The Best 9-Year Anniversary Gifts for Celebrating Almost a Decade of Marriage
Nine years of marriage have flown by, and now it's time to celebrate. Picking a meaningful nine-year anniversary gift for your spouse is one of the best ways to acknowledge the milestone. To help you get started, we've rounded up our favorite traditional and modern anniversary gifts that reflect the nine-year anniversary themes. From practical items your partner can use daily to sentimental keepsakes as unique as your relationship, there are so many great options on our list. We've also found excellent alternative gifts if you want to break tradition altogether. Read on to learn more about the ninth wedding anniversary symbols, then shop our favorite picks below.
In this article:
- Traditional Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
- Modern Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
- Unique Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
According to tradition, the nine-year wedding anniversary gifting materials are pottery and willow. Pottery was historically used to make drinking water vessels and was (and still is) considered an important protector of this essential liquid. For this reason, pottery anniversary gifts make an especially fitting tribute to a marriage that nurtures love and trust. Willow, on the other hand, is a pliable wood that represents the flexibility and strength required to build a successful relationship. Giving willow anniversary gifts to your partner is a symbolic gesture that conveys your appreciation for their ability to adapt as you navigate life's challenges together. Ready to wow your spouse with a meaningful present? Here are our favorite traditional ninth anniversary gifts for him, her or them.
Cute Ceramic Mugs
If you're shopping for a sentimental spouse, this cute gift will make them smile. The pair of mugs fit together to look like two faces kissing, resembling a shared moment of affection. To make this traditional nine-year anniversary gift even better, fill the mugs with their favorite coffee beans, hot chocolate or sweet treats and watch your partner's heart melt.
Personalized Cutting Board
This chopping board is a practical (and pretty) ninth anniversary gift for the foodie in your life. Whether they love preparing fresh fruit or sharing cheese platters, it'll elevate the presentation of their favorite snack. The board is actually made from walnut, but it's engraved with an on-theme willow tree illustration. You can personalize it with your names and anniversary date for a thoughtful finish.
Porcelain Hummingbird Feeder
Looking for an on-theme anniversary gift for a wife or husband who loves spending time in the garden? Consider something that will brighten up their backyard, like this pretty bird feeder. It's handmade from porcelain and painted with wildflowers to encourage hummingbirds to stop by for a while. Now, your spouse can enjoy the sweet sounds of birdsong while they potter about or relax in their favorite sunny spot.
Casserole Baking Dish
The ninth wedding anniversary is the perfect excuse to splurge on some new cookware for your home. This versatile baking dish from Le Creuset is ideal for anyone who loves cooking hearty casseroles and delicious desserts at home. The matching lid—which is decorated with olive leaf branches—will help seal in the flavors of the contents inside. Choose from a variety of colors for a practical (and thematic) gift they'll want to use daily.
Engraved Wooden Pen
Whether your spouse works from home or enjoys practicing their handwriting, they'll love this stylish pen. It's handcrafted from willow wood and features antique brass hardware for an elegant finish. Have it engraved with their name for a traditional ninth wedding anniversary gift they'll be proud to whip out at meetings. Bonus: You can add a leather pouch or wooden box for an even more thoughtful presentation.
Anniversary Material Wall Art
If you're shopping for someone who appreciates the sentimentality behind each marriage milestone, this anniversary artwork ticks all the right boxes. The framed keepsake features a piece of terracotta clay wrapped in a simple wire heart, representing the deep love you share with your partner. Underneath, a heartfelt message reads, "Just like pottery, love is molded to be beautiful." Add your names and wedding date to make this symbolic nine-year anniversary gift even more special.
Personalized Flower Pot
Surprise the gardener in your life with this personalized flower pot. The message "Love Grows Here" is etched onto the front, with room to add a set of names and dates around the rim. It even comes with a saucer to catch any water that drains from the plant. Pair it with some wildflower seeds so your spouse can use this traditional nine-year anniversary gift right away.
Tree-Inspired Wall Art
How about some nature-inspired decor for your houseproud spouse? This metal wall art is shaped like a leafy willow tree and is a really creative take on the traditional nine-year anniversary symbol. It's available in various sizes and colors, including black, silver and red, and will appeal to anyone who loves collecting unusual pieces for their home.
Stoneware Mixing Bowl
For the spouse who insists on having fresh fluffy pancakes for breakfast, it's hard to go wrong with a good mixing bowl as a ninth anniversary gift. This one from Mason Cash is made from glazed stoneware and embossed with a simple geometric pattern. It also features a spout and handle, which are perfect for pouring pancake batter into the pan. Our suggestion? Make this gift even sweeter by filling it with their favorite sweet pancake toppings (and maybe even a promise to make them breakfast!)
Embroidered Picnic Basket
This canvas and willow picnic basket set, purposefully designed for a pair, is a fitting gift for the ninth anniversary. The classic design can be embroidered with your names in a color of your choice and is finished with leatherette handles for easy toting. It comes with two ceramic plates, two sets of flatware and two stemless wine glasses, along with individual canvas pouches for convenient storage. Add a bottle of wine and some cheese, and you have all the makings of a romantic date.
Modern Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
Take a hint from leather, the modern nine-year anniversary gift, if the traditional themes aren't for you. Flexible and strong, this material symbolizes how a couple adapts to each other's needs to build a long-lasting marriage. Aside from being deeply symbolic, the modern anniversary theme is pretty easy to work with. From chic accessories to sentimental wall art, leather anniversary gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Find our favorite picks below.
Personalized Bracelet
This thoughtful, modern anniversary gift may cause a few happy tears when you present it to your spouse. Each bead on this braided bracelet can be engraved with a name or personal message for a romantic accessory they can wear with any ensemble. Bonus: It's available in both men's and women's sizes, so you'll find one that fits.
Compact Smart Wallet
If your partner needs a new wallet, the ninth wedding anniversary is the perfect time for an upgrade. This smart design from Ekster is made from the milestone's modern material and comes with innovative features, like a built-in aluminum cardholder and anti-skimming technology to protect against wireless theft. Next time they're out and about, they'll be glad to have a bit of extra security.
Crossbody Tote Bag
Scoring a gift you know your spouse will use daily is always a win—and what's more practical than a great purse? This fashionable tote from Kate Spade is versatile enough for all seasons, with three interior pockets for storing essentials and a crossbody strap for hands-free wear. If you want to make this ninth anniversary gift even sweeter, hide something small in the pocket, like a ticket for a fun date-night experience.
Monogrammed Coasters
When shopping for a coffee enthusiast, think outside the box with these sleek monogrammed coasters. They come in a set of four and can be personalized with up to three letters for a thoughtful touch. Choose from three colors (black, brown or green) for a practical gift that's right on theme for your ninth wedding anniversary. They'll certainly turn your morning coffee ritual into a more stylish occasion.
Personalized Jewelry Case
The modern nine-year anniversary material offers lots of gifting inspo for stylish spouses. This personalized jewelry case is made for someone who takes accessorizing seriously and likes to have their favorite baubles with them at all times. It's fitted with six earring holes, four necklace hooks and a metal zipper closure to keep everything secure while they're traveling. Choose from two colors (black or beige) and add your partner's monogram to the outside for a sophisticated finish.
Sheet Music Art
Your first dance will always be a special memory for you both, so why not commemorate it with a nostalgic music-themed gift? Your other half will smile with fond memories each time they see this unique wall art, which showcases the notes of your first dance song engraved onto leather. Who knows, it may even inspire you both to relive the moment all over again in your living room.
Travel Bar Cart
If your spouse enjoys showing off their mixology skills at every party, they'll love this trendy (and on-theme) travel bar cart. The vintage-style case is made from faux leather and comes with bartending tools, like aluminum cups and jiggers, a travel-sized shaker and a swizzle spoon to help them get the perfect pour. It also has space for two bottles of liquor, so you can fill it with their favorite drinks before handing it over.
Statement Watch
Wearable gifts are an excellent idea for any occasion, like celebrating nine happy years of marriage. This fancy watch from Vincero allows you to spoil your spouse and nod to the modern ninth anniversary theme at the same time. With a round stainless steel dial and a full-grain leather strap, it'll add polish to their outfit without being flashy. Choose from a selection of colors and have the caseback engraved with their name (or a love note) for a romantic touch.
Custom Handmade Belt
If your partner likes to dress well for every event, this personalized belt is a nine-year anniversary gift they'll love. The design comes engraved with a custom anniversary message on the inside or outside (or both) for a meaningful touch. Not only can they pair it with their favorite jeans, but they can also wear it to remind them of the love you two share. It's available in four colors and multiple sizes for the perfect fit.
Vintage-Style Apron
Married to the world's best chef or a talented artist? A stylish (and sturdy) apron is a gift they'll get tons of use out of. This vintage-inspired design is made from high-quality cowhide and features an adjustable neck with antique buckles, along with a handy strap for holding cooking utensils or paintbrushes. Add a personalized engraving to the front for a modern nine-year anniversary gift that'll make them feel like a pro.
Unique Nine-Year Anniversary Gifts
There are even more ninth wedding anniversary symbols to inspire you beyond the traditional and modern themes. First up? Flowers! Two bright and bold blooms are tied to the ninth anniversary: the poppy and the bird of paradise. Poppies denote remembrance and imagination, while the bird of paradise symbolizes joy, freedom and having a positive outlook on life. If that's not enough to get the creative ideas flowing, consider the nine-year anniversary gemstone (blue lapis) and the three colors (terracotta, purple and green) when choosing a gift for your other half. And, if you don't want to follow the themes, we can help you find an alternative nine-year anniversary gift to suit your spouse.
Multi-Purpose Cookware
This ninth anniversary gift makes a perfect pair—just like you and your spouse—and is sure to wow anyone who loves cooking. Our Place's Perfect Pot and Always Pan are designed to replace 16 traditional pieces of cookware and can be used to boil, bake, steam and sauté. Choose from over a dozen color combinations—including the nine-year anniversary hues green and purple—for cookware that's pretty enough to display on the stove.
Traveler's Cork Globe
After almost a decade together, you and your spouse have probably had your fair share of adventures. This cork globe is a sweet way to highlight where you've been over the past nine years—and where you'd like to visit in the future. It comes with five pins so you can mark your favorite destinations on the globe and even attach a photo from each trip.
Blue Lapis Earrings
The ninth anniversary gemstone, the blue lapis lazuli, is believed to promote harmony and friendship, which are the foundations of any lasting relationship. Like true love, it can be hard to find—which makes these drop earrings from Kendra Scott all the more special. The blue lapis stones are shaped like arrowheads and are finished in 23K yellow gold over brass, creating some statement ear candy.
Smart Indoor Garden
Think you need a big backyard to grow your own produce? Well, think again. With this indoor smart garden, your spouse can cultivate herbs, fruits and veggies in the smallest of spaces. The innovative technology automates light, water and nutrients so they can just sit back and watch everything flourish. It's easily one of the best ninth anniversary gift ideas for someone who favors creative (and clever) presents.
Elegant Tennis Bracelet
No matter what year of marriage you're celebrating, jewelry is a classic anniversary gift you can rely on. This elegant tennis bracelet is a gift any style-conscious spouse will covet. It's made from two delicate strands of clear crystals and features a sliding ball closure that can be adjusted to their wrist. Choose from three metallic finishes, including silver, red and rose gold, to suit their tastes.
Luxurious Silk Pajamas
If your partner is always on the go, encourage them to catch up on some rest with a pair of soft, snooze-worthy pajamas. This gorgeous set from Eberjey is made from 100% silk, which is hypoallergenic and thermoregulating for a comfy night's sleep. Best of all, they're machine washable, sustainably produced and can even be monogrammed for a thoughtful touch. How's that for a pretty (and practical) nine-year wedding anniversary gift?
Bird of Paradise Plant
Turn your home into a tropical oasis while celebrating one of the nine-year anniversary flowers with this gorgeous bird of paradise plant. Leafy and luscious, it thrives in sunny spots, like an outdoor patio or a bright and airy sunroom. Choose a terracotta planter (one of the milestone's colors) to make this nine-year anniversary gift even more on-theme.
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Love Letter Pillow
What could be more romantic than writing a love letter to your spouse? Having your sweet musings printed onto a stylish throw pillow, of course! This square cushion can be personalized with your partner's name and a romantic message that looks like it's handwritten on lined paper. Whether you quote their favorite rom-com or write a short (and silly) poem, they'll love the thought behind this sentimental nine-year anniversary gift.
Music-Inspired Necklace
Here's a piece of jewelry your spouse almost certainly doesn't have: An elegant bar necklace engraved with the notes of their favorite song. This striking accessory is available in silver, gold or rose gold and can be customized with a stanza of your chosen tune (like your wedding song or another meaningful melody.) Expect to score top marks for originality with this awesome alternative gift.
Poppy Night Light
Take inspiration from the poppy (the other nine-year anniversary bloom) with this pretty night light. It's handmade from recycled bottle glass and comes with a bulb, so you can set it up for your spouse right away. Whether you display it in a bedroom or hallway, it'll softly illuminate the space without being too bright. What a cute way to honor tradition and add some color to your home at the same time.
Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.