The 48 Best Anniversary Gifts for Parents and In-Laws

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Best Anniversary Gifts for Parents

Brides / Amelia Manley

If your parents have been together for a long time, their relationship has taught you much of what you know about love. You may admire the strength of their bond and the depth of their affection for one another, and the support they both give you (especially during your wedding-planning year!). So, naturally, you'll want to celebrate them and their bond with a special gift as their anniversary approaches. But what qualifies as an appropriate anniversary present for your parents or in-laws? And how do you select a gift that will appeal to both parents? 

And, yes, it’s a lovely idea to give your parents an anniversary gifts. “Often we overlook our parents' anniversary as it is a special day between them. However there are times such as the 25th, 50th, 60th, or 75th, anniversary that we should consider giving them a gift or an experience,” says Tonya Hoopes, owner, Hoopes Events in Park City, Utah. “The gesture of remembering them shows how important they are to you and the meaning of their marriage to you,” she continues, adding that when deciding on the gift, think of items or experiences they would like and if you are not sure what to do for them, ask them what their one wish is for their anniversary.

Obviously, the answers to these questions will vary from one set of parents to another. You might be shopping for foodies, plant-lovers, whiskey connoisseurs, goofballs, adventurers, homebodies, or sentimental souls. It's the thought that counts, of course—but to help, we've picked some of our favorites for every type of couple.

Read on for the best anniversary gifts for parents.

Basketful of Grace Wedding Vow Picture Frame

Anniversary Gift for Parents- Personalized 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts, 30th Anniversary, 50th Anniversary, Golden Anniversary Present

ETSY

If you can dig up a copy of your parent’s vows and a good picture of the two of them, you’ve got the makings of a gift that is 100 percent guaranteed to leave zero dry eyes in the house. This Etsy vendor combines their vows and wedding photo, creating a touching portrait your parents will hold dear for years to come. You can add an attractive black, white, or authentic barn wood frame for an extra charge as well.

UrbanStems The Manhattan Bouquet

The Manhattan

Urban Stems

Their love is beautiful, and so is this breathtaking bouquet from Urban Stems. This stunning collection of roses, snapdragon sprigs, burgundy Cala lilies, and carnations is sure to put them in an anniversary mood. Add some candles, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a quiet, romantic evening at home.

Artsy Voiceprint Soundwave Art on Paper

Soundwave Art | Paper Anniversary Gifts | Music Wall Art | Favorite Song Night Sky Print

ETSY

This soundwave canvas is perfect for music lovers and sentimental types. Just choose a song—maybe something your parents danced to at their wedding or “their” song—and Artsy Voiceprints will transform the soundwaves into a stunning piece of art. The printed soundwaves appear as glimpses of a gorgeous starry night sky in blue, green, purple, black, copper, or red.

Braidwood Pottery Famous Quotes Pottery Bowls

E. E. Cummings - Pottery Bowl - I Carry Your Heart With Me - Romantic Pottery Gift / Poetry Lover Gift / Anniversary Gift / Wedding Gift

ETSY

“I wish I’d done everything on earth with you.” Even if you haven’t read The Great Gatsby, this romantic quote tugs at your heartstrings, right? If that message perfectly encapsulates just how much your parents cherish the time they shared, gift them this gorgeous, handmade bowl that with the quote stamped on the outside. What a great reminder to have around the house! Not to mention, Braidwood Pottery has even more famous quotes that will surely fit your parents' personalities.

Mark & Graham Newbury Picnic Basket

NEWBURY PICNIC BASKET, SET FOR 4

Mark And Graham

Doesn’t a picnic sound like the perfect way for two lovebirds to spend time together? And yet, planning and packing for one can be such a pain. Well, this picnic basket makes it easy to pick up and go. It comes with ceramic plates, stainless steel flatware, wine glasses, and a corkscrew, and it has straps to secure everything. You can add a personalized, foil debossed, leather tag to the handle for a special touch too!

FrankiePrintCo Love Letter Blanket

FrankiePrintCo Love Letter Blanket

ETSY

With this blanket, they can literally wrap themselves up in each other’s love. If you can find some handwritten love notes they’ve exchanged, send one to this Etsy seller, and they’ll transfer it to a cozy, 100% cotton throw. This blanket will look adorable on their couch and will quickly become their second favorite thing to snuggle.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Tree Trunk Glassware

Personalized Tree Trunk Glassware Duo

Uncommon Goods

These adorable glasses are perfect for your favorite wine- or beer-loving sweethearts. Each has a hand-engraved tree-trunk design, complete with a “carved” heart that contains your parents’ initials and the date of their anniversary. You can select two wine glasses, two pilsner glasses, or one of each, depending on your parents’ preferences.

Un Jolie Fete Personalized Wedding Cookie Cutter

Cookie Cutter Personalized Wedding Heart - Cookie Cutter with first names. Cookie cutter Heart with first names. Wedding Cookie Cutter.

ETSY

If your parents are anything like ours, they’ve been telling you “Don’t spend your money. Just make me something” since you were a toddler. Well, this heart-shaped cookie cutter is a great way to add a special touch to some baked-from-scratch cookies. It’s personalized with your parents’ first names and the date of their anniversary. Made by you, for them, these cookies will have love in every bite.

The Adventure Challenge Couples Camera Set

Couples Camera Set

The Adventure Challenge

Whether your parents are up for anything or have started to run out of fresh date ideas, the Adventure Challenge will provide them with hours of quality time together. With the couple’s camera set, they’ll receive a Lomo’Instant automat camera for capturing the new memories they’ll be making and an adventure book. Each page contains a scratch-off date (to add to the suspense) and space to leave a note about the experience and paste a picture.

HomeWetBar Quinton Personalized Decanter Set

Boxed Decanter Set with Personalized Glasses - Great Gift For Bosses Dads Anniversaries Housewarming Retirement Bachelor and Wedding

ETSY

For the sophisticated couple whose relationship has aged like a fine whiskey, this personalized decanter set is an excellent gift. The set includes one 25-ounce decanter and four 10-ounce glasses, all made with a distinctive marble-like base that protects wood surfaces from rings and water damage. Each piece of glassware comes etched with the initials of your choice, and the set comes packaged in a lovely walnut-stained maple gift box.

Mouth Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit

OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL KIT

Mouth

If they love a good old-fashioned but haven’t quite mastered the art of making the drink themselves, this kit will be a fun and easy way for them to learn together. It includes everything you need for a perfectly balanced cocktail: Bittermilk’s trio of mixers, Hella Cocktail Company’s aromatic bitters, bourbon smoked sugar, bourbon cocktail cherries, and two unbreakable stemless glasses.

mindthecork Atlas Cork Hanging Planter

Atlas Cork Hanging Planter

ETSY

For the minimalists in your life, the Atlas hanging planter is a great way to bring the natural world inside without cluttering any surfaces. This planter is handcrafted from cork and blends in seamlessly with any kind of décor. It's sure to pair perfectly with any of your parents’ favorite plants.

D&S Craftworks Africa Tray

Africa Tray and customized trays

D & S Craft Works

If your parents have a connection to Africa—whether they have African heritage, have traveled there, or just love the continent and its cultures—they’re going to adore this striking serving tray. Handmade out of wood and resin, the trays come in four bold colors: white, black, black, and gold, or solid gold.

Flytographer Gift Card

Flytographer Gift Card

Flytographer

Give your parents or in-laws the gift of a cherished memory by scheduling them a unique photo shoot to capture their love. Buy them a gift card, so they can arrange their own session, or set it up for them as a surprise and simply tell them to dress nicely. An especially wonderful gift for couples heading on vacation for a milestone anniversary, Flytographer connects travelers with trusted local photographers across six continents for short, upbeat shoots where the “flytographers” are likely to have intel on all the best things to see, do, and eat in town to share with your ‘rents, too.

Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Attachment

Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment

Tushy

Do mom and dad just love talking about bathroom habits? Well, this is for them. Upgrade their experience with the much coveted TUSHY bidet to help them feel clean and pristine after every toilet use. It’s easy to install and has an automatic self-cleaning nozzle. For something even more deluxe, try the Tushy Ace Electric Bidet Seat ($549).

Lola Blankets Blanket

Lola Blankets Blanket

Lola Blankets

Treat your loved ones to a luxe blanket made with a 100% vegan polyester faux fur fabric for supreme softness. Choose from an array of stylish hues and patterns. Plus, take extra comfort in the fact that Lola donates blankets to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s breast oncology division to provide some TLC for those living with breast cancer.

Star Registry Custom Star Kit

Amazon Star Registry Custom Star Kit with Hand Calligraphy

Amazon

How romantic! Naming a star as an anniversary gift is a, well, stellar way to honor love. Hand calligraphy is also used on the parchment certificate to make this present truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, each gift includes a sky chart with the star name, telescopic coordinates and star indicated in red, so the recipient can look for their star in the sky.

STEELPORT Knife Co. 10” Bread Knife

STEELPORT Knife Co. 10” Bread Knife

STEELPORT Knife Co.

Ah, breaking bread—one of the happiest moments at any table. Help make that moment more seamless with this handsome carbon steel knife, Handcrafted in Oregon, the unique design features a so-called reverse wavey serration that cuts through any soft or crusty bread with ease and fewer crumbs. Make the piece a treasured family heirloom by adding a custom sheath engraving of up to 30 characters for an additional $25.

Ritual Essential for Women 50+

Ritual Essential for Women 50+

Amazon

If your in-laws’ or parents’ doctorss recommend they take a multivitamin, help them boost their routine with Ritual’s scientifically-developed multivitamin with 10 key nutrients for men and women 50+. Crafted with traceable ingredients, they are vegan, non-GMO Project Verified, and don’t have a funky aftertaste.

Crane & Canopy Plush Towel Bundle

Crane & Canopy Plush Towel Essentials Bundle

Crane & Canopy

Who doesn’t love luxurious bath towels? These versions from Crane & Canopy are woven from premium 100% long-staple Turkish cotton and spun with innovative air technology for a towel that’s both soft and lightweight yet extremely absorbent. Each set includes two wash, two hand, and two bath towels. Choose from eight colors (mint is our favorite) and add a monogram for an extra $10 per monogram.  

Lady M Confections Chocolate Mille Crêpes Cake

Goldbelly Lady M Confections Chocolate Mille Crêpes Cake

Goldbelly

Let them eat cake. Specifically, some of the best cake around from this much adored Japanese-French bakery based in New York City. If chocolate isn’t your loved ones’ thing, try one of the other amazing flavors of this Mille Crêpes Cake like Passion Fruit or the Signature.

Modular Closets Closet System

Modular Closets Closet System

Amazon

Ah, the gift of closet tranquility. Help your folks achieve organizational zen with these DIY organizational units that they can custom mix and match to meet their specific needs. P.S. They’ll be so glad they found all that extra space in their closet.

Spoonful of Comfort Tea and Cookies Basket

Spoonful of Comfort Tea and Cookies Gift Basket

Spoonful of Comfort

It’s tea time! Let the lovebirds toast their wedding anniversary with this lovely set of cookies and teas. The gift box includes a half-dozen cookies in the flavor of your choice (we love the lemon cookies and vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies), raw honey and dipper, and a note card with a personal message. Bonus: It comes wrapped in colorful packaging so it’s gifting-ready. P.S. For soup snobs, try their spectacular vegan gourmet meal set ($105) with two 32-ounce containers of soup, a half-dozen gluten-free, vegan dinner rolls, a half-dozen gluten-free, vegan cookies, and a serving ladle (the personal message and same delightful packaging is included, too).

Aerangis Discovery Journey Gift Set

Etsy Aerangis Discovery Journey Gift Set

Etsy

Hello, candle lovers. Spoil parents or in-laws with a mini trio of Aerangis' best-selling scents: Aging Spirits, The Beginning, and Secret Garden. The plant-based, eco-conscious candles smell amazing and the gift comes handsomely presented in a box with a bow.

Verve Culture Homemade Pizza Bundle

Verve Culture Homemade Pizza Bundle

Verve Culture

A delectable night of pizza and candlelight (we hope!) is in store with this fun set. The thoughtful gift for epicures includes classic Italian Pizza 00 Flour, a tomato and mozzarella pizza sauce, and a beechwood pizza peel and slicer. Another great option? The homemade ravioli gift bundle ($50).

Anima Mundi Ritual Kit Oracle + Ceremonial Magic

Anima Mundi Ritual Kit Oracle + Ceremonial Magic

Anima Mundi

For the spiritual set, wow them with this curated collection of everything they need to cleanse their space: A herbal astrology deck, blue lotus tea, a woven brass strainer, a dream elixir tonic, and a palo santo bundle. Ommmm….

A relaxing outdoor swing chair makes a welcome anniversary gift for couples who love lazing on their porch or deck. This super comfortable model sways gently on a study chain (included) and is crafted with POLYWOOD® lumber, a material made from recycled plastic jugs. A 20-year residential warranty ensures people will enjoy it for years to come. And yes, they’re built to withstand the beating sun, snowstorms, and strong winds and for easy cleaning with soap and water (phew).

Urbanista Phoenix Solar-Power Earphones

Amazon Urbanista Phoenix Solar-Power Earphones

Amazon

For couples who love gabbing on the phone when they’re apart or listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while on-the-go, these innovative earphones are superb. Thanks to their solar-charging capabilities, users don’t need to worry about plugging into electrical power, but can simply let the self-charging case do its thing when exposed to natural or artificial light. Choose from black or desert rose.

For the mom and dad or in-laws who would rather be reading, this bedside lamp is a jewel. Not only does it provide over 30 colors of light and relaxation modes like candle or red light, but it also has a “wind-down routine” to help usher in a night of ZZZs. The sunrise alarm helps them awaken to soft light gradually rising up the base of the lamp for a lovely way to greet a new day, too.

Let game-adoring duos enjoy the classic game of chess whenever they please on this elegant board composed of polished maple and walnut wood. Thanks to the board’s special design there’s a bit of movement during the game for a fun flourish. Better yet, the chess board doubles as an eye-catching home accessory.

Smile Brilliant cariPRO Electric Toothbrush

Smile Brilliant cariPRO Electric Toothbrush

Smile Brilliant

They both have smiles that make each other melt. Ensure they preserve their pearly whites with this powerful electric toothbrush that can improve gum health in as little as two weeks and give the user noticeably whiter teeth in a week. With the cariPRO, loved ones will actually look forward to this essential part of the daily routine.

Uncommon Goods 50 States Water Bottle

Uncommon Goods 50 States Bucket List Water Bottle

Uncommon Goods

Do ma and pa relish the mission of visiting all 50 states together? Grab two of these 32-ounce water bottles that will keep them hydrated along the way and come with dishwasher-proof vinyl stickers they can place over each state’s engraving to track their travels. If National Parks visits are more their speed, check out this National Parks Bucket List Water Bottle ($58).

Minted Classic Postcard Photo Art

Minted Classic Postcard Photo Art by Ana de Sousa

Minted

How sweet! We love this postcard-inspired piece that features any special photo you choose upload. What’s more, you can customize text and names for a special anniversary gift and choose from a slew of classic and specialty frames to finish the piece.

Rollink Flex Carry-on Spinner Suitcase

Rollink Flex Carry-on Spinner Suitcase

Rollink

Globetrotting pairs will adore this durable and lightweight hardshell wheeled luggage that collapses for easy storage when not in use. A range of attractive colors are on-offer and you can choose from carry-on models in international (21-inch) or domestic (22-inch) sizes. Bonus: A TSA-approved lock is included.

Compartés Tic-Tac-Toe Chocolate Game

Compartés Edible Tic-Tac-Toe Chocolate Game

Compartés

If you’ve got chocoholics on your hands, it’s hard to outshine Compartés for a sweet (pun intended) gift that won’t break the bank. Some of our favorites for anniversary gifting include the Zodiac Chocolate Gift Box ($60), Edible Tic-Tac-Toe Chocolate Game ($40), and Chocolate Is Art Bar Collection ($50). You might want to snag some bars or boxes for yourself while you’re at it, friends.

For devotee’s of New York Times’ best-selling author, psychotherapist, and podcast host Esther Perel, how about this card game? Designed to help bring couples closer together, the game can also be played among friends and coworkers in groups of up to six. Let the games begin!

Bloomscape Eureka Lemon Tree

Bloomscape Eureka Lemon Tree

Bloomscape

Relationships are all about making lemonade out of lemons. Capture that unifying ethos with this dwarf tree that does best at south-facing windows or gracing summer patios. The Variegated Pink Lemon Tree with creamy patterned leaves is another great choice.

Set the stage for a romantic night with this dreamy candelabra from Minted, the online marketplace of independent artists. Whether they use it for a cozy dinner pour deux or while entertaining others for a movie night, they’re sure to think of you every time they get glowing.

Rifle Paper Co Gabriella Embroidered Pillow

Rifle Paper Co. Gabriella Embroidered Pillow

Rifle Paper Co.

Celebrate a relationship in bloom with this gorgeous throw pillow from Rifle Paper Co. In this colorful design, a vase overflows with vibrant blooms, just like the love your parents or in-laws have for each other. Add a polyester insert ($10) or down-filled insert ($30) to complete the gift.

Uncommon Goods The Kissing Mugs

Uncommon Goods The Kissing Mugs

Uncommon Goods

How darling is this set of coffee or tea mugs? The cups are shaped like kissing faces, and you might want to round out the gift by surprising the happy couple by delivering them breakfast in bed, too. Choose from blue and gray or red and tan.

Hulu Gift Card

Amazon Hulu Gift Card

Amazon

It’s time for family movie night! Hulu lets lovers stream full seasons of TV shows, movies, and original series. Whether they’re cuddling up to watch The Bachelor or binging 20/20, there’s something for everyone on this popular streaming network.

Daily Harvest 5-Day Real Food Reset

Daily Harvest 5-Day Real Food Reset

Daily Harvest

Perfect for the health-conscious couple, this dietitian-developed collection from Daily Harvest will be a lovely (and much appreciated) surprise. Each Reset program contains five days of frozen food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert) with hits like mango and greens quinoa, shitake grits, and cherry kale smoothies. Bon appétit, Mr. and Mrs.!

Stitch Fix Gift Card

Stitch Fix Gift Card

Stitch Fix

If clotheshorses among your nearest and dearest, consider this unique offering. Customers fill out a short quiz on their style preferences and a stylist picks pieces that fit the bill. Soon, they’ll have their favorite new outfits for date night arriving straight to their door.

GreenPan 15-piece Knife Block Set

GreenPan Titanium Cutlery 15-piece Knife Block Set

GreenPan

The couple that cooks together, stays together. And eats pretty darn well together. Update their falling-apart knife block with this superb selection from GreenPan. The knives are built to last thanks to a strong titanium coating and heat treatment. They're also hand-sharpened for first-rate cutting prowess.

Speaking of cooking, how about these biodegradable nesting bowls set from Bamboozle? Available in four color schemes (the mixed neutrals set is our favorite), each order includes seven stackable bowls made from bamboo fiber. Even better, they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning after your father-in-law whips up his world-famous chocolate chip cookies or your mom churns out her favorite chili for the crew.

Have your parents or in-laws been hinting that they want one of those spiffy robot vacuums? Up the ante with this 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that uses sophisticated programming to avoid obstacles in its path. To make operation even more seamless, it comes with a self-emptying Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal feature, so people can forget about vacuuming for weeks on end. Best of all, the four-stage cleaning system ensures both carpets and hard floors alike are spick-and-span every time chore-time is done.

TaskRabbit Gift Card

TaskRabbit Gift Card

TaskRabbit

Whether your family members could use some yard work or wall mounting help, Taskrabbit lets you give them the meaningful gesture of a chore off of their plate. Check the locations here to make sure Taskers (handymen, house cleaners, etc.) are available in their area. While you’re at it, book a deep cleaning for your digs, too.

Dreaming Tree Wine

Drizly Dreaming Tree Wine

Drizly

Anniversaries are a moment to say cheers. Especially for parents or in-laws who can’t get enough of the Dave Matthews Band. Dreaming Tree Wines—the wine label of the legendary crooner himself, David John Matthews—will prove a welcome gift. Fruit-forward and easy to drink, standout selections include the Crush Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.  P.S. Dreaming Tree is running a “Buy a Bottle Plant a Tree” program in partnership with The Nature Conservancy; through March 1, 2024, Dreaming Tree Wines will donate $1.50 for every bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or Crush sold to their Plant a Billion Trees program.

What to look for in an anniversary gift for parents

  • Experiences: We know, we know. Shopping for one parent is hard. So, how on earth are you supposed to find a gift for both of them? The trick is looking for something they can experience together. Rather than buying one gift for Mom and another for Dad, think of something they both like and find a way for them to enjoy it with each other. That’s why food baskets or kits, items for the home, and couple’s activities all make amazing anniversary gifts. They allow your parents to reminisce about the good times and to make new memories as well. 
  • Sentimentality: It’s also ideal to select a gift that honors the past they’ve shared or one that allows them to experience something new as a couple. The first type of gift is a wonderful way to celebrate their love and all the hard work they’ve put into their relationship. The second helps them continue growing as a couple and revives some of those sparks that may be harder to come by after many years of being together. Customizing their gift with a meaningful message — for example, using bronze or bronze-colored lettering on a 19th-anniversary gift — also adds a personal touch.
FAQ
  • What are other good gift ideas for parents?:

    If you’re struggling to come up with non-product gift ideas, you can always check out a list of the traditional and modern gifts that correspond to each anniversary year. Feel free to get creative and interpret the lists however you see fit. For instance, the 35th anniversary traditionally calls for a coral gift, but that doesn’t mean you have to get them a chunk of the Great Barrier Reef. You might get them under-the-sea-themed cupcakes or matching coral-colored t-shirts with a funny message.

    If the gift guidelines aren’t working for you, it’s helpful to articulate for yourself what an anniversary celebration is really about. For us, it’s about remembering and preserving the love two people share. So when thinking of a gift, try to think of ways to celebrate their past together of ways to bring them closer together in the present and future

  • What are traditional gifts for the 25th, 30th, 40th, and 50th years?

    The traditional gifts by year, for the 25th, 30th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries are silver, pearls, rubies, and gold. The modern gifts are the same for the 25th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries, but the modern gift for the 30th anniversary is diamonds rather than pearls.  

Why Trust Brides

Buying presents for loved ones is one of Brides contributor Mckenzie Eggers' all-time favorite activities. She puts a lot of time and thought into choosing the perfect presents for friends, family members, and her partner, and she sees gift-giving as an important way to show her favorite people how much they mean to her.

In addition to Brides, NYC-based writer Perri Ormont Blumberg has contributed to New York Post, Men's Journal, Martha Stewart, Business Insider, and more.

  • Tonya Hoopes is an event planner and owner of Hoopes Events in Park City, Utah.

Related Stories