These picks will score you a gold star in gift-giving.
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Any couple that has enjoyed 50 years of wedded bliss deserves a massive congratulations—and a super-special 50th anniversary gift. Not sure where to begin? That's what we're here for. Whether you need a meaningful and romantic present for your spouse or you want to wish a happy anniversary to your parents or friends, we've got 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas for everyone on your list. Keep reading to learn all about this milestone's unique gifting theme, then shop our top picks.
In this article:
What Is the 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift?
Traditional and Modern 50th Anniversary Gift
The 50th anniversary is famously known as the golden wedding anniversary. It makes sense, after all—only a metal as timeless and luxurious as gold can properly represent such a notable relationship milestone. "If you and your spouse have been together for half a century, that is something that must be celebrated in a major way," says Kathy Flynn, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Creative at Personalization Mall. "The 50th anniversary is a momentous occasion that deserves a beautiful gift like gold," she adds of the shiny and durable metal that is brimming with meaning. "This precious metal symbolizes wisdom, strength and prosperity, much like a marriage that has lasted this long," says Flynn.
Other 50th Anniversary Symbols
Gold is so closely associated with 50 years of marriage that it isn't just the traditional and modern material—it's also the official 50th wedding anniversary color. In this instance, gold even replaces the gemstone that's usually assigned to marriage milestones. The 50th anniversary flowers are the only non-gold symbols associated with this special year. Yellow roses (which honestly, are pretty close to gold) are one of the year's symbolic blooms and represent friendship and joy, while the other 50-year anniversary flower is violet, which was historically given by admirers to show their faithfulness. Violets are also known to grow in almost any environment, proving they're adaptable and persistent, just like a long-lasting marriage.
Of course, while traditional golden anniversary gifts are a lovely way to nod to the occasion, you don't have to follow tradition to pick out a meaningful present. Below, we share some of our favorite gold and nontraditional 50th anniversary gift ideas.
Gold Anniversary Gifts
If you've decided to go for gold with your gift this year, allow us to point you in the right direction. We've rounded up the best 50th anniversary gifts for parents, friends and spouses alike in line with this year's special theme. No matter who's on your list, one of these creative golden anniversary gifts is sure to impress.
Gold Sheet Music Canvas
Fair warning, you'll want to pair this 50th anniversary gift with a box of tissues. Have the sheet music from you or the couple's first dance song printed on canvas in thematic gold ink. It will take them right back to that magical moment when their love story was just beginning.
Diamond Anniversary Ring
The golden wedding anniversary is a great time to renew your vows and upgrade your spouse's ring. Brilliant Earth has a selection of unique and classic anniversary bands to choose from, but we especially love their luxe stacking rings that will sit flush with your partner's original rock. This curved band is adorned with round diamonds framing a petite pear-shaped diamond at the peak, allowing it to sit either above or below your partner's engagement ring. Is yellow gold not a match? It's totally acceptable to choose white gold for bling that matches their wedding set.
Gold-Dipped Preserved Rose
If you're already planning on surprising your spouse with flowers for your 50th anniversary, sneak this 24K gold-dipped rose into the bouquet as a bonus. Made from a real rose preserved at peak bloom, this forever flower will be a romantic symbol of your eternal love. Engrave the stem with a personal message for extra romance—it could be as simple and true as "I love you."
Gold Champagne Flutes
If there was ever a milestone worth toasting to, it's spending half a century married to your best friend. Raise a glass to the golden anniversary with this set of "Golden With Love" champagne flutes by Vera Wang. Each glass has a gold-plated stem capped with an intricate silver band. Cheers!
Personalized Metallic Record
We're all about a personalized anniversary gift. "Anything personalized is always special," says Dana Selarnick, Senior Buyer, Home and Technology at Uncommon Goods. Take this upcycled vinyl record for instance. It's finished with a dazzling gold hue and can be customized with your names, a five-song "tracklist" (think: your wedding song, go-to car ride tune or anything from their favorite artist) and a sweet message like "Happy 50th Anniversary!" The record is then suspended in a floating frame for a striking (and meaningful!) piece of wall art.
Sleek Measuring Set
Ty Mecham, Rocky Luten
Gifts for the 50th anniversary don't have to be classically romantic. A thematic present that shows just how well you know your partner is equally special in our opinion. If you're married to a baker, they'll love this sleek set of measuring cups and spoons. They're made of stainless steel but finished with a PVD gold coating to fit the traditional theme. Fingers crossed they bake you a cake as a thank you.
Gold-Hued Sheet Set
Even though you're always pulling your spouse away from Target's home section, even you can't deny that the bedroom linens could use a refresh. This sheet set—which nods to the 50th wedding anniversary color of gold—will be a warm accent to any room. It comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases, all made from 100% long-staple cotton for smooth and soft sheets you'll both love to crawl into every night.
Gold Candle
The 50th anniversary is a great time to take all the items your spouse has only window-shopped for and actually splurge on them—like a posh candle. Mind you, this isn't just any candle—it comes in a stunning porcelain container decorated with gold-tone, paisley-patterned platinum. Once the wax—which fittingly has a 50 hour burn time—is gone, they can reuse the vessel as a trinket box.
Ornamental Sundial
It's the couple's golden anniversary, meaning they've probably acquired pretty much everything they need by now. Something they likely don't have? A display-worthy sundial with gold-tone brass accents. Add an extra-special finishing touch by having it personalized with the year they tied the knot and the year they're celebrating the big 5-0. It can be used as a decorative accent around their home or as garden art.
Engraved Tie Bar
Get your one and only a gold-plated tie bar to wear on fancy date nights with you. While this piece is luxe all on its own, you can make it feel even more special by having it custom engraved with their initials or a special date (like your wedding anniversary).
Solitaire Diamond Necklace
The fact that there's no 50th anniversary stone just means you get to pick whichever one you think they'll love most—and a diamond is a foolproof option. This solitaire necklace—complete with a 14K yellow gold setting and chain—is a jewelry box staple. Your spouse can wear it with their everyday attire, on date night or maybe even with a 50th anniversary party dress.
Beveled Gold Band
Looking for a minimalist anniversary ring for your husband or wife? This 18K yellow gold band with beveled edges will make a simple yet stunning statement of your love. (Psst. It comes in rose and white gold too.)
Monogrammed Ice Bucket
Pair their favorite bottle of bubbly with a gilded ice bucket for a celebration-worthy gift. This vintage-inspired ice bucket—made from gold-plated stainless steel—will keep wine and champagne chilled for hours, and can be stamped with the couple's monogram for a personal touch. They'll definitely want this on display at their 50th wedding anniversary party.
Memory Keepsake Dish
Pro tip: "If you're getting a gift for your parents, you're definitely in the best position to get them something special and meaningful," says Krissy Osborne, Associate Buyer, Art at Uncommon Goods. "You have access to old photos and information that no one else knows." Our suggestion? Riffle through the photo album to find a picture of the pair from their younger years, then have it turned into a keepsake dish. Artist Melissa Reddick glazes the image in black and white onto a ceramic catch-all tray, complete with a sparkly gold rim to fit the 50th anniversary's traditional theme.
Love Knot Cuff Links
Fun fact: The phrase "tie the knot" originates from an ancient Celtic wedding tradition called "handfasting." Couples participating would tie their hands together using a cloth to announce their engagement. Today, "love knots" are used to symbolize commitment in a similar fashion. Reiterate your devotion to your partner with these love knot cuff links—they'll be reminded of the special occasion each time they wear these shiny accessories.
Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch
After 50 years together, nothing says "I'll love you until the end of time" quite like a gold timepiece. Splurge on your spouse by snagging them a fine, diamond-studded accessory from iconic Swiss watchmaker, Longines. This classic style also has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face, so it'll stay pristine for decades to come.
Gold Eyeshadow Palette
Here's a clever golden wedding anniversary gift—instead of actual gold, gift your makeup-loving spouse some shimmery gold-toned eyeshadow. This palette from Urban Decay boasts 12 golden neutral shades, each with a matte, metallic or sparkly finish. Plan a couple's photoshoot so they can get all dolled up with their new makeup.
Pavé Diamond Hoop Earrings
Expand your S.O.'s current roster of earrings with these gorgeous 14K gold earrings embellished with petite, round diamonds. They come in three hoop sizes depending on your partner's bling style, making them perfect for everyday wear and special occasions alike.
Gold Metallic Gallery Wall
With 50 years of memories built up, it can be hard to pick just one picture to frame as a gift for your spouse or parents—so build a gallery wall of all your most cherished moments together for them instead. Framebridge not only sells sets of elegant frames, like this gold metallic trio—they also custom frame your photos so everything is display-ready upon delivery. They even make installation easier than ever with a life-sized hanging guide.
Vintage Gold Mirror
Is your spouse the fairest of them all? Of course they are! Upgrade their dresser or closet with the internet's latest obsession: a vintage-inspired mirror. This one is handcrafted with intricate gold-plated adornments along its apex and edges.
Alternative 50th Anniversary Gifts
You don't have to stick to the traditional gold theme to score your loved one a 50th anniversary gift that they'll adore. Below are 20 creative picks that'll leave them feeling loved and appreciated this year—and always.
Custom Embroidered Blanket
A super-soft decorative throw blanket is already an excellent gift idea, but this one takes it to the next level thanks to custom embroidery. Accent the gorgeous cream afghan with their favorite thread color, finishing the piece with their names alongside the sweet phrase "Together is the best place to be." Bring on the cuddles!
Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle
Celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss with a gift that pays tribute to an important moment in your relationship: the year you met or, since it's the 50th anniversary, the year you got married. This isn't just unique photo art though—it's also a jigsaw puzzle. The custom street signs capture the year your lives intersected. We suggest pairing this gift with puzzle glue; once they finish building it, they can frame it and admire their teamwork for years to come.
Anniversary Clock
Time flies when you're having fun—and now you can watch it go with an anniversary clock. This unique piece of decor has three faces: one showing the years, one showing the months and another measuring the seconds that have passed since you first said "I do." It's engraved with the couple's names and plays any meaningful song you choose every year on their special day (or just at the push of a button).
New York Times Anniversary Book
If your parents read the newspaper every morning while sipping their coffee, they'll love this creative 50th anniversary gift. This leather-bound book is filled with the front pages of The New York Times from their wedding date every year through their most recent anniversary—that's 50 pages of history for them to delve into. (Psst, does the text look too small? The book can come with a magnifying glass to help with that.)
Celebrity Video Message
Your favorite couple will appreciate anniversary well-wishes from you—but they'll enjoy hearing it from their favorite celebrity even more. Cameo is a super-cool online service where you can request a personal video message from a whole host of famous faces. Choose an actor, musician, athlete, comedian or another celeb your recipient loves, then have them record a congratulatory message which is sent via email in honor of their milestone celebration. Bonus: If you're looking for a last-minute 50th wedding anniversary gift, some celebs on the site can even accommodate a 24-hour turnaround time.
Tasty Gift Box
This yummy food crate is the ideal gift for couples who enjoy the finer things in life. Each box contains a selection of award-winning cheeses along with artisan meats, wine and a serving board. Pair the charcuterie set with a picnic blanket so the couple has all the tools they need for a romantic date at a neighborhood park.
Anniversary Map Candle
You don't have to splash out on a 50th anniversary gift to get something truly special for your other half. This sweet candle comes in a personalized jar printed with your names, wedding date and a meaningful location. We suggest choosing the place you met, your wedding venue or the home where you built your lives together. It's even champagne-scented, which is perfect for such a celebratory occasion.
Therapeutic Massage Gun
Sometimes the best gift for a 50th wedding anniversary is the thing your spouse has been hinting at wanting—like the ever-popular Theragun. This bestselling massage tool is designed to soothe sore muscles and aid in post-workout recovery. The ultra-quiet motor helps to make it a relaxing experience, while the ergonomic handle is easy to grip.
Versatile Travel Bag
If you plan on jetting off together to celebrate your milestone, why not upgrade your spouse's departure gate style? This duffle bag from Béis is functional and stylish, with three interior pockets and a padded tech sleeve, plus an exterior zip pocket and a bottom shoe compartment. It's made from durable, waterproof canvas so it's ready to go no matter where you adventure next.
Guided Group Trip
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
If there was ever a year to go a little over the top for an anniversary gift, it's the golden anniversary. Treat your spouse (and yourself) to a trip abroad with EF Go Ahead Tours' convenient planning service. They find hotels and flights, design exciting itineraries and pair you with local guides so you can enjoy the sites and culture of a new place without any stress. How about a trip to Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle?
Washable Silk Robe
Hands down, one of our all-time favorite gift ideas is Lunya's silk loungewear. Your spouse will want to live in this buttery soft robe, which is made with thermoregulating technology that will keep them perfectly temperate while wearing it. The best part? Lunya uses sustainably sourced, machine washable silk, so this is one gift you can splurge on guilt-free.
Gourmet Candy Box
Anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this aesthetically pleasing (and delicious) box of gourmet candy. From champagne gummy bears to chocolate pearls and cookie dough balls, it will be hard to pick just nine types of candy to include. Talk about a sweet 50th anniversary gift.
Custom Portrait
Imagine the look on your parent's faces when they unwrap a beautiful artistic portrayal of themselves. This Etsy seller turns a picture of the happy couple into a one-of-a-kind watercolor print. The art itself is a digital download, so you'll want to build in a little extra time to have it professionally printed and framed so they can instantly put it on display.
Yellow Roses Bouquet
Your loved one(s) will be pleasantly surprised when this vibrant bouquet of yellow roses, the 50th anniversary flower, shows up on their doorstep. Have an elegant vase and anniversary card waiting for them to complete the present.
Topographic Whiskey Glasses
Married to a whiskey enthusiast and nature lover? This unique handblown tumbler set from Huckberry combines the best of both worlds. Each set of glasses features miniature topographic impressions of famous natural landmarks, like the Rockies, Zion, The Grand Tetons and so many more.
Digital Picture Frame
Keep your parents up-to-date on you and their grandkids with a digital photo frame. Aura lets you add preloaded snapshots to the frame before handing it over as a gift, while also continuously uploading new images from your phone or laptop anytime, anywhere. This is a practical and thoughtful 50th anniversary gift for your parents who are always begging to see what their favorite little ones are up to.
Personalized Botanical Stationery
Nod to the milestone 50th anniversary flower, violets, with a set of elegant stationery. This version comes with personalized cards, each printed with a bouquet of sweet purple violets—plus your choice of envelope color to complete the set.
Sporty Barbecue Tools
Your number-one griller and sports fan will definitely appreciate this super unique tool set. It comes with a spatula, fork, bottle opener and tongs, all crafted from repurposed hockey sticks—so cool, right? They'll be a great conversation starter at your next BBQ.
Wine Subscription
A nice bottle of wine or champagne is a classic way to celebrate a momentous occasion. Now, you can take that traditional idea up a notch with a ready-made collection of bottles, all catered to your recipient's unique taste. Wine Access's selection of exclusive, international wine—some even chosen by Michelin Star tastemakers—allows recipients to affordably expand their palette. Each month, you can have one to six bottles of wine delivered straight to their door to elevate their nightly cheers into a year-long anniversary celebration.
Custom Family Storybook
Mark our words, this will be an unforgettable 50th anniversary gift. Turn your favorite couple's stories into a beautiful keepsake book with the service StoryWorth. Each week for a year, the company will send them an email with unique questions to answer, like "What's the farthest you've traveled?" You can also write your own prompts to really get to the heart of your parents' lives. At the end of the year, all their responses will be bound into a memory book for a touching anniversary gift that'll be cherished for generations to come.