The Best 43rd Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your Spouse

From symbolic presents to alternative picks, our list is full of meaningful gifts.
Four 43rd anniversary gifts: a personalized candle, a monogram mug, a flower bouquet, and opal earrings
Photos, clockwise: Uncommon Goods, Anthropologie, 1-800 Flowers, Gorjana
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by
Alison Meehan
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Alison Meehan
Assistant Commerce Editor
  • Alison writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in shoppable roundups of anniversary gifts.
  • Before focusing on shoppable content, Alison was a content writer at The Knot.
  • Alison holds a master's degree in writing and a bachelor's in textile design.
Updated Aug 08, 2023
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While finding the perfect 43rd wedding anniversary gift can seem challenging, there are many meaningful ways to celebrate your latest marriage milestone. After over four decades of gift-giving, it's totally understandable if you're running out of ideas—which is why we're here to help. Gifts for the 43rd wedding anniversary come in all shapes and sizes, from sweet and sentimental to wearable and practical. Below, we're detailing the different symbols associated with the 43-year anniversary and rounding up our list of sure-to-please gift options.

In this article:

43rd Anniversary Gift Themes

There is no traditional gift for the 43rd wedding anniversary, but the modern theme is travel and the official gemstone is the opal. The travel symbol represents how far a couple has come in their shared lives together (and after 43 years, that's far!). On the other hand, opals are precious gems signifying hope, truth and purity. Wearing an opal is said to bring peace, creativity and good fortune to the wearer, which any loving spouse surely deserves. There isn't a designated flower for the 43rd wedding anniversary, but you don't need to forgo the fresh blooms altogether. Instead, use it as an opportunity to pick some pretty or unusual flowers for your significant other.

Symbolic 43rd Anniversary Gifts

If planning a luxurious getaway isn't a viable option but you still want to get a symbolic gift, don't worry—there are plenty of ways to incorporate the travel theme without leaving home. Whether you're celebrating the places you've already visited with your spouse or preparing for an upcoming trip together, we've found some of the best travel-themed gifts on the market. You can also take inspiration from the 43-year anniversary gemstone and opt for elegant opal accessories instead. Ultimately, the choice is yours when shopping for a meaningful gift for the special someone in your life.

Opal Huggie Earrings

Gold opal huggie earrings from Gorjana
Photo: Gorjana

If you want to wow your spouse with a thoughtful jewelry gift, these showstopping huggie earrings are the perfect way to do it. Genuine oval-shaped opals hang from the solid gold hoops, creating elegant accessories with a sophisticated touch. They're a great way to showcase the 43rd anniversary gemstone and charm your partner at the same time.

Pushpin Travel Map

Pushpin world map from Canvas Vows
Photo: Canvas Vows

After 43 years of marriage, you and your spouse have probably taken more vacations than you can count. Relive every cool place you've visited by marking your favorite locations on this personalized pushpin map. Have the canvas customized to include your names and anniversary date for a thoughtful take on the modern travel theme. Bonus: You can even pick the color of your pushpins to suit your preferences.

Compact Tech Kit

Compact tech kit from Bellroy
Photo: Bellroy

Here's a travel-themed anniversary gift any tech-obsessed spouse will appreciate: A compact carrying case for all their chargers and accessories. This softshell pouch contains stretch mesh pockets ideal for storing a power bank and a standard-sized mouse, along with elastic loops to keep cables, earbuds and other small gadgets in place. They'll never have to worry about forgetting their phone charger again (which is a gift anyone will be thankful for).

Leather Passport Wallet

Leather passport wallet from Etsy
Photo: TexasValleyLeather

The next time you set off on a trip together, ensure your partner has all their essentials close to hand with this passport wallet. Made from leather, it includes space for their ID and slots for their cards and cash. Have it embossed with their name or monogram to make this travel-inspired 43rd anniversary gift feel extra special. We suggest hiding a travel brochure inside so you can start planning your next adventure together.

Fun Travel Experience

Fun travel experience from Tinggly
Photo: Tinggly

One of the best ways to honor the travel anniversary theme is to actually travel. If you've already got a trip planned, we suggest throwing Tinggly's Fun Together Experience into the mix. It allows you and your spouse to choose from more than 1,000 activities worldwide, from wine tasting in Portugal to sightseeing in London. You can also do some of the activities closer to home if you don't fancy heading out of state.

Travel Stub Diary

Travel stub diary from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

If your spouse always keeps every ticket stub or momento from your vacations, they'll love this travel diary. It features acid-free pages with clear sleeves perfect for displaying all sorts of memorabilia, from postcards and maps to photos and receipts. Whether they've held onto ephemera from your honeymoon or your latest getaway, they'll love reliving all those adventures you've shared with this thoughtful (and thematic) 43rd anniversary gift.

Raw opal cuff links from Etsy
Photo: rawopal

Take inspiration from the 43rd anniversary stone with these gorgeous raw opal cuff links. Glamorous yet wearable, they're made from ethically sourced gemstones set in square stainless steel hardware for an elegant finish. Whether your spouse rocks them with their favorite suit or pairs them with a sleek shirt, they'll help them look dapper and polished. Bonus: They come in a chic gift box that you can customize with your partner's name for an extra special presentation.

Travel Jewelry Case

Travel jewelry case from Mejuri
Photo: Mejuri

Looking for a personalized anniversary gift that's pretty and practical? This travel jewelry case from Mejuri could be the answer. The compact leather case includes compartments for rings, necklaces and earrings and can even be monogrammed on the outside for a personal finish. It's a winning travel-themed anniversary gift for anyone who loves to take their bling with them wherever they go.

Eco-Friendly Packable Joggers

Eco-friendly packable joggers from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Comfort is key when traveling, especially if you have a long-haul flight or lengthy drive to contend with. These lightweight packable joggers will come in handy anywhere, from walking through the airport to making a pitstop to fill up on gas. They come in a compact bag for easy packing, but that's not even the best part—they're made from sustainable materials (like recycled water bottles and spent coffee grounds) for a 43rd anniversary that's cozy, practical and eco-friendly.

Packing Cube Set

Packing cube set from BAGSMART
Photo: BAGSMART

Married to someone who panics about packing? Make their life much easier (and less stressful) with a set of packing cubes. This seven-piece set includes lightweight mesh organizers of various sizes to help them sort everything from tops and trousers to shoes and accessories. Even if they don't have a trip coming up soon, they can use them to restore order to messy closets or keep their linens neat and tidy.

Travel-Sized Skincare Set

Travel-sized skincare kit from Ulta
Photo: Ulta

If your spouse always likes to look their best, a travel-sized skincare set is a gift worth giving. This set from Dermalogica includes a glycolic cleanser, a brightening serum and a soothing moisturizer, all designed to enhance the skin's natural radiance for a gorgeous glow. It's a thoughtful (and on-theme) 43rd anniversary gift that'll encourage them to indulge in self-care on their next trip—which is often the best gift of all.

Road Trip Activity Book

Road trip activity journal by Valerie Broman
Photo: Bookshop

Whether you're planning to tackle Route 66 or venture out of state with your loved one, this fun anniversary gift will ensure your next road trip is anything but tedious. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book is packed with engaging activities like games, quizzes and challenges to help you pass the time on the open road. It's a really creative (and thoughtful) take on the modern 43rd anniversary theme and is sure to inspire plenty of fun memories.

Alternative 43rd Anniversary Gifts

Not sticking with the travel theme? Feel free to take a detour and go for something completely different instead. Great anniversary gifts don't always have to fit a specific theme, as our list of alternative picks clearly shows. Taking a cue from your spouse's hobbies and interests is an excellent approach, as is considering the lifestyle and home you share. With this in mind, we've found everything from luxurious loungewear and elegant jewelry to fun games and personalized wall art to help you celebrate your 43rd anniversary.

Anniversary Map Candle

Anniversary map candle from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Searching for a thoughtful 43rd anniversary gift that'll melt your spouse's heart? This sweet champagne-scented candle will do the trick. It's made from soy wax and comes in a personalized jar printed with your names, anniversary date and a heart-shaped map of a meaningful location. Choose the place you met or the address of your happy home for a sentimental keepsake that'll bring on the warm and fuzzies.

Personalized Anniversary Chronicle

Personalized anniversary chronicle from Personalization Mall
Photo: Personalization Mall

If your spouse loves keeping up to date with all things newsworthy, here's a unique 43rd anniversary gift they'll get a kick out of. The printed canvas includes a chronicle of events from the day you got married, covering everything from the US president to popular songs and movies from that time. Have it personalized with your names and wedding date and prepare to revel in nostalgia.

Washable Silk Pajamas

Silk pajamas from Lunya
Photo: Lunya

Few things are as luxurious as silk loungewear, which is why we love Lunya's popular pajamas. This cute set includes a button-down top and high-waisted pants with side slits for added style (and ventilation for hot sleepers). They're made from 100% Mulberry silk and come in various shades, including navy, tan and gray, but that's not all—they're also machinable-washable for fuss-free laundering. Use code FOR-TK20 to get $20 off your first order of $100 or more.

Porcelain Hummingbird Feeder

Porcelain hummingbird feeder from Uncommon Goods
Photo: Uncommon Goods

If your spouse loves spending time in the garden, this hummingbird feeder will add a splash of color to their favorite place. It's handmade from porcelain and painted with wildflowers to attract the small birds to a new feeding place. The cork stopper can be removed for easy refilling, while the feeding holes on the side allow feathered friends to grab their food and go. It's a cheery 43rd anniversary gift they may not expect but will definitely love.

Monogrammed Coffee Mugs

Monogrammed coffee mugs from Anthropologie
Photo: Anthropologie

You don't always need to splurge to find something meaningful for your significant other. This stylish mug from Anthropologie is a great budget-friendly option and makes a winning 43rd anniversary gift for him or her. The mosaic pattern and elegant black and gold monogram make it look chic, sophisticated and much more expensive than its affordable price tag. Pick up one for yourself too and make your morning coffee ritual feel all the more special.

Gold Herringbone Bracelet

Gold hummingbird bracelet from Brilliant Earth
Photo: Brilliant Earth

While shopping for a minimalist can be tricky, you can't go wrong with simple gold jewelry from Brilliant Earth. This gorgeous bracelet is made from minuscule herringbone links crafted from 14K gold and looks equally stunning worn alone or stacked with other accessories. It's a romantic 43rd anniversary gift perfect for anyone with a heart of gold.

Knitted Weighted Blanket

Knit weighted blanket from Bearaby
Photo: Bearaby

If your spouse gets overwhelmed by life's daily stressors, this chunky knit blanket will help them feel less frazzled. Made from 100% organic cotton, it's gently weighted to increase melatonin levels (the sleepy hormones) in the body while reducing cortisol (the stressy ones). It's a thoughtful and practical 43rd anniversary gift that'll transform their daily naps (and hopefully their overall mood).

Colorful Flower Bouquet

Colorful bouquet from 1-800 Flowers
Photo: 1-800 Flowers

While there isn't an official 43rd anniversary flower, you can still gift your spouse some fresh blooms to celebrate your latest year of marriage. This bright and colorful bouquet certainly packs a punch with a combination of orange, hot pink and purple blossoms. It includes lilies, roses, aster and statice and comes in a gray wooden cube for a thoughtful presentation.

Monogrammed Tool Organizer

Monogrammed tool organizer from Etsy
Photo: BagBaseArt

If you're married to someone who loves to DIY, a personalized tool bag is a present they'll love (and actually use). This stylish leather organizer has handy storage compartments to stash all their implements, from wrenches and hammers to brushes and blades. It also features a short handle and a long strap for easy carrying. Have it monogrammed to make this practical 43-year anniversary gift feel a little more luxe.

Personalized Cornhole Set

Personalized cornhole set from Zazzle
Photo: Zazzle

We can't think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon than playing lawn games with loved ones. Make your next outdoor gathering even more fun with this personalized cornhole set. It includes two wooden game boards customized with your shared last name and a pair of 4-piece bean bag sets—basically everything you need to inspire some friendly competition at your 43rd wedding anniversary celebration.

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