By Stacey Donovan and Cat Hollyer on July 18, 2021
Traditional: Leather
Modern: Crystal/Glass
Read on for unique ideas for giving 3rd anniversary gifts—as well writing anniversary messages and celebrating the happy occasion.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
3rd anniversary gifts and ideas for spouses
What to give
Budget
- For a natural, casual accessory, give a bracelet of braided leather.
- A blank journal with a leather cover is a great gift for anyone who likes to write.
- A pair of wine or co*cktail glasses is convenient for toasting your first year together.
Splurge
- Get them a leather jacket that’s as cool as they are Well, almost as cool.
- Or surprise them with a pricey, impractical pair of shoes or or bag they’ve had their eyes on.
- Make that glassware duo high-end—or find a crystal decanter for your favorite adult beverage.
What to write
What to write in a 3rd anniversary card
- “I love being on the road of life with you—and I love how we always find adventure along the way.”
- “We can have an amazing time together, whether we’re on the vacation of a lifetime or at the DMV.”
- “Every time you walk through the front door, I still get butterflies like it’s the first time I ever saw you.”
What to write about in a 3rd anniversary love letter
- Three things they do that make you laugh
- Three small moments that had a big impact
- Three new things you’d like to try together
How to celebrate
- Write each other love letters—the more over-the-top, the better. Then store them in a leather album or portfolio because leather is the traditional third anniversary gift.
- Take a cooking class together and learn how to make your favorite food. (Bonus: Because you’re in a class, you’ll get lots of help, so it’ll definitely turn out yummy.) Toast your marriage before you dig in.
- Grab a backpack and boots and plan a hike or camping trip, and bring plenty of delicious eats and beverages to enjoy under the stars.
More ideas for anniversaries
- Don’t forget the card!No celebration is complete without a keepsake-worthy card with a handwritten message telling your partner just how much their love means.
- For help putting your feelings into your own words, seewhat to write in an anniversary cardandhow to write a love letter.
- Check out these creativeanniversary datesandanniversary traditions.
3rd anniversary gifts and ideas for friends and family
What to give
- Give leather luggage tags personalized with their names or monogram.
- Give a gift card to a shoe store. In a greeting card, add a message: “You’ve been walking side by side for three years now…time for some new shoes!”
- Grab a bottle of their favorite beverage and give it with a crystal bottle stopper.
What to write in a 3rd anniversary card
- “Wishing all the love in the world to the loveliest couple we know!”
- “Thinking back to that beautiful day three years ago…and ahead to all that’s in store for you!”
- “So happy for you and for every amazing moment you’ve shared.”
- Tags:
- Celebrate
Stacey Donovan has been a writer and editor at Hallmark for more than 20 years. She also writes romance novels (under a pseudonym), and has collected a wealth of obscure knowledge in the process.
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