50th wedding anniversary gifts: senior couple clinking their glasses

Whether it’s your own special union or you’re celebrating a friend or family member’s golden anniversary, this special milestone deserves recognition with a thoughtful 50th wedding anniversary gift. There are plenty of ways to share the love — from finding a small sentimental keepsake to splurging on an over-the-top gift. 

Here, you’ll find a curated selection of thoughtful and meaningful 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas. From personalized keepsakes to memorable experiences, each one honors the enduring love and commitment of five decades of marriage.

50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 14 Golden Ideas

50th wedding anniversary gifts: senior couple holding some sparklers

Honor a lifetime of memories, commitment, and love with the stunning 50th wedding anniversary gifts on this list. You’ll find both traditional and modern gift suggestions as well as ideas packed with symbolism to make the present even sweeter. From gold-gilded options to match classic anniversary themes to unique, sentimental options, you’ll find the perfect gift.

1. Gold Jewelry

For a traditional gift that never goes out of style, choose stunning gold jewelry to celebrate a golden wedding anniversary. From rings and necklaces to cuff links, there’s something for anyone. Choose designs from a timeless brand like Cartier or choose something more modern from Retrouvai or a local jewelry store. Package the item up in a pretty gift box — like a velvet box with gold engraving — to make it extra special.

2. Etched Wine Bottle

Celebrate 50 years of love with an etched wine bottle featuring gold accents to mark the special occasion. Choose from romantic designs that feature hearts, flowers, and confetti. Make sure to inscribe the couple’s name and their wedding date for a sentimental gift.

3. Anniversary Flowers

50th wedding anniversary gifts: senior couple happily dancing at home

Want to give flowers to the happy couple or your spouse to celebrate 50 years together? The traditional anniversary flowers are yellow roses and purple violets. Have a local flower shop make a custom bouquet or order several floral arrangements to decorate the room if you plan on having a small celebration.

4. Photo Frame

Honor a lifetime of memories with a 50th-anniversary picture frame that proudly displays a special moment from the big day. Go for a rustic look with a hand-carved wooden frame, or pick something more modern with an etched glass or printed aluminum frame. A gold-plated design is sure to be a hit for this golden anniversary.

5. Surprise Anniversary Party

Sophisticated Milestone Invitation

Design: Stacey Meacham Design, llc

Say happy anniversary in person by hosting a surprise anniversary party, and select stunning 50th anniversary invitations to ask the happy couple’s loved ones and friends to share the special moment. Decorate the space with gold balloons and photos of the couple throughout the years. Hire a caterer to serve hors d’oeuvres, craft cocktails, and a plated meal. Be sure to shower the special couple with gold confetti when they arrive!

6. Wall Art

For a crafty 50-year anniversary gift, consider giving the honorees or your spouse a special work of art they can hang on the wall. Make it a personalized gift by having a local artist create a custom piece. Alternatively, invest in a pricey work of art from a famous painter for something extra special.

7. Champagne Flutes

Mark the special occasion with champagne glasses that are sure to turn heads. Choose a romantic design like these French-made crystal glasses from Dior, pop open the bubbly, and share a special toast to 50 years together. For the perfect gift, choose glassware that pairs with a favorite beverage, whether it’s champagne, wine glasses, or whiskey snifters.

8. Romantic Getaway

Senior couple taking pictures outdoors

The best gift is spending time together. Make your anniversary present extra special by giving the happy couple — or yourselves if it’s your special celebration! — a romantic getaway. The perfect anniversary gift for couples that love exploring, you can pay for a weekend in wine country, an exotic trip to a Caribbean island, or a historical adventure in a European city. 

This thoughtful gift can also be shared among friends, especially if you want to give the gift of a lifetime trip, like a National Park road trip or a yacht cruise on the Mediterranean.

9. Cutting Board or Cheese Board

Looking for a golden anniversary gift for couples that love entertaining? Choose a handmade cutting board or cheese board. Ask the designer to engrave the couple’s name and wedding date on the board. For a glamorous addition, have some elements done in gold leaf.

10. Custom Family Tree

Want a great gift that’s sentimental? Give the happy couple a custom family tree statue or figurine like the Engraved Family Tree from Things Remembered. It’s sure to remind them of the beautiful life they built together. 

11. Wind Chime

For a couple that loves gardening together, celebrate this special day with a custom wind chime. The Anniversary Chime from Woodstock Chimes is tuned to notes from “The Anniversary Waltz” and features ash wood, silver tubes, and a cherry finish. This personalized gift will sway in a soft breeze and play gentle music, reminding the couple of 50 years of happiness together.

If you’re buying this gift for your spouse, you can choose a wind chime that features birds that visit the garden you’ve created together or have one engraved with your initials and wedding date.

12. Write a Love Letter

Romantic Ornament Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

There’s something timelessly romantic about drafting a hand-written love letter. Sit down and write to your spouse about one of your favorite memories or create a short timeline of some of your favorite moments spent together. You can even just write a few thoughtful sentences about what your spouse means to you or how much you’ve enjoyed these past 50 years together. Pair this sentimental letter with a small gift if you’d like.

13. Gold Treats

Indulge in decadent gold delicacies to pay tribute to your golden anniversary. You can order a custom gold cake or create a dessert spread with gold-flaked macarons or pastries sprinkled with edible gold confetti. Serve these delicious items at your anniversary party, or enjoy them during a quiet evening at home, just the two of you. 

14. Anniversary Games

Life’s easier and more fun when you can laugh through it together. Bring a playful vibe by giving the gift of fun games. You can choose a game that was popular when the couple got married — like croquet or bocce ball. Alternatively, you can order a personalized board game that the happy couple likes to play each evening.

Celebrate Eternal Love With Thoughtful Gestures

Senior couple celebrating their anniversary

Whether you’re picking out a gift for your own spouse or looking for ways to honor a couple who’ve spent 50 years in wedded bliss, this list of 50th wedding anniversary gifts has the perfect option. From unique gifts to traditional presents, it’s easy to find the best gift for any couple.

Show your admiration and love for the happy couple with a custom online anniversary card or invitation from Greenvelope. Choose a card to write a few sentimental thoughts, or opt for an invitation that you can use to invite guests to celebrate at a special anniversary party. Each design is completely customizable, so you can choose a unique color palette or upload a photo of the happy couple.

For more anniversary ideas, continue browsing our Stationers blog. You’ll find everything from etiquette tips for party planning to anniversary celebration ideas to mark the special moment. There’s also advice on what to say in your anniversary card and how to word your invitations so you can lay the groundwork for a memorable tribute.