According to Wikipedia: “the historic origins of wedding anniversaries date back to the Roman Empire, when husbands crowned their wives with a silver wreath on their twenty-fifth anniversary, and a gold wreath on the fiftieth. Later, principally in the twentieth century, commercialism led to the addition of more anniversaries being represented by a named gift.”
So now, in keeping with tradition there are gift “themes” for anniversaries from the first through the fifteenth year, then every five years (so on your twentieth, twenty-fifth and thirtieth) and then every ten years (fortieth, fiftieth, then sixtieth)! I personally think that it’s a fun tradition to follow and it helps to provide gift-giving guidelines, especially if you can’t think of anything to gift one another to celebrate the occasion (I have a hard enough time coming up with gifts for birthdays and Christmas!).
I’m sure that you’re reading this because you’re searching specifically for gift ideas for your third anniversary, but if you’re planning / starting to get ideas here are some gift suggestions for previous anniversaries:
First (Paper)
Second (Cotton)
This year (our third year of marriage) the traditional gift theme is leather! I prefer for our milestone / anniversary gifts to be meaningful and long-lasting so I’m pretty pleased with these ideas.
For a quick shop of all of the items we considered, you can skip the full post and find everything in my ShopMy storefront here.
HOMEGOODS
Dining Space Chairs
We have these customized leather chairs that we absolutely love in our breakfast nook space and the taller, swivel version for our island countertop and they’re perfect for home. What”s “custom” about them is that we got to choose the leather color / texture for the cushions. Highly recommend!
Leather Armchair
This is a major splurge, but as I said regarding the last gift… we’re spending so much time in our homes these days, we may as well make them cozy and wonderful to be in! This modern-but-classic armchair would be a perfect accent to a seating area or you could pair them up on the other side of the desk in an office, or even pop one in the corner of your bedroom!
Storage Ottoman
Ottomans can serve so many functions: a footrest for those seated on the couch / sofa, a seat itself if extra spots are needed, and even as a pseudo table (with the right topper / tray!). This ottoman option even includes storage — such a versatile piece!
Leather Pouf
I know that this gift is on the larger side, but since we’ve spent the last year at home why not make our spaces even more comfortable and beautiful? I adore this accent piece that can be used as a footrest or additional seat!
Leather Ring Tray
This little catchall is a stylish way to contain tiny things that could potentially get lost otherwise; best used for items such as keys, rings, collar stays, cuff links, earrings, bobby pins, and hair ties!
Leather Bound Photo Album
If there’s one thing you should be doing it’s printing out your photos to have tangible memories to flip through! Nothing says “anniversary” quite like a sentimental gift, and reminiscing on the life you’ve made together with a photo album is always a solid option.
Horsebit Leather Domino Game Set
Who else enjoys a game night? I grew up playing dominoes with my family so I especially love this idea. If you’re looking for an elegant way to store your domino set, this is it!
DICE GAME SET
In the same game vein, this leather tube is such a cool way to keep your dice (and cups!) all together.
Leather Mousepad
If your honey doesn’t have a smooth leather tracking surface for their at-home office setup, I highly suggest you gift them one. May as well enhance their WFH experience, right?
Leather-Scented Candle
“My apartment smells of leather-bound books and rich mahogany.” – Ron Burgundy
My favorite candle accessories and tips can be found here.
Leather Stackable Dresser Tray
Such a cool way to organize all of your smaller essentials.
Wireless Charging Hub
I bought one of these for my husband for Christmas last year and it’s been a BIG hit! He keeps it on his nightstand to charge all of his devices overnight!
Leather Coasters
This set would be so cute paired with some fancy drinkware such as these old-fashioned glasses or these stemless wine glasses.
Manhattan Leather Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
Wine Chilling Bucket
…
PERSONal ITEMS
LEATHER FRAGRANCE
WATCH STORAGE ROLL
Wallet
HERS // HIS
A classy way to keep your cards and cash safe, organized, and easy to access.
BELT
HERS // HIS
Slippers
HERS // HIS
I know that we typically think of cowhide exclusively as leather, but apparently sheepskin is also considered to be leather as well! If the wool is still attached it’s called “shearling”, otherwise it’s just sheep or lamb leather! You may be familiar with L.L. Bean in regards to their famous Bean Boots, but equally as popular are their “Wicked Good” Slippers! Depending on the time of year that you are shopping for this gift, L.L. Bean may be sold out… but UGG makes equally beautiful sheep leather slippers.
Leather iPhone Case
HERS // HIS
Protect your expensive tech with a classy case!
AirPods
(with Leather Case Cover)
We ADORE our Apple AirPods and not being tethered to our devices… absolutely a worthwhile purchase. My husband loves this leather cover that I bought to protect his AirPod case, but we also liked this one.
Apple Smartwatch
(with Leather Wrist Strap)
HERS // HIS
A bit of a splurge, but it’s a great way to tie in the leather theme with something else that they may have been wanting.
…
ON-THE-GO
Passport Cover
HERS // HIS
For the international jetsetter!
Travel Organizer
HERS // HIS
Can you tell that I’m looking forward to travel again? There’s apparently a subconscious theme here! 🤣
Laptop Sleeve
HERS // HIS
For your partner to protect their tech when traveling.
Tote Bag
Who doesn’t love a good tote? I’m a sucker for them, especially in leather. I absolutely love this style by Cuyana. Additionally, if your partner has a preference on a particular designer leather handbag, this is a great time to make that investment purchase!
Convertible Bag
I have been drooling over this bag for a while now; it’s a functional and beautiful design that I would love to have for a more professional look than my tote bag. The large size fits a laptop and would be great for taking all of your supplies to work at a café or for a meeting. The best part is that it comes in SO MANY colors (and a few sizes), so no matter what her taste is, they have a bag to fit her personality!
Leather Briefcase
Perfect for toting their laptop and other essentials either on their daily office commute or when traveling! My husband likes to use his laptop briefcase as his only carryon for business trips that are only one night stays as he is able to fit his essentials in the bag right along with his tech. Talk about traveling light!
Weekender Duffle Bag
We are big fans of traveling light with one duffle bag each as our only carryons for most trips. Upgrading their luggage to a leather bag as the world reopens for travel would be such an amazing gift!
Leather Wine Carrier Set // Champagne Bucket Bag
If your partner is a wine drinker, this wine carrier will be so great for taking wine with you on a picnic or for an al fresco meal! Add a few bottles of their favorite wine and you could even schedule a date night together and use the wine tote for a picnic!
** bonus: I find the history of this champagne bucket bag fascinating!
These are just my picks, but there are so many other options (most of which are monogrammable!) at Mark & Graham, Swanky Badger, and Leatherology.
I hope this list helps you with gift ideas for your loved one. Good luck in your present search and congratulations on celebrating your third wedding anniversary!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie