18th Anniversary Gifts: Best Ideas (Traditional & Modern)

Most likely you’re here because you’re looking for the perfect 18th anniversary present, right? If not for your spouse, then perhaps for a dear friend or family member.

Celebrating 18 years of marriage with your dearly beloved is no small feat, and this special occasion calls for a meaningful and special gift. And you don’t just want a great gift, you want the perfect gift.

But is there even such a thing as the perfect gift?

After all, what could be as special as the deep love shared between spouses? You’ve spent almost two decades together, and surely your love has grown into a greater treasure than any mere gift. But then again, that kind of love definitely calls for an extra special anniversary celebration!

So, we want to help you tell your partner (or loved one!) exactly how you feel with a meaningful 18th anniversary gift.

How do you manifest your feelings in a unique yet thoughtful present? Well, this list is a great place to start! Lucky for you, we’ve gathered some of the very best 18th anniversary gift ideas.

You can thank us later. For now, read on to learn all about the traditional 18th wedding anniversary gift themes, plus plenty of wonderful modern gift ideas, too!

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All About the 18th Anniversary

Table of Contents

18th Anniversary Themes

This is part of our series on Anniversary Gifts by Year.

What is the traditional 18 year anniversary gift?

The traditional anniversary gifts for the 18th anniversary are porcelain. Fine porcelain is made by heating clay at extremely high temperatures.

The result is a delicate and genuinely gorgeous porcelain material. So unlike the clay it was made from, yet perfectly wondrous in its own right! An excellent symbolic idea for a happy couple.

What is the modern 18th anniversary gift?

The modern 18th year wedding anniversary gift is also porcelain. The material is just so exquisite and delicate while still being modern and durable. In fact, its durability is what relates it to a happy, healthy marriage.

There are bound to be ups and downs, but you and your spouse always manage to push through — resulting in a resilience only comparable to beautiful porcelain! And there are so many modern porcelain gift options to choose from: jewelry, mugs, decoration pieces, personalized gifts, flower vases, and more.

Why is porcelain both the traditional and the modern 18th anniversary gift?

If you’re celebrating your 18th year of marriage, congratulations! You have managed to keep stable, fine, and strong through all the hardships life has thrown at you.

Despite facing the challenges that most couples do, you have managed to come out stronger and closer, like porcelain, which is a symbol of an elegant union between individuals.

Generally, porcelain depicts qualities of elegance, refinement, and durability which you probably know a good thing or two about if you’ve managed 18 years of living with another, possibly very different, person.

What is the 18 year anniversary stone?

The 18th anniversary stone is a cat’s eye chrysoberyl, named so because it displays a cat’s eye effect in a phenomenon called “chatoyancy.” Light reflecting off the gem causes the appearance of light in bands, rotating which will cause the band to split apart, before finally becoming whole again — just like the eyes of a blinking cat.

So, if you and your partner love to wink at one another and give each other significant glances, this is definitely a cutesy gift to remind you to appreciate these little things because they matter most.

This precious stone comes in different colors, including yellow, grayish-green, yellowish-green, brownish yellow, and brown. The yellow tones are traditionally considered the most beautiful versions.

Why is cat’s eye the eighteenth anniversary stone?

The stone represents protection from harm. Hence, it is thought to promote understanding between couples.

So, if you want a great way to tell your partner that you’re looking forward to even happier years ahead, but don’t have the words to say it, say it with a gemstone!

What is the 18th anniversary flower?

There is no specific flower associated with the 18th anniversary. However, as the traditional color for the 18th wedding anniversary year is blue, blue flowers would seem to fit the theme well.

Not to mention, you have a lot of options when it comes to blues, like hydrangeas, delphiniums, and hyacinths, forget-me-nots, and more.

What is the 18th anniversary color?

The color for this particular year is blue, which represents honesty, loyalty, and trust, without which a couple could not have survived the cruelties of life and time — especially not for 18 years!

10 Best 18th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

What better way to kick off this list than with our top ten picks? Start off with some of the most beloved 18th-anniversary gift ideas as the perfect way to celebrate your love story!

Whether you decide on a gift that’s sweet and sentimental or something that’s a bit more practical, we’re sure you’ll make the perfect choice.

There’s a wonderful selection of porcelain gifts since they are the traditional symbol as well as this year’s modern symbol. 

1. Remember You Are Loved

Such a sweet choice of white porcelain anniversary gifts, this little elephant will earn a special place in your home.

If you want to remind your partner that you love them just as much as you did at the start of your relationship, if not more, then this is the gift for you! Head on over here to get it!

2. Our Family Mug

Nothing says love like a cute little reminder of how far you’ve come, from just the two of you to an actual, complete and happy family.

Plus, personalized gifts make all the difference! So, we suggest giving this gorgeous mug to make sure you’re on your spouse’s mind every day!

3. Precious Moments – Our Love Was Meant to Be

If your wedding day was the best day of your life, you might want to get this “I Do” figurine to remind you and your partner of the day you officially became a family and vowed to stay together til death do you part.

And looking back on the anniversary years that have passed, you will come to appreciate how far you’ve actually come!

4. Beautiful Flowers

You can never really go wrong with flowers, which is why we suggest getting a beautiful bouquet for your beau as a thoughtful gift to make them feel extra special on your anniversary.

After all, eighteen years together is no joke!

5. 18th Anniversary Card

Sometimes less is more, and if you’re not one for exuberant displays of affection, you can just go with the classic anniversary card as a present, and perhaps include a “gift certificate” to something they love.

Whether that’s a romantic night on the town, snuggling by the fire with a movie, their favorite home cooked meal, your imagination is the only limit!

Be sure to write in a romantic love note letting them know how much your are truly grateful for their love and commitment. 

6. Porcelain Pink Rose Figurine

As you now know, porcelain is the perfect gift for your 18-year anniversary, and what better than a porcelain flower? It won’t wither and die, but will remain beautiful forever just like your eternal love! 

7. Double Heart Necklace

What’s better than a heart necklace?

double heart necklace, of course! And it represents the union of two very different souls, and how they can learn to put aside their differences for the sake of each other and enduring love.

So let this necklace serve as a reminder of all the sacrifices for your relationship which have helped your bond grow stronger over such a long time. 

8. Personalized Bottle Opener

How about a gift that’s sentimental and handy at the same time, like this personalized bottle opener. We promise your partner will absolutely love it!

9. Family Tree Chime

They say wind chimes bring good luck, and if that doesn’t make you want to buy this family tree chime, we don’t know what will! Come on, we know you want it!

10. Porcelain Cheese Board

Ah, delicious charcuterie! When you combine delightful food with the traditional 18th anniversary theme in an attractively modern style – well, gifts don’t get much better than this. Thus, we recommend investing in this porcelain cheese board to make your significant other feel that extra bit special!

18th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional and Modern (Porcelain)

Since the traditional and modern gift this year share the same theme, you have an extra wide range of options to choose from!

From practical items they can use each and every day, to special mementos for them to cherish, any one of these would make a fabulous 18th wedding anniversary gift.

11. Personalized Porcelain Glaze Mugs

If your spouse is fond of coffee, get them this glazed porcelain coffee mug immediately. He or she will fall in love with it instantly, just trust us!

These personalized mugs are so beautiful, just like your relationship. And also, incidentally, just like coffee.

Related: Best Gifts for Tea Lovers

12. LOVE Vase Set

If you want to tell your partner how much you love them, why not spell it out and top it off with a bunch of flowers with this Love Vase Set?

13. Monogrammed White Ring

Does your partner love jewelry? Well then, add to their collection this beautiful monogrammed ring made of porcelain. Write a special message on it for full impact.

14. Square Drink Coasters

How about declaring your undying love to your beloved while also decorating around the house?

Get these drink coasters to tell your spouse that they are one-of-a-kind, and thus 100% irreplaceable — just like them!

15. Hanging Heart

Hearts say so much without even using words. When you add in an expression of your affection, it’s double the love!

So, if you want to remind your significant other that ‘You Are Loved, why not say it in style with a hanging heart decoration!

16. Custom Photo Portrait Plate

Who doesn’t love cutesy photo portraits? No one, that’s who! We guarantee your spouse will absolutely adore these custom photo portrait plates – all the more so because they come from you!

17. Bakeware Set

Does your significant other like to bake? Then get them a new bakeware set to celebrate your 18th anniversary because it shows that you pay attention to their life, and you understand what’s important to them. Like, for instance, baking.

18. Fragrance Oil Diffusers

Fragrances are yet another excellent gift choice for just about any occasion, not the least of which includes your anniversary. So, get this fragrance oil diffuser to tell your partner how sweet (and fragrant) they make your life by simply existing!

19. Bedside Accent Lamps

If you’re still thinking over what to get your partner for your 18th anniversary, this accent lamp should do the trick! It’s beautiful and says ‘you light up my life’ unlike any other gift!

20. 16 Piece Dinnerware Set

Yet another idea for a gift that is both meaningful and handy around the house.

This kind of gift shows how focused you are on building a home with your partner, so get this dinnerware set to express your love in your own unique way.

18 Year Anniversary Gifts for Her

Delicate dangles and cozy gifts come together for this list of 18th wedding anniversary gifts for her.

21. Cat’s Eye Earrings

Women love jewelry, so naturally, gorgeous earrings like these are the ideal gift for her! Not only are they elegant and stunningly beautiful (like her), but the cat’s eye gemstone also is the traditional choice for 18th-anniversary gifts.

If you were waiting and wondering if there’s a perfect 18-year anniversary gift out there just for her, it’s definitely this one!

22. Porcelain Jewelry Box

If your wife already has a load of jewelry, you might want to get her something to store it. Consider something as beautiful as the jewelry it will contain and check out this cute jewelry box.

Best of all, it’s porcelain – so you’ll score guaranteed brownie points for finding an amazing gift with the 18-year theme!

23. Cozy Knit Poncho

If there’s something girls love more than jewelry, it’s clothes! Therefore, this cozy knit poncho would be a wonderful gift for your significant other.

Related: Warm & Cozy Gift Guide

24. Personalized Candle

Personalized candles, especially if they’re scented, are the ideal gifts for your wife or girlfriend because they can really help brighten up their mood on a bad day. Plus, candles always show that you care.

25. Porcelain Necklace

This porcelain necklace is a very romantic idea for an 18th anniversary gift, so why wouldn’t your girl love it? Of course she will, just trust us!

18 Year Anniversary Gifts for Him

While it can seem difficult to pick gifts for him on these in-between years, we’ve got a lot of great, unique gift ideas that will really make his heart thump. From custom gifts to sweet and sentimental, there’s something here for everyone.

26. Personalized Metal Home Bar Sign

This personalized metal home bar sign is also a great gift idea for your 18th anniversary for your husband. Made in the USA and personalized to order, he’s going to love staking out his own space for a home bar!

27. Burning Love Mini Crate

Why settle for one gift when you can get your hubby a whole crate full of love to express your burning love for them, even after all these years.

28. Husband, Soul Mate, Best Friend Porcelain Ornament

They say your soulmate is your best friend first, and if there’s any truth to that, this porcelain ornament is your go-to gift for your husband. A

nd if you’ve been with him long enough, there’s a huge chance that he is actually your husband, soulmate, and best friend – all in one!

29. My Hole in One

Speaking of all in one, we suggest you get your golfer husband an extra special golf ball from here to help him remember that he is special even when you’re not around.

Related: 21 Gifts for the Golfer Who Has Everything

30. Engraved Automatic Watch

Or you could also go for a classy watch because you can’t go wrong with a watch, can you? Get it here!

18 Year Anniversary Gifts for Couples

It doesn’t matter if you’ve known them for a year or for thier whole lives, your sweet friends are celebrating their love and you want in on the action! And what better way to them you care than with the perfect 18th wedding anniversary gift?

Let’s get to perusing…

31. Personalized Porcelain Vase

This porcelain vase radiates not only the elegance and resilience that is characteristic of porcelain, but it also helps improve the ambiance of the couple’s home – which is an obvious plus!

32. Sweet Heart Birdfeeders

Birdfeeders never go out of style. And especially not if they’re this cute! If you know a couple whose 18th anniversary is coming, this is the gift for them!

33. Tree Planted in Their Name

If the couple in question are nature lovers, you can satisfy them easily by planting a tree in their name. Not to mention, you’ll be doing a world of good for the environment as well.

34. Family Portrait Mug

Another great idea is to get the couple matching family portrait mugs so they can always keep their family close to their heart and remember all the little things they need to be grateful for.

Related: Coffee Bar Decor Ideas

35. Little Book of Us

A brilliant idea for an 18th-anniversary gift would be a customized storybook with the couple’s favorite memories — kind of like a scrapbook. And the touch of personalization just makes it all the more special and memorable.

Unique Eighteenth Anniversary Gifts

For that something extra special that will just wow them with your thoughtfulness and creativity, well, you’ve come to the right spot! Take a look.

36. Handwritten Love Letter Blanket

Speaking of personalized, how about writing a love letter to your beloved? You know, just like old times. And they can keep it with them forever.

It will be the perfect chance for you to just spill all your feelings onto a paper and hand over your confessions to your significant other, so they can always remember how you feel about them- even on the days when you don’t have the time to actually show it.

37. Skylight Picture Frame

If you want to give your partner something unique, we suggest a Skylight picture frame because what better way to store and relish your adventures than a good old-fashioned photograph displayed in digital format?!

38. Custom Comic Book

Does your partner love comics? Well, they sure will after you get them a customized comic book to show them how much they truly mean to you. It’s unique and heartwarming, so why not?

39. World Bucket List

Now that you’ve hit two decades, you might want to start planning more adventures for your future life together with your partner!

Get as crazy as you can and use this bucket list for you and your spouse to go through together — and of course, you’ll make more beautiful memories along the way.

Related: Best Gifts for Travelers

40. Unforgettable Experiences

When it comes to adventures, nothing beats a vacation, right? Or at least a night out, experiencing something new.

Honestly, life can get pretty mundane over time, and you do need to get a little crazy to keep the spark alive at times. 

Hence, we suggest you book an experience for yourself and your significant other to give them a truly unforgettable anniversary gift.

This “experience gift” can be a massive vacation or a simple yet creative excursion.

Here’s how:

  • Head to Giftory and choose an adventure
  • Get an instant voucher
  • Give it to your spouse
  • They choose all the details of when and how to redeem it
  • Make some memories together

After all, 18 years is no joke – it’s nearly two decades! And if you can tolerate your other half this long, you just know they are the one!

So, take your 18th wedding anniversary gift as a chance to show them just how you feel, even if you might think they already know. Say it anyway. Say, “I love you,” and say it every day in ways large and small, quiet and loud, face to face and through text.

Because remember, it’s the little things that count!

Read Next: Couples Gift Guide

18th Anniversary Gift Ideas
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AGC Staff

Here at All Gifts Considered, we regularly collaborate to come up with creative gift guides. When a whole bunch of us have worked on a project, we let you know that it isn't just one person: It's a team effort....

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