Celebrate the Married Couple With a 3 Year Anniversary Gift Idea That Go Beyond Great

Another anniversary means another year to celebrate wedded bliss. Falling midway between the more iconic 1st- and 5th-year anniversaries, the 3rd-year anniversary doesn’t often get the love it deserves. We don't want to miss an occasion to give props to a happy couple, so we've rounded up all kinds of fun, heartfelt and just-right ideas when picking a 3rd anniversary gift for your spouse or the married duo.

What Is the 3-Year Anniversary Gift?

Quite possibly the easiest way to select a 3rd anniversary gift is to look to the theme for the anniversary year. The traditional 3-year anniversary gift is leather, which is symbolic of the marriage reaching a stage of flexible durability. The modern 3rd anniversary gift is crystal (or glass), which has a special beauty, yet is still fragile—again, both significant representations of a maturing marriage.

In this article:

• 3-Year Anniversary Gifts for Her
• 3-Year Anniversary Gifts for Him
• 3-Year Anniversary Gifts for Them
• Leather Anniversary Gifts for Her
• Leather Anniversary Gifts for Him
• Leather Anniversary Gifts for Them
• Crystal/Glass 3rd Anniversary Gifts

3-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her

If leather or crystal don't sound right for your significant other, the good news is you can buck tradition for a 3rd anniversary gift that's more personally appealing to her. Shop the unique gifts we've selected below for options that'll remind her exactly why she said "I do."

1. Show her she’s the light of your life with a set of four beautiful, organic soy candles in one-of-a-kind scents, such as fresh fig with wild ginger and laurel leaf with olive. Made to burn clean for 15 hours and packaged in pretty patterns, this set is a wonderful 3rd anniversary gift.

Lucia Votive Candle Set, $24, PaperSource.com

2. If she’s a style fan of Joanna Gaines, then she’ll love receiving this gold necklace from Gaines’ Magnolia shop as a 3-year anniversary gift. Handcrafted by a local Waco, Texas, artisan, the dainty chain features an eclipse-shaped drop made from a hammered gold bar and a row of gold beads.

Summer Ellis Eclipse Necklace, $58, MagnoliaMarket.com

3. If she has boho taste, make a match between high style and handmade comfort with this eclectic throw blanket. When you snuggle together, it'll be a 3-year anniversary gift you'll both love using over and over again.

All Roads Design Open Market Throw Blanket, $148,Anthropologie.com

3-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him

Make your special day memorable for him with 3rd anniversary gift ideas selected with his tastes and interests in mind. Here are our favorite 3-year anniversary gifts to shop.

1. Go old-school cool with a retro handheld arcade unit just right for the vintage gamer. With 240 built-in nostalgic games, he has hours of fun ahead of him. Want in on it? Pick a two-player game for some good-natured competition where winner gets marriage bragging rights.

Paper Source Retro Arcade Handheld Machine, $40, PaperSource.com

2. Let him know you’re nuts for him with this pistachio serving bowl that comes with a convenient tray to discard the shells. Pair it up with gourmet shelled nuts and you’ll have cracked the code to a great 3-year anniversary gift for him.

UncommonGoods Pistachio Pedestal, $48, UncommonGoods.com

3. Double his fun when out at the beach, a baseball tailgate or a music festival. This cooler keeps 24 cans chilly while also doubling as a comfy seat. Add his initials and you’re set with a personalized 3rd anniversary gift he’ll love.

The Knot Shop Cooler Chair, $35,TheKnot.com

4. Invite him to make a mess with you as you create works of art using your feelings for one another. This one-of-a-kind kit brings the canvas into the bedroom. Keeping the spark alive with this 3-year anniversary gift is sure to lead to a magical masterpiece.

Jeremy Brown Love Is Art Kit, $36 – $60, UncommonGoods.com

5. Heat things up with a fire pit as his 3rd anniversary gift. Pair it with a blanket and some s’mores for an instant go-to date night right in your own backyard.

World Market Yuma Fire Pit, $230,WorldMarket.com

6. Room scents don’t have to be floral. Give your guy a whiff of aromas that’ll appeal to him with a diffuser featuring warm, woody scents such as Italian Bergamot and Tobacco Flower. It’s a 3rd anniversary gift sure to please the senses.

Paper Source Boticario De Havana Diffuser, $40, PaperSource.com

7. For the man who’s always chill, give him a gift to keep his beer the same. This stone coaster goes from fridge or freezer to keeping his beverage colder for much longer. He’s been your rock for so long, it only makes sense that your 3rd anniversary present tells him so.

Arra David and Anne Johnson Beer Chilling Coaster Set, $68, UncommonGoods.com

3-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Them

Let the couple know you still adore watching their love story unfold. Here are some 3rd anniversary gifts to pair with well wishes when congratulating the celebratory duo.

1. His and hers gifts never go out of style for married couples. And with this shabby yet oh-so chic Mr. and Mrs. set, you’re off the hook for thinking of a great 3-year anniversary gift for the wedded duo.

The Knot Shop Shabby Chic Hook Set with Mr. and Mrs. Inscription, $20,TheKnot.com

2. Why just give a bottle of wine when you can pair it with a statement piece for the couple who entertains? This bottle chiller doubles as a mold in which to freeze fruit slices or fresh flowers to up the couple’s centerpiece game.

Crate & Barrel Ice Mold/Wine Bottle Chiller, $40, CrateandBarrel.com

3. Give the anniversary couple the perfect place to display all of their memories together. This 3rd anniversary gift in a natural whitewash looks great with rustic or shabby chic décor, all while offering 21 metal clips to easily swap in and out pictures, notes, recipes and more.

Pier 1 Imports Blynn Oversized 21-Photo Clip Frame, $129, Pier1.com

4. Commemorate the state(s) where the couple experienced many of their firsts. These intricately embroidered throw pillows make a great 3-year anniversary gift, combining home décor with the couple’s history.

Carmel and Terrell Swan Hand Embroidered State Pillows, $168, UncommonGoods.com

5. Bring new life to the couple’s marriage with succulents and cacti potted in exquisitely stylish planters. This beautiful 3rd anniversary gift is perfect for the couple who loves mid-century modern décor and clean lines.

West Elm Mid-Century Turned Leg Tabletop Planters, $24 – $49,WestElm.com

6. If the anniversary duo loves to Netflix and chill, make every night into a movie date night in their home with a cool in-home popcorn maker. With the flip of a switch, this small tabletop appliance makes healthy air-popped popcorn with little effort.

Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker, $50, CrateandBarrel.com

Leather Anniversary Gifts for Her

When going with tradition, there are lots of lovely leather anniversary gifts from which to choose. We’ve narrowed down the 3rd anniversary gift options to these must-have durable items.

1. Yes, she may have a closet full of handbags, but if she doesn’t have the one-of-a-kind Sash bag, it’s time to amp up her purse game. This stylish crossbody bag keeps everything organized and easy-to-grab without all the bulk, while also eliminating everything from falling to the bottom of her bag. Trust us, she’ll love you even more (well, if that’s possible) for this 3rd anniversary gift.

Sash Fringe Leather Sash Bag, $149, TheSashBag.com

2. Symbolic of the ring you gave her three years ago, this bracelet combines the eternal circle of love with the traditional 3rd anniversary gift of leather. Both stylish and comfortable to wear, your wife can make this bracelet an accessory staple.

Magnolia Leather Bracelet, $66, MagnoliaMarket.com

3. Bound in soft leather, this journal will be her go-to place to record and cross off bucket list items, track her daily events, or write her innermost thoughts. 

Cavallini & Co. Toscana Journal, $33, PaperSource.com

4. For the lady who loves to look her best for a night on the town, you can’t go wrong with this ultra-chic snakeskin clutch. The classic styling transitions from day to evening, making it her go-to handbag when she wants to look perfectly polished.

Stuart Weitzman Uptown Pouch, $245, StuartWeitzman.com

Leather Anniversary Gifts for Him

Weathered, rugged and tough, leather feels practically made for men. While wallets and belts are one way to go, to really gift outside the box, try one of these unique leather 3rd anniversary gift ideas for him.

1. Since anniversaries are all about commemorating the passing of time, a watch makes an obvious—and classic!—choice. This leather-banded watch in jet black exudes masculinity while also serving as a daily reminder of your three years together.

Fossil Nate Chronograph Black Leather Watch, $155, Fossil.co

2. For the tech-savvy guy on the go, you can’t go wrong with a 3rd anniversary gift that guards his iPad. Available in a wide array of colors, this full-grain leather mini iPad case and stand give plenty of options for finding just the right match for his tastes. Add his monogram to make it even more personal.

Leatherology iPad Mini Case and Stand, $85, Leatherology.com

3. If he’s a two-wheel commuter with a palate for brewed beverages, help him get his beer from Point A to Point B with a bike-mounted leather beer carrier. Pair it up with a personalized growler filled with his favorite ale and consider your 3rd anniversary gift needs fulfilled.

Pedal Happy Bike Mounted Leather Growler Carrier, $45, ScoutMob.com

4. Great to use when hiking and camping, this hand-forged, steel-head hatchet features a protective leather sheath for easier transport. It makes for a sharp 3-year anniversary gift, even if your guy isn’t a lumberjack.

Hults Bruk Swedish Hatchet, $158, Terrain.com

Leather Anniversary Gifts for Them

Three years in and they’re still going strong. Show you care with one of these leather 3-year anniversary gift ideas made of a material that’s as enduring as the couple’s lasting love for one another.

1. If jetsetting is the couple’s passion, his and hers personalized luggage tags will help them easily spot their bags while traveling in style. Pick two colors from the couple’s wedding day for a 3rd anniversary gift that really goes the extra mile (pun intended).

Neiman Marcus Luggage Tag, Personalized, $40, NeimanMarcus.com

2. Encourage the couple to prop up their feet, or provide them with some extra seating when entertaining. These dapper leather poufs work well with all kinds of décor, making a chic statement in any room.

West Elm Leather Moroccan Pouf, $279,WestElm.com

3. Present her with flowers in a vase that suits his taste. A faux leather strap accents a milk bottle-inspired glass vase to not only marry feminine and masculine styling, but also the two traditional 3rd anniversary gift themes: leather and glass.

World Market Glass and Faux Leather Vase, $5 – $8,WorldMarket.com

Crystal/Glass 3rd Anniversary Gifts

With many couples opting for more casual, cozy interior design and décor, crystal may feel too fancy for a 3rd anniversary gift. While that may be true with some pieces, such as Waterford crystal anniversary gifts, it’s not hard to find crystal—and especially glass—gifts that spouses and couples will appreciate, whether they use them every day or keep them tucked away as heirlooms only for special occasions.

1. The unique shape of these oversized glass vases will add visual appeal when displayed solo, in a pair, or as a complete set. This 3rd anniversary gift idea features subtle texture and an organic style many couples are sure to appreciate.

World Market Clear Barcelona Vases, $25 – $35, WorldMarket.com

2. Give her a beautiful home for her ring when it’s not on her finger. This vintage-inspired jewelry box is see-through so that her prized possessions inside can still be appreciated even when they’re not being worn.

The Knot Shop Vintage Inspired Glass Jewelry Box, $42, TheKnot.com

3. For the guy who’s always full of great ideas, give him a glass cloche lamp that highlights the Edison filament bulb beneath. The wood base complements the industrial look that would look great lit up on his desk.

World Market Edison Glass Cloche Table Lamp, $55,WorldMarket.com

4. Refine their morning cup of brew with a teapot that celebrates both form and function. Include a selection of loose-leaf teas for the two to try, and your 3rd anniversary gift will remind them of you every time they tip it over and pour tea out.

Bodum Assam Tea Press, $40, CrateandBarrel.com

5. If bourbon or scotch is his spirit of choice, this contemporary take on a decanter is a bartender’s must. Steeped in tradition, Waterford crystal anniversary gifts have long been the go-to glass gift. And with this piece’s sleek modern profile, it’s one he’ll treasure for years to come.

Waterford Elegance Short Decanter with Round Stopper, $160, BedBathandBeyond.com

6. Jewelry is meant to be seen, even when it’s not being worn. This 3-year anniversary gift made of glass acts as a shadow box display case for all her favorite accessories and even some mementos. 

West Elm Glass Shadow Box Wall Display Cases, $69,WestElm.com

7. Add a touch of Italian flair the next time the two toast over a bottle of wine. These unique drinking glasses embellished in floral patterns are casual yet elegant, and this set will be the talk of the table.

Fishs Eddy Floral Italian Wine Glasses Gift Box of 6, $43, FishsEddy.com

8.  Clean-lined and architecturally pleasing, these pressed glass photo frames banded in metal are simply stunning.

Anthropologie Pressed Glass Photo Frame, $18 – $32,Anthropologie.com

9. This gorgeous green flint glass pitcher is perfect for pouring lemonade or serving sangria. Present this 3-year anniversary gift as a vase filled with a bouquet of flowers for a pair that’s almost as perfect as the Mr. and Mrs.

Mosser Glass Jadeite Pitcher, $40,SurLaTable.com

10. For the couple who’s as sweet as can be, combine vintage-inspired glass ice cream dishes with a decadent pint of something frozen and delicious. Add in fun sprinkle toppings and their favorite candies for a 3rd anniversary gift that’s a real treat.

Crate & Barrel Ice Cream Dishes, $2 – $3, CrateandBarrel.com

11.  There are plenty of Waterford crystal anniversary gifts to select from for her. But for the lady who loves a pop of color, these contemporary stemmed cocktail glasses will impress at any party she hosts.

Waterford Lismore Pops Aqua Cocktail Pair, $140, Amazon.com

For more of the best anniversary gift ideas for all the major milestones, check out our comprehensive guide to anniversary gifts by year. 

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