What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

If you’re one of those fortunate, artsy people, something handmade would make an incredibly touching gift. You could use the material associated with a specific anniversary (paper, cotton, leather, wood, etc.) or work in whatever medium is most comfortable for you. If you’re less crafty but still want to give something personal, consider making a scrapbook or using one of the many online services available to create and print a photo album . If you have video editing skills, a short film composed of snippets from past events and/or clips of loved ones expressing their good wishes would definitely bring on the waterworks. For less sentimental but still out-of-the-box ideas, consider classes couples can take together—such as cooking classes or photography classes—to explore a shared interest or develop a new one. Or, create an opportunity for silliness and/or adventure. Pay for a visit to a trampoline park, panic room, ax-throwing facility, or something similarly out of the ordinary. You can also do something that they’ve been wanting to try for a while. Surprise them with a dinner reservation at that restaurant they’ve been talking about—or with takeout from there. Take them hiking on that trail they’ve been sending you pictures of. Or schedule a quick weekend trip to a place they’ve been wanting to explore.

What are the main anniversary gifts by year?

This list of traditional anniversary gifts by year will share the traditional gifts, modern gifts, and gemstones that correspond with each anniversary year. While it can be fun to follow the guidelines for each year, it's not required—what matters most is the thoughtfulness and sentiment behind the gift.

The 15 Best Anniversary Gifts for Couples in 2023

Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating love? Especially when you adore the person or couple celebrating. That’s why anniversaries are such a wonderful occasion. And yet, they can also feel like high-stakes gifting events. 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, anniversary gifts 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?

You can always consider the traditional anniversary gifts associated with each year or even a romantic date night. However, 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; and 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.

To help take the hassle out of your shopping experience, we've researched the best anniversary gifts that all kinds of couples are sure to appreciate. We scoured the web and narrowed down our top selections based on materials, cost, thoughtfulness, customization options, and overall quality.

Read on for the best anniversary gifts for couples.

Introducing Minted + Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of customized gifts for the couple, wedding party, and more.

Our Top Picks

World Vibe Studio Paper Anniversary Custom Map Gift for Couple at Etsy

Jump to Review

Uncommon Goods Anniversary Wine Box at Uncommon Goods

Jump to Review

Abss Oluto Gemstone Tree at Etsy

Jump to Review

Grace Began To Grow Custom Stamped Silverware Set at Etsy

Jump to Review

The Anniversary Clock Unique Clock Display at Etsy

Jump to Review

Fossil Three-Hand Leather Watch for Men and Women at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Tom Design Raw Gemstone Necklace at Etsy

Jump to Review

Harry & David Founder’s Favorites Gift Box at Harry & David

Jump to Review

Wandering Rabbit Print Custom Foil Metallic Song Lyrics Art at Etsy

Jump to Review

Verve Culture Countertop Citrus Juicer at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides?

World-vibe-studio-paper-anniversary-custom-map-gift-for-couple

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.

Price at time of publish: Starting at $44

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

View On Uncommon Goods

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.

Price at time of publish: $185

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.

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.

Price at time of publish: Starting at $45

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

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.”

Price at time of publish: Starting at $35

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

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.

Price at time of publish: $400

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

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Davidjones.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $130

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.

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.

Price at time of publish: $42

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

View On Harry & David

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.

Price at time of publish: $125

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

Etsy

View On Etsy

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.

Price at time of publish: Starting at $28

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.

Surlatable

View On Neiman Marcus View On Uncommon Goods View On Uncommon Goods

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.

Price at time of publish: $99

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

View On Lovepopcards.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $15

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.

View On Minted

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.

Price at time of publish: Starting at $56

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

View On Paper-anniversary.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $69

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!

Boleroadtextiles

View On Boleroadtextiles.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $85

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

View On Jungalow.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $69

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.

What to Look for in an Anniversary Gift

Personalized items: If you're shopping for your partner, personalized items like monogrammed or engraved watches, cufflinks, jewelry boxes, or leather bags are perfect. If you can find items made from traditional or modern gift materials, even better! Whatever you settle on, choose a gift that shows you know and listen to them well and one that makes it clear that you cherish the time you have spent and will spend together.

Gifts for couples: When shopping for couples, your job is a bit more difficult as you obviously want something that they can both enjoy. Items for their home or gift baskets they can share are both excellent options. Activities they can experience together, like a fun class or event, are also ideal. Personalized items that celebrate their love are heart-warming too, such as a collection of their photos together over the years, a custom frame that commemorates their wedding day, or a piece of personalized artwork related to their journey together.

FAQ

What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

If you’re one of those fortunate, artsy people, something handmade would make an incredibly touching gift. You could use the material associated with a specific anniversary (paper, cotton, leather, wood, etc.) or work in whatever medium is most comfortable for you. If you’re less crafty but still want to give something personal, consider making a scrapbook or using one of the many online services available to create and print a photo album.
If you have video editing skills, a short film composed of snippets from past events and/or clips of loved ones expressing their good wishes would definitely bring on the waterworks. For less sentimental but still out-of-the-box ideas, consider classes couples can take together—such as cooking classes or photography classes—to explore a shared interest or develop a new one. Or, create an opportunity for silliness and/or adventure. Pay for a visit to a trampoline park, panic room, ax-throwing facility, or something similarly out of the ordinary.
You can also do something that they’ve been wanting to try for a while. Surprise them with a dinner reservation at that restaurant they’ve been talking about—or with takeout from there. Take them hiking on that trail they’ve been sending you pictures of. Or schedule a quick weekend trip to a place they’ve been wanting to explore.
What are the main anniversary gifts by year?

This list of traditional anniversary gifts by year will share the traditional gifts, modern gifts, and gemstones that correspond with each anniversary year. While it can be fun to follow the guidelines for each year, it's not required—what matters most is the thoughtfulness and sentiment behind the gift.

Why Trust Brides?

Brides contributor Mckenzie Eggers has over seven years of experience and holds a PhD in English literature from Penn State University. She also loves love, and nothing makes her romantic heart happier than finding ways to show her partner how much they mean to her. Naturally, then, shopping for flawless anniversary gifts is in her wheelhouse. 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.

The 44 Best 20th-Year Anniversary Gifts