Anniversaries are a special time in anyone’s life. There is something about spending a lifetime with someone that gives you all the feels. It is a real honor and joy when you find a spouse and are excited to spend the rest of your life with them. In a day and age where marriage does not last long, stand out amongst the crowd and celebrate every little anniversary, victory and exciting point in your life.
Last week, we wrote a post sharing all the traditional anniversary gifts. You can read that here. We went through years 1-60 and what you give for each. Imagine what a feat to reach all of them! Again, it should be a true honor to make it that far in life with anyone by your side. It’s a complete lifetime of love, compassion, and putting one another first that will get you that far.
If you do not know about these gift guides, these have been around for a while and are a way to guide you in what to buy your spouse. It is also a way to keep some sort of tradition and fun in the gift giving process. We know it can get difficult and that choosing gifts is not the easiest part of any process (unless you positively love shopping…but even then it can be hard! Ha!).
If you need help reaching your goals and finding those perfect gifts for your spouse (because really, who wants to hand out lame-o gifts on their anniversary!), we are here to help! Last week we brought to you the perfect list of traditional gifts and this week, we want to bring you modern gifts.
It is really kind of nice to have options in the gift giving because sometimes just one option makes it really difficult to shop for your spouse. So unless you are tied to just one method or type of present, consider one of the gifts from each of these lists and decide which one your spouse would enjoy more!
We know that you can come up with something amazing your spouse will positively love. So put some thought into it, but do not totally overthink it. Enjoy the process, enjoy the gift choosing, wrapping and gift giving (props if you actually wrap the gift with paper and not just throw it in a bag!). Oh, and don’t forget the card! Make sure to spend some time writing how you feel about your spouse in that little space and make them feel special!
Now, on to some modern gift giving ideas. Here’s the list again (with a pinnable and printable image for your convenience!) and we will share some great ideas to help get you started! In case you haven’t noticed, some of the gifts overlap with the traditional ideas, but for the most part, they are different! Anyway, here goes nothing!
1st Clocks
- A new alarm clock
Nowadays, alarm clocks are not just clocks. They can be synced to your phone, set up to play music, wake you up in the morning, give you the news, weather, etc. Alarm clocks do so much more and for that reason, they are great ideas for a modern gift for your spouse!
- Coocoo clock
Is your spouse into vintage items? Maybe a coocoo clock is something they would enjoy more. You can get so much out of these, especially entertainment. They last a lifetime and are such a fun piece to hang in your home.
2nd China
- Hand painted China
Have you ever been to one of those ceramic painting locations? Maybe there’s a china painting place near where you live. Go in and paint a piece for your spouse and personalize it to something you guys will both love.
- Go Vintage
Head to a local thrift shop, yard sale or flea market and pick up a cool piece of china that has some history. Extra bonus points if you can find out why it is so special or if it has any meaning or history. It is really something quite personal and exciting to find and could become a family heirloom for you guys!
3rd Crystal/glass
- Kate Spade vase
There are so many neat vases out there that will make a cool gift, but Kate Spade has some really modern and fun ones. If your lady is into flowers, get her a cool vase with polka dots or hand painted flowers. There are so many options in the Kate Spade collection (props if you bring her a bouquet in the vase as well!).
4th Appliances
- Go cool
No one really wants a vacuum for their anniversary gift… unless it is a cool one! Look for neat appliances that are full of personality, fun and exciting. Maybe that means it is a new laptop, or maybe it is a cool smart fridge! Whatever you decide to go for, make sure it is fun and not just a practical applicance. This is an anniversary gift afterall!
5th Silverware
- Fun and eclectic
Yeah, we said that. Silverware can be boring. Typically silver, no fun. Get an exciting set. Maybe get teal, or gold, or vintage. Whatever you decide to go for, make sure it is something your spouse will truly enjoy. Make it something that will put a smile on both your faces in the morning and with every meal. This is an easy way to bring a touch of personality into an otherwise standard household item.
6th Wood
- Personalized
There are so many routes you can go with wood. If you are good at working with wood yourself, make it a fun DIY project. It will be even more meaningful.
Consider getting a slice of wood and have it burned with your family name and year of your wedding. It is a fun piece to be displayed in your home. If you have a rustic home, the options are endless. Think of something fun and go with it!
7th Desk Sets
- Go modern!
If you have always had a classic desk set, switch it up. Get a white desk. Or go to IKEA and get something modern looking. A desk set does not have to be expensive and can be a fun gift at a reasonable price. If your spouse has a work from home job, it can be especially meaningful. We can’t tell you what to get, but go with what you think is best!
8th Linens/Lace
- Clothing!
We typically steer away from clothing. It isn’t very personal and does not require much thinking (unless your spouse is super picky! Ha!). But for this anniversary, we are all for it. A classic lace or linen article of clothing can truly last a lifetime if taken care of well. It can be a piece that is worn over and over again and not get old and drab.
They are also usually very elegant pieces that can be for special occasions. This might be the perfect time to surprise your wife with a new dress, lay it on the bed and tell her to wear it tonight. Then plan a fun date night for you both!
9th Leather
- Wallet
Get your guy a brand new wallet. Most guys end up carrying the same one for years and it is beat up and ugly. Get him a new, genuine leather kind. Maybe even monogram it with his initials. Make him see that you put thought into this and made it something he would love! Just make sure you know if he likes fold over style, or triple fold. You do not want to go out and monogram something that he is not going to use and therefore, can’t return!
10th Diamond Jewelry
- Studs
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Ever heard of that? It is kind of true. Girls love a good pair of diamonds. A set of diamond studs would make a beautiful gift that will last for years to come. There is nothing nicer than a pretty set of earrings to make a girl feel positively beautiful. It does not matter what the size of the studs are, classic diamonds are beautiful no matter what!
11th Fashion Jewelry
- Charming Charlie
Have you ever heard of Charming Charlie? It is fashion jewelry that is hip and fun. They have jewelry in literally, every single color. The store is even color coded to help you find what you are looking for. Find out what her favorite color is (you should know this by now though…haha!), and head over to pick out a new piece of jewelry. This definitely won’t be as expensive as last year’s diamond escapade!
12th Pearls
- Shoes!
Yep, you heard that right! Nowadays, they make sneakers that are covered in pearls. They look so adorable and really fun! If your girl is more of a flats kind of gal, get her a pair of ballerina flats that are embellished with pearls. They are definitely so much fun!
13th Textile Furs
- Think snakeskin
Whether you are into real furs or not, you can still utilize this one. Go faux fur if you wish, but get something your spouse would LOVE! It does not have to be so hard. Think a jacket, shoes, a leather band watch. This one isn’t too hard, unless you live in a place where no one really uses this.
14th Gold Jewelry
- Go for classics
We know that everything we have said to get thus far is the modern, fun version. But consider a classic every now and then. Gold jewelry is one of those. A nice pendant or bangle can really be a statement piece your spouse will love! Classics are sometimes (actually, usually!) the best way to go. They are beautiful and last a lifetime!
15th Watches
- Leather band!
Most people already own metal band watches, but the leather band is not as common. It is such a fun type of watch to have, though! It is full of personality and makes for a really fun gift. We think your spouse will love this one!
20th Platinum
- Album or movie
Yeah, it isn’t traditional, but then again who said this list was? If we’re going totally modern, consider getting your spouse a platinum album or movie. It is a fun alternative you guys will both love!
25th Silver
- Shoes!
Shiny shoes are the best shoes! Get a silver pair of flats or boots and enjoy them with pride. They are original and totally fun and we know you and your spouse will love hanging out in them!
30th Diamond
- Necklace
We already did diamond studs yearssss ago. Now we are at an even greater point in your life. Consider getting a nice pendant with a necklace. Maybe something that matches the studs from years ago. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it is nice. This is a big anniversary!
- A New engagement ring
Has your spouse been wanting an upgrade on her ring? Well, it’s been 30 years, maybe now is the time. Consider switching out the diamond on her ring for something new and fun. Or just go classic! Whatever you choose, she is sure to love!
40th Ruby
- Ring
Ruby rings are positively gorgeous. The tone of the red and the setting is usually something fun and classic. Pick something in a size or shape your spouse would love!
50th Gold
- Gold anything!
Let this be a free for all. It is your GOLDEN anniversary afterall. How exciting is that?! Enjoy the years that have gone by with any beautiful gold piece. We are certain your spouse is sure to LOVE it!
60th Diamond
- Bracelet
Over the years, you have already gotten diamond studs and a necklace. Get a bracelet this time. A simple strand of a few diamonds makes for a beautifully elegant bracelet that anyone will love!
We hope these ideas really helped you decide what you want to get your spouse for their next big anniversary. We are certain you can also come up with some more original ideas your spouse is sure to love. Be sure to always be on the lookout for something THEY would love, not just something we suggest.
Do you have any other ideas for any of these big anniversaries?
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