Each year raises the same question: how do you mark the occasion with something meaningful that he'll genuinely use? This guide to anniversary gifts for him pairs traditional year themes with jewellery and accessory ideas. It covers the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 11th, 25th and 35th milestones, how to choose something he'll actually wear and what to do if the theme doesn't suit him.
The easiest way to choose an anniversary gift for him is to match the traditional theme for that year: leather for the 3rd, wood for the 5th, iron for the 6th, steel for the 11th and silver for the 25th are all a natural fit for men's jewellery and accessories. If the theme doesn't suit him, pick something he'll actually wear every day and add a personal touch, like an engraving or a handwritten note.
What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?
Traditional anniversary themes date back generations and vary slightly between countries and lists, so treat them as inspiration rather than rules. Here are the themes most often used in Australia, and how they translate into gifts for him.
| Anniversary | Traditional theme | Jewellery and accessory ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Paper | A handwritten letter tucked inside a gift box |
| 3rd | Leather | Leather bracelet, leather and steel ID bracelet |
| 5th | Wood | Wooden watch box, wood-inlay bracelet or ring |
| 6th | Iron | Damascus steel or other steel pieces (steel is an iron alloy) |
| 10th | Tin or aluminium | A modern metal piece paired with a meaningful note |
| 11th | Steel | Stainless steel cufflinks, chain or bracelet |
| 15th | Crystal | Crystal decanter, glassware or crystal-set cufflinks |
| 25th | Silver | Sterling silver cufflinks, ring or bracelet |
| 30th | Pearl | Pearl necklace or pearl-detail accessories |
| 35th | Coral | Coral or sea willow beaded bracelet |
What is a good 3rd anniversary gift for him?
Leather is the classic third anniversary theme, and a leather bracelet is one of the easiest ways to honour it. It's wearable every day and gets softer and more personal with age. The Men's Black Braided Genuine Leather Bracelet with Stainless Steel Clasp is a 13mm-wide braided band, 22cm long, with a snap-lock steel clasp.
Not sure about sizing? Our guide to men's leather bracelets explains how to measure his wrist without giving the surprise away.
What is a good 5th anniversary gift for him?
Wood marks five years, a symbol of something strong and growing. Two ideas:
- Something to wear: the Men's Brown Leather Bracelet with Bubinga Wood and Steel Inlay combines brown leather with a polished steel ID plate inlaid with bubinga, a richly coloured African hardwood. Adjustable from 19 to 23cm, it neatly covers leather and wood.
- Something for his dresser: a wooden watch or jewellery box gives his collection a proper home. Browse our Watch Cases for ebony and cherry wood designs.
What is a good 6th or 11th anniversary gift for him?
The 6th anniversary is traditionally iron and the 11th is steel. Steel is an iron-based alloy, so steel jewellery works neatly for both.
For the 6th, Damascus steel is a meaningful choice: layers of different steels forged together into a single, unique pattern. The Damascus Steel and Leather ID Bracelet pairs a matte Damascus stainless steel ID plate with black leather.
For the 11th, polished stainless steel is practical and smart. The Elegant Round Engravable Stainless Steel Cufflinks are 17mm in diameter with bullet-back closures and are listed as engravable, so you could add initials or your wedding date.
What is a good 25th anniversary gift for him?
A silver wedding anniversary calls for sterling silver. Choose something with heritage and quality he'll keep for years. The Hoxton London Men's Sterling Silver Ebony Wood Oval Cufflinks are rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver with an ebony wood inlay, listed as made in England and presented in a branded Hoxton London gift box.
What is a good 35th anniversary gift for him?
Coral is the traditional 35th anniversary theme. A beaded bracelet in golden black coral sea willow is a subtle, wearable way to mark it. The Golden Black Coral Sea Willow Beaded Bracelet (10mm) is handcrafted in Melbourne with a textured, rattan-like finish.
How do you choose an anniversary gift he'll actually wear?
- Look at what he already wears. If he never wears rings, a bracelet or cufflinks is a safer bet than a first ring.
- Match his metals. Check his watch: steel or silver watch, choose silver tones; gold watch, choose gold tones.
- Think about his week. Suits most days? Cufflinks. Hands-on job? A leather or beaded bracelet he can take off easily.
- Personalise it. A date, initials or a short phrase turns a nice gift into a keepsake.
- Get the size right. Borrow a bracelet or ring he already wears to measure, or choose adjustable designs.
What if the traditional theme doesn't suit him?
That's completely fine. Many couples ignore the themes and choose something that marks the moment in their own way. A meteorite pendant for a man who loves science, a watch box for a growing collection, or a matching set of cufflinks and a tie bar for a man who dresses up are all thoughtful choices in any year. For more ideas, see our guide to gifts for men who have everything.
Shop the collection
Shopping to a budget? Browse our Gifts $100–$200 collection, or explore leather, steel and sterling silver pieces across the store to match his anniversary year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the traditional 3rd anniversary gift?
Leather is the traditional 3rd anniversary theme. A leather bracelet, wallet or belt are popular choices.
What is the 5th anniversary gift for a man?
Wood is the traditional 5th anniversary theme. Wood-inlay jewellery or a wooden watch box both fit well.
What does a 25th anniversary represent?
The 25th is the silver anniversary, so sterling silver jewellery or cufflinks are a fitting gift.
Is jewellery a good anniversary gift for a man?
Yes, especially pieces he can wear daily, such as a bracelet, chain or cufflinks, chosen to suit his existing style.
What can I engrave on an anniversary gift?
Short is best: initials, your wedding date, coordinates of a special place, or a few meaningful words.
