13 might be unlucky for some, but if you’re celebrating your 13th anniversary then it’s a great number!
By the 13th anniversary, you’re probably running out of ideas for gifts and celebrations. Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to gifts and celebrations for your 13th anniversary. We’ve considered the traditional and more modern options so that you have a wide range to choose from.
About 13th Wedding Anniversaries
The number 13 is typically associated with bad luck. It has a long history of ill omen but for couples celebrating their 13th year, it is a symbol of happiness and comfort.
13 years together is an incredible achievement! It speaks to our strength, maturity, and commitment as a couple.
The theme of the 13th anniversary is generally accepted to be lace. Lace represented refinement and class in previous decades.
Reaching your lace anniversary suggested that you had refined the art of marriage or partnership. It showed that you were a more polished article than in the early years of your relationship.
Nowadays, the words lace and relationship tend to bring an altogether different image to mind. Raunchy underwear and outfits often use lace to hint and tease intimate areas of the body without showing.
Your 13th anniversary might be a chance to reignite the more passionate and intimate side of your relationship.
5 Unique Ways to Celebrate Your 13th Wedding Anniversary
The traditional and modern gifts for each anniversary are there to give you an idea of what you should be celebrating.
Lace and the modern equivalent, fur, suggest comfort and luxury. Thus, when it comes to celebrating your 13th anniversary, consider doing something a bit luxurious or comforting.
Take a Trip to France
France is one of the ancestral homes of lace making. Towns such as Calais and Lille have a long, rich history of making fabulous lace.
There are plenty of museums and lace-making experiences in and around these towns. Whilst there you could sample the delights of French cuisine, gorge on wine and cheese, and relax in luxury and comfort.
Visit a Zoo or Animal Sanctuary
Fur is the modern gift suggestion for the 13th anniversary. It doesn’t mean you have to remove the fur from the animal. Visiting a zoo or sanctuary is an excellent way to spend your anniversary.
You get a fun day out and your ticket admission goes towards protecting, feeding, and caring for animals.
Have a Spa Break
Nothing screams luxury and comfort more than a spa break! Take a day or a weekend to relax, refresh and rejuvenate yourselves. The calm, stress-free environment of a spa is the perfect place to reconnect with your partner.
Take some couples treatments together and just enjoy being in each other’s company.
Cook a Comforting Dinner
One of the most comforting things in the world, is the taste of our favorite food. You could celebrate the comfort of your 13th anniversary by cooking your favorite comfort foods.
Serve it up with lace napkins or a lace tablecloth and you’ve got all bases covered! Try cooking the meal together. It can be a really fun and rewarding activity. Plus it shares the burden between you both.
Go on a Shopping Spree
If you’re both keen on clothes and shopping, why not celebrate lace and textiles by having a shopping spree.
You can make the day lots of fun by allowing your partner to pick out an outfit for you and vice versa.
5 Best 13th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
Lace, furs, and textiles might not seem like the most macho of gifts but there are plenty of options to suit every kind of man.
Here are some of our favorite ideas.
OUR TOP PICK
Shoes - You’re looking for something with lace, right? Well, shoes have lace-s!
Why not get him some fancy running shoes like these Nike Men's Race Running Shoe? The mesh outer fabric even looks a bit like lace.
If he’s not into fitness, go for some lace-up boots or dress shoes.
EDITORS CHOICE
Cufflinks - If your partner is a sharp dresser, get him some cufflinks. These always go down well. Like earrings for women, you can never have enough cufflinks. You could look for citrine cufflinks or even some lace inspired cufflinks.
BEST VALUE
Underwear - There’s no reason why underwear has to be relegated to the women’s realm!
Spice things up by getting some lace boxers or even thongs for your partner. If they’d prefer, you could always get yourself some lace underwear and dress up for them!
RUNNER UP
Cologne - Why not buy a cologne that has citrus notes? Ok, fine, it’s not quite citrine but it’s close enough!
Sauvage by Dior is one of the most recognizable citrus fragrances for men. It’s classy, crisp, and comforting.
You could also get his favorite cologne. That way he can feel comforted and comfortable when he wears it.
RUNNER UP
Luxury car seat covers - If your partner is a bit of a petrol head, why not get some seat covers to give their car a luxurious and comfortable feel.
You could go for something classy like these leather covers or something a bit more snazzy and in keeping with the fur theme like these faux sheepskin covers.
5 Best 13th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
Lace and fur sort of lend themselves to feminine gifts. However, every woman is different. Some will love a feminine lace dress, others couldn’t think of anything worse.
We’ve got a selection of gifts that should please every kind of woman.
OUR TOP PICK
Jewelry - Jewelry is always a good choice. You can match the taste and style of your partner and it’s easy to incorporate the theme.
You could buy some citrine jewelry like this beautiful citrine necklace. Or you could incorporate the lace theme with some filigree jewelry. This filigree ring is beautiful and very lace-like.
EDITORS CHOICE
Clothing - Whether you choose to go with the traditional lace or the more modern fur and textile, you have plenty of options for clothing gifts.
A classy lace detail blouse like this one is ideal for women who aren’t fond of dresses.
For women who do love to wear dresses, there are so many lace dresses that would look beautiful on your partner.
BEST VALUE
Lingerie - Another classic gift, lingerie is ideal for your lace anniversary.
Again, you have plenty of options when it comes to lace lingerie. You could go for a babydoll camisole that teases more than it shows. Or something a bit more risque like a bra and thong set.
RUNNER UP
Flowers
Flowers - The 13th-anniversary flower is chrysanthemums. These flowers bloom in late summer and through fall. You can usually buy them all year round, however.
If your partner enjoys gardening, you could buy them some chrysanthemum seeds along with some gardening supplies.
RUNNER UP
Jewelry box or holder - No doubt you’ve bought your partner a fair amount of jewelry over the years. Perhaps the best gift is one that lets them store all that jewelry.
A lace jewelry box like this one is a beautiful way of keeping their rings and necklaces safe.
For something a bit different, why not try this lace earring holder.
5 Best 13th Anniversary Gift for the Couple
If you’re helping a couple in your life celebrate their lace anniversary, you might want to consider buying them one of these gifts.
OUR TOP PICK
Blanket or throw - What couple doesn’t like to cozy up on the sofa? Help them out with a beautifully warm lace themed blanket or a delightfully snuggly faux fur comforter set.
EDITORS CHOICE
Dinnerware - Dinnerware is a bit of a traditional gift and is usually given for earlier anniversaries. However, this dinner set is perfect for the lace anniversary. Its embossed pattern is beautiful!
BEST VALUE
Macrame Decor - Macrame is having a bit of a vogue right now. Wall hangings, plant holders, and shelves are ideal lace anniversary gifts.
They are lace-like in appearance and will go down well with most couples!
RUNNER UP
Experience Voucher - Every couple loves a good date. Often we make excuses for not going, money, time, etc. By giving them an experience voucher you’re taking care of the cost aspect! Look at voucher sites like Cloud9Living for ideas.
RUNNER UP
Photo Frame - Help the couple remember their 13th year by gifting them a photo frame. If you want to keep to the lace theme check out frames like this for a rustic decor style.
For a fancier, more elaborate style, you could choose frames that mimic filigree style like this.
Traditional, Modern, and Symbolic Gifts
Traditional Gift in the UK | Lace |
Traditional Gift in the US | Lace |
Traditional Gift in Spain | Lace |
Traditional Gift in Germany | Crystal, salt, or Lily of the valley |
Traditional Gift in Russia | Lace |
Traditional Gift in France | Lily of the valley |
Traditional Gift in Italy | Lace |
Flower Gift | Chrysanthemum |
Gemstone Gift | Citrine |
Modern Gift | Textiles or furs |
Final Thoughts
13 years in a relationship is well worth celebrating. It’s an achievement that many can only dream of.
The traditional, modern, and symbolic gifts are a great place to start when it comes to gift-giving. However, it’s important to remember that the key thing is to give a thoughtful gift.
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