The 20 Best Anniversary Gifts for Couples To Celebrate Your Love

Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating love? Especially when you adore the person(s) celebrating. That’s why anniversaries are so wonderful. And yet, they can also feel like high-stakes celebrations. 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, they 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? 

Since you’re here, you’re probably still figuring that out. You can always consider the traditional and modern gifts associated with each anniversary. But 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; 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. No matter what you settle on, they’re gonna love it!

Read on for the best anniversary gift for couples.

What to look for when buying an anniversary gift

For individuals

If you’re shopping for one-half of a couple, your job is a little easier. Personalized items like monogrammed or engraved watches, cufflinks, jewelry boxes, leather bags, etc. are perfect for her, him, or them (for those nonbinary folks). If you can find items made from traditional or modern gift materials, even better! 

If you’re shopping for your partner, gifts like ties or cuff-style bracelets with hidden messages can be very romantic. 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. Schedule a quick weekend trip to a place they’ve been wanting to explore. 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.  

For couples

When shopping for couples, your job is a bit more difficult. You obviously want something that they can both enjoy. Items for their home or gift baskets they can share are 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: a collections of their photos together over the years, a custom frame that commemorates their wedding day, a piece of personalized artwork related to their journeys (literal and metaphorical) together. 

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 (massages classes, cooking classes, 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.  

What are the main anniversary gifts by year?

Here is a useful list that records 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?

Mckenzie Eggers loves love. Nothing makes her little 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. She’s so excited to share her finds with you and hopes that these gifts will make your loved ones smile!