12th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Silk and Pearl
Author: Carrie O’Donnell
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Whether you want to celebrate your 12th wedding anniversary with a traditional gift of silk or the more modern alternative of pearl, we've rounded up the very best gifts that your partner will love.
Congratulations on your 12th wedding anniversary! While it may feel like it’s gone by in a flash, 12 years of marriage is a big achievement and should be celebrated in style. To show your other half how happy you are to reach this milestone with them, you’ll want to ensure you buy them the perfect gift, but it can be hard to know where to start.
The traditional gift to mark 12 years together is silk. Silk, with its delicately interwoven threads, symbolises the way your relationship has strengthened and become completely linked over the years. Silk is also a reminder to enjoy the finer things in life together. Below you’ll find 14 fabulous ideas for silk anniversary gifts whatever your budget or taste.
If silk doesn’t appeal to you, the modern gift alternative for this anniversary is pearl. This precious gemstone symbolises wisdom, purity and honesty, so we’ve also included 12 gorgeous pearl gift ideas for both men and women.
Silk anniversary gifts
Keep scrolling to discover gorgeous traditional silk gift ideas for your 12th anniversary.
Designer silk dress
£370, Olivia Rubin at Harvey Nichols
Silk dresses never go out of fashion and your partner will think you’re amazing for buying her this stunning designer piece that’s just perfect for a night out to celebrate your 12th wedding anniversary.
Silk pillowcase and bed linen
Investing in fine linen is always a good idea and it doesn’t get much more luxurious than silk pillowcases and a duvet cover from The White Company. Your partner will be delighted with fine linen and the gift of a perfect night’s sleep. And apparently silk pillows help reduce wrinkles on the face (although probably best not to mention this to her if you want to make it to your next wedding anniversary!).
Silk wedding flowers
How’s this for a seriously thoughtful gift… having your wife’s wedding bouquet recreated in silk? Silk flowers look amazing, are said to symbolise good fortune, and will be a lasting memory of this momentous anniversary.
Silk boxer shorts
If your man hasn’t treated himself to some nice new underwear for a few years, then maybe it’s time to spoil him with some seriously sumptuous silk boxer shorts!
Silk cufflinks
Cufflinks are a classic anniversary gift and always go down well with a man that spends a lot of time in his suit for work. These smart cufflinks have silk in the centre so work perfectly for a 12th wedding anniversary gift.
Silk pocket squares
Silk pocket squares are ideal gift ideas to mark 12 years of marriage. We love the amazing choice of themes and pictures you can choose from at Rampley & Co. There’s something for everyone and every taste in their collection.
Silk dressing gown
£395, Agent Provocateur at Selfridges
Pamper your partner with this stylish silk dressing gown. She’ll delight in wearing this special gift morning and night and you’ll get major brownie points for your good taste.
Silk Eye Mask
£36, Jessica Russell Flint at Anthropologie
Does your other half have trouble sleeping? Or perhaps you’re whisking her off on a long-haul holiday? Either way she’ll adore getting some shut eye with one of these fabulous silk eye masks.
Silk Scarf
This anniversary gift idea is perfect for anyone who loves a traditional look. You can give it the personal touch by having her initials sewn into the corner too. A real touch of class.
Silk Pyjamas
A wonderful gift for your silk anniversary is some extremely luxurious silk nightwear. You might gasp at the price, but she’ll really love these silky pyjamas and after all, generosity is one of the keys to a happy marriage.
Silk hair wrap
Does your other half love looking after her long tresses? Then a silk hair wrap could be the perfect gift for your 12th wedding anniversary. These silk turbans or bonnets are said to help retain moisture, keep hair smooth and healthy and stop it getting tangled.
Silk perfume
A little abstract interpretation of the traditional gift for your 12th wedding anniversary, but one she’ll love nonetheless! This silk inspired perfume is perfect for special occasions and will remind her of your wedding day when she wears it.
Silk tie
You can’t go wrong with a classic silk tie for a man who has to be smart for work. Push the boat out with a more lively design for your wedding anniversary though. This is a special occasion after all!
Silk wall panels
Artistic husbands or wives will adore this 12th anniversary gift – elegant handmade Chinoiserie silk wall panels for your house.
Pearl 12th wedding anniversary gifts
Choose a modern gift for your 12th wedding anniversary with these pearly presents.
Pearl earrings
Pearl jewellery is a classic, but always very welcome gift idea. Take a look at her other jewellery and choose a pretty pair of earrings to complement her personal style. You can’t really go wrong with chic pearl studs though.
Mother of pearl cufflinks
These cufflinks work perfectly for the pearl theme without being too over the top. In fact, they’re lovely and traditional and your husband will be able to wear them on a daily basis.
Freshwater cultured pearl necklace
This sterling silver and pearl necklace is a guaranteed winner for a 12th wedding anniversary gift. The traditional style will work with lots of her outfits and is an elegant choice of gift.
Pearl bracelet
Simple, but oh-so chic, this pearl bracelet will be a wonderful addition to her jewellery collection and a piece she’ll treasure forever.
Pearl hair clip
Not sure where to start when it comes to pearl jewellery? Don’t worry, just buy this fabulous pearl hair slide instead. The simple, but delicate design goes with all sorts of outfits and she’ll be delighted that you thought outside the box and came up with something so stylish.
Pearl photo frame
A lovely way to mark twelve years of marriage is to buy a pearl effect photo frame and put a special picture of the two of you in it. Perhaps there’s a wedding photo from the digital archive you haven’t displayed yet, a old photo from your very first date or maybe you’ve got a favourite photo of the two of you from the past dozen years of marriage. Either way, your other half will be touched by such a thoughtful gift.
Pearl bag
Got a handbag fanatic on your hands? Then she’ll be very happy with this pearl-encrusted handbag that’s just perfect for weddings, parties and a posh night out to celebrate your 12th wedding anniversary. Be super romantic and write a special message to her and slip it inside the bag.
Pearl collar stiffeners
For the man who has everything… It can be hard to buy gifts for someone who doesn’t need anything, but if you’ve got a suave and sophisticated partner who loves looking his best then these smart collar stiffeners will be a very welcome gift on your wedding anniversary.
Cocktail shaker
Get the party started in style on your wedding anniversary with this cool pearly cocktail shaker. A must for anyone who loves hosting special events for family and friends.
Pearl watch
As wedding anniversary gifts go this one is pretty special. With its oyster white pearl dial and polished steel bracelet it’s a traditional look that would suit many women, although it’s ideal for anyone who loves a bit of luxury.
Pearl watch
If your budget doesn’t stretch to the thousands but you still want to spoil your other half with a special 12th anniversary gift then this Olivia Burton pearl dial watch will go down a treat.
Pearl box
Chances are over the last 12 years you’ve bought lots of lovely anniversary trinkets for your other half, so use this year as a chance to buy a special pearl box for her to keep all her accessories in.
We hope you have been inspired and got some fantastic ideas for the perfect 12th wedding anniversary gift! View our 13th wedding anniversary gift guide.