3rd wedding anniversary gift ideas

By Stacey Donovan and Cat Hollyer on July 22nd, 2021
3 anniv ideas

Traditional: Leather

Modern: Crystal/Glass

Read on for unique ideas for giving 3rd anniversary gifts—as well writing anniversary messages and celebrating the happy occasion.

3 anniv ideas
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3rd anniversary gifts and ideas for spouses

What to give

Budget

  • For a natural, casual accessory, give a bracelet of braided leather.
  • A blank journal with a leather cover is a great gift for anyone who likes to write.
  • A pair of wine or cocktail glasses is convenient for toasting your first year together.

Splurge

  • Get them a leather jacket that’s as cool as they are Well, almost as cool.
  • Or surprise them with a pricey, impractical pair of shoes or or bag they’ve had their eyes on.
  • Make that glassware duo high-end—or find a crystal decanter for your favourite adult beverage.

What to write

What to write in a 3rd anniversary card

  • “I love being on the road of life with you—and I love how we always find adventure along the way.”
  • “We can have an amazing time together, whether we’re on the vacation of a lifetime or at the DMV.”
  • “Every time you walk through the front door, I still get butterflies like it’s the first time I ever saw you.”

What to write about in a 3rd anniversary love letter

  • Three things they do that make you laugh
  • Three small moments that had a big impact
  • Three new things you’d like to try together

How to celebrate

  • Write each other love letters—the more over-the-top, the better. Then store them in a leather album or portfolio because leather is the traditional third anniversary gift.
  • Take a cooking class together and learn how to make your favourite food. (Bonus: Because you’re in a class, you’ll get lots of help, so it’ll definitely turn out yummy.) Toast your marriage before you dig in.
  • Grab a backpack and boots and plan a hike or camping trip, and bring plenty of delicious eats and beverages to enjoy under the stars.

More ideas for anniversaries

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3rd anniversary gifts and ideas for friends and family

What to give

  • Give leather luggage tags personalized with their names or monogram.
  • Give a gift card to a shoe store. In a greeting card, add a message: “You’ve been walking side by side for three years now…time for some new shoes!”
  • Grab a bottle of their favourite beverage and give it with a crystal bottle stopper.

What to write in a 3rd anniversary card

  • “Wishing all the love in the world to the loveliest couple we know!”
  • “Thinking back to that beautiful day three years ago…and ahead to all that’s in store for you!”
  • “So happy for you and for every amazing moment you’ve shared.”

Stacey Donovan has been a writer and editor at Hallmark for more than 20 years. She also writes romance novels (under a pseudonym), and has collected a wealth of obscure knowledge in the process.