Celebrating 30 years of marriage is something many couples dream about on the day they stand in front of their loved ones to exchange their vows. Yet, three decades later, you and your partner are about to do exactly that, which is an enviable milestone to reach. It means you and your other half have persevered through thick and thin to make it to your 30th wedding anniversary.

Your last major milestone was your 25th anniversary, otherwise known as your silver wedding anniversary. This was a time when you may have chosen to give your partner a gift made from silver, which is a tradition many couples have stuck to for over 100 years. But, did you know that your 30th anniversary also has a name linked closely to the traditional wedding anniversary gift?

Your 30th anniversary is also known as your pearl anniversary, though there are also other themes linked to the milestone. So, if your partner isn’t into pearls, you can still give them a gift filled with important symbolism and meaning.

In this article, we’re going to explore all the traditional and modern gifts associated with your 30th wedding anniversary, including the traditional gemstone and flower. We’ll let you know all about what each gift means so you can decide whether or not it’s something you want to give your partner to mark 30 years together. We’ll also give you 50 gift ideas to offer you a helping hand on your hunt for the perfect present.

For more information about all the anniversary gift-giving traditions from 1 year to 90, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 30th wedding anniversary gifts

Your 30th anniversary is an amazing milestone to reach, and one which not every couple will have the honour of celebrating in their lifetime. Just like with your 25th anniversary and all the other anniversaries which came before, there are traditional and modern gifts, as well as a traditional gemstone and flower, which can elevate a gift with symbolic and historical meaning.

Traditional 30th anniversary gift – Pearl

The traditional gift for celebrating 30 years of marriage is pearl, a wonderful iridescent natural stone produced by freshwater oysters (though there are beautiful vegan alternatives available too). Pearls represent wisdom, love and purity, making them a super thoughtful gift for such a milestone. They can also be fairly affordable and versatile, opening you up to a wide range of ideas.

Pearls have previously been themes also associated with your 3rd anniversary and 12th anniversary. So, if you didn’t give your partner a gift linked to the theme then, maybe now’s your chance.

Modern 30th anniversary gift – Diamond

The modern 30th anniversary gift is diamond. Diamonds are a hugely popular precious gemstone and symbolise beauty, strength and durability, making them a brilliant and foolproof way to get in your partner’s good books.

Diamond has previously featured as a previous anniversary theme when you celebrated your 10th year of marriage. It will also feature again in the future, including in another 30 years when you celebrate your 60th anniversary. But, if you have the budget, why wait that long?

30th anniversary gemstone – Pearl

The traditional gemstone when celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary is pearl. After all, it’s known as your pearl anniversary for good reason! Because it does feature so heavily in the list of themes, it does mean there are fewer types of gifts to choose from, but pearls are stunning. Plus, there are still plenty of options to consider, and you’re not limited to just jewellery either.

30th anniversary flower – Lily

The traditional flower to give your partner on your 30th wedding anniversary is the lily. Lilies represent purity and rebirth, so make for a poignant choice. That said, it’s important to remember that lilies are toxic to cats and dogs, so if you have pets at home it’s worth thinking of an alternative.

How do you choose a gift for a 30th wedding anniversary?

There are three different themes to choose from when it comes to your 30th anniversary. As it’s known as your pearl anniversary, you may be keen to give your partner something associated with pearls, or you may have other ideas. Here are a few points to consider when deciding what to give your partner to mark 30 years:

Is it important that you stick to one of the themes? These rules aren’t set in stone, but you and your partner might love giving each other an anniversary-theme-related gift.
What is your set budget? Pearls are generally more affordable than diamonds, but it can depend on what your budget allows for.
Are you interested in giving a personalised gift? Personalised gifts are an anniversary staple, but the 30th anniversary themes can be tricky to customise.
Has your partner asked for a specific gift? If so, you might be limited as to what sort of gift you want to give them.

Is a couple close to you about to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, like friends, parents or someone else in your life? You might be on the hunt for a gift to spoil them and let them know how much they mean to you, but you might also wonder whether you can give them something linked to one of the themes. Well, these rules (not that they’re even real rules at all) are for everyone, not just the couple themselves. If you’ve got something in mind that you know a couple celebrating their anniversary would love, then go for it. They’ll no doubt love whatever it is you want to give, and if it’s linked to one of the themes, they’ll appreciate the extra thought and meaning behind it too.

50 ideas for a 30th wedding anniversary gift

It’s been five years since your last traditional and modern anniversary gifts with your silver wedding anniversary, so you might be excited to have fun now that you’re about to celebrate 30 years. Here are 50 ideas to help you choose the ideal way to spoil your partner on your 30th anniversary.

10 traditional gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

The traditional gift to give when celebrating your 30th anniversary is pearl, a beautiful stone produced by freshwater pearls. Of course, pearls are wonderful additions to jewellery, but they also lend themselves brilliantly to a huge variety of gifts beyond that. So, here are 10 gifts featuring pearls that you might consider giving to your partner.

And don’t forget that there are also vegan pearls available if you and your partner prefer non-animal-based products.

1. An eye-catching pearl vase

Filled with the incredible iridescent colours of pearls, this eye-catching pearl vase is a brilliant on-theme gift that is just as beautiful whether it has flowers in it or not.

2. A Precious Pearl Little Mermaid figurine

If your partner is a big fan of the classic 90s Disney movie, The Little Mermaid, then they’ll love this Precious Pearl Little Mermaid figurine. Featuring Ariel holding a pearl (and Sebastian, of course), it’s a subtle but lovely way to honour the theme and give your other half something they can display.

3. Royal blue mother of pearl rectangle mirror

For a gift that sticks close to the theme but is also beautiful and functional, this royal blue mother of pearl rectangle mirror is absolutely wonderful.

4. Pearl decorative nesting bowls

For a gift that’s low-cost and sure to get a lot of use, these pearl decorative nesting bowls are very sweet and can feature a personalised message.

5. A mother of pearl pen

The iridescent look of pearl really is hypnotic, and lends itself perfectly to a mother of pearl pen. It’s a great luxurious gift, and with plenty of designs available, you’ll no doubt find something that suits your partner’s tastes.

6. A mother of pearl bowl

The perfect centrepiece, this mother of pearl bowl is eye-catching, one-of-a-kind and memorable. Every bowl is unique, so you know you’re giving your partner a gift like no other.

7. A pearl shell lamp

For something with retro vibes that’s great for creating a cosy atmosphere, this pearl shell lamp is a fun little way to give a gift linked to the theme.

8. A pearl cutlery set

Make every mealtime classy with a pearl cutlery set. Sets like these aren’t as popular as they once were, and we’re not sure why – they look brilliant, and it’s about time they made a comeback!

9. An antique pearl

Pearls have been used in jewellery, homeware, tableware and more for centuries, and every piece is as stunning as the last. Why not give your partner a piece of history with an antique pearl, which could be set in anything from a magnifying glass to a table box?

10. A pearl silver wire tree

Make a big statement on your pearl anniversary by giving your partner a pearl silver wire tree. It’s small, delicate and beautiful, and makes for a lovely item to display on a shelf or in a cabinet to forever pay tribute to your 30th year of marriage.

10 modern gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

The modern gift when celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary is diamond. It’s no secret that diamonds are a gift associated with luxury, and they always make for an amazing gift. Yes, they’re expensive and don’t suit every budget, but if they do, then they’re usually a wonderful choice.

1. A diamond necklace

For a gift that screams class and sophistication, the ultimate diamond gift has to be a diamond necklace. Okay, so maybe a necklace from Tiffany is the height of opulence, but you can otherwise find more affordable choices from local and high-street jewellers too.

2. Diamond cufflinks

The great thing about diamond cufflinks is that they’re available in so many different styles. So, whether your partner likes cufflinks that are big and bold or sleek and subtle, you’re bound to find something they love.

3. A pearl, blue topaz and diamond pendant

Combine the traditional and modern themes to give a gift that has double the amount of 30th anniversary meaning. This pearl, blue topaz and diamond pendant is classy and unique, and despite featuring three hugely desirable stones, isn’t crazy expensive either.

4. Diamond earrings

A classic diamond gift has to be diamond earrings. And the thing is, diamond earrings come in loads of different styles, such as hoops, dangles or studs, and are often accommodating to a wide range of budgets.

5. A diamond ring

You may have given your partner a diamond ring in the past, such as when the two of you got engaged or when you reached your 10th anniversary. But, both occasions were so long ago, so now might be a great excuse to give them a new diamond ring.

6. A diamond bracelet

Your partner will feel like royalty with a diamond bracelet. Bracelets are available in a selection of styles and can be dainty or heavy. You can also choose from different precious metals, so you shouldn’t find it difficult to choose something that goes with your partner’s other jewellery.

7. Diamond and mother of pearl cufflinks

Another way to combine the traditional and modern themes is with a pair of diamond and mother of pearl cufflinks. Stylish, sleek and with double the anniversary meaning.

8. A Pandora Winnie the Pooh diamond charm

The perfect 30th anniversary gift for any Disney fan, this Pandora Winnie the Pooh diamond charm is chock full of character (and hunny) and makes for a special addition to their charm bracelet.

9. A diamond watch

Truly spoil your other half with a diamond watch. It’s the ultimate symbol of elegance and luxury, and is a stunning accessory to wear on special occasions.

10. A pearl and diamond ring

The beauty and boldness of pearls really do partner well with the shine and sparkle of diamonds. That’s why this pearl and diamond ring is a showstopper, with twice the amount of 30th anniversary meaning.

5 affordable gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

While you would no doubt love to spoil your love on your 30th anniversary, diamonds and pearls are two themes that aren’t exactly cheap. Even the more affordable items tend to be rather expensive, which can be frustrating if you have a smaller budget. But, if you’re keen to give a gift filled with symbolism and meaning, but don’t want to spend too much, there are creative ways to do so. Here are five ideas for affordable gifts when celebrating 30 years together.

1. A pearl anniversary card

A fantastic way to honour the traditional theme, keep spending down AND give your partner a card is with a pearl anniversary card. It’s fun, cute, cheap and thoughtful – you’d be on to a real winner with this one.

2. A glass diamond paperweight

If your partner spends a lot of time sifting through papers at their desk, then they’ll probably get a lot of use out of this glass diamond paperweight.

3. A dainty faux pearl necklace

Faux pearls are a lot more budget-friendly than freshwater pearls, and this dainty faux pearl necklace is great if you’d like to give your partner some jewellery but you don’t want to spend too much money.

4. Sterling silver pearl earrings

Not all freshwater pearls have to be pricey, like these sterling silver pearl earrings, which look great and are incredibly affordable considering what they are. If your partner loves stud earrings, this is a great bargain.

5. Happy anniversary pearls in a matchbox

For an adorable token gift your partner can always hold on to, this happy anniversary in a matchbox is a sweet and thoughtful way to mark your 30th milestone. It features two cute freshwater pearls presented in a matchbox with a ‘pearl-fect’ wedding anniversary message.

5 DIY gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

A lot of couples love the romance involved with making their own anniversary gifts. It’s a sweet and thoughtful way to acknowledge the milestone, not to mention fun and exciting. The only thing is, when it comes to your 30th anniversary, making a gift linked to one of the themes can be tough – where would you even start making something with pearls or diamonds?

Well, that’s where we come in. With a little bit of creativity, it’s totally possible. So, here are five ideas for DIY gifts you can try for your 30th anniversary.

1. DIY pearl earrings

With a couple of pearls, some beads and some simple tools, it’s surprisingly easy to make DIY pearl earrings that are unique and full of charm. Watch a video tutorial to see what you need to give it a go.

2. A DIY pearl necklace

It’s also not too difficult to make a pearl necklace at home, and it doesn’t require any special tools or kit. Just make sure you pick up some pearls that already have holes through the centre. Here’s a video tutorial to run you through the steps.

3. A DIY pearl bead ring

Believe it or not, you can also make a DIY pearl bead ring at home, and you don’t need to be an expert silversmith to do it. It’s a little more fiddly than other DIY pearl ideas, but still totally doable – see what you think with this video tutorial.

4. A DIY pearl beaded bag

If your partner likes accessories that are unique, then they might love a DIY pearl beaded bag. It’s likely to be totally unlike anything else they have! Check out a simple video tutorial and see for yourself.

5. A DIY diamond painting

Pick up a DIY diamond painting kit and create a brilliantly vivid piece of art that will add sparkle and personality to any room.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

Instead of giving your partner a physical gift for your anniversary, you could take the opportunity to head out into the world and do something new, fun, exciting or interesting. Your anniversary is all about the two of you, so an experience or activity is a brilliant way to spend time together. So, here are five ideas for experiences you can do when celebrating 30 years of marriage.

1. A diamond experience day

Take a trip to South Wales and take part in a diamond experience day, where you and your partner can create your own piece of diamond jewellery under the direction of an expert goldsmith. You can also choose what you make, including a ring, bangle or cufflinks.

2. Pearl Jam tickets

Do you love rocking out? Well, there’s no better way to tie that into your 30th anniversary than by giving your partner Pearl Jam tickets! Okay, it only loosely ties into the theme of pearls, but we think it totally counts.

3. Girl with a Pearl Earring movie night

Get a takeaway in, open a bottle of fizz and get snuggly on the sofa to watch Girl with a Pearl Earring. Catch it on your favourite streaming platform or pick it up on DVD or Blu Ray.

4. A visit to Isle of Wight Pearl

Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Wight to visit Isle of Wight Pearl, where you can pick a pearl, take part in a design workshop and enjoy a bite to eat in the Pearl Cafe.

5. A diamond driving experience

If your partner’s a thrill-seeker, treat them to a diamond driving experience so they can get behind the wheel of a supercar and burn some rubber.

10 30th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain pearl

Pearl isn’t only the traditional 30th anniversary gift, but also the traditional gemstone to give when celebrating this amazing milestone. Pearls make a real statement and are often associated with beauty and elegance, which makes them the perfect addition to jewellery and accessories. They also look great alongside other stones, and work with both silver and gold. That means there’s loads of choice available if you love the thought of giving your partner jewellery. Here are 10 suggestions for jewellery that contains pearls:

Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks

Pearls are very common, so they’re often not the most expensive of gemstones. That makes them a lot more budget-friendly than other stones, and you’re also likely to find a huge selection at local and high-street jewellers. That means you shouldn’t have too much drama finding the perfect item of pearl jewellery for your partner. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a massive range of jewellers, so make sure you check them out and browse the pearl jewellery they have to offer.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 30th wedding anniversary

If you’d like to give a beautiful floral gift on your pearl wedding anniversary, the traditional flower when celebrating 30 years is the lily. Lilies are big, gorgeous flowers that come in lots of different colours and are often the inspiration for designs and other gifts. So, here are five ideas for gifts linked to lilies which you can consider for your 30th anniversary.

1. A bouquet of lilies

Of course we had to include a bouquet of lilies as the first addition to our list. Lilies are beautiful flowers that smell incredible and fill a vase to bursting point. The only thing to be mindful of is that they’re toxic to cats and dogs, so might not be suitable if you have a four-legged friend at home.

2. A lily-scented candle

Lilies have a really distinct floral scent, which is sweet and inviting. That’s why a lily-scented candle is a great gift to help create a romantic atmosphere on the night of your anniversary, especially if you’re having a cosy candlelit dinner.

3. A Swarovski lily

Swarovski is a brand synonymous with luxury, and a Swarovski lily is a perfect gift that looks fantastic and can sit on a shelf or sideboard as a constant reminder of your 30th anniversary.

4. Water lily flower stud earrings

Give your partner a glorious set of water lily flower stud earrings, which are small and delicate and made from 9kt gold.

5. A lily of the valley engraved vase

A lily of the valley engraved vase is a stunning gift to give, with intricate etchings that are subtle and beautiful. It’s something your partner can always use whenever they have flowers, so they’re always reminded of your big milestone.

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