Ever since the publication of Emily Post’s Etiquette in Society, in business, in Politics, and at Home in 1922, we have given gifts to celebrate anniversaries.
This list gave suggestions for each marital milestone, which has been updated over time.
About 12th Wedding Anniversaries
Silk represents the stability and security that you should feel after 12 happy years of marriage. As silkworms wrap themselves in a cocoon of silk, the material symbolizes comfort, protection, and security.
The number 12 has a huge significance within human society. There were 12 disciples at the last supper, there are 12 months in a year, and 12 hours on a clock. In Chinese numerology the number 1 is seen as a yang number, and 2 a yin number. This means that the combination of the two can signify balance.
By the time you have been married for 12 years, you will have spent 6,307,200 minutes married - more than 378 million seconds.
5 Unique Ways to Celebrate Your 12th Wedding Anniversary
If you have a lust for travel, you could consider travelling along all or part of the Silk Road. This is a network of routes traversing the globe. These run from the east of China to the Middle East and North Africa.
The routes are over 3,000 years old. It’s the perfect way to see the globe while spending time with the love of your life.
Another unique way to celebrate is to go pearl diving in Bahrain. There are many places around the world where it has been shut to tourists, but it is legal here. Not only is this a once in a lifetime experience, but you could turn any pearls you find into jewellery for your spouse.
A Danish tradition is to celebrate the 12 and a half year wedding anniversary. This is known as the copper anniversary. Your family and friends create half a spruce arch decorated with lights and flowers. The other half is gifted on your 25th anniversary.
If you are on a smaller budget, why not go and plant some peonies? This is symbolic, inexpensive, and gives you a fun activity to do together. If you plant the peonies in your back garden then you will always be reminded of this anniversary.
Consider returning to your wedding location. If it was at a hotel, why not book a room and stay overnight, reminiscing on your wedding day. The 12th wedding anniversary is all about luxury, so don’t forget to treat yourself.
5 Best 12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
OUR TOP PICK
Silk scarves come in a huge variety of colors and styles to suit your man’s taste. They add a touch of class to any outfit and are perfect to keep them warm in the winter months.
Silk is a very hypoallergenic fabric and so can be worn by almost anyone. It should not cause irritation to the skin in any respect. They should be dry cleaned to maintain the quality standard.
EDITORS CHOICE
Silk boxers will make your man feel like he is living in the lap of luxury on a daily basis. It is hugely comfortable and easy to care for.
Again, as silk is a skin-friendly material it is likely he will be very comfy as he goes about his day.
BEST VALUE
Linen shirts are ideal for keeping you cool in the warmer summer months. If your anniversary falls in the summer, a linen shirt is a great gift option.
They look very smart and have an extra significance when they are gifted for a 12th anniversary.
RUNNER UP
The gemstone of this year is pearl, and it’s not just women who can wear them. If your man is not much of a jewellery person, cufflinks are a great way to go.
They can be worn innocuously but will be hugely significant to you and your spouse.
RUNNER UP
A cute idea is to get your man a bottle of whisky from the year of your wedding. Find a 12-year aged whiskey and watch his smile as he realises.
If you wanted to add an extra special touch to your gift, consider purchasing this beautiful decanter set to serve the whiskey in.
It has a map etched into the decanter and it is held in a cradle like a globe would be. It is a beautiful display set and makes the gift seem infinitely more luxurious.
5 Best 12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
OUR TOP PICK
As with male scarves, there are a huge variety of colours, designs, and sizes of silk scarves for women. This one is a Mulberry inspired pattern but you can choose any aesthetic to suit your partner’s tastes.
They are soft and lightweight, meaning they are suitable for almost any season. They can be repurposed as a neckerchief, head wrap, and for many more uses.
EDITORS CHOICE
Genuine freshwater pearls are a great gift to commemorate your 12th wedding anniversary. If your wife has her ears pierced then earrings are a great choice. If not, why not opt for a necklace or bracelet instead?
Pearl jewelry adds a touch of class and elegance to any outfit, and will make your wife feel amazing.
BEST VALUE
A silk pyjama set is a fantastic gift for your spouse. They will look sexy in them, giving you a little treat.
They will also be incredibly comfy, making them a perfect gift all around.
RUNNER UP
Jade face rollers are meant to do wonders for the skin and have gained a lot of popularity in recent years.
They are believed to help skin absorb moisturiser, as wekk as tightening and relaxing the skin on your face.
Jade is the gemstone assigned to this anniversary and this is a thoughtful and practical gift to give.
RUNNER UP
The other gemstone for this anniversary is opal. This stunning opal necklace is made with a 925 sterling silver backing and chain.
This is a high quality metal and will stay in good condition for many years.
This pendant is handmade in Israel and can also come made with 14K gold instead of the silver.
5 Best 12th Anniversary Gift for the Couple
OUR TOP PICK
Silk bedding is the ultimate in terms of sleeping luxury. Silk is a hypoallergenic fabric and should be suitable for all people to sleep on.
Silk has natural temperature regulating properties, meaning you will have a comfortable nights sleep no matter the external climate.
EDITORS CHOICE
This adorable linen cactus cushion gives a whimsical air to your home. Get a few mismatched cushions and scatter them across the couches in your living room for an easy lift to your home.
Every time you sit on your couch you will be reminded of your anniversary.
BEST VALUE
While not traditional in the US, nickel makes a good gift and is tradition in Germany. This adorable sculpture is made from brushed nickel. The sweeping love heart design will fit in perfectly to any room in your home.
This is a great gift for the couple to share as it can be placed anywhere around the home for a reminder of the love they share.
RUNNER UP
This pair of dice offers a solution to the age old dilemma of what to do for dates.
You can roll one for a short date activity, or combine the two for a full evening of fun. The dice offers up to 36 different evening activities so you are never bored again.
RUNNER UP
A more time-consuming gift is a photo album. Fill this with pictures from memorable couples moments.
These could include the first date, wedding day, honeymoon and anything else to make you smile brightly.
Traditional, Modern, and Symbolic Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift in the UK | The traditional 12th-anniversary gifts in the UK are silk and fine linen. The linen is meant to evoke similar meanings to silk, but with an emphasis on truth and purity. |
Traditional Gift in the US, Spain, Italy, and France | In the US, Spain, Italy, and France the traditional gift is silk. This is because silk is a very elegant material. The silk fibers are interwoven perfectly to create a beautiful and soft product. This is meant to symbolize how the relationship has developed and to remind them to enjoy luxuries. |
Traditional Gift in Germany and Russia | The traditional gift in Germany and Russia is nickel. Nickel is said to calm your mental state and prevent you from making foolish mistakes. |
Flower Gift | Flowers have long been used to add a depth of symbolism to events. The 12th-anniversary flower is a peony. It has connotations of romance, wealth, and good luck. This is because peony blossoms resemble a coin. |
Gemstone Gift | There is also a gemstone gift of jade or opal. This is meant to solidify a bond between two people and work to build a peaceful relationship. It is a token of longevity and affection. |
Modern Gift | The modern gifts for your 12th anniversary are pearls or colored gemstones. Pearls are the more common choice. They symbolize honesty, purity, and wisdom. |
- History of Anniversary Gifts - June 30, 2021
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- 47th Anniversary Gifts - February 10, 2021