16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 Ideas for the Wax Anniversary

If you’re looking for a 16th wedding anniversary gift for someone special, we’ve got you covered with our selection of top present picks below.  

The traditional gift for this milestone moment is wax – said to symbolise warmth, flexibility, and the ways in which a marriage can be shaped and strengthened over time.  

The modern alternative for a 16th wedding anniversary is silver holloware, representing elegance and lasting strength.  

Whether you lean into traditional or contemporary gifts, both themes offer plenty of creative ways to mark 16 years of marriage. Happy shopping!  

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What is the Traditional 16th Wedding Anniversary Gift? 

• Traditional: Wax 
• Modern: Silver holloware 
• Colour: Silver 
• Flower: Statice (also known as sea lavender) 
• Stone: Peridot  

The traditional 16th wedding anniversary gift is wax.  

Wax represents how a relationship moulds and adapts over time – just as wax can be shaped by warmth, a long marriage is shaped by shared experiences, compromise, and care.  

It’s also associated with light, making it a poetic symbol for 16 years together. 

However, there are some (usually couples in the US) who give silver holloware – decorative or functional silver items such as trays, vases, candlesticks and serving pieces – as the traditional gift rather than the modern one.  

Whichever you choose, both themes offer plenty of inspiration when choosing a 16-year anniversary gift, whether you lean into something sentimental, practical, or luxurious. To help, Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples, has rounded up 30 ideas across both themes below.

Not quite at 16 years yet? We have equally wonderful suggestions for 15th wedding anniversary gifts. 

Wax Anniversary Gift Ideas 

Wax is a surprisingly versatile gift material, and can go far beyond a simple candle. These wax anniversary gifts range from luxurious and personalised to creative and experiential, and all carry the symbolism of the 16th anniversary.

1. Personalised Scented Candle – Not on the High Street 

Have your wedding date, initials, or a meaningful message printed on this beautifully scented yet budget-friendly candle.

A wonderful keepsake as well as a gift. 

2. Lavender & Moonflower Scented Candle – Jo Malone 

A Jo Malone candle is a classic luxury present, whatever the occasion. This heady lavender and moonflower scent feels especially luxurious as a 16th wedding anniversary gift. 

3. Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Candle – John Lewis  

If you want to splash the cash, you can’t go wrong with a large Diptyque candle, which comes packaged in the most beautifully designed vessel. This 600g wax gift doubles as the prettiest home décor once the candle is finished. 

4. Custom Wax Seal Kit – Etsy 

Perfect for stationery lovers, the recipient who loves writing and receiving cards, or anyone who values a romantic and vintage touch. Choose from a range of designs to personalise the stamp. 

5. William Morris Scented Wax Tablets – John Lewis 

These beautifully packaged wax tablets with dried rose petals and lavender flowers are the perfect way to scent small spaces.

Fragranced with patchouli, and notes of red berry and cardamom, they can be used to perfume drawers, suitcases, linen cupboards or hang in wardrobes. 

6. Make Your Own Beeswax Wrap Kit – Not on the High Street 

Ideal for eco-conscious couples who like to get creative, this kit allows you to make your own beeswax wraps. 

7. Candle Making Workshop – Virgin Experience Days 

This is a great 16th anniversary gift idea for couples. This experience gift at Laura Fisher Ltd also includes a fragrance masterclass and cream tea, which makes it great value! 

8. Wax Melts Subscription – Glass & Wick 

This is the wax anniversary gift that keeps on giving! Glass & Wick will send you two full sized wax melts a month, allowing you to experience a whole range of scents throughout the year. 

9. Personalised Dinner Candles – Not on the High Street

If they’re in their hosting era – or a romantic wedding anniversary dinner is on the cards – these tapered candles can be personalised with up to 40 characters, and arrive beautifully wrapped in velvet ribbon if purchased as a set.  

10. Wax Bouquet – Etsy 

After 16 years of marriage, it’s clear your love will never wilt, so share the sentiment with a wax bouquet, handmade using high-quality soy wax.  

Silver Holloware Anniversary Gift Ideas 

The modern 16th anniversary gift is silver holloware – decorative silver items that form a vessel or container, designed for the home. 

These make impressive, lasting gifts with a premium feel, ideal if you’re looking for a 16th wedding anniversary gift that combines beauty with functionality. 

11. Louis Philippe Coffee Pot – Fortnum & Mason 

If coffee is their love language, treat them to a luxury silver coffee pot. This one from Fortnum & Mason will spark joy as soon as they see the iconic packaging. It’s pricey – but will undoubtedly become an heirloom piece. 

12. Wedgwood X Vera Wang Love Knot Flutes – Marks & Spencer 

These iconic toasting flutes are a popular wedding gift idea, but we also think they make a beautiful 16th wedding anniversary gift. If budget allows gift them alongside a bottle of bubbly so they can toast to their marriage in style.  

13. Vintage Silver-Plated Trinket Dish – Holly & Co

Ensure they’re keeping their wedding ring safe after 16 years of wearing it with a beautiful vintage trinket dish, like this shell-inspired design from Say in Silver at Holly & Co. It comes in two sizes.  

14. Beaded Silver-Plated Photo Frame – Addison Ross  

Dig out an old snap from your wedding day – or include a recent favourite – and we guarantee they won’t be able to wipe the smile from their face.  

15. Culinary Concepts Champagne Cork Keeper – Farrar & Tanner 

A wedding anniversary which has been celebrated with a bottle of champagne should be cherished – and this silver-plated cork holder is the perfect way to do so. With ‘congratulations’ engraved on the top, it makes a lovely token gift.  

16th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him 

The 16th wedding anniversary gifts for him category is often underserved, but there are plenty of thoughtful options out there that balance meaning and practicality. Here are some of our favourites…

16. Engraved Sterling Silver Cufflinks – Aspinal of London 

Personal, wearable, and premium. Have them engraved with your wedding anniversary date or initials. 

17. Made By Zen Scentra Candle Warmer Lamp – Anthropologie  

Do they love a gadget? This sleek and stylish candle warmer allows them to have full control over the intensity of the scent diffusion from their candle – plus, it emits a warm, ambient light for maximum cosy home vibes.  

18. Arthur Price Silver-Plated Cocktail Shaker – Selfridges 

The perfect 16th wedding anniversary gift for the would-be mixologist or bartender, this ergonomic, silver-plated cocktail shaker means celebratory espresso martinis all round…  

19. Cypress & Grapevine Scented Candle – Jo Malone 

Possibly the easiest way to add calm and comfort to their living space or home office, a scented candle is often ‘that’ gift people never treat themselves to but very much enjoy receiving. With a second entry on our edit – for good reason – this Jo Malone candle is sensual and warming in equal measure.  

20. Rochester Engraved Silver Coasters – Soho Home 

Simple and useful yet luxurious at the same time, these silver coasters from Soho Home will look great on a coffee table – not to mention save them a bunch of cup stains.   

16th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her  

If you’re searching for a meaningful 16-year anniversary gift for her, these ideas combine sentiment with style, balancing the wax and silver themes with items they’ll genuinely love. 

21. Iridescent Scented Three-Wick Candle – Next

With its cherry and almond scent, this sparkly candle ticks both boxes for a 16th anniversary gift. Plus, the holder can be reused for trinkets and storage once the candle is finished.  

22. Silver & Peridot Huggie Earrings – Monica Vinader

Jewellery is a classic gift choice and these chunky sterling silver and peridot earrings will serve as a reminder of your special anniversary every time they wear them.  

23. The Scent & Style Gift Box – The White Company 

For an all-out 16th wedding anniversary gift they won’t forget, this stunning set comprises a collection of scented products – including the brand’s iconic diffuser – with a beautiful silver photo frame.  

24. The Lyra Dried Bouquet – Bloom & Wild 

If you’ve exhausted wax and silver gift options, how about incorporating the 16th wedding anniversary flower – statice – instead?

This hand-tied design from Bloom & Wild includes the bloom alongside helichrysum, poppy seed heads, amaranthus, spray roses and lavender. And because it’s dried, it’ll last longer than a fresh bouquet.  

25. Leopard Print Dinner Candles – Rockett St George 

Who says wax gifts have to be boring? If their love affair with leopard print shows no signs of slowing (same, same…) this set of four eclectic printed dinner candles make a wildly chic choice for a 16th wedding anniversary gift.  

16th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Couples 

Buying a gift for a couple celebrating their 16-year wedding anniversary? This mix of classic and fun ideas are ideal for giving family or friends, and suit both the wax and silver holloware themes. 

26. Sculpd Home Candle Making Kit – Virgin Experience Days  

Are they the kind of couple likely to celebrate their wedding anniversary with an at-home date night? This DIY candle making kit could be the perfect addition to level up the fun!  

27. Silver-Plated Toast Rack – Maison Flâneur

Weekend breakfasts never looked so good! This adorable, heart-shaped silver toast rack is the 16th wedding anniversary gift they didn’t know they needed… 

28. Gold & Silver Sugared Almonds – Fortnum & Mason 

Looking for an affordable 16th wedding anniversary gift idea for a couple? Treat them to these celebratory and delicious sugared almonds.  

29. Antique Silver Overarch Mirror – Melody Maison 

For the couple whose home has a vintage aesthetic, this antique, French-style mirror is quite the gift.  

30. Spa Breaks Voucher – SpaBreaks.com 

When all else fails, there’s nothing they’ll appreciate more than a romantic and relaxing getaway. Cue a spa voucher – it might not be wax or silver holloware, but it’ll most definitely be appreciated. And there will undoubtedly be a candle somewhere, right? 

Heading for a major milestone? You might also want to check out our guide to the best 20th wedding anniversary gifts or discover what’s next in our complete guide to anniversary gifts by year.  

16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: FAQ  

What is 16 years of marriage called? 

16 years of marriage is informally called the wax anniversary, named after the traditional gift material.  

There is no universally recognised formal name for the 16th wedding anniversary in the same way as silver (25th) or gold (50th), for example, but the wax anniversary name is widely used. 

What is the significance of 16 years of marriage? 

16 years of marriage is also known as the wax anniversary because it signifies how a marriage has been shaped and adapted over time. The material is also associated with warmth and light.  

Other core symbols include silver holloware, peridot gemstones, and statice – a flower also known as sea lavender.  

Is the 16th anniversary gift different in the UK and the US? 

Yes, there are slight differences in the gifts given. Wax gifts have emerged as the most common UK custom, but in the US, it’s more popular to give silver holloware.  

The gemstone and colour associated with the 16th wedding anniversary in the US is also different – it’s emerald as opposed to peridot.  

What colour is the 16th wedding anniversary? 

In the UK, the colour most associated with 16th wedding anniversary celebrations is silver, thanks to the modern gift option of silver holloware.  

However, other colours are also associated with this milestone, including green (typical of the gemstone peridot) and cool blue, purple or lilac, commonly associated with the 16th anniversary flower, statice.  

What should I write in a 16th anniversary card? 

If you’re writing a 16th wedding anniversary card for a partner, try something romantic and sentimental that nods to the theme of resilience and moulding together – something like, “our love has grown stronger and more flexible with time. Thank you for 16 incredible years.”  

If you’re writing a card for a friend or family member, aim to tailor your message to their personality and humour. Perhaps something like, “16 years of teamwork makes the dream work. Happy anniversary to you both!” 

How much should you spend on a 16th anniversary gift? 

There is no right or wrong answer to how much you should spend on a 16 year anniversary gift – it all comes down to your personal budget and recipient’s taste and preferences.

Those buying a wedding anniversary gift for a partner may typically spend anything from £30-£100, but this may increase for milestone anniversaries such as 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.  

The 16th wedding anniversary isn’t considered a huge milestone in the grand scale of things, so don’t worry about spending more than you can afford.  

Can you combine wax and silver in one 16th anniversary gift? 

Yes, you can combine wax and silver for a single 16th wedding anniversary gift – how about something like a silver candle holder?  

Why Trust Bridebook 

Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions. 

You Might Also Like…

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• 17th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
• 20th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
• Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year: The Complete Traditional & Modern Guide
• Wedding Gift Ideas for Every Budget

Danielle Wilkins

Danielle is a London-based freelance journalist and former magazine editor who has more than 18 years' experience in the media, having worked across some of the UK's leading bridal titles and women's glossies. In her freelance career, Danielle has written for publications including the Guardian, HELLO! Wedding and The Independent, covering motherhood, beauty and travel as well as wedding and bridal content.

Last updated: 8th Oct 2026

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