happy couples name or initials to create that perfect personalized touch.
40. Lianyu 53-piece Silverware Set for 8ppl
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Gorgeous mid-weight silverware, 8piece set including diner spoons, knives and forks, dessert forks, teaspoons and steak knives as well as 5 piece serving utensils. Elegant design with scalloped edges.
41. Cheese knife set 6pc
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Stainless steel cheese knife set. It includes an Open blade knife, parmesan knife, thin knife, flat knife, serving fork and cheese spreader. Beautifully designed with a rounded finish. Perfect for use when hosting or evenings in relaxing.
42. Echo Dot 4th Gen
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The echo dot 4th gen is a perfect gift for gadget-loving couples, the most popular smart speaker with Alexa sports a sleek compact design. Connects you to your smart house, music, makes calls and you can ask it anything (including when your anniversary is!)
43. His & Her wine glasses
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A set of two wine beautiful glasses designed by Lisa Angel. Each glass can be personalized allowing you to create a special gift for the happy couple. Pair it with a beautiful bottle of their favourite wine and you’ve got the ideal gift.
44. Bespoke framed initials
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A statement piece of wood art designed, cut and made to your specifications. A framed painted background with the couple’s initials in the centre, these are available in a range of colors.
45. Wine Trio Gift Box
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This beautiful handmade wooden box features 3 wine storage compartments each with a different anniversary on, 1st, 5th and 10th. As the couple celebrates they open and toasts their anniversary with a special bottle of wine (wine not included)
46. A Year of Dates
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A year of dates in a box. Perfect for any stage of a relationship these 52 sealed envelopes will open to reveal some magical date ideas. Includes 5 blank cards and envelopes so the couple can add their own ideas.
47. World Travelers’ Cork Globe
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Plan future adventures or relive past ones with this cork globe. Stick a pin in to decide where you’ve gone or mark where you’ve been. Cord and paper glove standing on a stainless steel stand comes in two sizes.
48. Naked Body Candle Set
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Add a bit of spark with this naked body candle set. Tiny works of sculpted art are a combination of sculpture and candle making. 3D candles in the shape of naked torsos, they are available in different sizes, styles and scents.
What To Get
Most married couples know that there are traditions and meanings for each year that you are married. If you are traditional you could certainly use these as a reference point. Here’s year 1-5 for a reference.
- 1st Anniversary- “Paper”
- 2nd Anniversary- “Cotton”
- 3rd Anniversary- “Leather”
- 4th Anniversary- “Fruit and Flowers”
- 5th Anniversary- “Wood”
Gift suggestions for the first years of marriage were meant to symbolize being practical and help in building their new life and home together. The following years included more luxury-based gifts when the couple was more established.
The list goes on and gives insight on traditional and more modern gifts. You certainly do not need to stick to these suggestions, but they could be fun to play with a bit.
Non-Married Couples
It’s always nice to re-light the fire of a relationship. Married or not, celebrating anniversaries is healthy for the both of you. It helps to remember where you started and how far you’ve come, and why you fell in love in the first place. You can choose what day to celebrate each year such as the day you met, your first date, or the day you moved in together. You are certainly welcome to follow along the same guidelines and etiquette as a married couple.
How Much To Spend
Just like any other gifts you may by, your budget should be paid attention to. Most spouses would appreciate keeping your dollars in check now that what’s yours is hers and vice versa. Try not to focus on the amount and focus on the thought and effort that goes into it. Remember who you married, their personality and what they would appreciate.
DIY & Free Gifts
- Handwritten Love Note
- Date Night Jar
- Timeline of Love (Your history together)
- Scrapbook
- Homemade Meal or Treats
- Confidence Book (ask friends and family to write encouraging notes)
- Gratitude Journal
- Love Vouchers
- Twinkle Fort
- Box of Handwritten Sex Prompts
- Video Montage
What To Write In Cards
An anniversary card is so important for couples. Even if you don’t go the traditional Hallmark route, you could make your own. Use your words to let your spouse know that your love and appreciation for them is still there, regardless of how often you say it aloud. Obviously use your personal experiences to speak from the heart, but here’s some ideas if you’re stuck!
Sweet
- When I’m around you, I know that I can be my true self. You are the only person I can say that about. Thank you for accepting me.
- I love having you as my (wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend). You are a blessing from God.
- My time with you is valuable. Today, we get to celebrate the time that we’ve been blessed to spend together. Thank you for your commitment and investment in our relationship.
- You deserve for me to tell you how much I appreciate you more often. Time flies when I’m having fun living life with my best friend.
- Forever wouldn’t be long enough to be with the most important person in my life.
Silly
- I think it’s time to let you know that I’ve been dating someone, and I really love them. It’s you!
- I am glad that you let me be myself. I don’t know that I could do that with anyone else without the person thinking I am crazy. Maybe I am a little crazy.
- Happy Anniversary to someone I can talk to, laugh with, cry with, and cause some trouble with.
- You are always the right person to have around at the right time. Right now, I just need you to be my anniversary date.
FAQ
What are milestone anniversaries?
The most celebrated milestones start with the 1st anniversary and while celebrating each year is common the major milestones are considered to be 10years, 25years and then 50years.
Which anniversary is the paper anniversary?
The first anniversary is the paper and while it seems a bit plain there’s a whole range of fun ideas that can be created with paper. From personalized books to origami treasure hunts, if you’re not sure where to start try our features gift suggestion above.
Do you have to give an anniversary gift on your wedding day?
This one a personal choice and depends on you and your partner. Some people love anniversaries and go all out while others don’t make a big deal about them. Our advice if is you aren’t sure a gift is always appreciated.