What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

According to Krissy Osborne , Associate Buyer for Art at Uncommon Goods, couples who have a long, shared history will enjoy “a gift that celebrates their commitment to each other and their family.” For instance, if they have traveled the world together, “a gift that captures all the places they’ve traveled to” would be very meaningful.

Do I have to follow traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year?

There’s no need to adhere to the guidelines solely for the sake of tradition . “If it’s a couple you don’t know well, a more traditional anniversary gift can be a safer choice. If you know the couple well, get personal! Do they like music? Cooking? Games? You already have so much to work with,” Osborne says.

The 21 Best 60th Anniversary Gifts in 2021

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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.

Opus Glass Vases Diamond-Shaped Terrarium

If you’re in search of an on-theme gift for a plant lover or two, this diamond-shaped terrarium will brighten their day and their living room. The terrarium can home succulents, air plants, or even tea lights and votive candles. Because of their hearty nature, succulents are a nice metaphor for the adaptable and resilient love this couple has tended to and cared for over the years.

Crush on Gold Herkimer Diamond Bracelet

Anyone who admires the natural beauty of raw gemstones will swoon over this delicate Herkimer diamond bracelet. These stones will give your loved one the captivating sparkle of a diamond without the steep cost, and they look magical on a sterling silver or 14K gold or rose gold chain.

Mouth Just Add Champagne

Here’s to a gift that sparkles like a diamond and tingles the tastebuds: champagne cocktails. Mouth’s Just Add Champagne box is the perfect complement to the traditional celebratory bottle of bubbly. It’s got everything you need to make a variety of delightfully fizzy and fruity drinks: two stemless champagne flutes, raspberry mule mixer, bourbon cocktail cherries, tart cherry grenadine, and spiced cherry bitters. We can’t think of a better way to say, “Cheers to 60 years!”

Foxbairn Modern Family Tree Wood Slice Art

Any couple with history will love displaying this literal family tree in their home. To create this piece of art, Foxbairn engraves the couple’s genealogical chart (up to six generations) onto a slice of sustainably harvested natural wood. The wooden slab arrives with a saw tooth hanger mounted on the back, so it’s ready to display. What a thoughtful way to celebrate deep roots!

Marachic Shop Wooden Cufflinks with Diamond Motif

If diamond cufflinks seem like a bit much, this wooden pair—engraved with a diamond motif—should be an excellent alternative. Handmade from oak, these cufflinks are simple and understated, but not so much so that they’ll go unnoticed. They’ll add some unique flair to any button-down. The cufflinks also come nicely packaged in their own wooden box.

Mejuri Marquis Aquamarine Earrings

Mejuri’s Marquis earrings are statement pieces fit for royalty. They’re handcrafted in 18K gold vermeil—a thick layer of gold over sterling silver—with marquise-cut aquamarine stones. These blue beauties are perfect for special occasions, but they’re also small and simple enough for everyday wear. She’ll never have to swap them out for something more or less formal—which is good because she’ll never want to take them off.

Snook-Ease Heated Slippers

We all know no one likes to be surprised by their partner’s freezing feet. We also know that freezing feet, in general, are no fun. These plush heated slippers are the answer. Their microwavable insoles heat in just 60 seconds, and their non-slip bottoms make them easy to wear around the house and even for a quick trip outside.

Mano's Wine “Cheers To You” Custom Etched Wine Bottle

Mano's “Cheers To You” Custom Etched Wine Bottle — Courtesy of Mano's WIne

This custom wine bottle is perfect for toasting a couple of oenophiles. They’ll love getting a personalized bottle etched with their names and the message “Cheers to 60 years.” They can enjoy a full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon now and save the bottle as a keepsake for years to come—a gift that ages well!

Uncommon Goods The Kissing Mugs

These porcelain mugs are just the gift for a pair of companions who fit together perfectly. Their lips interlock in the sweetest smooch, and they come in two cute color combos (blue and gray or red and tan). The lucky recipients will love sitting down together to enjoy their coffee or tea in these adorable matching mugs.

Goldbelly Nancy Silverton’s Favorite Gelato Gift Box

True love is sweet. So is gelato. Shouldn’t they get to enjoy both on their 60th anniversary? This sampler box of Nancy Silverton’s famous gelato comes with nine different flavors, packaged in petit four-ounce replicas of Nancy’s regular pints. They’ll get to enjoy an assortment of hand-picked flavors like Amarena Cherry with Amaretti, Italian Custard with Marsala and Citrus Caramel Swirl, and Chocolate Fondente with Dark Rum and Valrhona Chocolate Chips.

Dragon Glassware Diamond Whiskey Glasses

Sure, they have whiskey glasses, but do they have whiskey glasses that defy gravity and start conversations? I think not. These diamond-shaped glasses sit at a 50-degree angle, and—though they may look like they could tilt over at any minute—their anti-rocking, spill-proof design keeps the tabletop and, more importantly, the whiskey safe. The shape and position of the glasses also ensure that your drink aerates as it is poured and swirled.

Mouth Stand By Your Jam Gift Box

Is brunch their favorite? Make it that much sweeter with this sampler of marmalades, preserves, conserves, and, of course, jams. The flavors in this box range from sweet and simple to intriguingly complex, and they all add something special to biscuits, toast, and charcuterie boards. The kit includes everything from Meyer Lemon marmalade to Cherry Rosehip Hibiscus jam—all good to the last spoonful!

Circle City Design Co. Handwritten Recipe Cutting Board

If they’ve been married for over half a century, this couple likely has a cherished family recipe they’ve passed down to the younger generations. Why not preserve it on a maple, cherry, or walnut wood cutting board? Just find a handwritten copy of the recipe, take a picture, and send it in to Circle City Design Co. They’ll laser engrave the image onto a high-quality wood cutting board, and your parents or grandparents will have a keepsake they’ll always hold dear.

Red Velvet French Madeline Baking Kit

For bakers (or, heck, anyone with a sweet tooth), it doesn’t get much more romantic than making French patisserie with their one and only. Even if they aren’t pros in the pastry department, this DIY Madeleine baking kit is fun and easy, and the results are delightfully decadent: spongy cookies dipped in dark chocolate and topped with crumbled pistachios. This kit comes with a silicon mold and baking mat, baking instructions, and all of the dry ingredients you’ll need.

Party Supplies Digital Personalized Newspaper Anniversary Poster

Their love is nothing short of newsworthy, so make sure everyone can read all about it on this personalized front-page poster. The poster includes their names, wedding date and location, a picture of the two of them, and any personalized message you’d like to add. It’s also filled with information from the year they were married (TV shows, radio hits, sports highlights, political events) so they can relive it together. With this purchase, you’ll receive a digital file that you can print and/or frame as many times as you like.

West Elm Marble Lazy Susan

Charcuterie boards can be heavy and difficult to pass, especially if they’re loaded up with crostini, cheese, fruit, etc. That’s what makes this marble Lazy Susan such a genius idea. Snackers can get their hands on whatever they like with a quick (though not too quick) spin. This board’s tri-colored marble top and Acacia wood base also make it a handsome addition to the kitchen counter or dinner table.

Mooddecoshop Penguin Eyeglass Holder

These handmade penguin eyeglass holders make incredibly cute décor, and they might save two older lovebirds some time and frustration. Those in their 80s and 90s likely (1) wear glasses and (2) lose them from time to time. But, with a designated eyeglass holder, that won’t be a problem anymore! Best of all, since many species of penguins mate for life, these holders make perfect his and hers gifts for couples.

Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle

Fellow’s electric kettle is a dream come true for coffee and tea drinkers. Its elegant design and stainless-steel body and lid are just the beginning. It also has a precision pour spout and a counterbalanced silicon handle which ensures a steady, even pour. This means fewer messes and accidents and a superior cup of coffee or tea. The kettle’s base can even maintain the desired temperature for up to an hour. That old stovetop kettle doesn’t stand a chance.

ViaFrancesca Custom Ring Dish

If their rings don’t have a home, these custom dishes would make an excellent gift. They are made from vintage silver-plated soup spoons and hand stamped with the message of your choice. You could go with something simple like “I do” and “I do too” or “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Or you could come up with something more specific to the couple you have in mind. No matter what, they’ll love this heartfelt gift.

Vertly CBD Infused Relief Lotion

Fewer aches and pains equal more cuddles. So, Vertly’s CBD-infused relief lotion makes a great gift for older couples. It contains a unique blend of full spectrum Hemp extract and Arnica to target aches, pains, and inflammation; it also contains aloe vera, peppermint, and lavender to soothe and moisturize skin, making it soft and touchable. Best. Lotion. Ever.

A.M. Thorne Salt and Pepper Diamond Twinkle Necklace

This necklace from A.M. Thorne’s minimalist collection is the perfect gift for the one who dazzles you the most. Its pear-shaped, rose-cut salt and pepper diamond is secured by a four-prong claw setting and hangs from a dainty, twinkling 16” chain made of 14K yellow gold. She’ll cherish this stunning, handmade piece almost as much as you cherish her.

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.

FAQ

What are some creative or unique anniversary ideas?

According to Krissy Osborne, Associate Buyer for Art at Uncommon Goods, couples who have a long, shared history will enjoy “a gift that celebrates their commitment to each other and their family.” For instance, if they have traveled the world together, “a gift that captures all the places they’ve traveled to” would be very meaningful.
Do I have to follow traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year?

There’s no need to adhere to the guidelines solely for the sake of tradition. “If it’s a couple you don’t know well, a more traditional anniversary gift can be a safer choice. If you know the couple well, get personal! Do they like music? Cooking? Games? You already have so much to work with,” Osborne says.

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.