28th Anniversary Gift Ideas That Will Make Them Feel Special

Show your spouse some love with one of these meaningful anniversary gifts.
Snack box, gardening book, scented candle, and personalized tree ring art
Photos, clockwise: 1-800 Baskets, Uncommon Goods, Uncommon Goods, Anthropologie
Alison Meehan
by Alison Meehan
Updated Jul 12, 2023
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Another year of wedded bliss has come and gone, which means it's time to celebrate your 28th wedding anniversary. One of the best ways to honor the occasion is to pick out a really thoughtful 28th anniversary gift for your other half. After almost three decades of marriage, it's totally understandable if you're running out of great gift ideas. To help you find an awesome present for your beloved spouse, we've rounded up our favorite 28th anniversary gifts for him, her or them. From symbolic gifts to alternative options, there is something for everyone on our list.

In this article:

28th Anniversary Gift Themes

While the 28th wedding anniversary doesn't have a traditional gift theme, it does have a modern one: the orchid. This elegant flower is deeply symbolic of love, friendship, beauty and strength, making it a fitting tribute to a marriage that has thrived for over 28 years. Orchids are also known for their resilience and longevity—two key ingredients of a relationship that has survived through life's many ups and downs.

While the 28-year wedding anniversary has no official gemstone or color, that doesn't mean you should avoid jewelry altogether. If you feel like gifting your spouse some new bling, there are plenty of ways to pick a meaningful piece that suits their tastes and fits in with the modern anniversary theme.

Symbolic 28th Anniversary Gifts

If you think your partner will appreciate an orchid-inspired gift, we've compiled a list of awesome presents that showcase the modern 28th anniversary symbol. From fresh blooms and scented candles to statement jewelry and botanical wall art, there are so many creative ways to interpret the orchid theme.

Pretty Purple Orchid

Purple orchid in a white pot 28th anniversary gift
Photo: Plants.com

We couldn't write an orchid-inspired gift round-up without including an actual orchid. This pretty purple Phalaenopsis variety is also known as a moth orchid because of its distinctly shaped petals that look like a winged insect in flight. The double stem features up to 12 flowers and comes in a textured container with a support stake for added stability. As a bonus, this gorgeous flower is both child and pet-friendly, so you don't need to worry about keeping it away from your furry friends.

Orchid Ring Holder

Nickel-plated ring holder in the shape of an orchid
Photo: Macy's

Bring a touch of sophisticated luxury to your partner's nightstand with this beautiful orchid ring holder. Designed by Michael Aram, this nickel-plated dish is sculpted to look like the blooms and branches of a black orchid. The base is ideal for storing precious gems like a wedding band and engagement ring, while the flower "buds" can be used to hang earrings and small bracelets. It's a thoughtful (and pretty) 28th anniversary gift any stylish spouse will be delighted to unwrap.

Orchid Pearl Earrings

Orchid-shaped earrings with a drop pearl
Photo: ArtandCraftsJewelry

If your spouse has an eye for quirky accessories, they'll swoon over handmade orchid earrings. They're crafted from gold or silver-plated brass (depending on your preference) and finished with a dainty drop pearl for added elegance and everyday appeal. With a 28th anniversary gift this pretty, don't be surprised if your spouse wants to wear their new ear candy right away.

Orchid Facial Oil

Facial oil infused with orchid extract
Photo: Sephora

Here's an orchid-themed anniversary gift that'll impress anyone interested in beauty and skincare. This luxurious facial oil is infused with orchid extract, which acts as a powerful antioxidant to leave skin feeling smooth and baby soft. Best of all, it's cruelty-free, vegan and sustainably sourced, so your spouse can look and feel good when they put it on. Pair it with a mini facial roller for an extra thoughtful touch.

Floral Silk Tie

Floral-patterned silk tie
Photo: Nordstrom

If your partner's formalwear needs a refresh, an elegant neck tie can work wonders. This one is made from 100% silk jacquard and comes in a rich dark purple shade decorated with orchid-like floral motifs. It's a thoughtful gift that incorporates the modern 28th anniversary symbol and looks really stylish, which is a win-win in our book.

Orchid Fleece Blanket

Orchid-print fleece blanket from Etsy
Photo: VioletaShop

This 28th wedding anniversary gift is as cozy as it is useful. Made from soft sherpa fleece, this oversized throw is covered with vibrant orchid illustrations that'll add a pop of color to your couch or bed. Gift this to your spouse and get ready to cuddle up on the sofa to celebrate your anniversary at home. The hardest part will be choosing a movie or show you both want to watch for the evening.

Ruby Orchid Perfume

Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid perfume by Viktor & Rolf
Photo: Macy's

Perfume is a romantic gift you can always rely—after all, who doesn't like to smell good? If your spouse has a penchant for floral fragrances, they'll love Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid. With notes of ruby orchid, peach, vanilla and jasmine, this intoxicating scent will make your other half feel like a million bucks. Bonus points for the luxe display-worthy pink bottle.

Orchid Scented Candle

Orchid, rose and ylang-ylang scented candle from Anthropologie
Photo: Anthropologie

Set the scene for a relaxing 28th anniversary at home by giving your spouse a gorgeous scented candle. This three-wicked beauty comes in a hand-painted vessel and boasts an alluring floral fragrance that blends orchid, rose and ylang-ylang. With up to 42 hours of burn time, you can dim the lights and let the romance flow.

Orchid Novelty Socks

Black socks with a pattern of purple and blue orchids from Etsy
Photo: PurplePrinted

Looking for a cute 28th anniversary gift for your husband or wife? This pretty pair of socks is dotted with colorful orchids for a practical present that's both stylish and on-theme. These unisex socks are available in one size and have cushioned bottoms for extra comfort. They're pretty affordable too, so you can always snag yourself a matching pair to coordinate with your other half.

Orchid Pink Canteen

Insulated canteen in orchid pink from Corkcicle
Photo: Nordstrom

A decent insulated canteen makes a great 28-year anniversary gift for anyone who travels often. If your spouse spends lots of time on the road, this travel mug will keep their drinks fresh while they're on the move. The triple-wall insulation keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours or ice-cold for up to 25, so your partner won't have to worry about their coffee spoiling during rush hour. To top it all off, it comes in a range of colors, including this very on-theme orchid pink shade.

LEGO Orchid Set

Woman building a LEGO model of an orchid
Photo: Amazon

If your spouse takes a light-hearted approach to life, a fun anniversary gift will be right up their alley. This LEGO orchid set is a really unique take on the modern 28th anniversary theme and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your partner's face. It contains 811 pieces (wow!) which fit together perfectly to create a colorful orchid model they can display anywhere at home. And, as building things out of LEGO is a mindful activity, this thoughtful gift may even help them relax after a long day.

Irisdescent Orchid Pendant

Gold necklace with iridescent orchid stone pendant from Kendra Scott
Photo: Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is one of our favorite brands when we're looking for fashionable jewelry gifts with a colorful touch. This stunning pendant packs a punch, thanks to its vibrant iridescent orchid stone and delicate 14K gold-plated brass chain. The distinctive gem is created by layering magenta-toned resin with iridescent flakes for a gorgeous accessory that befits the 28th anniversary. Best of all, it's reversible, so your spouse can style it differently to switch up their look.

Orchid Potting Medium

Potting medium for growing orchids from Terrain
Photo: Terrain

While orchids are not the most difficult plants to grow at home, they still require a certain level of care. This potting medium is made from white-fir tree bark, which has a pH level that helps orchids thrive and live longer. It also allows for optimum oxygenation and water drainage so the plant's roots can access all the required nutrients. To make this 28th anniversary gift even better, we suggest pairing it with a pretty new orchid to add to your spouse's collection.

Gardening Book

Book about gardening from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

If your spouse is more of a gardening novice than a green-thumbed pro, they'll love this easy-to-follow book about plants and flowers. It's filled with colorful illustrations and horticultural information about how to grow 15 common plants and fungi, including orchids (of course), tomatoes, mushrooms and much more. It's a thoughtful and thematic 28th anniversary gift for anyone interested in learning something new.

Orchid Watercolor Print

Watercolor print of an orchid from Etsy
Photo: bycamimonet

Searching for a small yet special gift for your other half? This pretty watercolor print of an orchid is a lovely way to commemorate your 28-year marriage and the home you have built together. It's printed on high-quality cotton paper with archival pigment inks designed to last a long time. Note: This beautiful piece comes unframed, so you may want to factor in some extra time to find a suitable one.

Alternative 28th Anniversary Gifts

While themed gifts can be an excellent jumping-off point for your shopping, they're not the only option to consider. Going with something completely different can be just as meaningful, so don't be afraid to break the rules if it feels right. Whether you want to treat your spouse to a sweet and sentimental keepsake or upgrade their wardrobe with something stylish, there are so many unique ways to shop for your 28th anniversary.

Anniversary Tree Ring Art

Personalized heart-shaped tree ring art with couple's initials and important dates from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Here's a personalized anniversary gift that commemorates all the relationship milestones you and your spouse have shared over the last 28 years. This cute heart-shaped piece is designed to look like the concentric circles of a tree, with the dates of eight important moments added as rings. (Think: The year you met each other, your wedding date and your 28th anniversary). Your initials are carved at the center to tie the whole design together for a sweet and sentimental keepsake you'll both cherish for years to come.

Luxurious Sheet Set

Sheet set from Eucalypso in light blue, spring green, beige and white
Photo: Eucalypso Home

Give your partner the gift of a good night's rest with some silky soft bedding from Eucalypso. This moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic sheet set is made from sustainable fabric designed to help regulate body temperature and soothe sensitive skin. It includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet and one or two pillowcases (depending on the size). Best of all, it comes in a variety of classic and limited edition shades—like spring green, light blue, white and beige—so you're sure to find a color to suit your bedroom decor scheme.

Soft Cooler Bag

Soft gray cooler bag from YETI
Photo: YETI

If your spouse loves hiking or camping, a portable cooler is a gift they're sure to appreciate. This soft, lightweight bag can hold up to 11 cans and has a crossbody strap for easy carrying. The high-density fabric and closed-cell rubber foam keep drinks perfectly chilled, while the full zipper enclosure prevents messy leaks and spills. To make this 28th anniversary gift extra thoughtful, we suggest filling it with your partner's favorite beers or soda for a sweet surprise.

Cotton Patchwork Robe

Cotton patchwork robe from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Shopping for an eco-conscious spouse? This stylish cotton robe from Uncommon Goods is a clear winner in our eyes. It's made from repurposed cotton saris pieced together in a unique, colorful patchwork design. Every piece of fabric is sourced and sewn by an artisan cooperative in India that supports a better standard of living for the makers and their families. It's a thoughtful 28th anniversary gift that gives back to the community and the environment, which will impress anyone trying to live more sustainably.

Partner Appreciation Notes

Set of appreciation cards from BestSelf
Photo: BestSelf

After 28 years of marriage, you and your partner are definitely getting something right, but giving them some extra recognition now and then won't hurt. This set of appreciation cards from BestSelf is designed to make you stop and think about all the little things you love about your other half. It includes two pocket-sized notebooks filled with gratitude prompts that you can complete and share with each other. Whether you love how your partner laughs or that they always remember to take out the trash, your heartfelt notes of appreciation are sure to give them all the feels.

Personalized Flower Pot

Flower pot personalized with names and anniversary date from Personalization Mall
Photo: Personalization Mall

If you want to surprise the gardener in your life, this personalized flower pot set is a great choice. The message "Love Grows Here" is etched onto the pot's surface, with space to add your names and anniversary date around the rim. It also comes with a saucer that can be placed underneath to catch any water that drains from the plant. Choose from two vibrant shades—bright red or deep purple—to suit your partner's style and tastes.

Swivel Cheese Board

Cheese board and swiveling server from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Here's a thoughtful 28th anniversary gift that's anything but cheesy. Made from bamboo, this cute compact cheese board transforms into a swiveling server perfect for entertaining. Ideal for serving charcuterie and savory snacks, it comes with two cheese knives and a fork, which fit into a sliding drawer for handy storage. Bonus: You can have it engraved with your initials or anniversary date for an extra special finishing touch.

Waxed Trucker Jacket

Waxed trucker-style jacket from Huckberry
Huckberry

Sometimes wearable presents make the best wedding anniversary gifts of all. If your spouse's outerwear needs an upgrade, it may be time to treat them to a stylish new jacket. This waxed trucker style is lined with cozy flannel fabric, which will keep your partner comfy and warm once temperatures drop. It's available in a wide range of muted colors, including forest green, dark navy and light tan.

Delicious Snack Box

Snack box anniversary gift with popcorn, cheese, crackers, nuts, crackers, and honey mustard from 1-800 Baskets
Photo: 1-800 Baskets

Edible anniversary gifts are always welcome, especially if your spouse considers themselves a foodie. Swap your regular chips and dip for this luxury snack box to make your next home date night more decadent. This tempting tray includes caramel popcorn, smoked sausage, white cheddar cheese, mixed nuts, seeded crackers and hot honey mustard for that perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. There's even an option to add a bottle of wine to make this feast all the more anniversary-worthy.

Hometown Map Jigsaw

Personalized hometown map jigsaw puzzle from L.L. Bean
Photo: L.L. Bean

If you and your spouse have lived in the same location since your wedding day, this personalized map puzzle is the perfect way to celebrate your hometown. The 400-piece jigsaw puzzle is custom-made to look like a detailed map of the area, with your home address represented by a house-shaped puzzle piece. All you have to do is include your zip code when ordering, and the puzzle makers will create a one-off design based on the surrounding terrain. We suggest framing the puzzle once you've completed it so you can show off your handiwork.

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