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Updated Oct 14, 2024The Best 36th Anniversary Gift Ideas For Your Latest Marriage Milestone
Here are our favorite symbolic and alternative gifts for the 36th wedding anniversary.
Photos, From Clockwise: Uncommon Goods, On Running, Canvas Vows, Uncommon Goods
Your 36th wedding anniversary may come the year after a big milestone, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be commemorated in some way. Even if you're not throwing a lavish party for the occasion, you can still celebrate another year of love with a thoughtful 36th anniversary gift. Not sure where to start? Don't worry—we've got you covered with the best anniversary gifts to toast your 36-year union. Whether you're looking for a symbolic present or something completely different, we're here to help you find the perfect anniversary gift for your husband or wife.
In this article:
36th Anniversary Gift Themes
Instead of a traditional gifting theme, the 36th anniversary has one modern symbol: bone china. Despite its fragility, this beautiful material is known for its resilience, longevity and durability. Just like a successful long-term romantic relationship, objects made from china can last a lifetime if they're handled with care and love. Bone china is one of the most high-quality types of ceramic available due to its combination of bone ash (typically from cows), kaolin clay and other hardwearing minerals.
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While the 36th anniversary has no designated flower or gemstone, you can still give your love some fresh blooms or pretty jewelry if you want to. Shopping for a meaningful anniversary gift is a personal experience that looks different for everybody, so take the approach that feels best for you.
Symbolic 36th Anniversary Gifts
If you're thinking of going down the symbolic path with your gifting, you'll be pleased to learn that bone china gifts come in all shapes and sizes. From pretty vases to elegant dinnerware, there are many ways to nod to the modern 36th anniversary theme. We've also made things much easier by including some beautiful ceramic and stoneware items to inspire your gifting even further. Shop our favorite thematic gifts below to celebrate your 36-year anniversary in style.
Bone China Bowl
Photo: Wedgwood
Wedgwood is a luxury brand synonymous with elegant bone china and porcelain wares. This classic bowl vase is no exception, with its striking rounded shape and textured linear pattern inspired by nature. It's carefully crafted from fine white bone china and comes packaged in the brand's signature blue gift box for a thoughtful presentation. We suggest pairing this symbolic gift with a bouquet of fresh blooms to spoil your spouse on your 36th wedding anniversary.
Smart Coffee Mug
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Does your spouse have a habit of making a hot drink for themselves and then completely forgetting about it? This smart mug is the perfect solution for cold coffee and tepid tea (and maybe even work meetings that run over time). Made from durable ceramic, it comes with a gold-plated stirring spoon and a base that maintains the beverage temperature for up to six hours. Bonus: The heating pad has a zero-gravity switch that only activates when the mug is on it, so your partner won't need to worry about burning their fingers.
China Dinnerware Set
Photo: Macy's
If it's been a while since you updated your dinnerware, the 36th anniversary is the perfect excuse to splash out on some new dishes. This white bone china set will add an elegant touch to your dinner table, whether you're entertaining guests or sharing a midweek meal with your other half. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates and four cereal bowls. The neutral white goes well with everything, so you won't need to worry about matching the delph you already have.
Personalized Flower Pot
Photo: Personalization Mall
Here's a personalized anniversary gift that will impress anyone with a flair for gardening. This cute flower pot is made from chip-resistant stoneware (that looks like bone china) and can be customized with your shared last name in a heart. Add up to 10 names to include other family members for a sentimental keepsake that will remind your spouse of all the love surrounding them. Feeling extra thoughtful? Pair it with some wildflower seeds or a pretty plant to really blow them away.
Colorful Snack Bowls
Photo: Uncommon Goods
If you plan to celebrate your 36th anniversary at home, these cute snack bowls will add a colorful touch to your chips and dips spread. The set of six stoneware dishes comes in an array of colors, with each one shaped like a pretty flower. Now, all you have to do is get the snacks in and pick a romantic movie to watch with your other half.
Porcelain Dangle Earrings
Photo: LosAngelesMinimalist
Looking for a china anniversary gift that isn't kitchenware? These dainty dangle earrings are a creative way to acknowledge the modern 36th anniversary theme and impress your stylish spouse at the same time. The pretty baubles are made from porcelain with a vintage-inspired blue china pattern and come in several different styles. You can choose a matching pair for a coordinated look or two mismatched earrings for a more eclectic vibe.
Glazed Porcelain Vase
Photo: Nordstrom
While this classic vase isn't technically made from bone china, it looks just as good as the real thing. Crafted from glazed porcelain, it combines clean lines with subtle detailing for a timeless, minimalist look. We suggest filling it with flowers or a decorative piece of art to make this 36th anniversary gift shine even further.
Bone China Coffee Mugs
Photo: Amazon
If you and your spouse enjoy starting the day with freshly brewed coffee, these bone china mugs will bring rustic charm to your morning ritual. Sold as a set of four, they come in two variations of a blue and white willow pattern and are ideal for anyone who loves vintage-inspired designs. Pair them with their favorite roast for a practical and on-theme 36th anniversary gift any coffee lover will appreciate.
Personalized Ring Dish
Photo: WillowLaneCollective
After 36 years of marriage, your spouse may already have a designated space to keep their wedding rings safe. That being said, a new ring dish is always a great way to add some sparkle to their sparkler. This handmade one can be personalized with your wedding date and initials for a thoughtful touch. The elegant lettering is available in four colors (gold is our fave!) for a subtle and sophisticated finish.
Bone China Pitcher
Photo: Target
If you and your spouse already have all the cups and saucers you'll ever need, a bone china pitcher could be the 36th anniversary gift you're looking for. Available in medium and large sizes, this elegant jug brings a refined touch to any meal. Whether you use it to serve iced tea, zesty lemonade or just water, it'll elevate your table service to the next level. Bonus points for its wallet-friendly price point.
Stoneware Serving Bowl
Photo: Uncommon Goods
A marriage lasting 36 years has probably seen its fair share of ups and downs. Celebrate your romantic journey with a symbolic stoneware bowl from Uncommon Goods. The rim of this beautiful hand-thrown piece of pottery is etched with a thoughtful message that reads: "True love is not a destination, but a journey shared by the travelers on its path." It's the perfect tribute to a love that has grown and flourished over several decades.
China Cuff Links
Photo: dapperchaps
If you're shopping for someone stylish, these quirky cuff links will give your partner's formalwear an unexpected touch. This unique duo features a blue and white china pattern of stylized birds and trees for a distinctly vintage feel. Choose from bronze or silver hardware to compliment this thoughtful and thematic 36th anniversary gift.
Personalized Porcelain Platter
Photo: Personalization Mall
Do you and your spouse love to entertain guests at home? This classic porcelain platter is a gift you'll be proud to show off the next time you host a dinner party. The oval-shaped plate is personalized with your monogram and edged with a gold rim for a luxurious finish. Whether you use it to dish up Sunday dinner or Thanksgiving turkey, this 36th anniversary guarantees stylish service every time.
Bone China Teapot
Photo: Tiffany
If you're going to splurge on one thing for your 36th anniversary, make it a teapot from Tiffany. This single-serve pot is a seriously luxurious gift for anyone who enjoys a cup of tea (or three) throughout the day. It's crafted from white bone china that contrasts beautifully with the brand's signature Tiffany blue on the bottom. Fancy tea for two? It's also available in a bigger size or as part of a tea set if you really want to go for broke.
Ceramic Spoon Rest
Photo: Food52
Married to someone who loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen? This handmade ceramic spoon rest will help them keep their countertops (and spoons) clean while they concoct their next delicious dish. It's a thoughtful and practical 36th wedding anniversary gift they'll get loads of use out of and it's pretty affordable too. Now, you just have to persuade them to cook dinner for you to celebrate your anniversary.
Alternative 36th Anniversary Gifts
If a symbolic gift isn't your cup of tea, you can always take the alternative route instead. The most memorable and meaningful gifts don't necessarily have to fit a theme—they just need to be thoughtful and personal to the one you love. Whether you're looking for a sentimental gift to share with your spouse or something practical they'll use daily, you're sure to find it in our round-up of unique 36th anniversary gifts.
Newspaper Anniversary Book
Photo: Hammacher Schlemmer
After over three and a half decades of marriage, you and your spouse have probably seen plenty of changes in the world. Take a trip down memory lane with this creative 36th anniversary gift and reminisce on all that has happened since your big day. The classic leather-bound book is filled with all the front pages of The New York Times from your wedding date to the present day. With 36 pages to dive into, you'll have lots of fun reliving history all over again. Add a magnifying glass so you can zoom in on the super fine text of each column.
Sheet Music Wall Art
Photo: Canvas Vows
Got a special song that only you and your spouse understand? Turn your favorite tune into a super romantic gift you can display at home with this sheet music wall art. Whether you pick your first dance or another treasured track, the musical notes and lyrics will be printed on canvas for a sentimental showpiece. It's a sweet 36-year anniversary gift that may provoke a few happy tears and an impromptu dance in your living room.
Luxurious Silk Pajamas
Photo: Lunya
A lazy lie-in after a busy week is a luxury that's hard to beat, especially if your spouse is usually an early riser. Make their duvet day even more special with a pair of luxurious silk pajamas from Lunya. This set includes an oversized t-shirt and long pants made from 100% Mulberry silk that's super comfy against the skin. That's not even the best part, though—this nightwear is also machine washable for fuss-free laundry days. How's that for an awesome alternative 36th anniversary gift?
Glass Whiskey Decanter
Photo: Huckberry
For the spouse who likes to celebrate with their favorite bottle of bourbon or scotch, this elegant decanter is sure to please. Crafted from hand-blown glass, it features a raised topographic interpretation of Half Dome, one of Yosemite National Park's most distinctive rock formations. It's the perfect 36th anniversary gift for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and kicking back with a nightcap in the evening. Pair it with coordinating whiskey tumblers for an extra thoughtful touch.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Photo: Bose
Perfect for the music lover in your life, this portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to play your favorite tracks at home. Slim and sleek, this handy piece of tech is also waterproof, so your spouse can crank the tunes while chilling by the pool. It offers up to 12 hours of battery life, so they can even take it with them on their next camping trip or a romantic picnic (for your 36th anniversary, perhaps?).
Instant Photo Printer
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Got tons of photos on your phone but very few physical prints? Us too! This instant photo printer will help you transform your favorite snapshots into vintage-style prints in no time. Enabled by Bluetooth, the pocket-sized device lets you print images in black and white right after taking them. It comes with a roll of plain paper that can print about 100 pictures, so you can have lots of fun picking your favorite shots from the last year. P.S.: The printer doubles up as a label maker, allowing you to create a few romantic notes to accompany your prized pics.
Fresh Flower Bouquet
Photo: 1-800 Flowers
There may not be an official anniversary flower for the 36th anniversary, but that doesn't mean fresh blooms are off the table altogether. This colorful bouquet is like a ray of sunshine and is sure to put a smile on your spouse's face. Depending on the size you choose, they'll receive a vibrant mix of orange lilies, yellow sunflowers, lavender stock, pink roses, carnations and assorted greenery.
Waterproof Running Shoes
Photo: On Running
Whether your spouse is an occasional jogger or a long-distance runner, they'll appreciate a good pair of running shoes. Besides looking really cool, these stylish sneakers are also waterproof, making them the perfect pick for rainy runs around the local park. Choose from a range of colors, including cobalt blue, mustard yellow and classic black, for chic footwear they'll want to wear even when they're not working out.
Hair Care Travel Set
Photo: Nordstrom
If your partner prides themselves on their lustrous mane, this travel-sized hair care set from Moroccanoil is a gift they'll appreciate. Designed with hydration in mind, it includes shampoo, conditioner and a luxurious hair treatment, all infused with argan oil for shiny, frizz-free hair. The kit also comes with a luxe hand cream that absorbs quickly and imparts a spicy amber and sweet floral scent on the skin. It's a thoughtful 36th anniversary gift that'll leave them looking and feeling their best.
Fun Word Game
Photo: Amazon
If you're married to a talented wordsmith, this fun anniversary gift will get their creative juices flowing. Bananagrams is an engaging game that invites each player to compete against each other to build crossword grids from small letter tiles. Unlike other games, it doesn't require a board, making it the perfect travel-friendly game for you and your love. The tiles even come in a bright yellow banana-shaped case for added fun. Bonus: It's suitable for one to eight players, so your spouse can play it solo or get everyone involved in the ultimate spelling competition.
