You’re about to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary… wow! What a fantastic achievement, and one that not very many couples have the fortune of celebrating. It shows just how much love and commitment the two of you share to have made it to a quarter of a century of marriage. It’s an incredible milestone that deserves to be shouted about from every rooftop in your neighbourhood!
Your 25th wedding anniversary is also known as your silver wedding anniversary, because it relates to the traditional gifts couples that have been giving each other for more than 100 years. Just like every anniversary up to this point, there are traditional and modern gifts, as well as a traditional gemstone and flower. But, when you’re celebrating 25 years of marriage, there isn’t as much differentiation between them as at other milestones.
That’s because your 25th anniversary really is a big one. And if you can and want to, taking part in the gift-giving traditions associated with it can be a nice way to mark the occasion. It’s called your silver anniversary for good reason, after all. And that’s not to say you have to give your partner something silver – you’re obviously free to give them any kind of gift you like!
In this article, we’re going to let you know all about the traditions surrounding 25th anniversary gifts and the meaning behind this historical choice. We’ll also give you 50 ideas for gifts if you want to give your partner a meaningful gift but you’re not quite sure where to start.
For more information about the various anniversary gift-giving traditions from 1 year to 90, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary?
Your 25th anniversary is a biggie, and is otherwise known as your silver anniversary. For that reason, silver features quite prominently when it comes to the different traditional and modern gifts. Here are the gifts you might want to consider when sticking to the 25th anniversary themes.
Traditional 25th anniversary gift – Silver
The traditional 25th anniversary gift is silver, which is why it’s also known as your silver wedding anniversary. Silver represents beauty, strength and durability, which makes it a perfect choice for this fantastic milestone. The great thing about silver is that it’s a hugely versatile precious metal, and isn’t just limited for use in jewellery. So, even though there are fewer themes for your 25th anniversary, it still allows you to have plenty of gifts to choose from.
Modern 25th anniversary gift – Silver
When the modern anniversary gifts were created in the 1930s by the American National Retail Jeweler Association, they realised that there was no point in creating something new for 25 years. By that point, your 25th anniversary was already well and truly cemented as being the silver anniversary. So, the modern gift for your 25th anniversary is also silver.
25th anniversary gemstone – Silver
While not actually a gemstone (it’s a precious metal, like gold) the traditional 25th anniversary gemstone is also – you guessed it – silver. This means there isn’t as much choice when it comes to gift themes for your 25th anniversary, but the special meaning is one that is known the world over.
25th anniversary flower – Iris
If you’re looking to give your partner something traditional but not silver, you can choose to give them the traditional 25th anniversary flower, which is the lovely iris. Irises usually come in shades of purple or blue, but you can also find them in yellow, brown, black, orange, pink and white. Irises represent courage, hope and wisdom, which are all beautiful gestures for a 25th anniversary gift.
How do you choose a gift for a 25th wedding anniversary?
With silver having such a close association with your 25th anniversary, you may have already decided what you’re going to get as a gift for your other half. Silver is a lovely gift to give during an extra special milestone that has fabulous historical meaning. But, when it comes to narrowing it down, you might not be so sure. Here are a few things to bear in mind when deciding on what to give your partner to mark 25 years together:
- Are you set on sticking to the silver theme? If so, you may want to get something traditionally silver, like jewellery, or are you open to having a bit more fun with the theme?
- Have you got a set budget? While silver isn’t as expensive as gold or platinum, it’s still not always cheap, especially when it comes to sterling silver and jewellery.
- Are you hoping to give a gift that’s personalised? Many silver gifts can be personalised in some way, but often not the more expensive silver items.
- Has your partner asked for something? If so, how does that fit into the silver theme and is there enough flexibility?
Is an amazing couple in your life about to celebrate 25 years of marriage? It might be friends, your parents or someone close. To help them celebrate, you might be interested in giving them a gift linked close to the traditional theme, but wonder if you can do that or if it’s exclusive to the couple themselves. Thankfully, these rules aren’t set in stone, so you’re more than welcome to join in on the fun and give them something made from silver. They’re bound to love whatever you give them, but a silver gift shows just how much thought and love you put into your generous gift!
50 ideas for a 25th wedding anniversary gift
For such a big milestone in your marriage, you’ve probably had a lot of thought about what to give your other half to celebrate spending 25 years together. Or, maybe you’re a little bit stuck, knowing you want to give them something but unsure about the theme. So, to give you a helping hand, here are 50 ideas for a 25th anniversary gift so you can make it extra special.
20 traditional and modern gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary
The traditional and modern gift for celebrating 25 years of marriage is silver, a hugely popular choice for couples all over the world. If you like the thought of giving a silver gift but want to think outside the box, here are 20 ideas to get you started.
1. A fine silver wine glass set
If you plan on sharing a bottle of wine with your other half on the evening of your anniversary (or the afternoon – you’re celebrating, after all), you can do so in style. This fine silver wine glass set features a silver bird design and each glass is as delicate as it is stylish.
2. An engraved silver carriage clock
Carriage clocks aren’t quite as in fashion as they once were, but for something as momentous as your silver anniversary they’re worth making a comeback for. And with an engraved silver carriage clock, it can be customised to feature a personalised message to your other half.
3. A silver leaf twist vase
For something fantastically on theme and practical, you might choose to give your partner a silver leaf twist vase, which can also include a personalised message. A great gift your other half can use again and again.
4. An engraved silver-plated trinket box
For something small, sweet, personalised and relatively inexpensive, this engraved silver-plated trinket box is a thoughtful gift that gives your love somewhere to store their bits and bobs.
5. Sterling silver wren cufflinks
There really isn’t a cuter accessory to give your suit-wearing partner than a pair of sterling silver wren cufflinks. Each pair is full of character and carefully handmade with intricate detail.
6. A sterling silver Pandora charm
If your other half has a Pandora bracelet, you can tie their love for their jewellery into your gift, by treating them to a sterling silver Pandora charm. That way, it fits with their existing jewellery and is something they can always wear to remember your big milestone.
7. A silver photo frame
Your wedding might have been 25 years ago, but we bet you still look back on it with a huge smile on your face. You could print out your favourite wedding snap and have it framed in a silver photo frame, which your partner can then display on a desk or shelf, or hang on the wall.
8. An engraved silver pen
Gifts don’t come quite as luxurious as an engraved silver pen, a stunningly distinguished gift that your partner can hold on to and use forever.
9. A silver watch
Gold watches are often the go-to, but a silver watch can be just as fantastic. If your partner loves their watches, it’s a great choice for your 25th anniversary. You should also have no trouble finding them a watch that suits their tastes.
10. A sterling silver magnifying paperweight
Paperweights are super useful for keeping things organised on your desk, and if your partner spends time shuffling through paperwork, then a sterling silver magnifying paperweight may be just the gift for them. It can also be engraved to make it extra personal.
11. An engraved silver hip flask
If your partner enjoys a little tipple, then they’ll no doubt love an engraved silver hip flask. A stunning and highly personal gift they can always hold on to.
12. An antique silver letter opener
For something unique, antique and not too expensive, treat your partner to an antique silver letter opener, so they can feel just a little bit classy every time the mail comes… so long as they’re not delivering bills, that is.
13. A silver bookmark
Silver is a brilliant precious metal with loads of different uses, and perhaps one of the more unexpected uses is a silver bookmark. A great gift for the bookworm in your life, which can also be personalised for an extra bit of thoughtfulness.
14. Sterling silver penguin ornaments
Any animal lover is bound to fall in love with these sterling silver penguin ornaments, which are full of personality and are more than happy to sit on a shelf without the need for arctic conditions!
15. Silver wall art
Add life, shine and sparkle to a room with a piece of silver wall art. There are also plenty of different designs available, so you shouldn’t have to look too long to find something that suits your partner’s style and taste.
16. A sterling silver tabby cat keyring
The purr-fect 25th anniversary present for any cat lover, this sterling silver tabby cat keyring is highly detailed, highly thoughtful and highly adorable.
17. A silver elephant bottle opener
If you might share a beer or two on your anniversary, you can crack them open with a silver elephant bottle opener, which is sleek and modern with great contemporary detail.
18. A sterling silver dish
For a real touch of extravagance, you could go for this sterling silver dish, which can also be personalised for that extra touch of excellence.
19. A sterling silver hedgehog sculpture
Hedgehogs are absolutely adorable, and one of the symbols of British wildlife. Pay homage to this cute little critter with a sterling silver hedgehog sculpture, which would be a lovely addition to any shelf or display cabinet.
20. A silver lighter
If your partner has a need for one, there’s no way they won’t love a silver lighter, a real luxury item that has tons of class.
5 affordable gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary
While your silver anniversary is an incredible milestone and you no doubt want to give your partner the world, many silver gifts can be pretty expensive, which means they might not suit your budget. But, don’t be disheartened! There are still options available which still let you give your partner a gift in keeping with the theme but without having to spend crazy money. Here are five suggestions for beautiful token 25th anniversary gifts.
1. Mr and Mrs silver-plated keyring set
For a gift the two of you can always keep close by wherever you go, this Mr and Mrs silver-plated keyring set is a cute and thoughtful gift that keeps you both connected even when you’re apart.
2. A silver anniversary card
Combine a gift card with the traditional theme with a silver anniversary card. It makes sure you still pay homage to the theme so that you’re then free to give your partner something else if you wish to as well.
3. A commemorative silver anniversary coin
The ultimate token gift… literally! A commemorative silver anniversary coin is a lovely little keepsake your partner can always hold on to.
4. Silver anniversary keepsake jar
For something sweet, small and unique, a silver anniversary keepsake jar is a little reminder your partner can always keep close by to remind them of your special anniversary.
5. A silver love ornament
All you need is love, so the famous song goes. So, for your 25th anniversary, give your other half exactly that, with a silver love ornament!
5 DIY gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary
A popular way for couples to show each other their love and appreciation on their anniversaries is by making each other a gift. But, with silver being the main theme of your 25th anniversary, how can you tie into making something unless you just so happen to be a silversmithing expert? Well, all it takes is a bit of creativity (and some silver wire). So, here are some ideas to get you started.
1. DIY silver wire flowers
With some silver wire and basic tools, it’s surprisingly simple to make DIY silver wire flowers. And once you’ve made a few, you suddenly have the most unique bouquet of all time to give your partner on the big day! Check out a video tutorial and follow the steps to get started.
2. A DIY silver wire sculpture
Fancy having a go at something a bit more complicated than a flower? A silver wire sculpture might be just what you’re after. There are plenty of video tutorials out there, like this DIY silver wire guide, which shows you how to make a stag.
3. A DIY silver wire cube
For a real one-of-a-kind trinket box, you could have a go at making a DIY silver wire cube. It sounds complex, but with a bit of patience, you’ll definitely be able to make your own. Check out a video tutorial for everything you need.
4. DIY silver wire cat bookmark
Is your partner a cat-loving bookworm? If so, a super simple DIY silver wire cat bookmark might just be the ideal gift to make. And, of course, there’s a video tutorial that shows you the ropes. Or, wire.
5. DIY fine silver jewellery
If making something from silver wire isn’t something that tickles your fancy, maybe some DIY fine silver jewellery is. And it’s not as complicated as you might imagine if you pick up a fine silver jewellery-making kit. A fun and fulfilling way to make something super special and unique.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary
Your anniversary is a brilliant excuse (not that you need one) to spend time with the love of your life having fun and experiencing new things. There are also ways you can tie that into the traditional silver theme, so you can still give your partner something to do with silver. Here are five suggestions for experiences you can do when celebrating 25 amazing years of marriage.
1. A silver Lion King theatre experience
Silver is in the name, so it totally counts! Why not take a trip to London and catch a show with this silver Lion King theatre experience? The perfect date night.
2. A silver photoshoot voucher
Now that the two of you are celebrating 25 years of marriage, what better time to have a photoshoot than right now? Especially if your last photoshoot together was the day you got married. A silver photoshoot voucher gives you everything you need to capture more lasting memories.
3. A silver jewellery-making workshop
Making silver jewellery really is an art form that takes years of learning, practice and experience to master. But, it’s also a lot of fun to try out, and a silver jewellery-making workshop is something the two of you can do together.
4. A silver safari park tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Longleat and get up close and personal with many of the park’s beautiful species with a silver safari park tour. It’s a surefire way to have a wild time on your anniversary!
5. A Silverstone experience
Does your other half love watching the F1 and dream of driving in the Grand Prix? Well, you can give them the next best thing with a supercar experience, which absolutely counts because it’s at Silverstone!
10 25th anniversary jewellery ideas
Because there isn’t a traditional 25th anniversary gemstone, and instead it leans more into the silver theme, this opens you up to almost every type of jewellery you can think of. Silver isn’t the most precious metal out there, but it still works wonderfully well, and silver jewellery can be incredible. As it’s fairly neutral, it also pairs well with almost every type of gemstone. Here are 10 suggestions for silver jewellery you could consider giving your partner to mark 25 years:
- Earrings
- A ring
- A necklace
- A bracelet
- A broach
- A locket
- A watch
- An anklet
- A hairpin
- Cufflinks
Silver is hugely popular, so it’s unlikely you’ll walk into a jeweller and not find a brilliant range of silver jewellery to choose from. And because it’s not as expensive as gold or platinum, it’s often far kinder to all kinds of budget. Here at Bridebook, we also work with a huge range of jewellers, who each have amazing collections of silver jewellery, so you shouldn’t have to spend too long looking until you find something your partner would adore.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 25th wedding anniversary
If you’d like to give your partner a traditional gift but they’re just not that into silver, you’re in luck, because you could give them the traditional 25th wedding anniversary flower instead, which is iris. Irises are usually purple, but can also come in all different colours, with open blooms that end with narrow petals. Their bold and striking look lends itself well to plenty of different gift options. So, here are five to inspire you get some ideas spinning.
1. A bouquet of irises
Of course, we just have to start our suggestions off with a bouquet of irises. You might choose the most common colour of iris, which is purple, but if that doesn’t suit your partner’s tastes, there are loads of other colours to choose from too.
2. A silver iris pendant dangle charm
Treat your partner to this fabulous little silver iris pendant dangle charm, a wonderful and meaningful addition to any charm bracelet.
3. Silver iris earrings
Combine both traditional gifts with this lovely pair of silver iris earrings. Some would say it’s the ultimate 25th anniversary gift – imagine the brownie points!
4. Glass iris in a vase
Small, delicate and beautiful – if this sounds like your other half, then they should love a glass iris in a vase, a brilliant work of craftsmanship, which can always stand proud as a reminder of your 25th anniversary.
5. Hand-painted iris and daffodil vase
With their iconic look, irises don’t just suit being in a vase, but on one too. This hand-painted iris and daffodil vase has amazing summer vibes and is a great excuse to keep buying new flowers.
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Browse other similar articles…
- The Ultimate Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
- 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas
- 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas
- 24th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas
Happy Planning!
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