Thoughtful Wedding Anniversary Gifts That They’ll Actually Love

Wedding anniversary gifts can require more thought than your average anniversary—makes sense, since they celebrate the love between you and your life partner. Whether you’re approaching the 10-year mark, have been married for decades, or are closing in on 12 months of wedded bliss, finding the perfect anniversary gift is a special way to commemorate the occasion—or to treat a seriously special married couple in your life, like your parents.

Not sure where to start? Let’s kick things off with traditional wedding anniversary gift ideas: paper for the first year; cotton for two years; and leather, linen, and wood for years three, four, and five, respectively. Then there are the bigger milestones, such as tin or aluminum for the 10th anniversary, silver for the 25th anniversary, pearl on the 30th anniversary, and—for those lucky enough to make it to 50th anniversary—gold.

But as the times change, so does the concept of a good anniversary gift. For the first anniversary, the so-called modern present is a clock. Year three? Crystal or glass. Year four is where things get super sexy with…electrical appliances. (Hey, what couple isn’t stoked for a new Vitamix or adorable Smeg toaster?) It’s kind of great if you had a particular item on your wedding gift list and didn’t receive it. Similarly, home items are modern presents to give your spouse—both great for those in the throes of decorating or renovating a home around the 20th-anniversary mark. 

But for the extra-fancy gift givers, you’ll want to make a note of the current jewelry and watch milestones too: Diamonds are it for the 10th anniversary (thinking outside the engagement ring box), followed by pearls for 12, gold for 14, and watches for 15. And once you make it well into the double digits, bring on the gemstones: We’ve got opals to ring in 34, rubies for 40, sapphires for 45, emeralds for 55, and diamonds, yet again, for your 60th anniversary.

Of course, throwing these “rules” out the window is a totally acceptable route too. Most important, the best anniversary gift is something you know they’ll love. So, ahead, scroll through our gift guide for 32 wedding anniversary gifts, from pretty jewelry to stylish homeware and, yes, supercool appliances.