What is the traditional 50th wedding anniversary gift

Half a century?! Most couples can only dream of a love that long-lasting!

If you know a couple who has reached this major milestone – or maybe you and your sweetheart have achieved this feat and you’re in a shopping mood – then it’s time to celebrate in a big way. We’re talking about 50th anniversary gifts, people! 

While you shouldn’t skip the card and bouquet (they’re always appreciated), we certainly encourage you to think about investing a little more time and effort into this gift. We know, it’s a lot of pressure, whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift for your spouse or trying to congratulate a certain couple in your life. But we’ve got your back! 

Before we dive into the best gift ideas for the 50th wedding anniversary, we’ll take a look at the traditional and modern themes plus the flower and gem customarily associated with the occasion. Hint, hint: go for the gold! 

What Are the Traditional & Modern Gifts?

Okay, so our hint was really more of a directive. Gold is the traditional 50th anniversary gift. It’s also the modern 50th anniversary gift. There’s a good reason for this – a couple’s fiftieth anniversary is known as their “golden anniversary”!

Gold typically symbolizes wealth and success, and when looking at a couple who has been married for fifty years, that is probably what you would see: a wealth of love and a successful marriage. 

Ancient cultures associated gold with prosperity and wisdom, which also holds significance for a wedding anniversary gift. Gifts of gold are thought to impart wellness, good health, prosperity, and wisdom – all things a couple together for fifty years could benefit from. 

If you’re looking to add a bouquet of flowers to your gift, consider yellow roses and violets. Yellow roses are reminiscent of the color gold, but they also bring their own special meaning, representing friendship, cheer, and happiness. This is fitting because while marriage may start with infatuation, true friendship is what makes it last.

Violets symbolize faithfulness, virtue, and simplicity. Again, all characteristics of a love that spans half a century.  

There’s no gem associated with the fiftieth wedding anniversary, so you can breathe a sigh of relief. Gold’s plenty good enough.  

50th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her

1. Gold Necklace

by Etsy: SarahEliseJewelry

A love that lasts fifty years must have been written in the stars. And what better way to tell her that than with this sweet gold star necklace? It’s dainty and delicate, perfect for everyday wear. Tiny gold stars glitter on a simple chain, lending a hint of sparkle to any outfit.

If she’s not a yellow gold fan, it’s available in white gold or rose to match her style while still fitting the theme. 

2. Gold Bangle Bracelet

by Blue Nile

We adore this simple, elegant gold bangle. It’s design is without end, much like your devotion to one another. Ideal for layering or being worn regularly, she’ll love how this bangle effortlessly matches any outfit. It’s a gift as timeless as your partnership. 

3. Gold Hoop Earrings

by Blue Nile

An outfit isn’t complete without earrings, and neither is our gold jewelry gift selection! These gold hoops are the perfect size – not too big, but not small enough to be overlooked. They’re classic and chic, just like your spouse!

Choose from yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold for a golden wedding anniversary gift tailored to her tastes.

4. Muse D’or Ceramic Candle

For the woman who has everything, we suggest this elegant ceramic candle as a unique golden anniversary gift. With its unique and eye-catching muse faces gilded in a gold glaze, this candle looks as wonderful as it smells. Notes of pink pepper and sage balsam will fill the space until the wax burns down, leaving you with a charming vase.

Or, opt for this festive glittering candle. Wax with notes of vanilla, amber, clove, pine, and cedarwood is poured into this frosted vessel, complete with gold leaf detailing. 

5. Gold Vase with Flowers

We already know you’ve got your yellow rose or violet bouquet lined up and ready to go. But don’t forget to pair it with an enchanting vase!

We love this gleaming gold vase from Anthropologie. The interesting, organic form is made luminous by a stunning gold glaze. It’s just the right size to display a lovely floral arrangement on your table or desk. 

6. Metallic Teapot

by Saks: Richard Brendon

From dreaming of her wedding day while having a tea party as a kid to being married for fifty years and presented with this stunning metallic teapot. Sigh. Isn’t love beautiful?

This elegant teapot is made from bone china coated in the most lustrous gold finish. Its classic, mid-century modern form is quite enchanting and suitable for all occasions. 

7. Gold Silk Pillowcase

by Anthropologie: Slip

Ooh, la la! This gold silk pillowcase is downright luxurious. It will provide her with the most restorative beauty sleep she’s ever gotten (not that she needs it). The mulberry silk helps to protect her hair and skin while making for a super soft sleep surface.

The best part is that they’re machine washable, so she doesn’t have to worry about taking them to the cleaners or washing them by hand. What a practical golden gift!

8. Gold Reed Diffuser

by Thymes

Every time she catches a whiff of this lovely gold reed diffuser, she’ll think of you. Layers of beautiful fragrance, like sandalwood and Siberian fir, are invigorating and refreshing. When the subtle scent runs out, she can refill the gold vessel again and again.  

50th Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him

9. Custom Gold Cufflinks

by Etsy: GoldstoreJewelry

Cufflinks are a staple of any man’s wardrobe, and therefore we could argue that a guy can never have too many.

These specific cufflinks are sure to become a favorite. His initials, in a charming scrolled font, can be cast in either 14k or 18k solid gold. Select from yellow, white, or rose gold to best fit his style.

10. Gold Watch

by Saks: Salvatore Ferragamo

Time can be told by laugh lines, evidence of a life well-lived. But if he prefers to tell time in a more traditional sense, he’ll love this impressive gold watch.

Its bold bracelet band and strong profile suit the dark guilloché dial incredibly well, making for a watch that’s magnificent as he is! It’s durable, water-resistant, and can we say, timeless, in its design.  

11. Gold Fountain Pen

by Parker

Whether he’s adding his signature to checks or signing love letters, this pen will make the endeavor so much more enjoyable. Its blue chevron patterned body features gleaming gold accents for a sophisticated and polished look. The 18-carat gold nib offers a smooth writing experience and produces effortlessly crisp lines. It comes in a handsome gift box, complete with refillable ink cartridges. 

12. Custom Map

by Minted

Is there a city or town that’s particularly important to your husband? Maybe it’s his hometown, or something sentimental like the place where you first met.

No matter where it is, a custom map of that special spot can be printed out and framed as an extra special way to display his cherished locale. Highly detailed and customized with your city’s name, all you need to do is provide an address and the folks at Minted will do the rest.

Printed in gold, the resulting map is a gorgeous and artistic representation of his favorite place. He’s sure to love this personalized anniversary gift.

13. Sundial

by Etsy: TheMetalFoundry

To the rest of us who are nowhere near fifty years of marriage, it seems as if the sun never sets on your love!

A sundial can be a beautiful representation of your enduring relationship. We especially love this handcrafted dial, cast entirely from brass and detailed with gold highlights. The inscription is a lovely statement about your anniversary and can be personalized with your wedding date.

14. Personalized Record

by Uncommon Goods

From dancing the sock hop to waltzing at their granddaughter’s wedding, anyone who has enjoyed fifty years of life together has experienced their fair share of music. Some songs really stand out though, and hold a special place in their hearts through the decades.

If you know one of those songs, you can build a sweet and sentimental personalized record for the happy couple. This luminous gold vinyl LP features the lyrical words of up to five songs and includes a place for personalization. It’s suspended in a unique floating frame that can be displayed anywhere they like.

15. Gold Rimmed Highball Glasses

by Williams Sonoma

A toast to love – with a glass he is sure to love! These fancy gold-rimmed highball glasses are perfect for sipping his favorite barrel-aged blend. The crystal clear glass, hand-painted with gold lacquer, is durable and quite charming. It effortlessly transitions from casual get-togethers to formal soirees. This gift set includes four glasses. 

16. Gold Men’s Bracelet

by Tiffany

Gold jewelry for men is very dashing, if we do say so ourselves.

If your spouse isn’t afraid to rock a bracelet, then this accessory would make a charming choice for a 50th anniversary gift. Made of 18k yellow gold, this sleek cuff definitely has modern vibes. This versatile accessory can easily be worn on a weekend outing or with a suit jacket to an upscale event. 

50th Anniversary Gift Ideas For Either

17. Sheet Music Wall Art

by Canvas Vows

Sheet music helps musicians produce gorgeous music – but it makes for beautiful art as well!

If you have a special song that you and your spouse adore, it can be made into an impressive piece of art. Sheet music wall art consists of the actual sheet music from a tune of your choosing. Printed in gold on a canvas size you select, it makes a thoughtful gift that you can hang anywhere in your home. 

18. Gold Rug

by Jonathan Adler

Home is where the heart is, as long as your true love is there beside you, right?

Cozy up your favorite place to enjoy each other’s company with this stunning gold rug. The fractured sunburst design is intriguing, and the rich gold color complements a variety of decor themes. Hand-woven from the softest wool, you’ll enjoy sitting on, dancing about, or just gazing at this extraordinary textile.  

19. Abstract Art

by Minted

Gold isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For those who aren’t fond of the color but want to stick to the theme, finding the perfect gold item can be difficult.

Thankfully, there are lovely items like this abstract artwork that include a touch of gold without going overboard. Its mesmerizing marbled design is reminiscent of sandy ocean waves. It would be a lovely ode to your tropical honeymoon fifty years ago!  

20. Gold Plated Photo Frame

by Saks: Michael Aram

Over the course of fifty years, a couple has likely created a home, grown their family, and shared many happy moments. A gold-plated photo frame is a delightful way to let them display one of their favorite photos of those cherished moments.

This whimsical frame has a border of golden olive branches, intricately intertwined. It’s a statement piece picture frame if we ever saw one! It holds one horizontal picture.  

21. Gold Luggage

by Rimowa

After 50 long years, it’s time to indulge. Visit the Mediterranean, or tropical beaches, or tour Europe – you deserve it!

If you’re getting ready to jet off into the sunset, you can do it in style with gold luggage. This durable luggage from Rimowa is as glamorous as you are. It’s also a dream to travel with, thanks to its rolling wheels, dropdown handle, and lightweight build. It’s ready to help you enjoy your golden years! 

22. Bookends

byPerigold

Carved from solid wood and hand-painted with a gilded finish, this is as luxurious as bookends get. You could practically put these on display in your home and no one would guess that they’re simple bookshelf supports. Modern and sleek, they’ll certainly add a pop of sparkle and glamour to your shelves.  

23. Gold Wall Clock

by Wayfair: Joss & Main

Is it art? Is it a clock? This golden timekeeper is both!

Its romantic golden finish and deconstructed design make for a breathtaking piece of wall art that is as fashionable as it is functional. Oversized and impressive, this gold gift won’t go unnoticed. Perfect for reminding you of your fifty years of happiness and love whenever you check the time! 

24. Custom Cutting Board

by Etsy: BlueRidgeMountainCo

Gold-averse couples, this gift is for you.

A custom cutting board in a natural maple finish has gold tones, so we’re technically still within the theme, but there’s not a gilt or gold-plated element in sight!

Nevertheless, this personalized gift is truly gorgeous. Carved, sanded, and polished, it features a central design that can include your names and dates. It’s perfectly practical, but it’s so pretty you may just want to put it on display instead.  

Fifty Fabulous Years 

Fifty years? Fancy that! And we mean that literally, because with both the traditional and modern gifts being gold, this is one especially glamorous anniversary.

We hope you celebrate the golden anniversary with friends, family, and some amazing gifts! This momentous occasion deserves to be marked with a special present, commemorating your years together and your enduring love.

About the author

Megan Moore

Megan’s wedding experience began over a decade ago when planning her dream ceremony. Since then, three kids have been added to the mix. Megan wholeheartedly embraces all things baby, childhood, and family. When she isn’t writing or chasing little ones you can find her running, hiking, or reading.

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