Do I have to follow the anniversary gifts by year?

While a gift that corresponds to the anniversary year can add some fun to the celebration, it's not necessary. This is especially true if you question whether your spouse may not like whatever the theme—some anniversary themes, like paper or wood, are easier to find gifts for than others. Instead, focus on a gift that’s personalized, something that highlights the story of your relationship, or a just an item that you know she's been coveting.

What is the best way to celebrate an anniversary?

Beyond gifting a unique present, think about how you can make the day feel special. It could be something as simple as breakfast in bed or a hike through nature. Consider making reservations for a fancy dinner at that new place she's been wanting to try or surprise her by cooking a romantic meal at home . It's also a great idea to plan a getaway together, even if it's just for a few days.

The 20 Best Anniversary Gifts for Wife in 2021

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Commerce Photo Composite — Brides / Chloe Jeong

Every wedding anniversary has a traditional or modern theme for gifting, but that doesn’t mean you have to abide by it. Sometimes, if you want to get something special or unexpected, it’s best to go the non-traditional route. For your wife, that can look like a lot of things.

Jewelry—especially if it’s glittering with diamonds—is a no-fail option. So is a new leather tote or pair of luxury pajamas, all items that will make a woman feel spoiled. But if you want to treat her to something more heartfelt, look for a personalized item. Consider a scrapbook, a professional art collage of your favorite pictures together, or a constellation map that depicts the sky the night you met.

Don’t feel confined to tangible gifts, though! Experiences like a spa day or trip together are things that will make her feel seen and appreciated (and something you'll both remember forever!).

Read on for the best anniversary gift ideas for your wife.

kaieldesigns Personalized Cuff Bracelet

Customize this cuffed bracelet with a heartfelt message or your initials. Every time your wife wears it, she’ll think of you. It’s adjustable, so it’ll fit any wrist, and it’s available in brass, copper, gold, rose gold, or silver, meaning there’s bound to be a metal that’ll go with the rest of her jewelry collection.

Uncommon Goods What I Love About You Book

This miniature book will help you show your wife just exactly what you love about her. Fill-in-the-blank prompts such as “I never get tired of your ____” offer plenty of opportunities for both heartfelt and humorous miniature messages. She’ll never get tired of reading through it.

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Homemade collages just got a touch more sophisticated. Choose 30 of your favorite photos together from over the years and transform them into a heart-shaped masterpiece. It comes unframed or framed, with several options for the latter, from brushed silver to whitewashed French farmhouse.

Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set

Sleeping in this silk tee set feels like a dream. With an oversized fit for ultimate comfort and thermoregulating fabric for maintaining body temperature, it’s one of our favorite pajama sets to relax in. Available in nine different colors, each pair is more luxe than the next.

VRAI Iconic Diamond Necklace

You can always make a woman smile with a glittering diamond, especially when it’s in a gorgeous necklace like this. Cut into a hexagon, octavia, or lozenge shape, the diamond sits at the base of either a yellow gold or white gold dainty chain, depending on your wife’s metal preference. It’s a timeless design that’s a staple for any jewelry box.

Soko Glam 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Set

For the woman obsessed with self-care, this skincare set has it all. Not only will it leave her skin feeling fresh, smooth, and hydrated, it takes all the leg-work out of building a skincare regimen. It gives the gift of good skin and the gift of ease with 10 pre-picked and full-sized Korean skincare items.

Crosley Octave Bluetooth Speaker

Void of the standard tech-like look that characterizes most speakers, this one is stylish with gold-toned hardware, a rich walnut veneer, and vintage-inspired heather gray speaker cloth that come together for some mid-century vibes. Blast your favorite Spotify music playlist through its Bluetooth speaker while controlling not just the volume, but the treble and bass.

Altuzarra “Play” Tote

Altuzarra âPlayâ Tote — Courtesy of Altuzarra

Perfect for work or even an overnight trip, this tote has got any woman covered. At 18 inches wide with an interior leather pouch, there’s plenty of room for everything from a laptop to a makeup bag. Its classic look of color-blocked leather and suede, accented with gold hardware, means it will go with any outfit.

The Little Flower Soap Co Relaxing Aromatherapy Gift Set

There’s nothing like an at-home spa day to relax and unwind. Make sure your girl is well prepared for the next time she needs to destress, with an aromatherapy package. This gift set has got all the works—lavender lemongrass soap, vanilla lip balm, pink grapefruit salt, and two balms for skin and muscles.

Mejuri Pavé Diamond Slim Signet

Mejuri PavÃ© Diamond Slim Signet — Courtesy of Mejuri

A diamond signet ring is understated and classy, with a whole lot of sparkle. Made of 14-karat solid gold, this dazzler is set with round single-cut diamonds that have been ethically sourced. It’s available in both white and yellow gold that’s been recycled, so it’s eco-friendly too.

Bala Weighted Bangle Set

Bala Bangles add a little extra challenge to just about any exercise in your workout plan! Whether your wife prefers to power walk, run, do yoga, or take pilates, adding these wrist or ankle weights will take things to the next level. Sleek, chic, and available in seven different colors, they can easily pass as a fashion accessory.

Uncommon Goods The Adventure Challenge Scrapbook

Keep the good times coming with a scrapbook filled with date ideas. Simply pick a category, scratch off a box to reveal a challenge, and tape a picture next to it once completed. With 50 options to choose from, you’ll find yourselves doing everything from baking a cake together while one is blindfolded to reading your favorite childhood book to each other.

Cuyana Personalized Leather Wellness Case

Perfect for the woman on the go, this pebbled leather wellness case will help her keep all her skincare in order as she travels. A strap in the lid will keep jade rollers and brushes in place, while elasticized slots will hold serums, moisturizers, eye cream, and more. You can even add gold foil monogramming to the interior strap.

Soothe Gift Card

A professional massage in the comfort of your own living room? Sign us up! With a Soothe gift card, your wife will be able to call in a massage therapist for a Swedish, prenatal, or couples’ massage. Complete with a massage table and oils, the experience will feel incredibly spa-like.

Snuggle Plush Faux Fur Slipper

Faux fur slippers are a must in anyone’s closet, especially the homebody’s. When chilly mornings make floors too cold to walk on, these slippers will keep feet nice and toasty. Soft and snug, they’re available in three different shades: ivory, pink, and black.

MJM Rainbow Moonstone Hug Hoops

We love a good spin on a classic earring. These hoops hug the ear, flashing a rainbow moonstone wrapped in a recycled gold bezel. They’re perfect for everyday wear, but also to add some simplistic elegance to an outfit for an evening out.

PixArtsCo Personalized Gift Glass Art

Capture one of your special moments with a custom acrylic Spotify-esque album cover. Choose your artist and song name—we suggest the one from your first dance since this is an anniversary gift—and the song length, plus your favorite photo for a sweet and special gift.

Wood Life Prints Constellation Map on Wood

Bring your wedding night to life with this customized constellation map, which features a starry sky above a specific location on a specific date. Add your names and a personalized message, and it’ll all be printed directly on polished wood. It comes with keyholes and a kickstand for easy display, whether you want to hang it or prop it up.

Theopolis Vineyards Wine Club

Give a gift that keeps on giving with one of Theopolis Vineyards’ wine club packages. Opt for the bronze, silver, or gold, depending on whether you want three bottles delivered during the year, once a month, or something in between. Each package also includes a discount on other wine orders and invites to club member events.

UrbanStems The Darling Bouquet

Flowers are a classic gift for a reason—they never fail to put a smile on someone’s face. This one is brimming with roses and ranunculus in pastel colors of soft pink, blush, and peach, interwoven with fresh salal leaves. They’ll look darling as a centerpiece on the kitchen table.

What to look for in an anniversary gift for your wife

Something she might not buy herself

When it comes to choosing an anniversary gift for the leading lady in your life, the more personal the gift, the better. While traditional anniversary gifts are associated with specific materials to commemorate each year, modern etiquette allows for gifting something thoughtful that has sentimental meaning or shows your partner how much you appreciate them. While it may sound corny, your mother was right—it truly is the thought that counts!

Etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith said the secret to a great anniversary gift is something your wife would like, but probably wouldn’t purchase for herself.

Uniqueness

“Remember, gifts are a reflection of your relationship,” she said, adding that you shouldn’t feel obligated to adhere to the traditional or modern gift rules. “Your gift should revolve around your spouse, not ‘paper’ or ‘tin.’”

Meaning

And not all gifts have to be tangible—don’t forget about experiences. Smith suggests treating her to a solo experience like a spa day or a couples activity like a cooking class where you learn how to make Pad Thai or a chocolate souffle together. “Choose a gift that will bring a smile to her face and remind her of why she said yes,” she said.

Buying a gift that celebrates the number of years you’ve been married is one thoughtful way of giving your gift significance. For example, if you’re celebrating 10 years of marriage, a bouquet of a dozen roses is romantic, thoughtful, and meaningful. Another way to choose a thoughtful gift is to show your partner how well you know them by giving them something aligned with their interests. If your wife loves wine, a wine club subscription will fill her cup.

For an anniversary, anything that commemorates the day you married or your memories as a couple is a sweet and sentimental way to honor your relationship. And, of course, letting the romantic in you take the lead when choosing a gift is sure to make her swoon!

FAQ

Do I have to follow the anniversary gifts by year?

While a gift that corresponds to the anniversary year can add some fun to the celebration, it's not necessary. This is especially true if you question whether your spouse may not like whatever the theme—some anniversary themes, like paper or wood, are easier to find gifts for than others. Instead, focus on a gift that’s personalized, something that highlights the story of your relationship, or a just an item that you know she's been coveting.
What is the best way to celebrate an anniversary?

Beyond gifting a unique present, think about how you can make the day feel special. It could be something as simple as breakfast in bed or a hike through nature.

Consider making reservations for a fancy dinner at that new place she's been wanting to try or surprise her by cooking a romantic meal at home. It's also a great idea to plan a getaway together, even if it's just for a few days.

Meet the Expert

As an etiquette expert, Jodi RR Smith opened Mannersmith, a company that specializes in social and professional conduct.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has over six years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She has an eye for design and quality that she takes into consideration when selecting gifts. She loves a good experiential gift and thinks you can’t go wrong gifting a spa day or wine club.