20th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas

Reaching 20 years of marriage is such a fantastic achievement! That’s two whole decades of devotion to the love of your life, and we bet you feel just as strongly – if not more strongly – about your other half as you did the day on which you exchanged your vows. Only now, you’ve built a life and possibly even a family together, and spent many adventures growing closer and closer.

That might be a rather smushy start, but when you’re celebrating 20 years together, it’s totally a time to get a little smushy about your partner!

As part of your celebrations, you may be excited to give your other half a gift. It’s a special anniversary, after all, so now is a great time to spoil them and let them know exactly how much they mean to you.

That might mean getting them something they’ve asked for, or alternatively finding one linked to either the traditional or modern theme associated with your 20th anniversary. It’s not called your china anniversary for nothing.

The traditional and modern gifts – as well as the traditional gemstone and flower – are gifts that stick to a specific theme and have been given by couples to each other for more than 100 years. These gifts have extra symbolic meaning behind them, which makes them a wonderful choice to mark such a fabulous milestone in your marriage. You don’t have to stick to them, but they’re a great place to start when considering a gift for your other half.

In this article, we’re going to explore all the traditional and modern gifts associated with your 20th wedding anniversary and give you 50 suggestions if you want to stick to a theme but you’re not quite sure where to start.

For lots more information on all the different anniversary gift-giving traditions for milestones between 1 and 90 years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary?

Both the traditional and modern anniversary gifts have been given for more than a century, with the traditional gifts dating back to the Victorian era, and modern gifts to the early 20th century. Whether you stick to either (or both) themes is entirely up to you, but both have romantic meaning behind them which can turn an ordinary gift into an extraordinary one.

Traditional 20th anniversary gift – China

As the name of your 20th anniversary suggests, the traditional gift to give to mark 20 years is china. China is a fragile but luxurious type of pottery used to make everything from tableware to ornaments. It represents the delicate but beautiful nature of your marriage, which you must work hard to protect.

China isn’t as commonly used now as it once was, but it still makes for a fantastic gift. Some types of china can be rather pricey, but there can also be gifts out there to suit a different range of budgets. So, if you love the meaning behind china, you’re likely to find something that suits your other half.

Modern 20th anniversary gift – Platinum

The modern 20th anniversary gift is platinum, a precious metal which is actually more valuable than gold. That means it’s super luxurious, which means it can be rather expensive. Platinum represents endurance, so if it suits your budget then there really isn’t a better gift to sum up two whole decades of marriage.

20th anniversary gemstone – Emerald

The traditional gemstone for celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary is emerald, a dazzlingly green precious stone that represents fortune, balance and peace. Emeralds are really popular, can be fairly easy to find in jewellers, and are often suitable for different budgets. But, some types of emerald can be even rarer than diamonds, which means they can be expensive, so make sure you have a good browse before committing to anything.

20th anniversary flower – Aster

The traditional flower to give to mark your 20th anniversary is the aster, a vibrant open flower which comes in various shades of purple, blue, pink and white. It’s such a happy flower that it makes for a wonderful choice for any happy occasion, and symbolises love and wisdom – two things you no doubt have in spades after 20 years of marriage.

How do you choose a gift for a 20th wedding anniversary?

Your 20th anniversary is definitely a biggie and there’s never a better time to spoil your other half. That means, you might be working hard to think of the perfect gift to spoil them and make sure they feel truly loved.

But with so many great themes to choose from (on top of some old faithfuls your partner would undoubtedly appreciate), how are you supposed to pick a present befitting of such an occasion? Here are a few things to think about when searching for the ideal 20th anniversary gift.

• Are you excited about sticking to either of the 20th anniversary themes? If so, you’ll want to browse for gifts related to china, platinum, emerald or aster, or maybe even a combination of two or more.
• What is your maximum budget? The traditional and modern anniversary themes are quite expensive choices, which may sway your decision. Your 20th anniversary is an important milestone, but don’t let that get in the way of spending more than your budget allows.
• Are you hoping to give a highly personalised gift? Some gifts are more easily personalised than others, and the traditional and modern gifts are often rather tricky to customise.
• What is your other half hoping to receive or have they asked for anything? Your partner might have dropped some heavy hints or even simply asked for something specific, which you may want to focus on even if they have nothing to do with the themes.

Is a lucky couple in your life about to celebrate 20 incredible years of marriage? If so, you might wonder whether you can give them a gift related to the traditional or modern themes and join in on the fun. There are absolutely no set rules when it comes to these gift-giving traditions, and so, of course, if you have the perfect gift in mind, nothing can stop you from giving whatever you like. The couple will no doubt appreciate the gesture and love the extra special meaning behind your generosity!

50 ideas for a 20th wedding anniversary gift

Because your 20th wedding anniversary is fast approaching, you’ve probably been thinking about what to give your partner for a while. You may well have something specific in mind, or you may be close to panic mode because you’re stumped about what sort of gift is befitting of such a huge milestone in your marriage.

That’s why we’re here to offer you 50 20th anniversary gift ideas and make your decision that little bit easier. That way, you can find your partner a wonderful gift to mark your anniversary and let them know exactly how much they mean to you. It’ll also help make your anniversary one they’ll remember forever.

10 traditional gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

The longest-standing and most traditional gift to give to mark your 20th anniversary is china, an incredibly luxurious, delicate and beautiful form of pottery that has been around for almost 300 years. It has long been a status symbol, and in the past was regularly used by the wealthy when enjoying an afternoon cream tea. It’s not used as regularly today, but still makes for a wonderful gift, and is surprisingly versatile. If you think your partner would love a gift made from china, we have 10 ideas to give you a little inspiration.

1. A bone china tableware set

Wedgwood and china go hand in hand, with this Staffordshire-based pottery manufacturer having been around almost as long as the art of fine china itself. So, what better way to treat your partner than with a Wedgwood fine china tableware set, which you can be confident will be fabulous and of the highest quality?

2. A Fortnum and Mason bone china mug

To bring a touch of elegance and luxury to your partner’s morning cuppa, you really can’t get much better than a Fortnum and Mason bone china mug. This mug has a delicate butterfly design with touches of gold and a signature strip of Eau de Nil.

3. A King Charles III fine bone china trinket box

If your partner is something of a royalist and has jewellery and accessories they need to keep safe, a fantastic choice of gift could be a King Charles III coronation fine bone china trinket box, which has great history and meaning behind it.

4. A fine china teapot

Not all fine china breaks the bank, and even with a smaller budget, you can still pick up something lovely and lavish. A fine china teapot from John Lewis has a stunning tree and stork design to bring a touch of class to tea time, and doesn’t cost as much as you might think.

5. An aster-decorated china plate

Combine the traditional gift of 20 years of marriage with the traditional flower for a real double-hitter with twice as much symbolic meaning. An aster-decorated china plate is a lovely addition to anyone’s china collection, or the perfect way to start one.

6. A bone china vase

Tiffany & Co. are a brand associated with the finer things, and they don’t come much finer than a Tiffany & Co. bone china vase. You’ll also get extra brownie points by giving it to your partner filled with a bouquet of asters!

7. An item of broken china jewellery

Because it’s so delicate, china is prone to breaking if not looked after carefully. However, that doesn’t mean it no longer has its uses. Broken china jewellery is a unique and creative way to repurpose broken china, bringing new life to something that might otherwise have been thrown away.

8. A Buckingham Palace fine bone china Christmas bauble

Another great gift for fans of the royal family, especially if your anniversary lands around the festive season. A Buckingham Palace fine bone china Christmas bauble adds a touch of royalty to your Christmas tree and is an anniversary gift your partner can display every single year.

9. A personalised china jug

China isn’t often personalised, which is why this two pint personalised china jug is such a great choice. It can include a custom date, initials and reading, and can be used as a vase or to serve drinks.

10. A piece of antique china

Many pieces of china are antique, so you could give your partner a piece of the past with an authentic piece of antique china. It’s also worth checking local antique or charity shops to see if they have something in stock that might tickle your partner’s fancy.

10 modern gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

For a gift with more modern flair, you might want to choose something associated with the modern 20th anniversary theme, which is platinum. Platinum is a luxurious precious metal that is actually worth more in weight than gold, which means it can be incredibly expensive. For example, a platinum watch can cost as much as £300,000. For that reason, we’re not going to include many platinum watches in our list of gift selections, but there are still options available to suit different budgets. Here are 10 suggestions for platinum gifts, which don’t cost quite as much as that…

1. Platinum cufflinks

A major 20th anniversary double-hitter, this pair of platinum emerald cufflinks contain the modern gift and the traditional gemstone, and make a real statement to help tie an outfit together.

2. A dazzling platinum rose

The rose is one of the ultimate symbols of love. If you wanted to give your partner a rose to mark your anniversary but are also keen to stick to one of the themes, you might be torn. But, a dazzling platinum rose is the best of both worlds, with the bonus of not needing to be watered.

3. Platinum emerald earrings

Platinum and emerald is a match made in heaven. That’s why a pair of platinum emerald earrings is absolutely stunning, and definitely a choice that will get you in your other half’s good books.

4. A platinum wall clock

For a smart, modern and deluxe way for your partner to tell the time, a platinum wall clock is big, striking and a constant reminder of your special anniversary.

5. A platinum picture frame

It might have been 20 years since the two of you tied the knot, but we bet the memories of that day are still fresh in your mind. Why not print out your favourite wedding snap and give it to your partner in a platinum picture frame, which has a gloriously unique ripple finish?

6. A personalised platinum and gold LP

Since the two of you got married, you’ve most definitely made some beautiful music together. Celebrate the moment two of you made it to number one with a personalised platinum and gold LP.

7. A platinum watch

There’s something quite special about a platinum watch from Rolex. Yes, they are very pricey, but if you have the budget to splash on an extravagant gift, then why not? They’re stunning and very much on-theme when celebrating your 20th anniversary.

8. A platinum indoor planter

Bring a touch of luxury to your partner’s favourite indoor plant with a platinum indoor planter. It’s handmade with a platinum finish and suitable for everyday use.

9. Chanel ÉGOÏSTE Platinum Eau De Toilette

This one’s all in the name (but also, a little bit in the nose). Chanel ÉGOÏSTE Platinum Eau De Toilette is a strong yet refined male fragrance that your other half can wear if you’re heading out for a romantic meal on your anniversary night. 

10. Vintage platinum jewellery

If your partner loves jewellery with a retro feel, then vintage platinum jewellery should be right up their alley. It can often be pricey, but is always packed with character and beauty. If you’re lucky, you might find a piece containing emeralds so it hits two of the 20th anniversary themes.

5 affordable gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

China, platinum and emeralds are all stunning gifts to give your partner on your 20th anniversary. The only thing is, they’re often very expensive, which can limit your choices, especially if you have a smaller budget. That said, there are ways to stick to a theme even if you have a certain amount to spend. So, here are five suggestions for affordable 20th wedding anniversary gifts.

1. A bone china jewellery box

If your partner has some jewellery but nowhere to keep it, a bone china jewellery box is small, thoughtful and also kind to your bank balance.

2. Vintage china flowers

Flowers are always an anniversary winner, but if you combine the beauty of flowers with the deep, symbolic meaning of china, you get vintage china flowers which are also unique and affordable.

3. Adorable china teacup jewellery

If your partner likes unique accessories, a dolls house tea cup ring will definitely raise a smile. While not technically made from china, they certainly represent it and are affordable and unique, so why not have some fun with this token gift?

4. A personalised china keepsake

For something small, cute, personalised and affordable, a personalised china keepsake lets you give your partner a great token gift which they can hang somewhere they’ll always see.

5. A puntastic china anniversary card

Combine the theme of your anniversary with an anniversary card, with a funny and puntastic china anniversary card. It’s also pretty cheap and is a cheeky way to stick to the china theme.

5 DIY gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

Many couples love to make each other gifts for their anniversary, as it shows their love and devotion – and lets them use their creativity and get a little messy.

For many anniversaries, the themes lend themselves well to crafts, but when it comes to china and platinum, it is rather difficult. Difficult, but not impossible. Well, it is still quite impossible to make something from platinum at home unless you happen to live in a jewellers. But, by thinking outside the box, it’s possible to make something out of china – specifically, when it’s broken. Here are five ideas which will hopefully give you some inspiration.

1. DIY broken china jewellery

Broken china needn’t be thrown away, so if you’ve accidentally dropped something or an antique piece sits chipped in a charity shop window, repurpose it into a fabulous piece of DIY broken china jewellery. Check out a DIY broken china jewellery tutorial for all the steps you need to have a go yourself.

2. Upcycle a table using old china

With a couple of broken pieces of china and an old table, you can bring them both together to create an upcycled, one-of-a-kind mosaic table. They look really striking and your other half will never see it coming. There are mosaic china table tutorials available which tell you how to get started.

3. A broken china mosaic

Broken china can also be arranged into an original piece of art, so even if a piece of china is broken, it can live on and still be beautiful. Watch a video tutorial to see if it’s something you might want to try.

4. A broken china picture frame

Do you have an old picture frame crammed in a draw somewhere, not feeling the love? Use it as a starting point and upcycle it into a broken china picture frame. There are online broken china tutorials available which give you all the information you might need on how to get started.

5. A china teacup bird feeder

With just an old china cup and saucer, you can quickly and easily create a unique china teacup bird feeder your partner can hang in the garden. A super charming and thoughtful gift, which is quite simple if you follow a video tutorial.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

One amazing gift you might consider giving to mark your 20th wedding anniversary is one where the two of you get to spend time together doing something new, exciting or relaxing. An experience or activity is a great way to make more memories and make an amazing anniversary even more memorable. Here are five ideas for how the two of you can spend time on the big day.

1. A china and porcelain painting course

Painting china is a real art form and one that not many people have nowadays. Spend time with your partner learning this dying skill and enjoy a china and porcelain painting course. You also get to take home your original creations to display forever.

2. A Wedgewood factory tour

Wedgwood is one of the most famous pottery manufacturers in the UK and is known for their range of amazing products. See how the experts do it with a Wedgwood factory tour located in Stoke-on-Trent.

3. A platinum supercar experience

If your partner loves to drive fast and dreams of owning a sports car, a platinum supercar gift voucher lets them go for it and put the pedal to the metal.

4. A platinum carnivore experience

For a roaring good time on your anniversary, head to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster and take part in a platinum carnivore experience. Get hands-on with some big cats and make your other half purr with delight! 

5. A platinum B&B experience

For a special night away, a platinum B&B experience gives you everything you need. A romantic escape, a fine dinner, a luxury bed… what else could you possibly need?

10 20th anniversary gifts that contain emerald

The traditional gemstone to give on your 20th anniversary is emerald, which is gloriously green and one of the four precious gemstones. Some emeralds are relatively common so can be quite affordable, whereas others are incredibly rare and can be even more expensive than diamond. A lovely gesture if it fits your budget! If you choose to spoil your partner with emeralds, you really can’t go wrong, as they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are 10 ideas for jewellery and accessories you can give to your partner to mark 20 years of marriage.

1. Earrings
2. A ring
3. A necklace
4. A bracelet
5. A broach
6. A locket
7. A watch
8. An anklet
9. A hairpin
10. Cufflinks

Because emeralds are so popular, you usually don’t have to go too far to find a range of pieces in either a high street or independent jeweller. It can be a little pricey though, so you might need to do some search to find something your partner will love which suits your budget. Here at Bridebook, we also work closely with loads of brilliant jewellers, so have a browse to see what kind of emerald jewellery they have in store.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 20th wedding anniversary

If your partner loves their gift to include a touch of flora, then you might want to consider giving them something linked to the traditional 20th anniversary flower, which is aster. Asters are gorgeous open blooms which come in a range of colours and can brighten up any room. They’re the quintessential flower and the perfect addition to any bouquet. Here are five ideas for gifts containing aster.

1. An aster bouquet

Asters are glorious and full of life. It’s impossible not to smile when given a bouquet of asters, and there’s never been a more appropriate time to surprise your partner with a colourful floral arrangement.

2. An aster pendant necklace

Asters lend themselves perfectly to jewellery and accessories, including this blue aster pendant necklace. It’s bold enough that it stands out but subtle enough that it goes with loads of different styles and outfits.

3. Vincent Van Gogh Vase with Gladioli and China asters print

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous painters to have ever lived, with one of his notable pieces being the iconic sunflowers. A slightly lesser-known piece of his, but still just as stunning, is Vase with Gladioli and China asters, and a framed print would be a great gift to hang on any wall.

4. An aster water bottle

If your partner regularly hits the gym or takes a bottle with them to work, an aster water bottle is probably going to be right up their street.

5. An engraved aster vase

Asters don’t just look great in a vase, but on one too. An engraved aster vase is the sort of gift your partner will get use of again and again.

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Browse other similar articles…

• The Ultimate Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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• 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas
• 19th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas

Happy Planning!