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3rd Anniversary Gifts
3 years! Over 1000 days of wedded bliss! Congratulations on making it to this incredible milestone! This is no small feat, and no-doubt by now you’ve overcome all kinds of obstacles and grown together in ways that are truly special.
It’s so important to take a bit of time from your regular routine to celebrate this accomplishment, and the strength of your relationship together. There are all kinds of ways to do this, and giving a great anniversary present is typically the cornerstone of the celebration. We always recommend that people start to really try to think outside the box by year 3, since it’s only natural that you settle into a bit of a rut.
We’ve rounded up dozens of 3rd anniversary gift ideas in the sections that follow, to help you create the perfect experience for you and your spouse. Everything from traditional gifts, to ones you make yourself, to experiences you can share together can be found below. Read on, and once again, congrats on this great achievement!
Customary 3rd Anniversary Gifts
[Click To Skip To Section]The History Of Customary Anniversary Gifts
Customary gift giving is a big tradition in many marriages. According to Wikipedia you can look all the way back to the middle ages for the origins of this practice. The modern incarnation of customary gift giving for each year dates back to 1937 when the Jewelers Association laid out customary gifts for each of the first 25 years, and then 5 year increments after that.
Leather - The Traditional 3rd Anniversary Gift
Leather is the traditional 3rd anniversary gift, and it’s an extremely versatile choice! With everything from leather shoes, to belts, to handbags, there are so many great options to choose from for every person (and every budget). We love leather as an anniversary present, and hope you’ll give it a strong consideration.
Crystal - The Modern 3rd Anniversary Gift
Crystal is the modern version of the 3rd anniversary present, and it’s another great material that presents a ton of options. You’ll typically find ideas like champagne flutes, vases, or figurines in this category. Swarovski and Waterford are some big names in crystal if you’re browsing around.
Pearl - The Jewelry and Precious Metal Gift
You can’t go wrong with jewelry or other fancy accessories, and the traditional gemstone for year 3 is peal. Every woman should have a strand of pearls in her collection, so if your wife doesn’t yet, we definitely suggest you take a look at the options here. You don’t have to break the bank to find an attractive piece she’ll love.
Color Theme - White
According to custom, white is the color scheme for the 3rd anniversary. We recommend using this color when choosing things like wrapping paper, decorations, and other accessories you might consider for the big day.
In This Guide:
- Customary
- By Recipient
- Unique and Unusual
3 Year Traditional Gifts - Leather
Leather is awesome, and there are literally hundreds of choices to consider in this category. Whether it’s a designer handbag, a jacket, or a wallet, almost everyone owns or would love something made from leather.
- A Leather Travel Duffel
- A Custom Leather Engraving
- Leather Photo Frame
- A Leather Vallet Tray
- Vintage Leather Laptop Bag
On the go to the gym or around the globe, a great leather duffel bag is a practical and beautiful way to tote your gear! This makes a great Leather anniversary present for a husband or wife (or get a pair so you can each have a matching one!).
How cool are these? You can get a customized leather engraving of your wedding song music for your wall! Just supply the song title and artist, along with the the names and wedding date, and they'll handle the rest. Made with lasers, for a surefire perfect print!
A great leather anniversary gift that comes to you engraved in this beautiful and classy font, laser etching included! It has a glass front, leatherette frame, black felt backing, and is ready to hang or stand. Photos are easily placed in the picture frame, so you can complete the look with a special image of the 2 of you!
These leather vallet trays are one of the most popular third anniversary gifts on the market today. They will remind you and your significant other of the huge milestone you've reached together each time you go to grab your keys or other items. Wording features the amount of time you've spent together along with names and wedding date custom engraved!
The laptop bag has become a daily carry item for men and women alike, whether its to the workplace, school, or just out to a coffee shop. Now they can carry their computer and all their other items in style, and they'll think of your relationship each time they grab it to go!
3 Year Modern Gifts - Crystal
Crystal is a great material for fancy kitchenware. Items like champagne flutes, vases, and picture frames are some great options here. We’ve rounded up several great choices below, but these are meant mainly as inspiration to help you dream up that perfect gift for your husband or wife.
- Crystal Snow Globe
- Raw Crystal Bracelet
- A Waterford Crystal Vase
- Crystal Champagne Flute Gift Set
- Swarovski Crystal Figurines
With a gentle shake, Liz Ross and David Westby’s exquisite crystal orb sends you to a magical land of pure, peaceful beauty. Tiny silver glitter flakes cast a serene spell as they swirl and settle atop the rose-colored sculpture, modeled from actual quartz crystal formations.
A beautiful trinket she's sure to love, this raw crystal bracelet is customizable with her birthstone, or other meaningful stone. She's sure to love this unique design, and wear it with her whether she's off to school, work, or a night on the town!
Marquis by Waterford combines versatility with value, using classic Waterford cuts to create crystal of astonishing clarity and substantial weight. The Marquis by Waterford 9 inch Markham Vase is a sparkling piece of beautiful craftsmanship that will make a statement in any home.
Toast sophistication with European decanters and glassware, meticulously handcrafted and artfully bejeweled with real Swarovski crystals. Sparkle is about elegant barware with a twist. Inspiring style in any space, this collection features Swarovski gems laden in the glasses with exquisite clarity and luster- a true cause for celebration.
You may have never heard of it before, but Swarovski has a line of adorable crystal figurines that make a great modern third anniversary present. They come in all sorts of animals across all different price ranges. Whether she's an avid collector or not, she's sure to adore one of these magical figurines!
3 Year Jewelry & Gemstone Gifts - Pearl
Peal is an elegant and versatile material for jewelry and accessories, and should be a major part of anyone’s collection. From earrings to necklaces, you can’t go wrong with pearls. For guys, cufflinks and other items can usually be found with pearl as well!
- Classic Pearl Necklace
- Green Crystal Pearl Pendant Necklace
- Hammered Silver Pearl Ring
- Heart Emerald Swarovski Crystal Necklace
- Stainless Steel and Pearl Cufflinks
This exquisite white Freshwater cultured pearl necklace features AAA quality pearls, hand picked for their incredible luster and overtones. The strand is affixed with a 14K gold clasp and strung to an 18" length. It's the iconic pearl item every woman should own, and a great gift if you're looking to go with the customary gemstone for the 3rd anniversary.
This 925 Sterling Silver and Pearl Pendant Necklace features a beautiful pearl and green crystals in an extremely intricate design, and is made of high quality materials. She'll love unwrapping it, and her eyes will light up as she opens the included jewelry box to find this stunning piece!
This truly epic white pearl ring is made completely by hand with glimmering sterling silver and divine snowy white pearl. This ring has been crafted with a beautiful hammer polished sterling silver finish for a unique look. Choose your own personal hand stamped engraving on the inside of this ring to complete the effect - use your wedding date or initials!
This women's fashion jewelry collection is made with genuine crysals from Swarovski. Exquisitely exclusive design allow its wearer to stand out and be worn with any kind of attire, be it classy or casual. It's an ideal accessory gift for women of all ages, and made with environment friendly materials for sensitive customers. The necklace comes packed with an exclusive elegant white and silver embossed jewelry gift.
Peal looks good on men as well, especially in a formal setting! These handsome cufflinks are a perfect way to remind your husband of that day 3 years ago when your lives changed forever. They are made of high quality stainless steel and mother of pearl for an elegant look!
3rd Anniversary Gifts For Her
After 3 years, she’s your world. It’s important to find something special that suits her tastes and will communicate your love and affection in ways words often can’t. We’ve collected a few great ideas below that she might love. You can also check out our list of Romantic Gifts For Her for more general inspiration!
- Convertible Tote & Backpack
- Michael Kors Leather Bag
- Braided Leather Wrap Bracelet
- Leather Cashmere Lined Gloves
- Bright Cellars Wine Subscription
When the going gets tough, the tough turn this tote into a backpack to lighten the load. Super-stylish and functional, with a bright orange lining, it totes your laptop to work, carries your groceries on your back, and makes a good-looking flight companion. It's beautifully constructed, too—of certified organic cotton and high-quality vegan leather—with three interior and two outside pockets. You can often find this item discounted at 10% off or more with coupon.
This Adele crossbody bag by Michael Kors is a hands-free favorite for daily commutes and evenings out. Thoughtfully organized with two separate zip compartments, this pebbled-leather style is designed with gold-tone hardware and an adjustable shoulder strap. Perfect for the traditional 3rd wedding anniversary material - leather!
The Mini Addison braided wrap bracelet in silverplate features a double braided leather strand with wide sterling silverplate crescents. The antiqued leather may have a subtle two-tone designed to enhance the Bohemian look and feel. Designed to be worn as a bracelet only, although some may be able to wear it as a small choker-style necklace. It's handmade in the USA to ensure high production quality.
These classic simple leather gloves never fail. The understated design is based on silky soft sheepskin leather and delicate cashmere lining. Together, these smooth textures deliver comfort, flexibility, warmth, and maximum dexterity. These premium leather gloves are a striking combination of breathable grip, warmth, and uncompromised dexterity, ideal for those chilly wintry mornings.
Bright Cellars is the monthly wine club that matches you with wine that you’ll love. Take your taste palate quiz to see your personalized matches, and then they’ll ship 4 unique bottles each month, direct to the door! If your wife loves wine, this is a great gift you can share together throughout the year!
3rd Anniversary Gifts For Him
He’s your rock, and it’s important to show him with a great gift he’ll love. We’ve collected a few ideas that are sure to be a hit below, or have a look at our guide to Romantic Gifts For Him if you need more ideas!
- Leather Slippers
- Leather Travel Toiletry Bag
- Yours, Mine, and Ours Engraved Decanter Set
- A New Leather Wallet
- A Thick Leather Belt
Keep your feet warm while relaxing inside! The suede upper and removable EVA footbed keep things comfortable, and the natural rubber sole provides great indoor traction. Your man works hard, and a nice pair of slippers is a perfect way to treat him and show him how much you appreciate it!
This beautiful leather travel toiletry bag (or dopp kit) is a great choice for men on their third anniversary. This is a super practical gift that will help him stay organized on the road (or at home), and looks elegant! He'll love it, and you'll love to see him smile!
Designed for couples, this decanter set makes it easy to share equal measures of timeless style and spirited fairness. Evoking the geometric flair of Art Deco, the two rocks glasses are etched "Yours" and "Mine," while the decanter that unites them is inscribed "Ours."
Few men's items see as much use or go with them as often as their wallet. It's an essential part of every man's day to day life. If your hubbies wallet has seen better days, the third anniversary is a great opportunity to get him a new one and fall within the traditional gift theme.
Tough As An American Bull And Just As Good Looking, Hanks Everyday Belts are made right here in the US of A from 12 ounces of the finest full grain leather. Full grain refers to the top layer of hide - the toughest part of the beast. You'll never use another nylon belt after you get your hands on this one!
3rd Anniversary Gifts For Couples
A couples gift is a great choice for a wedding anniversary, after all it’s definitely an accomplishment that both partners should be proud of and enjoy in equal measure! Whether you’re shopping for yourself and your spouse, or picking something for another couple, we think some of these ideas below are worth considering:
- Personalized Last Name Sign
- Personalized Leather Coasters
- His and Hers Couples Watches
- Framed Heart Map
- Couples Wall Clock
This Last Name Sign is a wonderful decoration for just about any room in the home, and makes a great couples present. The sign is crafted by hand, entirely from wood, and is expertly assembled. They carefully select each board, and use 2 different pieces to create a textured 3D effect. They look amazing and will be treasured forever!
These Leather Coasters are personalized with initials carved in a heart with wedding date. Each coaster features a metal rim and soft backing, and is engraved with initials and wedding date for the happy couple!
These elegant matching his and hers couples watches are a great gift whose wrist-straps match up with the customary leather theme of the third wedding anniversary. They'll look great sporting these 2 watches at the same time, and they're perfect for on the go, at work, or just relaxing around the house!
This digital print is customized to "heart" their special day. Choose any location worldwide to feature on the personalized map. Your print comes beautifully framed in a 13" x 13" solid New Zealand Pine shadow box frame. The print design measures 12"x12", and comes in a choice of white or black frame.
This modern wooden wall clock features interlocking hearts, and the couple's first and last names with established year. Each clock is precision carved from 3/4" thick solid pine, so that the features are raised from the rustic background! The clock is hand stained on all sides in a charming barnwood gray color which looks great in any room of the home!
Experience Gifts For A 3rd Anniversary
A shared experience can be far more magical than a store-bought trinket, and forge memories that will last a lifetime. By the time 3 years rolls around, it’s a great idea to break out of the daily grind and do something fun as a couple. You can also check out our epic list of Gifts For Couples for more inspiration!
- A Romantic Getaway
- Go Camping In A National Park
- A Cooking Class
- Wine Tasting
- Tickets To A Comedy Show
An anniversary is the perfect opportunity to take some time to travel together! No matter what your tastes, a few days alone away from the day to day grind is great for just about any relationship. Whether you go halfway around the world, or just book a room for the night across town (maybe away from the kids), this is time tested winner! AirBnB can be a great choice for travelers, letting you experience a bit more of the local culture and life, or a traditional hotel is always a pleaser too!
Whether you’re an active couple who are always on the go or not, an adventure hiking or camping in a National Park (or other scenic area) is a great way to spend time together and strengthen your relationship. Being alone with nature and your significant other is a magical experience, and you should make it a point to experience it for your anniversary if it’s been a while!
A cooking class is a great time to bond and learn something new! Typical classes focus on one or 2 dishes or a full meal you can prepare together that evening. Knowing how to create a wonderful meal can really come in handy the next time you can’t figure out what to eat!
If you and your significant other enjoy a fine glass of wine, consider a wine tasting tour! You don’t have to be a wine-snob to appreciate a flight or 2 of amazing wines. This can be a fun way to forge your bond even stronger, and if you don’t live near wine-country, it’s a good opportunity to get away for a few days as well!
Couples who laugh together stay together, no doubt about it! If you have a favorite comedian in common, a pair of tickets to an upcoming show can be a great option for your anniversary gift this year. Laugh the night away and forge a memory you’ll not soon forget!
Giftwrap, Bags, and Decorations - White
Putting the finishing touches on the perfect present can really be a game changer in the way it’s received. Taking the time to decorate your place, or do that perfect wrapping job can communicate how important they are to you. Here are some good options that fit into the third anniversary color scheme (white).
- Pearlescent Balloons
- White Hanging Paper Lanterns
- White and Gold Foil Wrapping Paper
- Gold and White Gift Bags
- Metallic Gold and White Tissue
A romantic anniversary evening is made complete with a touch of extra decoration here and there. These white Pearlescent Balloons fit into the white and pearl customary third anniversary themes, and are sure to be a hint. Wow them this year by going that extra mile!
Create a festive atmosphere in your anniversary space with help from this Round Paper Lantern. It''s ideal for a wide range of indoor and outdoor events, including birthday celebrations, theme parties and backyard barbecues. A light (not included) can be added for extra ambiance.
These super high quality giftwraps are the perfect way to put the finishing touches on that special item they're sure to love. Don't cheap out and skip the wrap, a beautiful gold and white finish is just what you need this year!
These git bags are a perfect way to package a bulky or oddly shaped item this year. There's plenty of great reasons to finish a gift with a proper wrap, but the most important is to call attention to the fact that you're willing to go the extra mile and pay attention to details when it comes to making them happy.
No gift bag is complete without tissue paper to fill out the look. It helps keep the item from view and gives it an air of class. These prints are perfect for any anniversary and a number of other occasions, but they especially fit in with the white theme of the 3rd anniversary.
DIY and Homemade 3rd Anniversary Gifts
A gift made by hand, and given from the heart can be way more meaningful than a store bought trinket ever could be. We always recommend taking a minute to consider if you have a skill or trade that can help you create a perfect DIY item for this year’s anniversary gift.
Take this template and a collection of photos from your first 3 years together, and baby, you got a gift brewing! This simple idea is a great way to show your love for them this year. Bonus tip: if you take the time to create one of these magical posters each year, you’ll have an incredible collection to display for a major milestone anniversary down the line.
The leather anniversary is a perfect one for a little DIY craft session. This awesome looking wall hanging is super easy to make and looks great! Just get your hands on a few old leather belts (thrift stores or raid the closets), a sheet of wood, and assemble into this gorgeous work of art!
This is a fun project inspired by Joanna Gaines from the hit show “Fixer Upper”! Her iconic O-ring leather bracelet is actually super easy to make with no leatherworking experience, and looks great too! Just a bit of scrap leather, an O-ring, and clasp are all you need to make a piece of art fit for your husband or wife.
In this Instructable you will learn how to transform a piece of leather into a modern, simple tote bag. It can be used to carry books, as a purse or for groceries or any other use you can think of. Because of how the bottom is sewn, it can stand upright on its own as well. It’s a simple to create bag bag that should last them a lifetime.
Earrings are a great anniversary gift any year, but it’s rare that the theme (leather) lends itself to making a pair by hand without having to know how to work with metals and gems. These awesome earrings are easy to make, but they don’t look like it! She’ll be super impressed with your dedication and effort, and wear them proudly wherever she’s heading!
Personalized 3rd Anniversary Gifts
A customized gift can add a whole new layer of special feelings for an otherwise everyday item. For an anniversary, adding the couples names or initials and wedding date is a great way to personalize for their special day.
Here’s our favorite Personalized 3rd Anniversary Gifts:
- An etched set of crystal champagne flutes
- An art print of lyrics to your first song
- A personalized leather wall hanging
- An Engraved Leather Valet Tray
- An illustrated print of a wedding photo
- A scrapbook of your years together
- An Etched Leather Coaster Set
- A leather or crystal keychain
Creative 3rd Anniversary Gifts
3 years together adds up to a whole lot of gifts for everything from Christmas to Valentines Day. Bust out of that gift-giving rut, with something truly unique and creative this time around!
Our picks for top Unique Third Anniversary Gifts are:
- Tickets to a comedy show
- Romantic toys for the bedroom
- Personalized wine or beer glasses
- A trip to a local brewery
- A commemorative leather wall hanging
- A homemade gift basket
- A camping trip or other romantic getaway
- A funny themed T-Shirt
How To Find The Perfect 3 Year Wedding Anniversary Gift
What a huge milestone you’ve reached! By now, you know your spouse like the back of your hand, and vice versa. It’s only fitting that you celebrate this accomplishment with the perfect anniversary gift, to help commemorate the day.
Even though you know them better than anyone, it can be hard to come up with just the right item or experience when it comes time to choose. There are so many great (and not so great) options, it can be overwhelming.!
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you the exact right thing to give your husband or wife this year. No 2 people or relationships are the same. What we can do, and what we’ve done below, is recommend some great items that will help you get your creative juices flowing and brainstorm the perfect thing for them.
Here are some questions that can help you shortcut your decision making and narrow down your choices:
1) Should you go with a traditional 3rd anniversary gift?
The first choice you should make is whether to go with a traditional gift (Leather, Crystal, Pearl for year 3) or not. Leather is a pretty versatile choice, with everything from accessories like shoes and bags, to unique jewelry and more. Crystal is great for barware, vases, and similar items that they might like. That said, there are plenty of great non-themed gifts they might love as well. Only you can know for sure, but answering this early on can be a big help.
2) Should you go with a couples gift?
Some great anniversary presents are ones you can enjoy together as a couple. Everything from His and Hers bathrobes, to something like a wine of the month club are great options. Coming together to share in a gift is a great way to strengthen your relationship, and can be a whole lot of fun!
3) Should you give an experience?
Physical objects aren’t always the only choice when gift giving. Often times, the memories you create during a fun experience will long outlast that trinket. Consider things like romantic getaways, a concert or comedy show, or other activities that will pull you out of your daily routine and give you a chance to focus on (and celebrate) each other.
4) Should you make something by hand?
Let’s face it, it’s never been easier to put less thought into gift giving than it is today. You can find just about anything online, and have it on your way to the doorstep in a matter of minutes. Consider putting more time and effort into your gifting by making something by hand. It doesn’t have to be artisan level craftsmanship, just knowing you spent time and energy on something is all that’s needed to make anything special. This can also be a great way to control costs!
Our Time Tested Gifting Principles
Beyond the brainstorming basics, there are a few guiding principles you should keep in mind:
- Price isn’t everything - sometimes the best gifts are handmade, inexpensive, or free.
- Practical isn’t always best - treating him to something he may not buy for himself is always a good idea.
- Give from the heart - something that holds deeper meaning for him is sure to make a lasting impression.
- Be inventive - truly unique and creative presents mean thinking outside the box.
Milestone Anniversary Gift Ideas
Every 5 years is what we consider to be a major milestone anniversary. If you or a couple you love has made it to one of these, it’s a huge cause for celebration.
- 50th Anniversary Gifts
- 25th Anniversary Gifts
- 10th Anniversary Gifts
- 5th Anniversary Gifts
- 1st Anniversary Gifts
We have a ton of other great gift ideas on our milestone anniversary gift guides, so if you didn’t quite find what you were looking for here, please consider one of these!