The Best Gifts for the 50th Wedding Anniversary, AKA the Golden Anniversary

Any couple who has enjoyed 50 years of wedded bliss deserves massive congratulations—and plenty of thoughtful 50th anniversary gifts to mark the occasion. While shopping for such a momentous event may feel challenging, we're here to help you find a meaningful gift for your beloved spouse or favorite golden couple. From traditional anniversary presents that nod to the milestone's theme to unique picks that'll score you top marks for creativity, our round-up is full of great 50th anniversary gifts for your parents, partner or favorite pair.

Want to know more about the meaning behind the different 50th wedding anniversary symbols? Keep reading to discover the milestone's unique themes, then shop our favorite gifts for the 50th wedding anniversary.

In this article:

• Traditional Golden Anniversary Gift Meaning
• Gold 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
• Unique 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

Traditional Golden Anniversary Gift Meaning

The 50th anniversary is known as the golden wedding anniversary, with gold being both the milestone's traditional gift material and associated color. This precious metal represents wisdom, prosperity and strength, making it a fitting tribute to a marriage that has lasted for over half a century. It also echoes the wealth of experience a couple has after 50 years of wedlock and the luxury of knowing someone intimately for so long. While gold is the gift that gets the most attention, the 50th wedding anniversary also has two flowers: yellow roses, which symbolize friendship and joy, and violets, which are a sign of faithfulness. Now that you know all about the golden anniversary meaning (and other symbols), you can check out our favorite 50th anniversary gifts for him, her or them below.

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Gold 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

If you're taking the traditional route and going for gold, we're here to help you pick a special 50th anniversary gift that your spouse or favorite duo will appreciate. There are so many gift suggestions for the golden wedding anniversary, from fine jewelry and heirloom-worthy accessories to sentimental wall art and elegant glassware. Here are the best golden wedding anniversary presents that honor the theme.

Personalized Metallic Record

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Shopping for someone who loves music is super fun because it lets you get creative with your gifting. This upcycled vinyl record gives us retro vibes and is guaranteed to be a hit with your partner or the lucky couple. It's finished in dazzling gold and can be customized with their names and a five-song tracklist of their all-time favorite tunes. You can add a heartfelt message like "Happy 50th Anniversary!" to make this sentimental wall art even more meaningful.

Gold Sheet Music Canvas

Photo: Canvas Vows

Few moments are as memorable as the first dance together as newlyweds, so why not take them back in time with this meaningful golden anniversary gift? The sheet music from the couple's first dance song is printed on canvas in glittering gold, creating a sentimental showpiece for their home. Every time they look at it, they'll be reminded of when their love story began and all the special times they've shared since.

Monogrammed Ice Bucket

Photo: Mark & Graham

A fancy ice bucket is a celebration-worthy gift that'll get them in the party mood! This vintage-inspired vessel is made from gold-plated stainless steel and will keep any bottle of bubbly or wine chilled for hours while bringing a sophisticated touch to the table. Have it stamped with their monogram to create a personalized 50th anniversary gift they'll be happy to show off.

Etched Bottle of Wine

Photo: Mano's Wine

You can't give them an ice bucket without getting something to fill it! This etched bottle of wine is one of our favorite gift ideas for the 50th wedding anniversary. Part keepsake, part celebratory drink, the outside is engraved with their names and anniversary details in gold lettering, while the inside holds a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon.

Gold Family Tree Ornament

Photo: TwentySevenUK

With this cute anniversary gift, you can pay tribute to how much the couple's family has grown during 50 years of marriage. The base of this pretty tree ornament is made from wood, while the gold-tone branches and leaves are adorned with the names of each family member (you can add up to 12.) It even comes with a removable glass dome with the option to add a gift box for a thoughtful presentation.

Gold-Dipped Preserved Rose

Photo: The Forever Rose

If you're planning on surprising your spouse with a bouquet of anniversary flowers, add this 24K gold-dipped rose to the bunch to really wow them. Made from an actual rose preserved at peak bloom, this forever flower is a romantic symbol of a love that never fades. Engrave the stem with a happy anniversary quote for extra romance—it could be as simple and true as "I love you, always."

Gold Champagne Flutes

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Spending half a century married to your best friend is definitely a milestone worth toasting. Raise a glass to your golden anniversary with these finely crafted champagne flutes, and let the celebrations begin. They're made from lead-free crystal and are embellished with gold detailing for a glamorous take on the 50th anniversary theme. Pair the glasses with a bottle of champagne to make this stylish anniversary gift really pop.

Crystal Tennis Bracelet

Photo: Swarovski

If you've got a stylish spouse to shop for, the 50th wedding anniversary is the perfect opportunity to treat them to some pretty jewelry. This sparkly tennis bracelet is the perfect balance between sophistication and understated elegance and is sure to become a firm favorite in their jewelry collection. We love how the Swarovski crystals and gold-plated hardware shimmer when they catch the light.

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Golden Anniversary Sundial

Photo: TheMetalFoundry

It's the couple's golden anniversary, meaning they've probably acquired almost everything they need by now. Something they likely don't have? A display-worthy sundial with gold-tone brass accents. Add the perfect finishing touch by having it personalized with their wedding date and the year they're celebrating the big 5-0. It's a really great anniversary gift for grandparents or a couple who loves spending in their garden.

Golden Anniversary Pillow

Photo: Zazzle

Photo gifts are always a great idea, particularly for a milestone as significant as the 50th wedding anniversary. Instead of a traditional framed picture, switch things up with a comfy pillow printed with a collage of their favorite snapshots. Add their names, wedding date and a special anniversary message for a thoughtful gift they'll proudly display on their sofa.

Custom Map Necklace

Photo: Talia Sari

While luxe anniversary jewelry is a thoughtful option for any romantic milestone, we think it's especially fitting for the 50th wedding anniversary. This statement necklace is no ordinary accessory, though—it's actually a custom-made piece featuring a map of a place that's meaningful to you (like the location of your first date or wedding day.) It's crafted from 24K gold-plated brass with the option to add a jewel to mark a specific point on the map. Cute, right?

Gold Rim Whiskey Glasses

Photo: Anthropologie

If the happy couple likes to round off a busy day with a nightcap, it's worth treating them to some stylish new glassware. These whiskey tumblers are embellished with mosaic-inspired monograms and elegant 24K gold rims for a subtle nod to the 50th wedding anniversary material. They're perfect for serving up everything from bourbon and soda to cocktails and iced tea and are a practical gift they'll use regularly.

Gold-Plated Bookmark

Photo: BestEngravings

Searching for unusual golden wedding anniversary gift ideas that go beyond homewares and jewelry? This gold-plated bookmark is a creative pick they may not expect but will definitely love. It's already engraved with a cute bird motif, but you can also add your spouse's name (or a favorite quote) for a thoughtful finish. Grab two if you're shopping for a pair of bibliophiles.

Light-Powered Gold Watch

Photo: Citizen

Time flies when you're in love—and you and your spouse probably know that better than most. Honor the good times gone by (and all the great moments to come) with this luxe gold watch from Citizen. It features a black dial embellished with 11 sparkling diamonds, a calendar date window and a gold-tone stainless steel bracelet—but that's not all. It's powered solely by light, so they'll never have to worry about replacing the battery.

Gold Bottle of Perfume

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Whether you're celebrating your milestone anniversary at home or at a swanky venue, you two should absolutely dress up for the occasion. Help your spouse put the finishing touches to their outfit with a spritz of luxurious perfume. With notes of juniper berries, vanilla and amber, this eau de parfum from Maison Francis Kurkdjian is perfect for anyone who loves musky scents. It even comes in a display-worthy gold bottle that's right on theme for the 50th anniversary.

Unique 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

When it comes to choosing 50th anniversary gifts for friends, family or a beloved partner, breaking with tradition can be just as fun as honoring it. We've compiled a list of alternative anniversary presents that appeal to different interests and personalities, from custom portraits to cool plants and everything in between. Below are 15 creative picks that'll leave them feeling loved and appreciated this year—and always.

New York Times Anniversary Book

Photo: Hammacher Schlemmer

If your partner or favorite pair likes to spend an afternoon reading the newspaper, they'll love this personalized anniversary gift. The leather-bound book is filled with the front pages of The New York Times from their wedding date every year through the most recent anniversary—that's 50 pages of history they can delve into. Add an optional magnifying glass so they can zoom in on the fine print.

Custom Embroidered Blanket

Photo: Personalization Mall

A soft decorative blanket is already an excellent gift idea, but this one takes the cozy vibes up a notch with the addition of custom embroidery. Accent the gorgeous cream throw with their favorite thread color, finishing the piece with their names alongside the sweet phrase "Together is the best place to be." It's a comforting and thoughtful 50th anniversary gift that'll warm more than their hearts.

Custom Storybook

Photo: Storyworth

After five decades of a successful marriage, the happy couple probably have plenty of wild and wonderful tales from the past. Help them relive the best moments all over again with a Storyworth subscription. Each week (for a year), they'll receive an email with prompts to spark their creativity, and when they've answered each one, their responses will be turned into a hardbound keepsake book. It's a really unique 50th wedding anniversary gift they'll get to enjoy all year long.

Personalized Swivel Cheese Board

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Shopping for a couple who likes to entertain at home? This compact cheese board is a 50-year anniversary gift they'll be excited to show off. The unique design resembles a wedge of cheese when folded up and can be personalized with a monogram engraving. Once opened, it becomes a round swivel board ideal for sharing cheese, charcuterie and snacks. It also comes with a stainless steel fork, two knives and a handy drawer for storage.

Yellow Rose Bouquet

Photo: BloomsyBox

Take your cue from the yellow rose, one of the 50th wedding anniversary flowers, and surprise your spouse with a romantic bouquet. This bright and cheerful bouquet from BloomsyBox includes 24 stems of yellow rose buds, which typically bloom in two to three days. They'll add a splash of color to any space, as well as a bright smile to your partner's face.

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Personalized Anniversary Clock

Photo: ThingsRememberedPers

Encourage your favorite pair to keep having the time of their lives with a personalized anniversary clock. This unique timepiece features a gold-plated heart underneath the clock face that you can engrave with their names, wedding date or a short anniversary message. It's a sweet way to honor all the time they have spent together and the future that still awaits them.

Anniversary Map Candle

Photo: Uncommon Goods

You don't have to splash out on a 50th anniversary gift to get something romantic for your other half. This sweet candle comes in a personalized jar printed with your names, wedding date and a meaningful location. We suggest choosing the place you met, your wedding venue or the home where you built your lives together. It's even champagne-scented, which is perfect for such a celebratory occasion.

Custom Playing Cards

Photo: Zazzle

Looking for a unique 50-year anniversary gift for a couple who loves playing bridge or rummy? Give them a deck of custom playing cards to help them up their game. These ones feature an art-deco-inspired design that can be personalized with a photo of the happy couple and their family name. We bet they'll be so delighted with their new cards that they'll want to deal right away.

Mini Succulent Garden

Photo: Plants.com

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when picking 50th marriage anniversary gifts for your favorite couple. If they're into plants, this mini succulent garden will be right up their street. It's available in two sizes (small or large) and comes in a charming heart-shaped planter for a sweet nod to their enduring love story. Plus, it's really low maintenance and only needs to be watered once a fortnight, so they won't have to spend much time caring for it.

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Personalized Photo Frame

Photo: Personalization Mall

If you're searching for a 50th anniversary gift for your parents, this personalized photo frame is a thoughtful (and affordable) option. Made from high-quality glass, it features beveled edges and a golden brass trim for an elegant finish. Add their anniversary title, date and a romantic verse (there are three to choose from) and fill it with a special photo for a meaningful memento they can display at home.

Violet Flower Mug

Photo: Zazzle

Not sold on yellow roses but still want to give something floral? Look to the humble violet, the other 50th anniversary bloom, for inspiration instead. This cool mug is decorated with a watercolor drawing of a wild violet flower and is the perfect gift to brighten up your spouse's morning coffee ritual. Choose from several mug sizes and styles to suit their preferences.

Personalized Newspaper Art

Photo: CashmerePapery

Being married for 50 years is pretty remarkable, especially when you consider just how much has changed since your wedding day. Lean into the nostalgia with a 50th anniversary gift that will have you reminiscing about the day you said "I do." This personalized newspaper wall art features headlines, general trivia and sports highlights from the year your wed, and can be customized with your very own photos. Note: The finished product is a digital file that you'll have to download and print yourself.

Porcelain Hummingbird Feeder

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Does your spouse or married friends enjoy spending time in the garden? This colorful hummingbird feeder is a lovely way to brighten up their backyard and entice feathered friends to stop by for a while. It's crafted from porcelain and features a hand-painted floral motif for a unique (and thoughtful) 50th anniversary gift for anyone with a relaxing outdoor space.

Heatable Faux Fur Slippers

Photo: Warmies

If your spouse loves chilling out in the evenings, a plush pair of slippers is a practical (and thoughtful) gift they'll appreciate. These ones are made from soft faux fur and are lightly scented with lavender for a luxurious finish. Better yet, they can be heated in the microwave, so your partner won't have to contend with cold toes any longer. They're the perfect wearable gift for a relaxed night at home celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary.

Custom Couple's Portrait

Photo: WaKiwi

Put your own spin on a couple's portrait with this striking work of art. All you have to do is pick a photo of the happy duo to be transformed into a one-of-a-kind watercolor print they can treasure forever. The picture can be printed on matte paper or canvas and is also available as a digital download (which you can print and frame yourself if you prefer.) It's a great alternative to a framed photograph, which they probably already have plenty of.