Anniversary Gifts for Your Husband: Ideas That Actually Mean Something

Need more ideas along these lines? See our unique gifts for the hubby.

3. What are romantic anniversary gifts for him?

The most romantic gift is one that says in plain words what he means to you. Some husbands rarely hear it said out loud, so a simple, direct message goes a long way.

• A handwritten letter: one page about your favorite moment from this year of marriage.
• "Open when" notes: a few envelopes for a hard day, a good day and a day he misses you.
• Your first date, again: the same restaurant, or the same meal cooked at home.
• A photo book of the year: twelve months, twelve pictures, one line under each.

If faith is part of your marriage, a mug that reads "You're the man I prayed for" says a lot in six words. Set it next to his breakfast on the morning of your anniversary and let him read it before you say anything.

These ideas work on other days too. When his birthday comes around, here is how to plan a romantic birthday surprise.

4. What are funny anniversary gifts for a husband?

A funny gift works when the joke is a compliment in disguise. After a few years together you've earned the right to tease him, as long as the gift still says "I'd pick you again."

• A framed photo of your worst selfie together, with the date on it.
• A coupon book with "one argument won, no questions asked."
• A playlist of every song he sings badly in the car.
• A mug with a line he'll repeat to you for the rest of the year.

If your marriage runs on jokes, "Best effin' husband ever" printed in big block letters gets the point across. It's loud and a little cheeky, and you mean it.

5. What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?

Each wedding anniversary has a traditional material, and you can use it as a theme instead of a rule. These are the ones people ask about most:

• 1st: paper (a letter, tickets, a printed photo)
• 2nd: cotton
• 3rd: leather (a wallet, a belt, a watch strap)
• 5th: wood
• 10th: tin or aluminum
• 15th: crystal
• 20th: china
• 25th: silver
• 50th: gold

The list is a starting point. If the material for your year doesn't suit him, borrow the idea loosely. A ceramic mug is a relaxed nod to the "china" year, for example. We have a full guide for the twenty year wedding anniversary if that's the one coming up.

6. What is a good anniversary gift you can share as a couple?

A shared gift fits an anniversary well because the day belongs to both of you. Pick something you'll use side by side.

• A matching set for your morning coffee.
• A class for two: cooking, pottery or dancing.
• A weekend away, even if it's only one town over.
• A board game or puzzle that becomes your new weeknight habit.

Our "wifey" and "hubby" mugs come as a pair, one for each of you. They're a simple way to start a small ritual: coffee together before the day gets busy.

7. What should you write in your husband's anniversary card?

Write one thing you're thankful for, one memory from this year and one thing you're looking forward to. Three honest lines are enough. Here are a few starting points to make your own:

• Short and sweet: "Another year, and you're still my favorite person to come home to."
• Heartfelt: "Thank you for choosing me again this year. I choose you too."
• Funny: "Happy anniversary to the man who still steals the blanket. I'd marry you again anyway."
• For a milestone: "Ten years in, and my favorite part is still the ordinary days with you."

Keep this page handy for the rest of the year, too. We also have birthday gifts for your husband and birthday ideas for him when that date comes around. Whatever you choose for your anniversary, the part he'll remember is that it was clearly meant for him.