The Best 3rd Anniversary Gifts for Marking the Occasion

While three years might not feel like as big of a deal as the first or fifth anniversary, it's just as important to celebrate. Every year counts when it comes to strengthening a marriage. Buying a three-year anniversary gift is a sweet way to mark the occasion, whether you're commemorating your own milestone or you want to congratulate a couple you know and love.

If you're not already familiar with the traditional and modern third anniversary gifts, we've provided a quick rundown below that'll tell you all you need to know to pick out an awesome (and on-theme) present. Otherwise, feel free to skip ahead to our list of the best leather, glass and alternative gift ideas.

In this article:

• What Is the Three-Year Anniversary Gift?
• Leather Anniversary Gifts
• Crystal and Glass Anniversary Gifts
• Alternative Three-Year Anniversary Gifts

What Is the Three-Year Anniversary Gift?

Whether you decided two years ago to stick with each milestone's unique theme or you're playing it by ear, the traditional three-year anniversary gift is one of the easiest materials to work with: leather. It's also a meaningful tribute to a marriage that's lasted three years, representing the flexible durability a successful union depends on.

Worried your other half (or the couple) won't be too keen on leather? There are a few other gifting themes that fall under this special milestone. Crystal (or glass) has been adopted as the modern gift associated with three years of marriage, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of a union in its early stages. Alternatively, you could look to the third anniversary color (white or jade), stone (pearl) or flower (sunflower) for inspiration

Leather Anniversary Gifts

Leather comes in many different forms, from clothing and accessories to unique homeware and decor. To make finding a special present for your loved one(s) easy peasy, we've listed our favorite picks for every type of couple below. These traditional third anniversary gift ideas will definitely make it one to remember.

Leather Travel Jewelry Case

This clever leather anniversary gift will help your other half avoid tangled necklaces, misplaced rings and intertwined bracelets when they're on the go. The stylish leather jewelry case comes with compartments to keep everything organized. Better yet, it can easily be tucked away in a larger tote.

Symbolic Leather "Lovelink" Bracelet

How about a stylish piece of leather jewelry your spouse can wear as a symbol of your love? This brown leather bracelet, held together with a 14K gold "lovelink," is a meaningulf three-year anniversary gift. You can purchase additional charms to hang on the ring to personalize this unusual bracelet.

Monogrammed Leather Cuff Links

Here's a three-year wedding anniversary gift your spouse can wear out to your celebratory dinner. Handmade with tan full-grain leather, stamped in a typewriter font, then set in stainless steel, these monogrammed cuff links are an undoubtedly unique accessory. Best of all, they come in a gift box.

Convenient Leather Wallet

A wallet may seem like an obvious gift choice, but this one is especially unique. This premium leather wallet comes with smart technology to help your spouse access their cards at the push of a button. Plus, the sturdy material is environmentally certified.

Versatile Faux Leather Tote

An everyday tote is invaluable, especially if your S.O. is always on the go or has a daily commute. This classic faux leather option is stylish, roomy and comes with an insulated removable pouch specifically designed for packing lunches or snacks.

Leather Travel Tech Organizer

If your partner is constantly traveling for work, this luxe leather tech organizer will make their life a whole lot easier. It has a soft suede lining and lots of slots for cords, headphones, battery packs or harddrives to keep all their tech accessories untangled and safe. The travel case even has a lifetime warranty—so, like your love, they can have this gift forever.

Engraved Leather Music Sheet

What could be more meaningful than a personalized throwback to your (or the lovebirds') first dance song? This engraved leather sheet music comes in a stylish wooden frame so it's fully display-ready. It's a thoughtful present whether you need a leather anniversary gift for her, him or the couple.

Long-Lasting Custom Leather Rose

If it's unique leather anniversary gift ideas you're after, look no further. How cool is this handcrafted leather rose?! It comes stamped with the date of your choosing on one of the leaves for an extra-meaningful touch. (Psst, you can also get one with two initials on it!)

Custom Leather Coaster Set

Believe it or not, there are so many different types of leather wedding anniversary gifts to choose from. We love the sentiment behind these chic leather coasters embellished with the happy couple's initials in an elegant gold font. Pick up a set of two so they'll each have somewhere to put their morning brew, or—if they're natural-born hosts—opt for a set of six.

Personalized Brown Leather Belt

Thought a belt couldn't be a romantic present? Think again! This luxury leather accessory can be personalized with your spouse's monogram and a sweet hidden message from you to them. This one reads: "You have my whole heart for my whole life."

Premium Leather Dopp Kit

Looking for a present your partner can use time and time again? Two words: Dopp kit. This genuine leather gift idea is the perfect place for them to store their grooming essentials on your next romantic getaway (or even just in the bedroom). The sleek toiletry bag is made from premium Italian leather, meaning it will last a long time.

Chic Black Leather Jacket

Upgrade your partner's wardrobe with a chic moto jacket. Not only is the leather durable enough for everyday use, but leather jackets never go out of style! This one comes in 11 different sizes and a few neutral colors: black, brown and white. Plus, with free shipping and returns, it's easy to find the perfect fit.

Customizable Leather Smartwatch

Since anniversaries are all about commemorating the passing of time, a watch is a classic choice. But don't be fooled by the elegant analogue design—this isn't a regular watch, it's a smartwatch. It does pretty much everything you'd expect (like displaying notifications, tracking steps and making contactless payments), but keeps up the appearance of a classic timepiece. Bonus: The case and band are completely customizable. We're drawn to the white leather band which pays tribute to one of the third anniversary's designated colors.

Monogrammed Rustic Leather Journal

Bound in soft leather, this notebook will be your partner's go-to place to record and cross off bucket list items, track their daily events or practice some mindful journaling. Have it personalized with their monogram and leave a sweet handwritten note inside to make it an extra-special three-year anniversary gift for him or her.

Custom Leather-Scented Glass Candle

This Tuscan leather-scented glass candle is a unique twist on the third anniversary's traditional and modern materials—but that's not even the best part. Have the glass engraved with a sweet message to your spouse that'll light up when the candle glows. You can also have a personal note added to the lid for double the sentiment.

Hidden Message Leather Bracelet

When it comes to celebrating any important milestone with your spouse, jewelry is consistently a great gift pick. And if you've decided to buy a leather third anniversary gift, this minimalist bracelet is a sure winner. Have it customized with both your initials, your wedding date or a sweet message like: "Always and forever, no matter what."

Crystal and Glass Anniversary Gifts

It's clear as crystal: Three years together is an incredible achievement. But if you're not feeling so clear on what to get your spouse or loved ones as a present, we've got you covered. Check out these unique third wedding anniversary gifts for your wife, husband or the couple that are made with glass or crystal.

Glass Anniversary Photo Gift

Surprise your spouse with a picture from your wedding day (or another favorite memory) etched onto crystal. Pair the ornament with a blacklight or rotating LED base so it's ready to show off right away. It's a meaningful modern third anniversary gift for him or her.

Hometown Map Drinking Glasses

A personalized glassware set will make sipping their favorite drinks all the more enjoyable. For the couple building a new life together, commemorate the place they call home by having a map of their neighborhood engraved on each of these glasses. You can add the name of the location or their family name for an extra-special touch.

Vintage Glass Jewelry Box

Give your spouse a beautiful home for their ring when it's not on their finger. This vintage-inspired glass jewelry box is see-through, meaning the prized possessions inside can still be appreciated even when they're not being worn. Add your partner's monogram to the lid so everyone knows who it belongs to.

Glass Dome Cocktail Smoking Kit

Shopping for a mixologist? Consider a cocktail smoking kit. This unique gift set includes a slate smoking platform and serving tray, a glass smoking dome, an Old Fashioned glass and a luxury butane torch so they can expertly craft smoky cocktails right from home. It's one of the most impressive third anniversary gift ideas for couples who appreciate a good drink.

Custom Song Plaque With LED Light

Got a special song you've both made your own? This romantic glass plaque with an LED light will show the tune as it's displayed on Spotify with a photo of your choice as the album cover. It's a unique gift your other half will cherish.

Colorful Hand-Blown Cake Stand

Ty Mecham

Shopping for the spouse who loves to bake? Choose from an array of colorful hand-blown glass cake stands to help them take their creations to the next level. Maybe in return they'll make you an anniversary cake!

Elegant Crystal Flower Vase

You can't go wrong with gorgeous crystal homeware. This fine crystal vase with cuts reminiscent of stars will make a lovely addition to your or the couple's dining table. Fill it with flowers before gifting or even add a stunning glass rose to guarantee the vase is never empty.

Wine Bottle Subscription Service

Winc via Facebook

Don't be afraid to take a creative spin on the modern third anniversary theme. If the lovebirds are self-proclaimed wine connoisseurs, they'll be overjoyed to receive a delivery of delicious vino right to their door—every month! The glass bottles may not be the focus of this thoughtful gift idea, but that doesn't make it any less awesome.

Crystal Red Wine Glasses

Any couple that can tell their Pinot Noirs from their Cabernets will appreciate this set of expertly crafted wine glasses designed to enhance the wine-tasting experience. These crystal red wine glasses have a slightly curved lip and large bowl to let flavors breathe. They're a perfect modern third-year anniversary gift.

Protective Blue Light Glasses

When it comes to three-year anniversary gift ideas for your husband or wife, you can't go wrong with a practical present—especially if it's something they've been hinting at. If your other half has been on the lookout for some blue light-screening glasses, Felix Gray has lots of stylish frames to choose from.

Alternative Three-Year Anniversary Gifts

It's the three-year anniversary, meaning you've probably already exhausted some of your best gift ideas picking out presents for the last two milestones and shared holidays. Lucky for you, we've got a few unique and thoughtful ideas you can add to your list. These alternative picks don't follow the modern or traditional anniversary gift themes—they're special in their own way.

Luxe Silk Pajama Set

If your significant other hasn't already splashed out on these luxury PJs for themselves, take the special occasion as an opportunity to buy them a pair. Trust us, they'll never want to take this silk loungewear off—but when they do, it's fully machine washable. (Psst: While Lunya specializes in womenswear, its sibling brand, Lahgo, sells equally luxe men's pajamas.)

Delicate Pearl Anniversary Necklace

Pearl is the third anniversary stone, so lean into the theme and get your spouse this gorgeous necklace. Its handcrafted 14K solid-gold chain with freshwater cultured pearls is a beautiful token of your love. Plus, its delicate, minimal design can easily layer with the jewelry they already have.

Wood and Jade Ring

The color jade is another third wedding anniversary symbol you can take inspiration from on your hunt for the perfect gift. This minimalist wooden anniversary ring features a unique jade inlay that'll remind them of your three-year milestone every time they put it on.

Sunflower Bouquet Delivery

Sunflowers represent positivity, love and loyalty—and since they're also the third wedding anniversary flower, this vibrant bouquet will be even more meaningful. The best part? BloomsyBox will deliver right to your (or the couple's) door.

Hand-Stitched State Throw Pillow

Commemorate the state(s) where the couple experienced many of their firsts. These intricately embroidered throw pillows make a great gift, combining home decor with the couple's history. Just select the state you want to celebrate, then famous sites, cities and cultural icons will be hand-stitched into the cotton pillow in bright thread colors.

Lingerie Gift Subscription

Underclub via Facebook

Elevate your other half's underwear drawer with a monthly subscription to Underclub. Each month, they'll send your partner new undergarments for them to enjoy. Simply select a date (ahem, your anniversary) for them to receive a gift message via email. From there, your partner can take a short style quiz to help curate their next delivery. You can also select a few add-ons to be included in the first shipment, from comfy loungewear to sexy lingerie.

Deluxe Spices Gift Set

Are they a dynamic duo when it comes to cooking? If so, treat the couple to a deluxe set of bestselling spices that'll bring out flavor in their food (and their creativity in the kitchen). This gift set contains eight high-quality spice blends from around the world, including Vulcan's Fire Salt, Saigon Ground Cassia Cinnamon and Hungarian Sweet Paprika.

Personal Concrete Fireplace

Rocky Luten

Cool gadgets make for excellent gift ideas, especially if you want to surprise your spouse with something they never would have thought to ask for. People love these mini fire pits—and who can blame them? Toasted marshmallows—any time, anywhere.

Personalized Wooden Cutting Board

Shopping for a couple who's obsessed with charcuterie? A personalized serving board will let them put their own unique stamp on every decadent display. This one comes engraved with their names joined by a heart and their wedding date.

Custom Couple's Jigsaw Puzzle

Kick off their third year of marriage with a little challenge. This 500- or 1,000-piece custom jigsaw puzzle celebrates the moment the lovebirds first crossed paths. The two street signs are personalized with the couple's names and the year they met. It's a thoughtful and fun way to commemorate a marriage.

MasterClass Subscription

Coming up with new things to do together can get more and more challenging as time goes on. Refresh your inventory of date night ideas by treating your partner (and yourself!) to a MasterClass subscription plan so you can learn new skills together. You'll both have access to a host of new experiences, from photography and cooking classes to mindfulness courses.

Spa-Worthy Plush Bathrobe

Planning to celebrate your anniversary at home? Treat your partner to a full-blown spa day, complete with foot rubs, face masks and a super-soft bathrobe. All their troubles will instantly melt away when they slip into this cozy cotton robe from Brooklinen.

Wedding Vows Custom Art Print

You poured your heart and soul into writing your wedding vows. Instead of trying to top them this year, why not give your other half a copy of the most meaningful words you've ever written? This custom framed artwork showcases each of your vows beneath an enchanting mountain sketch for a stunning memento of your wedding day that'll likely cause a few happy tears.

Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Let's face it, few people wash their reusable water bottles as often as they should. If your partner has a favorite canteen that's missed a few dishwasher cycles, consider replacing it with this self-cleaning and water-purifying bottle. Smart technology is activated at the touch of a button to eliminate harmful bacteria residing in the bottle. Plus, the double-wall vacuum insulation will keep contents cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. Choose between five different colorways and two sizes to suit your spouse's personal style and needs. You can also personalize the bottle with their name.