18th wedding anniversary gifts traditional and modern

Though it may not be a huge milestone anniversary like 15 or 20, 18 years of marriage is still something to celebrate! We believe that every year of wedded bliss should be commemorated with a special gift to show your appreciation to your loving spouse.

Finding just the right anniversary gift is a feat in itself. But after 18 years, what are you going to get your partner? You may think you’ve run out of options, but you don’t want to leave them feeling unloved. 

Look no further! Whether you are shopping for your partner, parents, or friends, any of the options in our 18th anniversary gift guide are sure to demonstrate your love for them and offer your sincere congratulations on nearly two decades of marriage. 

What Are the Traditional & Modern 18th Anniversary Gifts?

When it comes to the 18th anniversary, there are many themes to incorporate into your gifts.

Whether you are looking stick to tradition or go for the modern option, porcelain is the gift theme for this anniversary. There are many items that you could look for that contain porcelain, from more classic dinnerware sets to unique jewelry or artwork.

Because of how porcelain is made (with clay being heated at high temperatures), it is a stellar metaphor for a marriage. By your 18th wedding anniversary, you have dealt with many different high-pressure situations in your marriage and have come out stronger than ever. 

In terms of color, seek out blue items to mark the occasion. Blue represents honesty, loyalty, and trust.

While this anniversary has no official flower, flowers with a crimson hue are commonly chosen, such as roses, tulips, and carnations.

There are two gemstones that are associated with this anniversary: garnet and cat’s eye. Both of these lend themselves well to jewelry.

Incorporating one of these themes into your gifts will make their anniversary even more special. Check out our curated lists below for both traditional and modern 18th anniversary gift ideas!

18th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her

1. Garnet & Diamond Earrings

by Blue Nile

Jewelry is a classic choice when shopping for your wife and will help show you how much you appreciate her. Given that one of the 18th wedding anniversary gems is the garnet, why not get her these stunning garnet and diamond earrings?

These earrings have oval garnets, set into four-prong yellow gold settings. A ring of diamonds adds some additional sparkle around the edge. 

2. Porcelain & Gold Necklace

by Etsy: PorcelainAndStone

If necklaces are more her style, check out this stunning porcelain and gold pendant necklace.

This gift idea is a nod to the 18th anniversary and comes in five different color choices: mint, pink, marbled, white, and turquoise blue. This necklace pairs well with any outfit and shines from all angles. The chain is made from 14k gold, so it is safe for those with nickel allergies.

You are sure to have a happy wife with this gift!

3. Bracelet

by Blue Nile

For an elegant gift worthy of an 18th wedding anniversary gift, check out this bezel-set bracelet studded with garnets for your love to enjoy. It is made with 14k white gold with five garnets set along the chain. The adjustable spring-ring clasp will guarantee the right fit, so it won’t be in danger of falling off.

4. Porcelain Candle

by Neiman Marcus: Lladro

If your wife is into candles and you want to impress, check out this luxurious porcelain candle by Lladro. This unique porcelain gift has a beautiful floral scent that is sure to delight her. This candle is made in Spain and measures about 6.3 inches tall. Each time she lights this beautiful candle, she’ll think of you!

5. Flowers & Vase

You can never go wrong with flowers on your anniversary.

Bouqs has an incredible selection of fresh flowers sure to please your wife. You could go with something in a deep red to match with the garnet and color of the 18th anniversary. Another option is to recreate her wedding bouquet, which would be a huge hit.

Add a beautiful vase in either white or rose to complete the look and presentation. 

6. Natural Cat’s Eye Ring

by Etsy: Pilwals

With this ring, you not only get a beautiful piece of jewelry, but you hit on the cat’s eye anniversary theme too.

This handmade ring features a natural cat’s eye Chrysoberyl gem with a sterling silver band. It is available in sizes 5 through 10. It also has a lower price point, so it is a budget-friendly addition to another gift or pair with a heartfelt anniversary card. 

18th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him

7. Whiskey Decanter

by Saks: Jonathan Adler

For the man who has stood by your side for 18 years, check out this out-of-this-world bourbon decanter. Shaped like a rocket, this decanter is ideal for anyone who has ever dreamed about traveling to space. It would look great displayed in a home bar!

This gift also fits the 18th-anniversary theme well because it is made out of porcelain with a 24k gold luster. Invest in some high-quality whiskey, such as this 18-year Glenfiddich, and this will be a super cool gift for your husband this year. 

8. Cologne

by Bond No.9

This one is really a gift for both of you! This Dubai Garnet cologne is a bit expensive, but it is super classy. The scent features essences of blackberry, cardamom, pink pepper, oakmoss, vetiver, and more. With this magnificent blend of ingredients, this extravagant gift will leave you both wanting more! 

9. Beer Stein

by HomeWetBar

This personalized beer stein is a really nice gift for the man who loves a nice brew. This vintage-inspired tankard takes its influence from the traditional 14th-century German beer steins. It is hand-painted and engraved with your man’s initials for a personal touch. The durable stein will keep his beer cold and refreshing for as long as he needs.

10. Oil & Vinegar Set

by Le Creuset

For the man who likes to cook, this unique oil and vinegar set would make a great practical gift!

Backed by a 10-year guarantee, the intelligent design makes cooking easier with better results. Le Creuset products are coated in a porcelain enamel glaze, making them dishwasher-safe and resistant to scratches and stains. This set will be a nice addition to any home and make cooking a breeze. 

11. Cat’s Eye Cufflinks

by Nordstrom

These cat’s eye cufflinks are so on-point for this anniversary, featuring both the signature gem and one of the classic colors of the 18th anniversary. These cufflinks will help him take his classy outfit to the next level. They have a beautiful luster and will serve as a reminder of your love each time he wears them.

12. Table Lamp

by Jonathan Adler

In keeping with the theme, this stunning table lamp is made out of high-quality porcelain. It comes in either black and gray or red and blue, giving you options to match your existing home décor. This lamp is an elegant choice for a home office or a nightstand. It is large enough to give off bright light but minimalist enough to add an air of elegance to any room. 

13. Porcelain Cufflinks

by Etsy: ThePorcelainJeweller

If you are looking for a unique option in the cufflink department, these porcelain cufflinks will fit the bill. They look super classy with half black and half white faces, making them easy to pair with a number of outfits. Because they are handmade, there may be some variation to each cufflink, but that makes them truly unique.

18th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him or Her

14. Experience

by Virgin Experiences

This experience gift is an excellent choice to give to your spouse, or for a happy couple you know.

No matter what you are into, you are sure to find something that both of you will love. This gift is a thoughtful way to show your spouse that you care and a great way to spend a vacation together.

What better way to celebrate the years gone by than to make some new memories?

15. Artwork

by Minted

Decorating your dwelling with beautiful artwork you both enjoy is one of the most exciting parts about living with your spouse.

This thoughtful gift is a great way to commemorate the 18th anniversary in a piece of artwork. “Porcelain Sky”, a limited edition piece of art by an independent artist at Minted, is a touching way to honor your 18 year anniversary for years to come. Choose from an art print or canvas, available in various sizes.

16. Dinnerware Set

by Sur la Table

This elegant porcelain 24-piece dinnerware set is a classic addition to any home. Not only do you get to make a nod to the traditional gift theme, but you get a useful dish set for yourselves and for entertaining. The set includes six salad plates, six dinner plates, six mugs, and six cereal bowls. The heirloom-quality dishes can be passed down to your children on their 18th wedding anniversary, too!

17. Monogrammed Bath Gift Set

by Mark & Graham

A monogrammed bath set is truly the epitome of comfortable living.

This beautiful bath gift set is ideal for an elegant bathroom. It features a soap dispenser, a canister with a lid, a canister without a lid, and a bath tray. The pieces are made out of porcelain and trimmed with gold for a fancy look. To take this set to another level, you can personalize it with laser-engraved initials.

If you are looking to take your bathroom to the next level, this set is a practical gift for the both of you to enjoy.

18. Cake Stand

by Williams Sonoma

Whether you are looking for somewhere to display your anniversary cake or any other baked goods, this cake stand is an ideal choice. This porcelain cake stand is a restaurant quality piece, sturdy enough for every day use. It can fit pies and cakes up to 11 inches in diameter. 

19. Pestle & Mortar

by HOMBENE

If you enjoy making guacamole or grinding spices while cooking together, this pestle and mortar set is a must-have for your kitchen. This gift is something that everyone in the family can use. The non-porous porcelain is dishwasher-safe, making cooking a breeze.

Use this great kitchen accessory any time you want to add a little something special to your meal. Perfect for cooking a memorable anniversary dinner at home this year!

20. Porcelain Wall Art

by Etsy: PrinceDesignUK

If you are super into the porcelain theme, this wall art is a really cool wedding anniversary gift. Choose from flowers, butterflies, and birds to get the exact look that you want. If you want variety in your décor, you can purchase some of these wall art sculptures in white and a few in gold to create a unique look. Have fun decorating your space together with this customizable art!

21. Fancy Salt & Pepper Grinders

by Menu

If you don’t have fresh sea salt and pepper grinders in your kitchen, you are missing out.

Fresh grounds are the way to go when seasoning your food. To do this yourself, you need some quality salt and pepper grinders. Since it’s your anniversary, why not go for something fancy?

These grinders come in six different color combinations to match your existing kitchen décor.

22. Gift Basket

by Harry & David

This gift basket is great for a special night spent sharing wine and cheese by candlelight. There are three options to choose from including sweet and savory, cheese and honey, and artisan meat and cheese. All of these options come with wine to complement your finger foods.

Set the mood for a cozy evening spent celebrating your your 18 years together with this delicious gift basket.

23. Picnic Basket

by Mark & Graham

If you are looking to set up a cozy picnic for your anniversary celebration, you’ll need something charming to pack it in! Not only does this set include the picnic basket, but it also has everything you need to enjoy your picnic for two. There are two porcelain plates, wine glasses, stainless steel flatware, napkins, and a stainless steel corkscrew.

All you need to do is fill it with the food of your choice and set out for your picnic!

Cheers to 18 Years!

After 18 years together, it may be hard to come up with new things to give each other, but that’s where the gift themes, colors, materials, and flowers can help you. The ideas above are helpful ways to incorporate themes and meaning as you search for the perfect gift to remind your spouse how much you love them.

Whether you are shopping for your spouse or a couple, you are sure to find something they will love. Each anniversary is worth celebrating and making an effort to help your spouse feel loved and special on your wedding anniversary.

Looking for some other unique anniversary gifts for your better half? Check out our unique gift guides for your husband or wife!

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About the author

Kristen Winiarski

Kristen Winiarski lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. She loves to play with her kids, read, and watch classic movies. Kristen specializes in writing about parenthood, products, history, entertainment, and self-care. You can often find her writing on her phone or battling her kids' hangry moods with bacon and Cookie Monster impressions. Being a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom can get pretty crazy, but coffee sure helps. At least she gets to wear unicorn leggings whenever she wants!

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