12-Year Anniversary Gifts to Celebrate a Dozen Years of Marriage

Every year of marriage is worthy of special recognition—and the 12th anniversary is no different. A dozen years spent together? Come on now! Picking out a thoughtful 12-year anniversary gift for your partner or favorite couple is a sweet way to honor the married life milestone.

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of traditional and modern anniversary gifts for this special celebration. And if you'd prefer to take a different approach, we've also included some awesome alternative gifts to treat your spouse or a lucky couple in your life.

Keep reading to find out more about shopping for the 12th wedding anniversary and for our absolute fave 12-year anniversary gifts.

In this article:

• Traditional 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
• Modern 12-Year Anniversary Gifts
• Unique 12-Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional 12-Year Anniversary Gifts

The traditional 12-year anniversary materials are silk gifts and fine linen gifts, two natural fabrics that symbolize the security of a stable and happy marriage. Silk signifies the luxury of having a partner you can rely on, while linen speaks to the comfort of a long-lasting and loving relationship. These materials hold deep significance, making them great anniversary gifts for him, her or them. Whether it's soft bed linens, cozy pajama sets, stylish date night attire or meaningful wall art, there are numerous ways to infuse the traditional 12th wedding anniversary symbol into your gift.

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Washable Silk Loungewear

Photo: Lunya

One of our all-time favorite 12th anniversary traditional gift ideas is Lunya's silk loungewear. Available for both women and men, this luxurious fabric with thermoregulating qualities will make your spouse feel like a million bucks. But what truly makes it a top pick is its machine washability—a rare, but necessary feature for such high-quality material since they'll want to wear the pajamas every night.

Use the code FOR-TK for 15% off your first order!

Silk Sleep Bundle

Photo: Brooklinen

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 not only block light but also 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).

Linen Bed Blanket

Photo: Parachute Home

We can't think of anything more comforting than snuggling up in bed with your spouse after a long day—and what better way to add an extra layer of warmth to your bedroom than with a stylish woven blanket? This traditional 12-year wedding anniversary gift is made from a soft blend of linen and cotton fibers that'll keep you and your spouse super cozy all night and make weekend lie-ins feel extra special.

Silky Sheet Set

Photo: Eucalypso Home

You can actually revamp your entire bed thanks to the traditional 12-year anniversary theme! For sheets, we suggest opting for a luxurious set from Eucalypso Home. They're made from a silk alternative that's not only sustainable but also incredibly soft, with the added benefits of being moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. 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.)

Custom Linen Map

Photo: PaperAnniversaryLove

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 the 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 super thoughtful 12th anniversary gift.

Monogrammed Linen Tote

Photo: Mark & Graham

Sometimes, practical gifts are the way to go, especially if your partner favors functionality over fuss. 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.

Wrinkle-Resistant Linen Shirt

Photo: UNTUCKit

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 smart at the same time. It's even made from wrinkle-resistant fabric, which is always a winner in our book (especially with linen!). The shirt comes in four colors and multiple size options, including slim and tall, for a perfect fit.

Silk Slip Dress

Photo: Quince

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 exquisite slip dress, for example. Crafted from 100% mulberry silk, it drapes beautifully and feels incredibly luxurious against the skin. With its satin finish and midi length, it's versatile enough to transition seamlessly from day to night. Plus, it's available in a range of colors to suit any style preference. Your partner will be eager to wear it for a romantic anniversary night out.

Stretched Linen Song Art

Photo: BrooklynBurlapArt

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 personal touch. Choose from two framing options for a 12-year anniversary present that's ready to display right away.

Linen Table Setting

Photo: Bed Threads

Set the stage—er, table—for an aesthetic anniversary diner at home with Bed Threads' beautiful kitchen linen bundles. With 12 different colorways to choose from, including this delightful combination of sage, lavender and petrol, 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 exactly what to give for the 12-year anniversary if you're married to (or are friends with) a party-planning expert.

Modern 12-Year Anniversary Gifts

If timeless elegance is a quality you admire, you'll be delighted to learn that pearls are the modern 12-year anniversary gift. These pretty gems symbolize purity, wisdom and love, making them a fitting tribute to a marriage that has flourished for over 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 spring to mind, there are many other ways to be creative with this iridescent stone. Check out our top pearl presents that are sure to wow your partner or favorite pair.

Mother-of-Pearl Picture Frame

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Remember the picture frame you may have gifted your significant other on your first dating anniversary? Now, even after 12 years of marriage, that same sentiment resonates just as strongly. This four-by-six-inch frame has a gorgeous and perfectly thematic border 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.

Pearl Wire Tree

Photo: KouinGemTrees

Mark the special occasion of the 12th wedding anniversary with this stunning 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 or a friend's enduring bond with this timeless piece that captures the essence of the marriage journey.

Mother-of-Pearl Cuff Links

Photo: Nordstrom

Whether your spouse dresses up every day for work or just likes to look their best for special occasions, these pearl-inspired cuff links 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.

Classic Pearl Necklace

Photo: Gojana

We couldn't let the year of the pearl pass without recommending a pearl necklace as a timeless 12-year anniversary gift for her, him or them. This one from Gorjana captures the essence of elegance and sophistication with a row of small pearl shells and an 18K gold-plated brass hinge closure. Whether worn alone or layered with their favorite gold chains, this bauble is bound to become a beloved addition to their collection.

Pearl Hoop Earrings

Photo: BaubleBar

Alternatively, give the classic pearl a modern upgrade with these trendy hoop earrings from BaubleBar. They're made from 18K gold-plated silver and bejeweled with elegant glass pearls for stylish accessories your spouse will want to put on every day. Whether they wear them alone or with other coordinating jewelry, they'll be reminded of your love and thoughtfulness each time they look in the mirror.

Mother-of-Pearl Ring Dish

Photo: XISSJEWELLERY

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, doing household chores or enjoying leisurely moments by the pool. Additionally, it serves as a convenient catch-all for earrings, keys or other valuable items.

Pearl Bath Towel Rail

Photo: Anthropologie

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.

Pearlescent Pocket Knife

Photo: PrecisionMemory

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. Have it engraved with a funny message to show off your super-sharp wit and give this pearl-inspired gift more of an edge.

White Pearls Candle

Photo: Neiman Marcus

To stay true to the theme, consider exploring some unusual 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.

Preserved White Pearl Rose

Photo: The Forever Rose

This 12th anniversary gift idea embodies the essence of eternal love. Just like your marriage, it promises to last a lifetime and beyond—thanks to a meticulous preservation process in this case. A white (or pearl-hued) rose undergoes a durable lacquer shell treatment to capture its intricate detail and natural beauty. Following preservation, the rose is delicately dipped and plated in genuine 24K gold, transforming it into a breathtaking masterpiece that'll endure for eternity, much like the love you share. You can even have the stem custom engraved for extra sentiment.

Unique 12-Year Anniversary Gifts

If the 12-year anniversary traditional and modern gift of linen, silk and pearls don't quite suit your preferences, don't worry. There are more symbols associated with the 12th year of marriage to spark your inspiration. (And while thematic presents are certainly special and layered with meaning, you don't have to adhere to these themes to find an awesome present.) Below, we've selected a variety of alternative 12-year anniversary gifts for your husband, wife or couple friends that break the traditional mold.

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 (we'll take all three, thanks!). Similarly, the associated 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.

Now, let's explore a variety of creative 12th anniversary gift ideas to celebrate this special milestone.

Heart-Shaped Bamboo

Photo: Plants.com

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 purifies the air, making the home a better place. Choose from a single, double or even triple heart design for a thoughtful and visually appealing present.

Personalized Compact Swivel Cheese Board

Photo: Uncommon Goods

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.

Conversation-Starter Card Deck

Photo: BestSelf

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 between couples, with 150 prompts that'll have them 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.

Personalized Wine Decanter

Photo: Personalization Mall

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 while resolving everything with a toast. Cheers to a love that endures!

White Peony Bouquet

Photo: UrbanStems

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 even pick the delivery date so your S.O. gets their flowers on the exact day of your anniversary.

Check out using the code THEKNOT15 to receive 15% off your bouquet order!

Pretty Jade Necklace

Photo: Aurate

When shopping for that special someone in your life, take your cue from jade, the 12th anniversary stone. This green necklace gives off summery vibes with its combination of jade beads and yellow-gold accents. Whether paired with a simple white tee or a beachy dress, this gorgeous accessory is sure to attract plenty of compliments.

Custom Map Tie Bar

Photo: Talia Sari

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 the location of your wedding or the home where your marriage blossomed. The map can be turned into rings, necklaces, earrings, cuff links and tie bars to add a seriously stunning and sentimental keepsake to any outfit.

Monogrammed Travel Organizer

Photo: Mark & Graham

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 (including oyster white) and has two zippered compartments to keep everything neat and tidy. Add a foil monogram for a personal 12-year anniversary gift they'll want to use for every trip.

Flower Growing Kit

Photo: Uncommon Goods

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. In the kit, they'll also find some information about the symbolism behind the chosen flower, giving this 12-year anniversary gift even more meaning.

Movie Location Puzzle

Photo: Uncommon Goods

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 also includes a fold-out poster where they can record all their guesses.