Congratulations on your 16th anniversary! After 16 years of coming up with the perfect anniversary gift, you might think your well of brilliant anniversary gift ideas has run dry. We’re here to change your mind with 40 fresh 16th anniversary gift ideas ranging in style, theme and price so you can celebrate your wife, husband or the couple with an awesome present.
What Is the 16 Year Anniversary Gift?
The traditional 16th anniversary theme is wax (hello, luxe candles), and the modern gift is silver holloware. Don’t let the word “holloware” scare you (it has nothing to do with holograms, we promise). It just refers to metal—in this case, silver—tableware or servingware that isn’t flatware. Basically, serving bowls, trays, vintage coffee pots and tea sets are all fair game—but you can also take liberties and gift your spouse silver accessories or décor.
In this article:
- 16 Year Anniversary Gifts for Her
- 16 Year Anniversary Gifts for Him
- 16 Year Anniversary Gifts for Them
- Wax Anniversary Gifts for Her
- Wax Anniversary Gifts for Him
- Wax Anniversary Gifts for Them
- Silver Holloware Anniversary Gifts
16 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her
If you feel like you’ve already give your wife a million candles and silver trays, don’t fret. Here are some non-themed anniversary gift ideas she’ll absolutely love
Give your wife a lovely perfume composed of radiant floral aromas like exotic jasmine, fruity ylang-ylang, fresh orange blossom and grasse tuberose.
Chanel Gabrielle eau de parfum spray, $135, Chanel.com
This isn’t your average drug store skin care regimen. AVYA’s concentrated products combine ancient botanicals like tumeric and peony extracts with state-of-the-art technology for amazingly radiant results, no matter your wife’s skin type.
AVYA Skincare Signature Bundle, $450, AvyaSkincare.com
Your wife’s barre class habit just became the best anniversary gift inspiration. Give her a one-year subscription to The Bar Method, which includes awesome in-studio sessions and online classes she can stream right from home.
Bar Method one-year membership subscription, $214, BarMethod.com
A chic pair of lace-up flats are a fashion-forward gift for the woman in your life. These tasseled flats will be a hit whether she’s out and about, at work or on island time.
Ulla Johnson Luna slides, $450, ShopBop.com
Gift your wife an elegant pendant necklace marked with her initial. It’ll look beautiful on its own or layered with other delicate chains, plus its unique shape makes it one of a kind.
Après Jewelry The Hex Disc charm necklace, $295, ApresJewelry.com
16 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him
Same goes for your husband—your 16th anniversary doesn’t need to be inspired by wax or silver holloware to be special. See a few general gift recommendations for him.
Upgrade your husband’s headphone inventory with an awesome pair of wireless headphones designed with handsome leather ear cups and a 16-hour rechargeable battery.
Master & Dynamic MW60 wireless headphones, $549, Bloomingdales.com
A grown man deserves a grown-up’s face wash like this purifying cleanser. It’ll leave his skin smooth and hydrated without clogging pores (it’s great for shaving too).
Tom Ford purifying face cleanser, $49, Macys.com
If your husband’s a culinary man (or just a messy one), he’ll love a customized apron to wear on nights at the stove or by the grill.
The Knot Shop personalized kitchen apron, $18, WeddingShop.TheKnot.com
Gift him a smart speaker with Alexa capabilities to help him manage his calendar, catch up on news, play music and tons more.
Amazon Echo 2nd Generation in Heather Gray fabric, $100, Amazon.com
16 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Them
From cool countertop amenities to a generous supply of wine, we’ve got a few great ideas for the couple on their 16th wedding anniversary.
Give the gift of delicious, piping-hot espresso with the press of a single button. This fuss-free appliance couldn’t be simpler to use, delivers the perfect caffeine fix and can probably help them cut back on their daily $5 cappuccino addiction.
Espressotoria caprista espresso machine, $120, Espressotoria.com
Here’s an unexpected anniversary gift for the couple who’s constantly fascinated by their family histories. Gift them each a 23andMe ancestry kit to help them uncover their personal heritage, distinctive traits and everything else that makes them unique.
23andMe ancestry kit, $99, Store.23andMe.com
Nothing completes a tabletop quite like a lazy Susan. Personalize the couple’s rotating tray with their last name or first names to make it extra special.
Uncommon Goods custom lazy Susan, from $194, UncommonGoods.com
Every purchase of this special Napa Valley Cabernet helps empower and motivate girls with physical differences. (And if your loved ones aren’t huge wine drinkers, take a look around Gifts for Good to find the perfect gift for them that’s also connectected to a cause they support.)
(C)3 Wines six bottles of 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $540, GiftsforGood.com
Make entertaining in style easy for the couple with a specialist gin bar with a complete selection of drinkware and a portable ash wood stand.
LSA gin grand serving set and ash stand, $399, SaksFifthAvenue.com
Wax Anniversary Gifts for Her
Candles are always a welcome gift idea, but let your imagination take over if a candle seems too safe. For these gift ideas we found everything from literal wax gifts to beeswax-infused products and even bee-themed gifts.
This decadent candle will fill your wife’s favorite room with the sweet scent of roses and sparkling prosecco.
Voluspa Grande Maison Prosecco Rose three-wick glass candle, $65, Bloomingdales.com
Take the candle gift idea a step further and send your wife a pretty curated gift box stuffed with pampering spa products, a refreshing candle and a cute succulent.
Box + Bow large rosé gift box, $88, BoxandBowShop.com
A rich emulsion of natural oils and beeswax come together to create a set of nourishing balms she’ll love for her lips, skin and even split ends.
Olio E Osso complete balms set, $112, AHALife.com
Add a timeless touch to her stationery suite with a custom wax seal stamp and colorful sealing wax.
Stamptitude custom wax seal stamp gift set, $40, Stamptitude.com
How elegant are these bee and pearl drop earrings? They’re the perfect gift idea to elevate the wax anniversary theme (especially if you’re wife’s expecting something fancy).
Julie Vos bee pearl drop earrings, $145, JulieVos.com
Wax Anniversary Gifts for Him
Waxed leather and canvas gifts are a good route to take for your husband, but we also threw in an awesome spicy honey that’s on theme by association (so it totally counts).
An attractive backpack designed with soft leather and waxed canvas can replace his old briefcase or fit just enough for overnight trips.
The Leather Goods Co Hudson canvas backpack, from $169, TheLeatherGoodsCo.com
Any man who takes meticulous care of his scruff needs this all-natural facial hair care set that comes with beard oil, whisker wash and mustache wax.
Sam’s Natural beard pack, $40, UncommonGoods.com
Your husband may already have a heavy winter coat for the coldest days of the year, but this medium-weight jacket is just right for those off-season days when no one actually knows how to dress themselves.
Barbour Ashby jacket in Bark, $399, Macys.com
If your husband loves to add some kick to his meals, this specialty small-batch condiment is exactly what he needs to liven up margaritas, pizza or even ice cream.
Bees Knees Spicy Honey, $14, SurLaTable.com
Candles aren’t just for ladies. This robust soap and candle pack features the smoky, spicy scents of campfire and fresh-cut tobacco.
Fury Bros. Patriot Man soap and candle set, $45, UncommonGoods.com
Wax Anniversary Gifts for Them
What’s the ultimate wax anniversary gift? Tickets to the coolest wax museum, of course. We’ve got those, plus more of the best traditional 16th anniversary gift ideas for them, below.
This vibrant bouquet of red roses made entirely of wax will inspire some serious “oohs” and “ahhs” from the couple.
Just Paper Roses 16th anniversary wax bouquet, $108, Etsy.com
Take the wax anniversary theme all the way with a pair of tickets to Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Madame Tussauds museum tickets, from $29, MadameTussauds.com
Instead of a candle, consider going in the direction of candle accessories. These elegant glass hurricanes will dress up any space indoors or outdoors.
Crate & Barrel Taylor glass extra large hurricane candle holders, $40, CrateandBarrel.com
Okay, so it’s not exactly wax, but a trip to the spa is on-theme by association. Treat the couple to a much-deserved couples massage at a local spa.
Groupon local couples massage gift certificate, prices vary, Groupon.com
Silver Holloware Anniversary Gifts
The modern 16th anniversary gift might not sound familiar, but you’ll love all the possibilities. Again, silver holloware refers specifically to silver tableware, but silver jewelry and accessories definitely make the cut, especially on this special occasion.
Monogram a sleek silver vase your loved ones can showcase on the dining room table or in the living room. Bonus points if you bring them flowers to fill it with.
Mark and Graham tall silver vase, from $69, MarkandGraham.com
Couples who entertain should never be short on serving trays. Here’s a chic silver piece with a mirrored bottom they’ll love.
One Kings Lane Aspen rectangular silver serving tray, $65 OneKingsLane.com
Keep soft drinks and top-shelf bottles ice cold with a stylish, hand-hammered beverage tub, perfect for parties anytime of year.
Crate & Barrel Bash silver beverage tub, from $70, CrateandBarrel.com
How cute is this “happy hour” flask? Make your partner’s day with a sweet anniversary gift guaranteed to make them smile.
Kate Spade silver street happy hour flask, $40, Wayfair.com
Couples with vintage-inspired taste will particularly appreciate this full coffee serving set that looks straight out of Downton Abbey.
Godinger five-piece coffee set and rectangular tray, $220, Houzz.com
Tired of trays and barware? Gift your wife, husband or the couple a cake stand of platinum glazed porcelain for beautiful dessert presentation.
Canvas Home Dauville cake stand in platinum, $98, CanvasHomeStore.com
Give the most delicate bracelet to your favorite woman. This one features sculpted olives and leaves for a sweet, organic touch.
Brilliant Earth olive branch bracelet, $95, BrilliantEarth.com
A good pitcher is part of every full set of servingware and there’s nothing more classic than a gleaming silver pitcher sitting on a sideboard.
Williams Sonoma presidio pitcher, $80, WilliamsSonoma.com
Gift your husband a dashing silver watch he’ll never want to take off.
Coach Delancey slim bracelet watch in silver, $250, NeimanMarcus.com
A mirror counts as silver too (at least in our book). We love the subtle Arabian-inspired design and slim solid oak frame of this one that can be hung either horizontally or vertically.
Crate & Barrel Penarth walnut oval wall mirror, $299, CrateandBarrel.com
For more of the best anniversary gift ideas for all the major milestones, check out our comprehensive guide to anniversary gifts by year.
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