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A 60th anniversary is a huge deal. Couples celebrating this milestone have been married for over half of their lives. They’ve had to communicate and compromise. They’ve had to grow and change together again and again. And they’ve shared so many beautiful moments and experiences along the way. A love like that deserves to be celebrated with all the pomp and circumstance possible—as well as an amazing gift.
According to modern and traditional guidelines, the 60th anniversary should be celebrated with diamonds. And, if you can afford them, diamonds are a wonderful way to honor a mature and enduring love. They are, after all, formed over the course of many years, made strong and beautiful by withstanding great amounts of pressure.
For those of us who can’t spring for diamonds, though, there are many incredible on- and off-theme alternatives. We’ve rounded up some gift suggestions for everyone: honeys with sweet tooths, dapper and demure accessory lovers, lovable, sappy types, and those who simply want to toast one another with wine, whiskey, or champagne. And don’t forget the card!
Read on for the best 60th-anniversary gifts.
What to look for in a 60th-anniversary gift
For on-theme alternatives consider gifts that are shaped like diamonds or have a diamond pattern on them somewhere. Herkimer, or “raw,” diamonds are also a beautiful and affordable substitute.
Still, don’t feel as though you’re limited by the traditional and modern gift-giving rules. Anything that celebrates sixty years of shared history or recognizes what a monumental achievement it is to sustain a marriage for that long will be deeply appreciated.
For younger people shopping for him, her, or both, it’s important to keep the age of the celebrants in mind. While sky diving lessons might be a great gift for thrill-seeking 30, 40, or 50 somethings, it’s probably not a safe activity for many couples in their 80s and 90s. Don’t forget about any physical limitations the couple may have as you shop for the perfect present, and don’t forget that their tastes might not be the same as yours.
Similarly, consider the couple’s stage of life and needs. While many younger couples are still setting up their first or second home, older couples tend to have things the way they like them. So, any home goods you gift them should be small and in keeping with the style of their home.
Meet the Expert
Krissy Osborne is Associate Buyer for Art at Uncommon Goods, a shopping haven for a wide range of unique and personalized gifts.
Why Trust Brides
Mckenzie Eggers believes a thoughtful gift is one of the best ways to say “I love you,” and she wants to help you find just the gift that will show your loved ones how much you care. Personally, she loves giving carefully selected and artfully presented photographs as anniversary gifts. She recently had the first family photos she and her partner had taken (doggos included) professionally printed and framed as a sixth-anniversary present. Together, she and her partner hung them in the living room on their anniversary, which made their house feel even more like home.