It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years since you said, “I do.”By this time in your union,you’ve overcome challenges as a married couple, perhaps even a particularly tough stretch in the last year.“The eighth anniversary comes after the dreaded seven-year itch,” says Nora Sheils, owner ofBridal Bliss, a wedding planning company in Portland, OR. Celebrate this milestone with memorable anniversary gifts.
The two traditional gifts for your eighth wedding anniversary are bronze and pottery. “Bronze is as strong as it is beautiful, which is a beautiful illustration of a good marriage, one that is withstanding the test of time,” says Sheils. “Pottery isa very oldinvention that has also withstood the test of time and is strong and beautiful.”
The modern eighth-anniversary gifts are linen and lace. These fabrics “represent the balance of endurance, delicacy, resilience, and elegance that characterize a successful marriage,” saysLos Angeles-based Anne Van Gorp, resident wedding expert atJoy, a wedding planning and registry platform. Whether you present your significant other with a thoughtful gift made with bronze, pottery, linen, or lace, read on for the best eighth-anniversary gifts.
Our Top Picks
This adorable playing card set has a faux leather case that can be personalized with a monogram. You can use this deck for your favorite card games, then keep them on your coffee table as a decor accent when not in use.
This soy candle's sleek, label-free design makes it feel extra chic, but the real show-stopping feature is the warm, heady aroma. Get ready for date night at home with the rich, delicious wood, plum, and cognac notes.
If your spouse likes to spend their time in the kitchen whipping up tasty baked goods, these gorgeous mixing bowls are a must-have gift. Crafted by a classic British pottery company that has been around since the 1800s, these cupboard essentials come in various colors and will surely last for years.
Linen napkins are a must-have item for any host—they elevate any tablescape decor significantly. These exquisite linen napkins offer a variety of thread colors for the classic monogram and different fabric textile options. We recommend going with the hemstitched style!
If your partner is into the popular "hygge" design trend (aka cozy home), they’ll love this ring dish's simple, minimalist design. The stamped monogram is flanked by a tiny, pale pink heart, making it the perfect way to say “I love you” in style.
These luxurious woven sheets will give you a new reason to look forward to bedtime. Each set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, and you can choose from eleven different colors and patterns to match your boudoir decor.
This hand-painted ceramic serving bowl is a colorful nod to the pottery anniversary theme. This gift is made in several vibrant designs and makes for an eye-catching kitchen decor piece. You can invest in a set of multiple bowls, so you'll be ready to go for your next dinner party.
Eberjey offers the ultimate in luxury sleepwear that is also super comfortable. Available in a range of gorgeous hues, this stylish set is made from a silky smooth nylon and elastane blend. The delicate lace detail is the perfect homage to the modern anniversary theme.
A great gift for both men and women, these high-quality slippers are crafted from breathable linen that'll keep your loved ones feeling comfy. Plus, this design features a handy tab on the back of the heel for hanging.
Just throw in a bottle of mezcal and good times will be had. Handmade from black Oaxacan clay, this set includes two copitas for sipping mezcal, a salt dish, and a serving dish. P.S. If your spouse is all about mezcal, may we suggest throwing in these Red Clay Face Mezcal Shot Glasses, too?
This delightfully chic candle holder is perfect for your eighth anniversary, as it’s made of brass. Buy two (or more!) and treat your forevermore to a candlelit dinner in style. Or, use one as a decorative piece on a coffee table or shelf that needs an extra pizzazz in your home.
Yes, lace can be comfy, especially when it comes in the form of scalloped lace trim on a modal/polyester ribbed robe. Made in America, this cozy robe by Andine has front pockets and a waist self-tie. To round out the gift, add in the brand's Cavani Striped Wide-Leg Lounge Pants.
Don’t you feel more Zen just looking at this ethereal bowl? Believe us when we say you’ll feel even better digging into a bowl of freshly popped popcorn with your sweetheart on the couch. Made by Moroccan artisans, this terracotta bowl comes with red, teal, white, or blue glazed interiors. For another great pick, try this attention-grabbing Couscous Platter from the Moroccan Collection.
After eight years, there’s still no one you’d rather savor a cuppa with than your husband or wife. Enjoy an instant upgrade with this handsome set made from clay, quartz, and minerals. Featuring an unglazed outer portion, this dishwasher- and microwave-safe set includes two cups and two saucers.
Available in gray, ivory, off white, or linen, this three-piece set is made with a Belgian flax linen blend that arrives prewashed and ready to use. You’ll get a quilt and two pillow shams and the comfort of drifting off knowing these pieces are Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, so they’re free of some 350 harmful substances.
Oo la la—she's going to swoon for this gorgeous pair of items from Honeydew. First up, an open tank with adjustable spaghetti straps that ties close with gorgeous lace accents. Next, dainty short-shorts with the same lace paneling and a comfy elasticized waistband. Even better, both items are machine-washable.
If it’s been eight years and you haven’t updated your serving pitcher, now is the moment to impress your partner. And even if you have a serving pitcher, everyone can use an extra jazzy pitcher, whether for entertaining or having dinner pour deux. This stoneware pitcher from over&back has a dreamy semi-matte finish in white, black, ivory, or fog blue. Plus, you can use it as a vase for those flowers you bought especially to celebrate your anniversary.
No lady is going to argue with diamonds. Here, lab grown diamonds and 18K yellow gold come together to make a dainty lace flower she’ll proudly wear as homage to your everlasting bond. FYI: Check out the Lace Flower Drop Earrings and Lace Flower Ring if you think those types of baubles are more up your wife’s alley.
Monos’ Everywhere Algarve capsule collection is the unisex linen clothing line of your dreams. Surprise your partner with a shirt, shorts, or shirt dress inspired by Portugal’s famed Algarve coast, all OEKO-TEX-certified and available in white, black, cliff stone, and dune grass. Now, time to plan that beach vacation.
This fun gift from Olive & Cocoa combines the traditional gift of pottery with the modern gift of linen. The four plates feature a polka dot or striped design and are ceramic with a textured linen imprint. If you’re not big on wrapping presents, fear not, as the gift arrives wrapped together in a handcrafted wood crate with ribbon.
After eight years in holy matrimony, she’s still excited to hit the town with you. But she’ll be even more excited to hit the town with you when you surprise her with this chic black dress made of a stretchy lace fabric. Note: This dress is dry-clean only and comes with a removable slip lining.
Eight years means lots of memories together. We know your spouse is going to be deeply moved when you present them with this heirloom-quality photo album filled with some highlights from life together, recent vacations, or a recent milestone event. Choose from 17 colors for the linen fabric cover and add a foil monogram or message for an added personalized touch.
There’s just something about breaking out linen napkins that makes even the most casual of weeknight meals feel luxe. These 100 percent flax linen napkins from AAPI-founded Material come in six appealing colorways and for an additional $25 you can add up to 15 characters of your choosing. Bonus: Machine-washable, phew!
What to Look for When Shopping for an 8th Anniversary Gift
- The Traditional Gifts, Bronze and Pottery: If you want to go the traditional route for your eighth anniversary, opt for bronze or pottery gifts. When selecting a bronze or pottery anniversary gift, Sheils loves creative takes on traditional anniversary gift suggestions. “It doesn't have to be literal—maybe bronze is a small part of a piece of art or another item that you give your spouse,” she says. “The doors are wide open with pottery—from a beautiful potted plant to bowls to a decorative item, the options are endless.” Van Gorp stresses the importance of opting for high-quality bronze or pottery pieces that are well-crafted and durable. “Quality pieces are more likely to be cherished and passed down as a family keepsake through generations, furthering the long-standing impact marriages can have,” she says.Also choose a gift that your spouse or the couple can use and enjoy in their everyday lives, says Van Gorp. “For bronze gifts, consider items such as sculptures, jewelry, or home decor accents; for pottery gifts, consider functional pieces like vases, bowls, or mugs that can be incorporated into their daily routine,” she says.
- The Modern Gift, Linen and Lace: These gifts are about durability and intricate craftsmanship. You can make this gift practical, thoughtful, or both. A fresh set of divinely soft linen sheets, anyone? Van Gorp’s go-to suggestions for linen gifts include items like luxurious bedding sets, tablecloths, napkins, or towels, while she says superb lace gifts selections include delicate clothing, accessories, or home decor accents. Either way, consider the preferences and tastes of your partner or the couple, she emphasizes. “Are they more inclined towards traditional or modern styles? Do they have a specific color palette or aesthetic in their home? Select gifts that align with their personal style to ensure they will appreciate and enjoy the gift you give,” says Van Gorp. “Fabrics can be used in a variety of ways as a gift to your spouse, from lacy lingerie to embroidered napkins,” echoes Sheils. “Fabric can be used in art, it can be a functional gift; truly the options are endless.” Again, per Sheils, you don't have to take the suggestions literally, use them as a starting guide to find a gift that is meaningful to you and your spouse.
FAQ
How should we celebrate our eighth anniversary?
Eight years is a big deal, so make it a memorable celebration! Whether you want to stay in and make a home-cooked meal together or go out for a drink and dinner at that fancy new restaurant in town, do something out of the ordinary to mark the occasion.
Do I have to stick to the traditional anniversay themes?
Definitely not! The traditional and modern anniversary themes can help guide your gift search, but what's more important is giving your partner something they'll love.
Why Trust Brides
Michela Stevensonhas contributed to Brides since 2014. She was the Assistant Wedding Style Editor until 2017 and has also worked as a wedding planner and stylist. For this article, she consulted with the following experts:
- Nora Sheils, owner ofBridal Bliss, a wedding planning company in Portland, OR.
- Anne Van Gorp, a Los Angeles-based resident wedding expert atJoy, a wedding planning and registry platform.