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Did you know that every anniversary has its own traditional anniversary gift? With each year, the value of the gift increases and is meant to represent the strengthening of a couple’s union over time. And while you may be a long way off from the traditional fiftieth wedding anniversary gift (gold), or the sixtieth (diamonds), those single-digit years, when marriages are still in their infancy, and still special and important. Every year is a cause for celebration, no matter how much time has passed.
What Is the traditional three-year anniversary gift?
By the time you reach your three-year anniversary, the traditional gift is leather. It's stronger and tougher than the first anniversary gift (paper) and the second anniversary gift (cotton), but it's still flexible. “The well-loved leather will age beautifully and take on patina, scratches and scars — like the best relationships do," Clare Vivier, fashion designer and founder of Clare V., tells Good Housekeeping. "A leather item that's monogrammed or hand-painted is a thoughtful gift.”
The best three-year anniversary gifts:
Whether you're looking for gifts for men or gifts for women, these are the best third anniversary leather presents, from everyday belts and slippers to luxe key and passport holders. There are some vegan leather options in there, too, if you don't want to go the real route. After you take a look at these, all you have to do is worry about what to write in the anniversary card. (Or maybe start thinking about what to get for your four-year anniversary?)
Unisex 3-Year Anniversary Gift
Mark & Graham
Leather Charger Roll Up
Unique Photo 3-Year Anniversary Gift
LuckyHorseGiftCo
Leather Keychain With Photo
Modern Meets Traditional 3-Year Anniversary Gift
Custom Map Gift
KingsleyLeather
Personalized Leather Cufflinks
HomeWetBar
Whiskey Glasses With Leather Wrap
Chronicle Books
Pendleton Roll-Up Chess & Checkers Set
Bantam
Song of Ice and Fire Series
Ben Sherman
Faux Leather Carry-On Duffel Bag
Leather Cord Keepers with Button Stud Closure
Best 3-Year Anniversary Gifts for a Husband
Pottery Barn
Grant Leather Toiletry Bag
Best 3-Year Anniversary Gifts for a Wife
Kate Spade New York
Kate Spade Staci Leather Passport Holder Black
Erin Condren
Blush Vegan Leather Folio
zeynNY
Leather Wrapped Concrete Tealight Holder
M. M. LaFleur
Leather Coaster Set
Fossil
Commuter Leather Chronograph Watch
Tory Burch
Leather Bracelet
Pigeon & Poodle
Eton Leather Picture Frame
Lands' End
Leather Gloves
L.L.Bean
Men's 1912 Jean Belt
L.B. Evans
Leather Slippers
Levenger
Leather Drawstring Pouch
Christina Montoya Fiedler Christina Montoya Fiedler is a news writer based in Los Angeles, CA; she’s a mom, wife, blogger, former publicist, lima bean hater and coffee drinker extraordinaire — but not necessarily in that order.
After a few years of marriage, experts say that the honeymoon period begins to wear off and couples settle back into everyday life. But who says that time has to go away for good? The third anniversary can be an excellent opportunity
to extend that post-wedding glow just a little bit longer. A thoughtful and symbolic anniversary gift will make accomplishing this that much easier. At this point in your marriage, any patterns or habits that were set in the early stages of your relationship have been solidified, for better or worse. It's also at this time that strong couples begin to appreciate the security their relationship provides. They know a lot about each other, and both partners
can be at ease with one another. Use this knowledge to help you pick a 3rd-anniversary gift that will improve your partner's life and the status of your relationship. This can be simple. For instance, does your spouse always lose their gloves? A beautiful pair of leather gloves
might encourage them to be more careful. Here are some anniversary gift ideas that are specially picked for the third anniversary and why they are so symbolic. The traditional material for
the third anniversary is leather. This rugged and resilient material symbolizes security and sense of touch. Just like your marriage needs to be, leather is durable and flexible. Giving the gift of leather is reaffirming how much you value these qualities in your partner. Leather anniversary gifts are among the most versatile because so many different products are made using it. Here are some of our favorite ideas: 3rd Anniversary Gift Ideas
Traditional Gift Ideas: Leather
Getty Images / Ayla Altintas / EyeEm
Modern Gift Ideas: Crystal or Glass
Michael Barrow Photography / Getty Images
Both crystal and glass reflect light in magnificent ways. Place a crystal prism in a window, and you will see a rainbow of light dance through it and onto the surfaces of your home. As an anniversary gift, crystal and glass symbolize beauty and reflection.
A few practical ways to incorporate crystal into your anniversary gift:
- Candle Holders — Add a set of crystal candle holders or a candelabra to the center of a lovely home-cooked anniversary dinner.
- Jewelry — Crystal jewelry is inexpensive, but if you're going to buy it, opt for Swarovski.
- Vase — If you choose this crystal gift, just be sure you make the time to add some flowers to it as well.
- Wine Glasses — Pair this gift idea with your spouse's favorite wine. A good set of wine glasses are well worth the added cost.
Anniversary Flowers: Sunflower and Fuschia
Pieter Estersohn / Getty ImagesIf you're on a budget or just don't need anything else, consider giving a symbolic bouquet of anniversary flowers instead. These two flowers were specially picked for the 3rd anniversary based on their unique beauty and symbolism.
- Sunflower —As a typical 3rd-anniversary flower, sunflowers symbolize warmth, adoration, and loyalty.
- Fuschia — A flower often associated with an overflowing sense of beauty and abundance.
Pair both sunflower and fuschia with a couple of your spouse's favorite flowers to create an unforgettable anniversary flower arrangement.
Anniversary Gemstone: Pearl
Getty Images / Margarita KomineThe official gemstone of the third anniversary is the pearl. Symbolic of wisdom and beauty that is gained over time, pearls take many slow years to form, layer by layer. The longer a pearl forms, the larger and more beautiful it becomes.
Pearls are the perfect analogy for marriage, particularly during the third year. By this point, trials and experience have likely offered young couples wisdom and lessons to help them tackle the next many years of marriage.
If you opt to buy pearl jewelry, be sure your spouse knows how to care for it properly. Improper care can cause the outer nacre coating to come undone which, in effect, ruins the pearl.