As your wedding anniversary peeks over the band, the stress to find something that your significant other will love and appreciate gets compounded. Soon, you’ll find yourself reaching for the same, predictable items. A scented candle, a bottle of perfume, a cashmere scarf… sound familiar?
Don’t get us wrong, because we also believe that it’s the sentiment that counts. But in a love story as unique and special as yours, celebrations of anniversaries deserve to have gifts that mirror your exceptional journey as a couple.
Instead of just relying on last-minute brain power and a bit of prayer, here’s an idea: use your milestone’s name to help you narrow down the choices.
First year anniversaries are called “paper”, so how about something chic like a coffee table book? The ninth year calls for a “pottery” anniversary, so look in the direction of ceramic art objects.
To help you embark on finding your next anniversary gift, start with these ideas.
For the paper anniversary, there are plenty of options. It could be personalised stationary or an illustration of your wedding photo, but we prefer a coffee table book because just think of how good it will look in your space! From the French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus comes this picture book, which showcases many of his own photographs snapped during his travels. Expect romantic sunsets, wanderlust-worthy landscapes and fashion inspo.
Hitting the cotton milestone is about as easy as you could wish for! Fine cotton bedspreads, embroidered cotton placemats…let your imagination drive you. But if you’re on the hunt for something fail-proof, then here’s an idea: ditch the off-the-rack shirt for him, and tog him out in a bespoke shirt tailoring experience. Edit Suits Co. does friendly-on-the-wallet tailoring services whilst remaining unwavering on modernity and quality.
Year 3 is called the leather anniversary, and this one’s pretty easy. But instead of any leather handbag, consider the Cassette design from Bottega Veneta. Equally loved by both male and female customers, the androgynous crossbody bag is perfect to share between you and your partner.
The silk anniversary can only mean one thing: this is your perfect moment to ask for a silk scarf from Hermès. We adore this fauna-adorned design, given the playful use of colour and whimsical artwork.
Anniversary: 5th year, “wood”
For your wood anniversary, how about something for the table? Specifically, this decorative fruit bowl boasts clean lines that spotlight the natural wood grain. Beyond fruits, it doubles as a snack stand, or even as a placeholder to style with your decorative objects.
The iron milestone may seem like a tougher nut to crack, but we’ve found a little workaround: look for something in stainless steel, as it uses an iron-carbon alloy in creating the metal. Plus, this classic timepiece is so versatile, you’ll be stealing it from your partner’s timepiece drawer.
Oh, the cosy joys of the 7th-year milestone! Known for their teddy coats – a favourite amongst every style setter from Marilyn Monroe to Kim Kardashian – Max Mara’s wool-alpaca coats are an investment piece that gives you an instantly glamorous look.
Nothing like a sculptural centrepiece to really get people’s heads turning. Whether it’s sitting on the shelf amidst your precious curios, or on the dining table taking its pride of place, this bronze-plated brass candlestick is guaranteed to be a home decor hit.
This vase has plenty of fans on social media (looking at you, Suzy Bae, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), thanks to its iconic shape and myriad of colours. So for the pottery anniversary, come home with this strikingly pink Anissa Kermiche vase. Don’t forget to stop by the flower market so the vase doesn’t look empty.
We struggled a little when it came to the decade-milestone. What’s a great aluminium gift that’s not foil? Eventually, we settled on this: rather than something that constitutes aluminium in the make, why not swing for a silver dress that resembles aluminium! With the party season dawning soon, no better time than now to sort yourself out with a showstopping silver sequinned dress.
Crystal is another easy anniversary when it comes to gift ideas, so why not swing for something and come home with a crystal hairband that looks like you picked out of a fairytale? It’s a gift that promises a happily ever after.
The “china” anniversary will often lead you to think of chinaware, but for a unique spin on it, consider these wallet-friendly bangles. Working with upcycled materials sourced from broken glass – some of which are broken pieces of china – each bangle is hand-produced, and no two pieces are identical.