If you’re about to celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary, absolutely massive congratulations are in order! Celebrating half a century of love and life with your partner is wonderful, and you’ve achieved what so few other couples do.

Your 50th wedding anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary. It’s a milestone all couples strive to reach on their wedding day – and here you are, about to do just that! It’s an extra special time when the two of you get to celebrate in style in whatever way you like.

Because your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, you won’t be surprised to hear that gold features prominently as a theme. For most of your previous milestones, there have been different traditional and modern gifts – sometimes as many as five different themes to choose from. But, with your golden anniversary, the main theme is – unsurprisingly – gold.

So, if you and your other half love to use the themes as part of your gifts, you don’t have as many themes to choose from this time around. But, luckily, gold is an exceptional theme for an exceptional anniversary. That means, there’s loads of fun to be had with it.

In this article, we’ll cover all the 50th anniversary gifts and what they mean. We’ll also give you 50 ideas to give you some inspiration, so you can make this most incredible milestone one the two of you will always remember.

For more information about all the different anniversary gifts through the years, from your first through to your 90th, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 50th wedding anniversary gifts

Your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, so gold plays a huge part when it comes to the traditional and modern themes. With most of your previous anniversaries, you’ll have had different gifts related to each of these gifts, which means there was a greater range of things to choose from. This time, you don’t have as many themes, but it’s still hugely versatile with plenty of meaning behind it.

Traditional 50th anniversary gift – Gold

The traditional gift when celebrating your 50th anniversary theme is gold. Gold represents wisdom, prosperity and strength, so after 50 years of marriage, is there really a better way to honour that time together?

Modern 50th anniversary gift – Gold

The modern 50th anniversary gift is also gold. Because your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, when the modern gifts were created, they knew there was no point in trying to overshadow its brilliantly symbolic meaning. It’s a really lovely theme and you can get fantastically creative with it.

50th anniversary gemstone – Gold

Even though it’s not a gemstone (it’s a precious metal), the traditional gemstone when celebrating 50 years of marriage is gold. Gold is a beautiful and super versatile precious metal that can be white, rose and yellow – it’s also a colour. So, if your partner isn’t necessarily into jewellery or you don’t have a large budget, you can still give them a gift linked to this historic and symbolic theme.

50th anniversary flower – There isn’t one

Just like with your sapphire anniversary five years ago, for your 50th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional anniversary flower. But, if you love giving your partner something floral on your anniversary, there’s absolutely nothing to stop you from doing that. You could get them a brilliant bouquet, a romantic rose or perhaps even a gold flower to tie it to the theme of gold. The possibilities are endless!

How do you choose a gift for a 50th wedding anniversary?

Choosing what to give your partner to mark your 50th wedding anniversary can be a little tricky. Of course, the overarching theme is gold, but exactly what to give your partner isn’t always an easy decision. You might not even want to give them anything to do with gold at all, and it depends on you, your circumstances and your partner. Here are a few things to think about before you start your hunt for the perfect golden gift.

Are you excited to buy your partner something linked to gold? Your golden anniversary is an extra special milestone, so you might be particularly keen to give your other half something gold as a way to honour the occasion.
Have you got a certain budget in mind? Being a luxury metal, gold can be expensive. But thankfully, gold is also a versatile theme, which means you’re not limited to spending a lot if you don’t want to.
Do you want to give your partner a personalised gift? Because gold is a theme that can be interpreted in lots of different ways, it does open you up to giving different kinds of personalised gifts. But, you might be limited on what sort of gold jewellery can be personalised.
Has your partner hinted at a specific kind of gift? Knowing that your golden anniversary is coming up, has your partner asked for something in particular? That could make your decision easier (or even more difficult!).

Is a special couple close to you about to celebrate 50 incredible years together? Whether it’s your friends, your parents or someone else in your life, you might be thinking about what you could give them to mark the occasion. The theme of gold is open to everyone, not just the couple themselves, so if you’ve got some thoughts in mind for a great golden gift to give them, then you should absolutely go for it. Not only will they love your gift, they’ll also appreciate the extra thought and meaning that went into it.

50 ideas for a 50th wedding anniversary gift

With your 50th anniversary being a milestone that most couples can only dream of reaching, you might feel a little extra pressure to give your partner something that’s fitting for such an occasion. Gold is a brilliant theme, but maybe you want to give a gift that isn’t simply an item of jewellery (though jewellery is, of course, a fabulous gift). To help you find the perfect gift, here are 50 (it couldn’t not be that number!) 50th anniversary gift suggestions to inspire you.

20 traditional and modern gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary

As the name suggests, the traditional and modern theme when celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary is gold. Gold is a popular and luxurious precious metal and colour that can be used for almost every type of gift you could think of. But, if you’re still struggling to come up with a few ideas, here are 20 to help get you started.

1. Gold leaf twisted vase

Flowers are always a solid choice of gift for an anniversary. But, on your golden anniversary, you could give your other half a gold leaf twisted vase, which is adorned with delicate and beautiful gold leaves. You might get even more brownie points if you give it to your partner with a floral arrangement already inside!

2. A gold chocolate box

Chocolates are another popular gift choice, which you can tie into the theme of your 50th anniversary with this gorgeous gold chocolate box filled with luxurious and moreish Belgian Godiva chocolates.

3. An item of antique gold

You and your partner have been through thick and thin together over the past half-century. In fact, you’ve likely made a lot of history together. One great gift to consider is an item of antique gold, so you can mark your own incredible history with a little piece of history!

4. A bottle of sparkling Gold Cuvee

Toast your anniversary in the most deliciously on-theme way possible with a bottle of sparkling Gold Cuvee, a crisp dry wine made extra special thanks to it containing real gold flakes.

5. Gold toasting flutes

If you don’t fancy drinking gold, you could drink from gold. These Vera Wang gold toasting flutes are stylish and romantic, and the perfect way to clink glasses on your magnificent milestone.

6. A gold photo frame

Your wedding day may have been 50 years ago, but we bet you still look back at it with a huge smile. Your partner is no doubt exactly the same, so one way to make sure you always have this great memory close by is by printing off your favourite wedding snap and putting it in a gold photo frame.

7. A gold watch

There’s nothing quite as luxurious and extravagant as a gold watch. Plus, they come in loads of different styles and designs and can suit a variety of budgets. So, if your partner wears a watch, it’s usually a pretty timely (pun intended!) choice.

8. A personalised gold clock

If your partner doesn’t wear a watch but you love the sentiment, you could give them a personalised gold clock. It’s a lovely way to give your partner a super useful gift that can be customised with the message of your choosing.

9. Gold tone Bang & Olufsen headphones

If your partner loves to unwind by listening to their favourite music or an audiobook, these gold tone Bang & Olufsen headphones are a fantastic, high-quality and premium gift.

10. Gold wine glasses

If you’re a couple who loves to share a glass of wine together, every bottle you crack open from now on could remind you of your golden anniversary if you give your partner these gold wine glasses.

11. A personalised gold disc

You and your partner may have that special song. It could be one you listened to on your first date, something with lyrics that really hit home, or the song the two of you shared your first dance to. Immortalise the words in any song you like with a personalised gold disc.

12. A gold animal sculpture

If your partner is an animal lover, you could treat them to a gold animal sculpture. These sculptures are next-level luxurious and a stunning way to give a unique gift on your 50th anniversary.

13. A gold personalised locket

A gold personalised locket is a gift that works on so many levels. It’s made of gold; it allows your partner to keep their memories close to their heart; and it includes a personal and loving customised message.

14. A gold table lamp

Add a touch of grandeur to any room with a gold table lamp, which is available in plenty of different sizes and styles. You’re bound to find one that will fit a spot in your home.

15. A personalised gold glass plate

Make a brilliant statement with a personalised gold glass plate. This is a hugely customisable gift that includes a touching personalised message and can be displayed at home as a constant reminder of your 50th anniversary.

16. A gold ballpoint pen

There’s nothing quite as extravagant as a gold pen, and this gold ballpoint pen comes in either yellow or rose gold and is just about as high-quality as a pen can be.

17. Gold paint spill ornament

Give your partner a gift that will command anyone’s attention with a gold paint spill ornament. It’s full of personality, perfectly on theme and guaranteed to be totally unlike any other ornament in your house.

18. A small gold dish

Help your partner keep their trinkets and jewellery safe and together with a small gold dish. That way, the dish can be just as special as the jewellery inside it.

19. Swiss gold vodka

For the vodka or Switzerland lover in your life, this Swiss gold vodka is a must. Not only is it a deliciously smooth, high-quality vodka, but the underside of the bottle is also shaped like the legendary Matterhorn mountain. Plus, the vodka contains gold glitter, so it fits well with the golden anniversary theme.

20. Tom Ford Black Orchid Gold eau de parfum

Treat your partner to a spicy and sensual fragrance, with top notes of white truffle and plum, with the Tom Ford Black Orchid Gold eau de parfum. An amazing scent in a shimmering gold bottle.

5 affordable gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary

It’s hardly a huge secret that gold can be expensive. It’s a symbol of wealth and luxury the world over, after all. But, not all gold gifts have to be worth thousands, or even hundreds… and in some cases, you can get a great gold gift for around £10. How much you spend totally depends on your budget and what sort of gift your other half might like to receive. If you’re not looking to spend too much but are keen to stick to the traditional theme, there are ways to do that. Here are five ideas for affordable 50th wedding anniversary gifts.

1. Chocolates topped with edible gold

Chocolates are an anniversary classic, but you can make them even more opulent by giving your partner chocolates topped with edible gold. You can choose the flavour and number of chocolates, so can fit it to even a limited budget.

2. A gold gift box

If you already have a gift in mind for your partner but still want to tie it back to the theme of gold, there’s a simple and affordable way to do that. Just give your other half their gift in a gold gift box – perfect!

3. A gold candle

Set the mood on the evening of your anniversary with a gold candle, which your partner might choose to burn then and there to create a cosy, romantic ambience, or rather simply want to keep as a beautiful display item.

4. Gold wall art

Add life and a touch of glorious 50th anniversary gold to any room with a piece of gold wall art. There are so many different pieces of art to choose from that you’ll not have to look for too long to find something your partner will adore.

5. Edible gold dust

If you plan on getting a cake or special sweet treat for your partner to mark your anniversary, you could link it to the theme of gold with a sprinkling of edible gold dust.

5 DIY gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary

Many couples like to add an extra level of personalisation to their anniversary gifts by making each other something. This might be something like a thoughtful home-cooked meal, or something related to the traditional theme. You might think that making something out of gold is tough if you don’t have professional jewellery-making experience or equipment, but it’s actually not as hard as you might think if you use a little creativity. Here are five ways you can make your partner a golden gift for your 50th anniversary.

1. DIY gold wire bracelet

With a little gold wire and a steady hand, you can make your partner a unique DIY gold wire bracelet which is full of charm and character. Watch a video tutorial for more information on what you need.

2. DIY gold wire sculpture

You can use gold wire to make an absolutely wonderful and one-of-a-kind wire statue, which can be anything you can think of. It could be you and your partner, their favourite animal or an expression of how they make you feel. Check out the steps you need to follow by watching a video tutorial.

3. DIY gold wire bouquet

You can also make flowers out of gold wire, and a gold wire bouquet is unlike any other type of floral arrangement you could ever give. It also doesn’t take too much skill or experience – watch a video tutorial for more information.

4. A DIY gold wire ring

If you’re feeling brave, you could have a go at making a gold wire ring using your partner’s favourite raw gemstone. It’s fiddly and a little tricky, but the results can be stunning. See what you think by watching a video tutorial.

5. A DIY bracelet kit with gold charms

Grab yourself a DIY bracelet kit with gold charms and follow the instructions to have a go at making your partner a unique piece of jewellery.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary

A wonderful way to spend time with your partner on your 50th anniversary is by taking part in an activity or experience. That way, you can make memories and have fun while enjoying an adventure together. There are also ways you can do something related to the golden theme. Here are five suggestions for experiences and activities you can do on your 50th wedding anniversary.

1. A Kintsugi pottery class

For a unique and meaningful experience, why not take a Kintsugi pottery class together? Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, beautifully symbolises the idea of embracing imperfections – just like in a long-lasting marriage. This two-hour taster session in the heart of Stoke Newington will teach you the fundamentals of this ancient craft, allowing you and your partner to mend a broken piece and turn it into a beautiful keepsake.

2. A gold VIP animal tour at Longleat

If your other half is an animal lover, then a gold VIP animal tour at Longleat allows them to create some golden memories as they meet and have a go at feeding some of their favourite species. They’ll enjoy a big cat experience, a jungle experience, an African village experience and more!

3. A gold Merlin Annual Pass

If your other half is something of a thrill seeker or you both love visiting new places with the kids or grandkids, you can have a whole year of adventures together with a gold Merlin Annual Pass. That way, you can visit places like Alton Towers, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds whenever you like.

4. A visit to the Dolaucothi gold mines

Take a trip to southwest Wales and visit Dolaucothi gold mines, which is the only known Roman gold mine in Britain. You’ll get incredible insight into how the Romans mined gold around the area 2,000 years ago!

5. Dinner at Gold in Notting Hill

Head down to London’s trendy Notting Hill and book a table for a delicious dinner at Gold. This perfectly named restaurant serves incredible traditional and contemporary dishes as part of a small but refined menu, in a relaxed atmosphere. Remember to tell the staff you’re celebrating so they look after you!

10 50th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain gold

Of course, there’s no way we could overlook the fact that gold is one of the most popular precious metals when it comes to jewellery. There’s white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, each as luxurious as the others. There’s also the option to go for gold-plated jewellery, which isn’t quite as prestigious but is often a lot more affordable, so is great if you have a specific budget. Either way, each one makes for a brilliant choice when it comes to jewellery. No matter what sort of jewellery your other half likes to wear, you should without doubt find it made from gold. Here are 10 you might want to consider as a 50th anniversary gift:

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

Because of its popularity, there’s unlikely to be a jeweller out there that doesn’t have a large collection of gold jewellery. The great thing about gold is that it can also be suitable for lots of different budgets, so even if you don’t have a huge amount to spend, you shouldn’t necessarily rule it out. See what your local high-street jewellers and independent retailers have to offer and if anything would suit your partner’s tastes. At Bridebook, we’re partnered with loads of different jewellers, so it’s also worth browsing their collections too.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary

Flowers always make for a winning gift, especially on your anniversary. The only thing is, when it comes to your 50th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower to rely on. Even so, that’s not to say you can’t still get your partner a lovely floral arrangement. There are also ways you can tie flowers to the traditional theme of gold. So, here are five gold-related flowery ideas for you.

1. Gloriously Golden dried floral arrangement

A Gloriously Golden dried floral bouquet is every bit as stunning as you might expect, and features roses and preserved foliage. There’s a range of sizes and you can even include a personalised ribbon.

2. A box of gold roses

While roses aren’t naturally gold, a box of gold roses adds a glittery shimmer to this already beautiful flower, which your partner can hold onto forever.

3. Camellia Golden

The aptly named ‘Camellia Golden‘ is the ideal 50th anniversary flower, an evergreen shrub with big blooms that flower every year.

4. A single gold rose

What could possibly be more romantic than a single rose? Well, how about a single gold rose? This gorgeous 24k gold rose is presented in a box and is the ultimate golden anniversary keepsake.

5. A gold flower necklace

For a lovely and subtle nod to your 50th anniversary, your partner will definitely fall in love with this gold flower necklace, which they can wear to any occasion.

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