35 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Traditional & Modern Ideas
The 3rd year of marriage is a mini-milestone to celebrate. Leather, pearl, crystal and glass are the symbolic gifts of choice – and we’ve found a unique mix of the best presents!
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They say three is a magic number and while it’s not one of the major wedding anniversary milestones, there is still plenty for you to celebrate. For your 1st anniversary, the traditional present is paper, and it’s cotton for the 2nd. The materials represent the delicacy of the start of marriage, but the 3rd wedding anniversary gift is leather – which represents durability and flexibility.
What is the Third Wedding Anniversary
The tradition of gifting specific materials for each year of wedded life is said to date all the way back to the Victorian era when a comprehensive list of symbolic gifts was compiled. During this period the idea of love marriages was gaining popularity with an emphasis on building strong marriages.
To this day people still use the traditional list to help inspire their gifting for each anniversary, however newer lists have emerged including the modern anniversary gift list, as well as gem stones and flowers for each year.
Leather is a hardwearing material – strong, durable and flexible – representative of your strong bond after three years of wedded bliss. So, what type of gift can you get that incorporates leather but still feels meaningful and thoughtful? It is a versatile material, so leather anniversary gifts come in all shapes and sizes.
You could invest in something that you can use together as a couple – such as a valet tray, a weekend bag, or a leather bound recipe book, for example. Or you could get something that you know your other half will cherish; an item of jewellery, personalised diary or even a keyring.
Remember, your 3rd wedding anniversary gift doesn't have to be genuine leather to carry the symbolism. Vegan leather is easy to find, and often looks and feels just as luxurious as the real thing.
If leather just isn’t your thing, you could look at the alternatives – the modern gifts for a 3rd wedding anniversary are glass and crystal. You can treat your partner to all manner of glassware, from Champagne glasses to whisky tumblers, vases and even trinket dishes.
Or if you want to incorporate the 3rd marriage anniversary gem, then you’ll find an abundance of jewelry options. Pearls make stunning earrings, and delicate pearl bracelets can become an everyday staple.
3rd Wedding Anniversary Symbols
- Traditional 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gift: Leather – showing the durability of your relationship.
- Modern 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gift: Crystal and Glass – represents clarity, transparency and signifies a bright future.
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gem: Pearl – symbolic of the wisdom gained through your first few years of marriage.
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Flower: Sunflowers – they symbolise adoration, loyalty and longevity.
Whether you want a modern or traditional gift, use the links below to quickly jump to the section you need:
- Traditional Leather Anniversary Gifts
- 3rd Anniversary Gifts for Wife
- 3rd Anniversary Gifts for Husband
- Modern Crystal and Glass Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Leather Anniversary Gifts
You would be hard pushed to find a gift that your loved one will appreciate that doesn’t come in leather. Here are some of our favourite options that suit every style and every budget.
1. Vinyl Record Player – Urban Outfitters
This vinyl record player in a faux leather suitcase makes the perfect gift for music lovers. And to make it even more special, why not include a vinyl of your first dance song?
- Expert take: While vinyl players don’t come cheap, this one won’t break the bank and will provide endless entertainment.
2. Personalised Leather Keyring Set – Not on The Highstreet
This couples keyring set is equal parts practical and adorable. It's the perfect reminder of your other half when you're out and about and a lovely reminder of the first three years of marriage.
- Expert take: These keyrings are crafted by hand in the New Forest from sustainably sourced leather. To make it extra special you can have them gift wrapped in a hessian bag with a personalised leather gift tag.
3. Carter Leather Holdall in Chestnut – Osprey London
A leather weekend bag is an ideal gift for a 3rd wedding anniversary – it can come with the promise of a romantic getaway for something extra special.
- Expert take: This sophisticated chestnut brown will never go out of style. Crafted from saddle leather, it features a durable gun metal zip and an detachable shoulder strap.
4. Ecridor Venetian Gilt Rose Pen and Case Set – Caran d'Ache
For everyday use, or writing letters of love, this pen has a solid brass hexagonal barrel that’s engraved with a textured pattern.
- Expert take: The gift of a pen can represent learning, knowledge, and the creation of destinies. Perfect for a 3rd wedding anniversary gift.
5. Leather Memory Box – Life of Riley
This leather memory box is a romantic and gorgeous leather gift idea. From wedding day memories to date night keepsakes pop them in here for safe keeping. Plus, it can be personalised.
- Expert take: See this like a treasure chest full of your favourite memories together - anything that's special to you as a couple can be kept safe for years to come.
6. Carry-All Macbook Folio – Harder London
Sometimes showing your love looks like making sure their laptop doesn't get scratched. This clever work folio has space for your MacBook, cables and stationary.
- Expert take: This wallet has space for your passport and cards, too, making it perfect to travel with.
7. Large Trinket Tray – Smythson
A practical yet perfectly formed gift, this trinket tray is perfect for organising all those fiddly bits you can never find a place for.
- Expert take: Smythson is known for its luxurious leather goods and you can even have this tray personalised.
8. Leather Plant Pot Holder – Not On The Highstreet
Shopping for someone green fingered? We didn’t know leather plant pots existed until we found this one and now we are obsessed.
- Expert take: Make this 3rd wedding anniversary gift extra special by adding a pretty indoor plant. We love Philodendrons with heart-shaped leaves.
9. Leather Cocktail Shaker – Oka
Married to an aspiring mixologist? This super chic cocktail shaker will make the perfect gift.
- Expert take: For a special touch you could also buy the ingredients for your partners favourite cocktail so you can share a tipple too. Martini on the rocks anyone?
10 Bespoke Tennis Racket Cover – Anya Hindmarch
If you’re looking for an extra special gift for a tennis lover then choose this racket bag. It has an adjustable strap with a leather trim so you can easily carry your racket, as well as a zipped pocket for balls too.
- Expert take: Don’t forget to personalise this gift by adding your partner's initials onto the front.
11 Leather Luggage Tag – Aspinal of London
We love the timeless style of this leather luggage tag. An ideal anniversary gift ahead of your next romantic getaway.
- Expert take: Crafted in full-grain leather this tag comes in 8 different colours so you can find the perfect shade for your loved-one.
3rd Anniversary Gifts for Wife
If you are shopping for something to treat your wife for a 3rd wedding anniversary gift, there is so much choice available. You can stick with the traditional leather, or look for something that represents the 3rd anniversary gem (pearl) or flower (sunflower). Read on for our top picks.
12. Sunflower Tumbler Carry Case – Coconut Lane
If your wife fell for the Stanley cup hype then this tumbler carry case is the perfect gift. Crotched with adorable sunflowers it’s sure to put a smile on her face - and encourage her to up her water intake on the go.
- Expert take: Big tumblers can be really awkward to hold but this convenient case makes them easy to carry so you can stay hydrated.
13. Leather AirPod Case – Not Another Bill
Is your wife always losing her AirPods? This chic leather case will keep them safe and scratch free.
- Expert take: Not Another Bill are experts when it comes to gifting. Not only does this case come in a wide range of colours but they also offer a monogramming service too.
14. Leather Mini Oval Jewellery Box - Monica Vinader
We adore the rich jewel tones of these Italian leather travel boxes. A wonderful gift that exudes luxury thanks to the sleek, zip-around oval shape.
- Expert take: If you want to make this gift really stand out, you can get it personalised with your loved one’s initials.
15. Sunflower Gold Plated Necklace - Daisy London
This oval pendant featuring a carved sunflower is sure to put a smile on your partner's face and will serve as a regular reminder of your love story.
- Expert take: This is the kind of necklace that will become a staple piece in any jewelry lover's collection. We love how it looks stacked with other chains too.
16. Pearl Cake Server - Anthropologie
Can’t think of a gift for your SO? Let them eat cake. This pearl handled cake server is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Expert take: It goes without saying that the perfect accompaniment to this gift would be your partner's favourite dessert!
17. Leather Cord Necklace – & Other Stories
This sculptural pendant necklace comes on a smooth leather strap so it's great for a third anniversary gift, plus it has an adjustable fastening.
- Expert take: We love a statement necklace to add interest to simple outfits and this one is affordable too.
18. Leather Candle – Diptyque
A more abstract idea but still leather-inspired none the less, this candle has notes of soft supple leather. It’s the perfect gift that you’ll get to enjoy just as much as the recipent!
- Expert take: Diptyque candles always make the most special gifts, plus the glass vessel can be reused once the candle has finished.
19. Smoked Plum & Leather – Jo Loves
While leather may not immediately spring to mind when it comes to fragrance, it adds warm, earthy and sophisticated notes. This option from Jo Loves is long-lasting and spice infused.
- Expert take: Perfume is a traditional and romantic gift. This scent offers a heady mix of sweet plum liqueur, crushed cinnamon, smoked cedarwood and soft, warm leather.
20. Handbag Hook – Aspinal
A practical but oh so pretty leather gift idea, this handbag hook can be used everywhere from the office to the bar.
- Expert take: We love the chic gold and black leather mix – keeping handbags off the floor will keep them in pristine condition for longer, and keep them safe!
21.Satin Mules with Leather Trim – Manolo Blahnik
Leather gifts for a 3rd wedding anniversary don’t come more special than this. These dainty satin mules with a leather trim are the shoes of dreams. They can be styled for day or night and come in six different colours.
- Expert take: A pair of Manolo’s really are an extravagance that your loved one can wear for many a special-occasion to come. We love this light blue pair for a pop of colour.
22. Leather Hair Accessory - Corinne
Bows are trending and this one, made of leather, is an edgy alternative to softer, more delicate fabrics.
- Expert take: This bow hair accessory can be undone and manipulated into different styles to add interest to ponytails and other updos.
3rd Anniversary Gifts for Husband
If you’re shopping for your husband but don't know where to start, then fear not. There are plenty of 3rd wedding anniversary gifts that are both traditional and modern. Enjoy our selection of crowd-pleasing presents.
23. Leather Rectangular Buckle Smart Belt – Marks & Spencer
If you want to get your husband something they can wear regularly, this leather belt is the perfect gift. The slim square buckle, and brown and silver colourway give it a contemporary vibe.
- Expert take: In terms of sizing for this belt, it’s recommended that you choose something two inches larger than the waist size.
24. Leather Notebook - Papier
A leather notebook is a classic gift that everyone will appreciate. This premium one from Papier can be monogrammed with your loved ones initials in gold, rose gold or silver foil.
- Expert take: Papier’s stationary always feels luxurious. This notebook comes presented in a beautiful gift box.
25. Tan Leather Golf Tee Holder & Hip Flask – Wolf & Badger
You’ll hit a hole in one if you are shopping for a golf lover. This handmade leather golf tee holder has an attached stainless steel hip flask; there’s space for 4 golf tees and the tipple of choice.
- Expert take: Not only would this make an ideal 3rd wedding anniversary gift, it would also be ideal as a gift for your best man – why not check out some other groomsmen gift ideas?
26. Halfeti Leather – Penhaligon's
For something ultra luxurious, Penhaligon's fragrances are iconic. If you want a twist on traditional leather anniversary gifts, this fragrance is a decadent choice.
- Expert take: Halfeti Leather is a layered scent with notes of incense, plum, and bergamot.
27. Camden Shoes – Grenson
Grenson shoes have been on top of the men’s fashion most-wanted list for as long as we can remember. And this elegant Camden style offers the ultimate leather anniversary gift.
- Expert take: With its rounded toe and polished mid-brown bookbinder leather, this is a handmade pair of shoes that are crafted to last.
28. Personalised Collar Stiffeners - Not On The Highstreet
Presented in a leather pouch, this set of stainless steel collar stiffeners offer a useful and beautiful alternative gift. They will keep shirt collars sharp and crisp all day.
- Expert take: Each pair of stiffeners can be engraved with a personalised message.
29. Mother of Pearl Cufflinks – Tateossioan
Cufflinks are a classic gift, and we adore this sunburst option. The Mother of Pearl face is set on a palladium swivel fitting, making them easy to put on.
- Expert take: If you want a failsafe option, the traditional style of these cufflinks make them the perfect 3rd wedding anniversary gift
3rd Anniversary: Modern Glass and Crystal Gifts
The modern 3rd wedding anniversary gifts are glass and crystal. They symbolise the clear and bright future for your marriage, so this is certainly worth a celebration. We adore the variety of gifts available, everything from Champagne glasses to decanters, vases, mirrors and more. Take inspiration from some of our favourite finds...
30. Crystal Champagne Coupes - Soho Home
Pop a cork and toast to your wedding day! This set of four cut glasses have an glamorous old school vibe, and look far more luxurious than their minimal price tag.
- Expert take: Made from lead-free crystal glass, this glassware can be used for cocktails, too, or even to serve up a sophisticated dessert.
31. Set of 2 Wine Glasses – Oliver Bonas
Wine more your thing? Then add a pop of colour to your cupboards with this unique set of contemporary glasses. We love the bright mix of pink and yellow.
- Expert take: These glasses are all about making a statement – they also come in green and blue if you want to make a set of four.
32. Gold & Glass Double Arch Portrait Standing Photo Frame – Oliver Bonas
A photo frame makes a romantic and heartfelt 3rd wedding anniversary gift. We love this double glass style with an arched frame that’s edged in gold.
- Expert take: Why not fill the frame with a photo from your wedding day and one of you as a couple now, a perfect memento of your first three years of marriage.
33. Stella Glass Vase – Anthropologie
This vase is almost as beautiful as the flowers that will go in it. There is nothing not to adore about this fluted style – the ombre colour makes it ideal for matching and contrasting all different varieties of flowers.
- Expert take: If you want to add to this stunning gift with a extra long lasting floral display, we adore these faux Kiku flowers from Contempee.
34. Glass Watering Can – The White Company
This gift will give your the opportunity to tend to your house plants in the most stylish way possible. Ideal for plant lovers.
- Expert take: We love the idea of spending a sunny Saturday morning spritzing our plants and we think your other half will too.
35.Oil and Vinegar Decanter – John Lewis
Fill your home with Art Deco vibes. This elegant glass drizzler is the perfect gift for those that spend a lot of time in the kitchen or love to host.
- Expert take: This dual oil and vinegar decanter can stand pride of place on any work surface.
How to Celebrate Your Third Wedding Anniversary
3rd wedding anniversary gifts are traditionally made from leather, and the modern interpretation is glass or crystal. As you’ll see from our gift guide, there is a diverse range of items available that you could spoil your other half with, whatever your budget. But, if you don’t want to buy something in any of the materials, you don’t have to – maybe you could take the symbolic meanings and interpret them in another way.
Leather represents strength and durability. Maybe there is a book that you feel has a powerful message, or if they have a favourite mood-boosting song, you could get them a copy on vinyl.
You could invest in a household item that’s durable and you know they’ll use everyday and – maybe a stylish coffee pot, a relaxing tray for the bath, or even something that you can plant in the garden and watch grow. For the wordsmiths and the romantics, a heartfelt card and some words about why you feel your bond is strong would be an extra special gift.
Crystal and glass represent clarity and a bright future. Instead of a physical gift, you could go out to celebrate with a glass of Champagne, or have an evening picnic under the stars to discuss your dreams for the years to come.
Want more anniversary ideas? Browse our guide to anniversary gemstones here.
