36 12-Year Anniversary Gifts for the Love of Your Life
Some of the best things in life come in sets of 12: a dozen donuts, a dozen roses and a dozen incredible years with your spouse. A thoughtful 12-year anniversary gift is a great way to celebrate this marriage milestone—and we've already given you two ideas. Flowers and sweet treats are classic romantic gestures, but did you know that each anniversary year has a traditional and modern gift theme that can be equally as thoughtful? Each material is symbolic of the stage of your relationship and can commemorate the year in a unique way. We've rounded up our favorite 12th wedding anniversary gifts that incorporate the year's official symbols, plus unique picks your spouse or the happy couple will love.
In this article:
- Traditional 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
- Modern 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
- Unique 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
The 12th anniversary's traditional gifts are the natural fabrics silk and fine linen. Silk gifts signify the luxury of having a partner you can rely on, while linen gifts speak to the comfort of a long-lasting and loving relationship. These materials hold deep significance and serious style, making them great 12-year anniversary gifts for him, her or them. Whether it's soft bed linens, cozy pajama sets, stylish date night attire or meaningful wall art, we have dozens of traditional 12-year wedding anniversary gift ideas.
Washable Silk Loungewear
One of our all-time favorite 12th anniversary traditional gift ideas is Lunya's silk loungewear. This luxurious fabric has thermoregulating qualities and is available in both men's and women's styles. What truly makes it a top pick is that it's machine washable, which is a plus because they'll want to wear the pajamas every night.
Use the code FOR-TK for 15% off your first order!
Silky Sheet Set
Thanks to the traditional 12-year anniversary theme you can also upgrade what you sleep on! We suggest opting for a luxurious set of sheets from Eucalypso Home. They're made from a silk alternative that's not only sustainable but also incredibly soft. Each set includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet and one or two pillowcases, depending on your chosen size. They come in a variety of neutral tones and a limited selection of colors that complement any bedroom decor. (I have them myself and can confidently say they're worth the investment.)
Dual-Device Linen Charging Tray
For the bedside table, check out this unique 12th anniversary gift for him, her or them. The stylish catchall will not only keep their nightstand organized, but it also doubles as a wireless charging station for up to two devices. Plus, there's a handy USB-C port on the back for even more charging power. Made from eco-friendly Belgian linen and available in three neutral colors, it's a gift they'll use and love every day. And for a truly special touch, you can even get it monogrammed!
Stretched Linen Song Art
If your spouse is a romantic at heart, give them that warm and fuzzy feeling all over again with a personalized anniversary gift. This custom linen print takes inspiration from your first dance song (or any other tune you both love), with lyrics artfully arranged inside a heart. You can also add your names and wedding date for an extra touch. Choose from two framing options for a 12-year anniversary present that's ready to display right away.
Silk Midi Dress
Shopping for a 12-year anniversary gift for your fashionable wife doesn't have to be tricky, especially when you have sumptuous fabrics like silk to work with. Take this dress, for example. Crafted from 100% mulberry silk, it drapes beautifully and feels incredibly luxurious against the skin. With its satin finish, midi length and elegant keyhole back, it's versatile enough to transition seamlessly from day to night. Plus, it's available in a range of colors. Your partner will be eager to wear it for a romantic anniversary night out.
Wrinkle-Resistant Linen Shirt
A classic button-down linen shirt makes an excellent 12-year anniversary gift for him, especially if you plan on going out to celebrate. With a short hemline designed to be worn untucked, this long-sleeve style is ideal for anyone who prefers to look relaxed and buttoned-up at the same time. It's even made from wrinkle-resistant fabric, which is always a winner in our book. The shirt comes in seven colors and multiple size options, including slim and tall, for a perfect fit.
Custom Linen Map
Shopping for a couple of travel enthusiasts? This custom map will inspire their next adventure. It's printed on stretched linen fabric and comes with 10 pushpins to mark meaningful moments in their relationship, from their first date to their honeymoon. Choose from a map of the world, the US or their favorite state for a thoughtful 12-year wedding anniversary gift.
Linen Table Setting
Set the stage—er, table—for an aesthetic anniversary dinner at home with Bed Threads' beautiful kitchen linen bundles. With 18 different colorways to choose from, including sets embroidered with fruit, your date night setup will elevate the evening. Each gift set includes a tablecloth available in three sizes, four placemats and four napkins with the option of adding more to fit your hosting needs. It's a great 12th wedding anniversary gift if you love to host friends and family.
Silk and Linen Bouquet Recreation
For a gift that encompasses both traditional 12th anniversary elements, this handmade artwork is a showstopper. The stretched linen is embroidered with silk ribbons, mirroring the beautiful arrangement your spouse had on your wedding day. Simply send the Etsy seller a photo, and they'll meticulously hand-stitch each flower creating a stunning 3D effect within an embroidery hoop or frame. Personalize it further by adding your wedding date, names or a short message for an extra meaningful touch.
Linen Bed Blanket
We can't think of anything more comforting than snuggling up in bed with your spouse after a long day.What better way to add an extra layer of warmth to your bedroom than with a stylish woven blanket? This traditional 12th wedding anniversary gift for him, her or them is made from a soft blend of washed linen and cotton fibers that'll keep you and your spouse cozy all night and make sleeping in on the weekend feel extra special.
Silk Sleep Bundle
Treat your spouse to ultimate relaxation with this luxurious silk sleep gift set. Renowned for its gentle, breathable and non-absorbent properties, silk helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents hair breakage. The included eye mask will block light and shield their face from friction damage during sleep while the pillowcase provides additional protection for their hair, ensuring they wake up looking and feeling rejuvenated. For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a set of silk scrunchies to complete the gift. We predict a sweet response from your partner (and even sweeter dreams).
Monogrammed Linen Tote
This flat-bottomed tote is designed with convenience in mind, featuring interior and side pockets and a magnetic closure to secure belongings. It's a timeless daily carry-all, ideal for work, errands or a day by the pool. Plus, it's customizable with a free monogram. Consider adding a matching travel pouch for their personal care essentials if you're planning an anniversary trip. They'll appreciate having a stylish personal item for the flight.
Modern 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
Pearls are the modern 12-year anniversary gift. These pretty gems symbolize purity, wisdom and love, making them a fitting tribute to a marriage of a dozen years. A romantic gift that includes (or is inspired by) pearls is a lovely way to show your spouse how much you treasure them. While jewelry may be one of the first things to come to mind when you think of pearl anniversary gifts, there are many other ways to be creative with this iridescent stone.
Classic Pearl Necklace
We couldn't let the year of the pearl pass without recommending a pearl necklace as a timeless 12-year anniversary gift for your wife. This one from Mejuri captures the essence of elegance and sophistication with a row of small pearl shells and a 14K gold closure. Whether worn alone or layered with their favorite gold chains, this bauble is bound to become a beloved addition to their collection.
Mother-of-Pearl Ring Dish
While your spouse probably wears their wedding ring every day, it's comforting to have somewhere special to store it whenever they do take it off. This charming mother-of-pearl dish provides a safe haven for their wedding band and engagement ring, whether they're unwinding for the night, showering or enjoying leisurely moments by the pool. It can also be a convenient catchall for earrings, keys and other valuable items.
Preserved White Pearl Rose
This 12th anniversary gift idea embodies the essence of eternal love. A real white rose undergoes a durable lacquer shell treatment. Following preservation, the rose is dipped and plated in genuine 24K gold with a pearlescent white finish, transforming it into a breathtaking masterpiece that'll endure for eternity, much like the love you share. You can have the stem custom engraved for extra sentiment.
Use the code THEKNOT15 for 15% off orders $175 or more.
Pearl Wire Tree
Mark the 12th wedding anniversary with this symbol of love and commitment. Handcrafted with precision, this Tree of Life features 96 white pearls intricately woven into nickel-silver wire. Within a marriage, it embodies qualities of strength, wisdom and longevity while also symbolizing new beginnings and blessings for the future. Celebrate your enduring bond with this timeless piece that captures the essence of the marriage journey.
Mother-of-Pearl Picture Frame
Remember the small, yet significant milestone of framing your first picture together when you were just dating? Now, even after 12 years of marriage, the action still brings you butterflies. This four-by-six-inch frame has a gorgeous and perfectly thematic border made of mother-of-pearl tiles that'll make a beloved memory really pop. Whether it's displayed on the wall, mantel or nightstand, it'll remind you both of all the good times you've shared.
Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks
Whether your spouse dresses up every day for work or just likes to look their best for special occasions, these pearl-inspired cufflinks will help them play the part. They're made from mother-of-pearl set in high-shine rhodium plates, which add a touch of elegance to the simplest of outfits. Want to really impress? Present them to your partner and take them out on a romantic date so they can show off their new accessories immediately.
Pearlescent Pocket Knife
If you think pearls only make for prim and proper presents, think again! This handy pocket knife is a great choice for anyone who appreciates practical and meaningful gifts. The white pearlescent handle reflects the modern 12th anniversary theme, while the stainless steel blade keeps utility at the forefront. The blade can be engraved with a name, date or short message and it comes gift-wrapped.
Pearl Bath Towel Rail
You and your significant other have spent 12 years creating a home together, so why not get something pearl-inspired that you can both enjoy? This towel rail is made from brass and mother-of-pearl, an eye-catching combination that'll give your bathroom a sophisticated upgrade. If you want to go all out, team it with a matching toilet paper holder, towel hook and hand towel ring.
White Pearls Candle
To stay true to the theme, consider exploring some creative 12th anniversary gifts, such as a candle symbolizing the modern symbol of pearls. This one from the Baobab Collection is aptly named "White Pearls" to represent the elegant hand-blown ivory glass vessel it's poured in. Your partner can light this woody jasmine-infused candle to add a luxurious touch to any room in your home.
Sterling Silver Cable Cuff with Pearls
This sterling silver cable bracelet is a timeless David Yurman design, elevated with the addition of the modern 12-year anniversary gift. The iconic twisted helix cuffs are capped with cultured freshwater pearls ringed by pavé diamonds. Its understated yet sophisticated aesthetic makes it a versatile addition to any jewelry collection, perfect for commemorating a special milestone.
Pink Pearl Drop Earrings
Forget what you thought you knew about pearls: These aren't your grandmother's gems. Delicate yet eye-catching, these pink pearl huggie earrings bring a playful pop of color to the classic pearl aesthetic and are sure to elicit "oohs" and "ahhs" from your spouse. They offer a touch of whimsy while still maintaining an air of sophistication, and are perfect for adding a subtle statement to any outfit—proving that pearls can be both timeless and trendsetting.
Pearlescent Shell Coasters
If pearls make you think of the ocean, combing sandy beaches and discovering hidden treasures washed ashore, then this is a great 12-year anniversary gift idea. These stoneware coasters, shaped like delicate seashells and finished with a pearlescent glaze, capture the essence of the sea. Each coaster reflects the light with a subtle shimmer, reminiscent of a real pearl's iridescence. They are practical for protecting surfaces and can serve as a beautiful reminder of shared memories on the coast, perhaps even your tropical honeymoon.
Unique 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
If the 12-year anniversary's traditional and modern gifts of linen, silk and pearls don't quite match your preferences, don't worry. There are more symbols associated with the 12th year of marriage to spark inspiration. (And while thematic presents are certainly special and layered with meaning, you don't have to adhere to any of them to find a romantic gift.)
Every year of marriage is associated with an anniversary flower, gemstone and color. The 12-year anniversary flower is the peony, a fluffy and fragrant bloom that represents love, wealth and good fortune. The gemstone is jade, which signifies prosperity and protection. Last but not least is the 12-year anniversary color, oyster white, which complements the modern gifting material of pearls.
We've selected a variety of alternative 12-year anniversary gifts for your wife, husband, spouse or couple friends that break the traditional mold.
White Peony Bouquet
Pay tribute to the 12th anniversary flower and color with this thoughtful gift: a bouquet of white peonies. The lush arrangement symbolizes enduring beauty—a fitting gift for a love that never fades. You can pick the delivery date so your S.O. receives the flowers on the exact day of your anniversary.
Use the code THEKNOT15 to receive 15% off.
Custom Map Tie Bar
Obsessed is an understatement for how we feel about this unique jewelry. Talia Sari creates accessories using a map of an address of your choice—think your wedding location or the home where your marriage blossomed. The map can be turned into rings, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks and tie bars to add a seriously stunning and sentimental keepsake to any outfit. You can mark the exact address with an enamel heart, diamond or even a pearl.
Monogrammed Travel Organizer
If your partner has been looking for a better way to pack their cosmetics, toiletries and jewelry, this travel organizer will be a lifesaver on their next vacation. It's crafted from vegan leather, comes in multiple shades and has two zippered compartments to keep everything neat and tidy. Add a foil monogram for a personalized 12-year anniversary gift they'll want to use for every trip.
Heart-Shaped Bamboo
Bamboo is often considered a symbol of luck, and when the stalks are twisted into hearts, it can represent love too. This romantic 12th anniversary gift is easy to care for and can purify the air. Choose from a single, double or triple heart design for a caring and cute present.
Use the code PLANTSKNOT20 for 20% off.
Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
After 12 years of marriage, your wedding registry cookware has likely seen better days. Upgrade your kitchen with this Caraway set, including a Dutch oven, fry pan, sauté pan and sauce pot—all oven-safe and compatible with different stovetops. The non-stick pans require less oil or butter for cooking and minimal scrubbing, plus there are no toxic chemicals. They come in eight colors, but we recommend cream or white as a nod to the 12th anniversary color.
Personalized Compact Swivel Cheese Board
Picture this: a bustling dinner party filled with joyful friends and family gathered around to celebrate your marriage. In the midst of it all sits this personalized cheese board. With its charming unfoldable design and personalized flair, it's the perfect place to share your favorite cheeses, fruits and snacks.
Personalized Wine Decanter
Get ready to wine and dine your partner with this elegant wine decanter. Crafted from blown crystal, it boasts a large, rounded base and a long, narrow neck, earning it the nickname "Captain's Decanter" for its stability even during rough seas. Much like your marriage, which has weathered its own ups and downs over the years, this decanter stands strong. It's perfect for those intimate evenings together, where you can sip wine and enjoy each other's company. Cheers to a love that endures!
Use the code KNOT15PM for 15% off.
Conversation-Starter Card Deck
Even after 12 years of marriage, there's always more to learn about each other. This intimate card deck will spark new and intriguing conversations, with 150 prompts that'll have you reminiscing on past memories, sharing new dreams and growing even closer to one another. Pair these cards with a bottle of wine or your favorite edible treats for a fun date night experience that is sure to keep the spark alive.
Jade Stone Bracelet
When shopping for that special someone in your life, take your cue from jade, the 12th-anniversary gemstone. This bracelet combines Burmese jade stones with a sterling silver infinity charm for a meaningful everyday accessory. Jade is said to attract positive spiritual energy, and the infinity symbol represents unlimited abundance and good fortune—as well as your eternal love. The bracelet comes in a lovely gift bag, ready to give to someone special.
Flower Growing Kit
Honor your partner's birth month (or the month you got married) with this cool flower-growing kit. Whether they're a gardening pro or a complete novice, this creative gift will help them grow their favorite bloom. It includes seeds, a glass bottle, soil-free growing material and care instructions. They'll also find some information about the symbolism behind the chosen flower, giving this 12-year anniversary gift even more meaning.
Heated Weighted Blanket
If you think your partner's love is the warmest thing you'll ever feel, you haven't met this blanket. It's not your average fleece or sherpa throw; this weighted blanket has four heat settings for ultimate coziness. The deep pressure can provide a sense of security to help reduce anxiety and promote deeper sleep, while the heat further adds to the calming vibes. Don't worry about dozing off with it on because it automatically shuts off after two hours to conserve energy.
Movie Location Puzzle
If your spouse loves to delve into the world of movies, this trivia puzzle game is the perfect anniversary gift for her, him or them. They'll have hours of fun piecing together the jigsaw while working out clues about famous filming locations along the way. The kit includes a fold-out poster where they can record all their guesses.