Making it 50 years as a married couple is not just a milestone: it’s a major achievement. Over the the last half century, you’ve likely endured countless ups and downs as a couple. You’ve moved around, traveled places, bought cars and houses, endured losses and shared countless happy, memories as you’ve watched your family grow and change over the years.
That’s why your 50th anniversary is known as the golden anniversary–symbolizing not only the beauty of your relationship, but also its strength and endurance.
The golden anniversary is generally the one that is most celebrated, not just by couples, but also by their families and friends. So whether you’re looking for a gift for your long-term spouse, looking to celebrate mom and dad’s special day, or you’re a family member out shopping for a couple that you know, here are a few gift ideas that we love:
Work of Art
Custom Family Portrait and Home Illustration by CommonFolkPaperCo
Capture how your family has grown and changed over the last 50 years with a custom portrait by Etsy artist Mikenzi Jones. Featuring you as a couple, your home, your children and grandchildren, and even your pets (if you have any); this original watercolor painting is created with the help of family photos. The artist will first send you a pencil sketch before beginning the final painting so you can make any changes and be sure you’re happy with what you’re ordering.
Around $145 on Etsy.com
A Special Album
MILK Premium Photo Book
Looking for the ultimate sentimental gift, either for yourself or to give the couple on their 50th anniversary? MILK’s premium photo books are the ultimate choice. Whether you’re looking for a way to digitize boxes of family photos, or just create a book of recent photos, these albums are great and are available in 13 colors and six sizes. The quality is archival, designed to last for decades— even lifetimes—because they are made using old book printing techniques, such as stitched spines.
Around $79 on MilkBooks.com
Current Events
New York Times Anniversary Book
A lot has happened over the last 50 years—and not just in your marriage. So, to remember the world events that you have lived through as a couple, the New York Times will personalize your anniversary book to include every front page of the paper from your wedding day to the big anniversary. The book also comes with a leatherette or linen cover, both available in several colors, with your names and anniversary date featured prominently on the cover.
Around $100 on NYTimes Store
Sign Here
Mont Blanc Meisterstück Gold-Coated Classique Ballpoint Pen
This golden anniversary, give your loved one a gold-coated pen that he or she will want to write with for years to come. Featuring the iconic white star emblem, this weighted, comfortable ballpoint pen can be engraved at no extra charge with up to 13 characters on the cap or three characters on the pen clip, giving it a personalized touch.
Around $420 at MontBlanc.com
For the Record
Personalized Gold LP Record
Remember your wedding song, or some favorite tunes “from the day” with this framed piece of art made from an upcycled vinyl LP. The LP is finished in aluminized gold, then personalized with your name, a short phrase, and the names of five songs that mean something to you as a couple. It’s then mounted between two pieces of glass in a floating frame to create a piece of art, ready to hang in your home.
Around $175 on UncommonGoods.com
Fab Frame
Minted Custom Photo Art Prints by Jack Knoebber
Capture 31 of your favorite memories and family photos together in one ready-to-hang piece of photo art with the help of Minted. This customizable piece of art comes in a variety of sizes—from 5 x 7 inches up to 40 x 54 inches—and can be shipped pre-framed straight to your home.
Around $24 on Minted.com
Test of Time
Personalized Golden Wedding Anniversary Sundial Gift
For a unique and symbolic gift, this golden sundial is the perfect choice. Each sundial is handmade in England from cast brass and is lacquered for protection so that it can be mounted either indoors or outdoors. Additionally, it can also be customized to include a personal message.
Around $64.27 on Etsy.com
