Do I have to go super traditional for a 25th anniversary gift?

Just because it's a big anniversary doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money or get a traditional gift. It's also an opportunity to think outside of the box and gift an experience that you both will enjoy–think a wine tasting trip, a cooking class, or a hiking adventure if you love the great outdoors.

What’s an example of a silver gift that’s both practical and pretty?

Kate suggests gifts that serve multiple purposes (and still look great even when they’re not in use). “A silver wine chiller can double as a planter for orchids or a vase for fresh-cut flowers year-round,” she says. Serving pieces can perform double duty as catchalls or vanity organizers. When it comes to accessories, look for items that your spouse can wear with different types of outfits, like a pair of sparkly silver studs or a simple necklace that can be dressed up or dressed down.

The 19 Best Silver Anniversary Gifts in 2023

Brides / Lecia Landis

Every wedding anniversary is something to celebrate, but 25 years? That’s pretty incredible. You’ve found the person to be with through the highs and lows and with who you’ve been able to share your life. It’s time to celebrate that strong, long-lasting love with something special. But, what exactly should that be?

The traditional anniversary theme for 25 years is silver, so that’s a great place to start. A silver watch or a beautiful silver serving platter can elegantly commemorate the day, but you also don’t need to take silver so literally. Choose gifts that come in a silvery color to give yourself more options. Silver satin pillowcases and chrome-colored espresso machines are just as cool, and still hit the traditional note. “We’re all about fresh takes on silver for the 25th anniversary,” Kate Lesher, the Vice President of gifting brand Mark & Graham says. “Think of something you’ll actually use and want to display.”

Meet the Expert

Kate Lesher is the Vice President of Mark & Graham, an online shop that’s part of Williams Sonoma Inc. and specializes in personalized monogrammed products and gifts.

You can also feel free to disregard the whole silver thing if you’d like—it’s your day, after all! The most important thing is that you find a gift your partner will love. Think about their interests or something they own that might need an upgrade, or go with something personalized for an extra-special gift.

We should note that silver is also a classic gift for other anniversaries if you want to go off-theme from whatever the year's traditional and modern gifts are. And it's a great, lasting option for just about any other celebration, from birthdays to important milestones.

Introducing VRAI x Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of lab-grown diamond jewelry, perfect for the big day and beyond.

Read on for the best 25th-anniversary gifts.

David Yurman Infinity Bracelet with Diamonds

A sterling silver piece of jewelry is the perfect way to mark this occasion and make it one to truly remember. This bracelet features an intricate pattern of thin silver cords wrapping around a thin band. Pave diamonds at the center give it some welcomed sparkle.

Price at time of publish: $495

Shinola Detroit Octagonal Cufflinks

You really can’t go wrong with cufflinks—they’re a timeless gift that always feels special. These sterling silver octagonal ones have a cool modern vibe but can be monogrammed with your partner’s initials for more of a classic touch.

Price at time of publish: $250

Away The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

Get ready for your next big adventure with a brand new suitcase—a silver one at that! This one has an aluminum-coated hard shell to keep your things safe and easy-to-navigate spinner wheels.

Price at time of publish: $665

Minted Custom Quotes Foil Art

You may not remember every word of your vows, but the two of you have certainly found quotes and phrases to live by that mean just as much. Choose a favorite phrase or song lyrics to create a custom piece of art with silver-foil lettering. There’s no doubt it will make you happy every time you look up.

Price at time of publish: $288+

Mark & Graham Celebration Wine Chiller

If you’re throwing a party to celebrate the milestone, this is exactly the kind of gift you’ll want to show off. This nickel-plated stainless steel wine chiller can be monogrammed with initials or a single letter and comes in lots of font options. It’s a piece that’ll make you want to keep popping champagne.

Price at time of publish: $55

Michael Aram Heart Photo Frame

There’s a good chance you’ve accumulated a vast collection of frames over the years, but let’s be honest. How many of those do you remember receiving or have a special attachment to? This intricately designed heart frame is elegant and worthy of 25 years. Gift it to your S.O. with a recent photo, and their heart will melt.

Price at time of publish: $160

Mark & Graham Mariposa Serving Tray

If you’re still using a serving tray you received for your wedding 25 years ago, that’s cool. But that’s no reason not to add a special silver one into the mix. This recycled aluminum tray can be engraved with up to 12 characters. Use it to serve Superbowl snacks or celebratory champagne; it’s up to you!

Price at time of publish: $129

Vincero Collective The Apex Watch

It feels natural to celebrate your time together with a handsome timepiece. This watch is made of stainless steel and sapphire-coated glass crystal. It’s the type of watch that is going to draw attention, plus it’s ideal for eco-conscious couples: it’s carbon-neutral.

Price at time of publish: $200

Breville Barista Express Espresso Maker

Big anniversaries are the perfect time to go for a big upgrade. So, if your morning Joe has seemed a little sub-par lately, consider purchasing a silver-colored appliance like this life-changing espresso maker. It has 15 settings so you and your partner can create your dream drink, and we all know it’s much easier to feel the love once you’ve had your morning caffeine.

Price at time of publish: $750

Slip Silk Pillowcase

Sure, they take up most of the bed and may or may not snore during the night, but you’ve learned to sleep around that at this point. Silk pillowcases can kick any night's sleep up a notch, and it’s the kind of subtle luxury that will make you feel like you’re at a fancy hotel, sans the fancy price tag.

Price at time of publish: $89

Estelle Colored Decanter

Amber Colored Decanter — Courtesy of Estelle

Use your anniversary as a reason to treat yourself to some gorgeous barware. This glass decanter is the type of well-made piece that will be in your family for decades to come. Sure, it doesn’t come in traditional silver, but feel free to fill it with the silver-label spirit of your choosing.

Price at time of publish: $160

Uncommon Goods Personalized Wine Barrel

If you’re not feeling the whole silver thing, don’t sweat it. Think about gifts that speak to a hobby or passion, like this personalized wine barrel kit. The two of you can age your own vino to create a special anniversary blend.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Million Roses Silver Classic Box

Flowers are one of the first gift ideas that pop into people’s heads every anniversary. But, for one as major as a 25th anniversary, if you want to go flowers, you’ve got to go big. These are real roses that have been sprayed with a metallic coating and preserved to last for up to three years.

Price at time of publish: $203

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Mixer

This is an excellent gift idea for the kind of couple that’s spent many a night in front of the TV binge-watching episode of The Great British Bakeoff. Now, they can get creative and use this shiny new mixer to learn how to make a Paul Hollywood-worthy Dorset apple cake. Whether you choose a classic silver finish or one of the many other colors, it's a gift that will be proudly displayed on the countertop for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $600

Creative Couples That Changed History Book

Really, why aren’t the two of you in this book? Author Angella Nazarian features stories and photos from 15 famous couples (like Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin) in this gorgeous coffee table book that the two of you will have fun flipping through.

Price at time of publish: $66

Gold Belly Commander’s Palace 3-Course Dinner for Two

Gold Belly Commanderâs Palace 3-Course Dinner for Two — Gold Belly

After 25 years, it’s safe to assume that you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff. So if the two of you are looking for a different kind of gift, think about an experience. This one lets you create your own date night by having a three-course meal from the legendary New Orleans restaurant Commander’s Palace, delivered right to your table. Bon Appetit!

Price at time of publish: $180

Artifact Uprising Instagram Friendly Books

Even though we all keep most of our favorite photos on our phones, sometimes it’s nice to put them on paper and have something tangible to look through. This small softcover book lets you print dozens of square photos so you can show off your most recent accomplishments.

Price at time of publish: $17

The Frame Smart TV by Samsung

We wish this TV had been available 25 years ago because it would have put a lot of TV-size-related arguments to rest. No matter how big the screen, you can choose a screen saver that makes it look like a pretty piece of art on the wall.

Price at time of publish: $1,000

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Corkscrew

Ring in year 25 by opening up one of your favorite bottles of wine. Make it super special by doing that with this sterling silver Tiffany corkscrew. It’s a bit extravagant, but if you’re not going to splurge now, then when?

Price at time of publish: $295

What to look for in a silver anniversary gift

Celebrating 25 years is a major milestone—a quarter of a century! So, it makes sense that traditional gifts are silver—a metal that’s precious, durable, and radiant. Just like your love! If you’re not into heavy metals, you can still embrace the spirit of this anniversary with modern takes on silver like a silver coffee maker or tech item. And, if you feel like after 25 years you don’t need any more stuff, then forget silver and choose an experience gift instead. Whether you follow centuries-old traditions or not, the idea here is to celebrate your love.

FAQ

Do I have to go super traditional for a 25th anniversary gift?

Just because it's a big anniversary doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money or get a traditional gift. It's also an opportunity to think outside of the box and gift an experience that you both will enjoy–think a wine tasting trip, a cooking class, or a hiking adventure if you love the great outdoors.
What’s an example of a silver gift that’s both practical and pretty?

Kate suggests gifts that serve multiple purposes (and still look great even when they’re not in use). “A silver wine chiller can double as a planter for orchids or a vase for fresh-cut flowers year-round,” she says. Serving pieces can perform double duty as catchalls or vanity organizers.

When it comes to accessories, look for items that your spouse can wear with different types of outfits, like a pair of sparkly silver studs or a simple necklace that can be dressed up or dressed down.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Erica Finamore is an expert in the world of entertaining and home decor. She has shared her knowledge and market skills in published pieces at Food Network Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Real Simple, Refinery29, and others.

The 19 Best Silver Anniversary Gifts For Your Long-time Love