For many, 13 is an unlucky number. But after 13 years of marriage, the bond of a couple meant for one another is stronger and more beautiful than ever. The delicate lace is traditionally considered the theme for the 13th anniversary, representing how a couple’s lives have become intricately woven together. Presently, the modern theme for the 13th anniversary is furs and textiles, symbolising comfort and warmth.
Our 13 year anniversary gift ideas include old and new traditional gifts, as well as others we’ve chosen for those who like to break with convention.
What Is The 13 Year Anniversary Gift?
Traditional Gift – Lace
The traditional list of anniversary gifts by year calls for lace on your 13th anniversary. Could there be any material more appropriate for a 13 year anniversary? It’s sensual, sophisticated, and above all, it’s sexy!
When made by hand, lace requires time, patience, and skill to form cotton, silk, or even gold threads into beautiful web-like patterns. You don’t get to celebrate 13 years of marriage without care, patience, time and effort being put into your relationship. You and your partner have become like those threads, woven together to create something beautiful. This gift gives the occasion its nickname of the lace anniversary – and there are plenty of incredible anniversary gift ideas to go with this theme.
Modern Gift – Fur & Textiles
The modern 13th anniversary gifts of fur and textiles are an extension of the lace anniversary gift. Fur, even if it’s faux, is associated with comfort, warmth and luxury. The connotation is that your relationship is a source of comfort and warmth, and it’s something in which you should luxuriate. Like lace, textiles are woven from many threads, which implies strength in unity.
Flower – Chrysanthemum
Available in an array of colours, chrysanthemums have different meanings in different cultures. Their positive symbolism includes joy, faithfulness, optimism and longevity. If the flowers are red, they have the additional symbolism of love and passion. They can make up a wonderful bouquet to give to your loved one to mark your 13 year anniversary.
Gemstone – Citrine
Citrine is a cheerful orange-yellow stone that reminds many people of the sun. It symbolises success, warmth, health and vitality. As such, the stone represents some of the strong points of a healthy relationship more than a dozen years into marriage (13 years to be exact). It also conveys hopes and wishes for the future.
13th Anniversary Gifts For Your Husband
What on earth do you buy a man for his 13 year anniversary?
The traditional and modern gifts all seem to be feminine, but as with most things in life, things are not always as they seem. We’ve done a bit of hunting to make finding the perfect gift for him a little easier. Say “I love you” with our 13 year anniversary gift ideas.
Lace Tie
A tie that features actual lace or a lacey pattern is one way to give him a lace anniversary gift that captures the spirit of the traditional offering. The intricate, delicate patterns are eye-catching, and he’s sure to receive compliments as a tatted lace tie certainly adds interest to his look. Plus, he’ll remember you every time he wears it.
Whisky & Cigar Pairing
A whisky tasting masterclass is a wonderful way to surprise him on your 13th anniversary. It’ll give him the chance to learn more about his favourite tipple while enjoying the age-old tradition of smoking a cigar.
Classes usually include information on the distillation and production processes, as well as tips on what to look for in a good whisky. While he practices his cigar-smoking techniques, he’ll discover how fine cigar pairs perfectly with the specially-selected whisky.
Citrine and Silver Ring
If you’d like to give him a gemstone as a traditional gift, sterling silver makes a beautiful setting for citrine. The stone’s colour works perfectly in a men’s ring. If your husband doesn’t like wearing rings other than his wedding band, consider getting him a simple bracelet that features a citrine to celebrate 13 years of marriage.
Men’s Fragrance
A new fragrance is always a lovely gift, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special occasion. An eau de toilette and body wash from Pecksniff’s gives you a chance to bring in the citrine theme without buying stones or jewellery.
The citrine eau de toilette features citrussy aromatic top notes over a musky green wood base. Alternatively, splash out on an anniversary gift experience for him that lets him create his very own bespoke Customised Eau de Parfum with as much citrine scents as he likes.
Lace Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a gift that will allow him to incorporate a subtle touch of lace into his wardrobe. There are two ways you can approach this.
The first works if you still have your wedding dress or lace used in the dress. Some studios will fashion customised cufflinks using sterling silver, lace from your dress, and Perspex. The alternative is to buy designer cufflinks that feature couture lace. Either way, a pair would make a striking gift for your 13 year wedding anniversary.
A Man’s Day Out
If the man in your life has a need for speed, indulge him with a day out that includes an experience that will help him satisfy it. There are various options and packages available, some of which will keep him on terra firma, while others will see him take to the skies.
Consider sending him on a helicopter lesson, a race or flight simulation, a motorsport class with a professional driver, or for a bit of good old-fashioned land yachting. It’ll certainly put the va-va-voom into your 13th wedding anniversary celebrations.
13th Anniversary Gifts For Your Wife
Your wife should remember your 13th wedding anniversary because it reminded her of how much she means to you, and not because she was seriously unimpressed by the gift she received. Use our anniversary gift ideas to find ways to make the occasion truly memorable.
Elegant Lace Dress
Light, summery and with the right amount of sexy, there is something undeniably feminine about lace dress. Choose a shorter style for sporty, holiday vibes, or choose a longer, vintage look that will make her feel like a starlet from Hollywood’s golden age. This gold chantilly lamé lace dress from Dolce & Gabbana has a true sense of occasion – perfect for that extravagant 13th anniversary dinner you’ve been planning!
Fragrance With Lace Inspiration
If you want to include a perfume among her gifts, consider choosing something special with a touch of lace. Of course, your choice should always come down to the scents that she prefers, so make sure you know whether she likes florals, spices, oriental, or other fragrances.
Teo Cabanal’s Lace Garden is all about white flowers, and the name makes it a good choice for a lace anniversary gift. Alternatively, consider a designer fragrance with a bottle design that includes a lacey look. Some of the options are Dolce & Gabbana’s The One and Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Classique.
Citrine Jewellery
Your wife may love a gift of jewellery to mark 13 years of union. A woman can never have enough diamonds, but if you’d rather keep that for another occasion, choose something suitable for the day.
Look for a piece that features citrine, whether it is paired with other gems or it is used as the sole stone. Alternatively, shop for a ring or pendant that features a lacey filigree design for something that ties in with the lace anniversary theme.
Flower Arranging Class
What’s better than getting her a big bunch of chrysanthemums for your 13th wedding anniversary? Letting her create her own! A big bunch of flowers never goes unwanted on an anniversary. But for something that will never wilt, why not gift your budding florist with a flower arranging class? She’ll get to engage her creative side and explore the wonderful world of flowers with a professional floral designer. As well as her own beautifully hand-tied bouquet, she’ll come home with the latest floristry skills and forever memories.
Faux Fur Coat
Fur is a contentious issue among supporters of animal rights. The good news is that you can spoil your wife with the modern 13th wedding anniversary gift of fur without any guilt – with faux fur. Some of the world’s top fashion labels have ditched real fur for faux fur, and it can look fabulous. She’s guaranteed to turn heads in this fab faux fur coat by Givenchy.
A Gin Experience
Gin is one of the most fashionable spirits right now. If your wife enjoys the drink, give her the chance to experience it in new ways. Consider a gin distillery tour and tasting, a G&T masterclass, or a 13th anniversary gift that lets her discover how it can be paired with incredible cuisine.
13th Anniversary Gifts For Couples
Individual gifts are wonderful, but you can also celebrate your 13 year anniversary with something special you can enjoy together. From textiles to trips away, we’ve got fabulous suggestions for gifts for couples.
Cosy Home Decor 
Take inspiration from the modern tradition of a textile-based 13th anniversary gift and get cosy with one another under a luxurious cashmere or alpaca throw. You can find lovely options from Tolly McRae that are perfect for cuddling on that anniversary date night in.
Wedding Anniversary Meal
Celebrate your anniversary with a wonderful meal. You can make it as simple as a home-cooked picnic meal in a park or take it to the next level at a fabulous fine-dining restaurant. The occasion is a fantastic opportunity to indulge your taste buds in a next-level experience. With oriental, continental, fusion, grill, and countless other options from which to choose, the world’s your oyster in more ways than one.
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Try Something Different
Get out of your comfort zone on your 13 year anniversary by doing something completely different to what you would normally do. Consider attending a photography workshop or taking part in a personalised stationery session. Want a bit of adventure? Why not go on a hot air balloon or helicopter ride. It’ll be a chance to have a few laughs together, to learn new things, and to see one another in a new setting.
Take A Break Together
Spoil yourselves with a 13th anniversary gift that gives you the opportunity to take a break from the rat race. Instead of visiting the same old holiday destination, go somewhere you haven’t been before, and don’t be afraid to include a bit of adventure. Why not consider going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip?
Explore the Galapagos islands, go canoeing in the Amazon, or see some of the most beautiful parts of Australia on a driving holiday. Find something that appeals to both of you, pack your bags, grab your passports, and jet off to make memories.
Any one of 13 year anniversary gift ideas will turn 13 into you and your partner’s new lucky number!
I am an experienced writer specializing in travel, food, weddings, and well-being. Continuing my nomadic lifestyle I am currently based on the beautiful island of Malta.