Although a 16th wedding anniversary doesn’t quite attract the same hype as a sweet 16th birthday, it’s still a special day. The occasion is definitely worthy of a celebration that commemorates a wonderful moment in your lives. Traditionally, the 16th anniversary gift is wax (cue candles) as it represents the burning passion of your relationship. The modern gift is silver holloware, a name used to describe tableware that is not flat. There are also flowers and gemstones associated with the 16 year anniversary, sure to make you spoilt for choice!
Find the perfect gifts for your partner with our suggestions, which we’ve based on traditional as well as modern associations.
What is the Gift For A 16th Anniversary?
Traditional Gift – Wax
The traditional list of anniversary gifts states that wax is the 16th anniversary gift. Initially, wax can seem like a strange gift, until you remember that it’s used to make candles. Without it, there’s no fuel for the flame! Wax and candles signify the romance and burning flame that you have carefully kindled over the past 16 years.
Keep in mind that there are other types of wax that you could incorporate into a totally unique anniversary gift. Think beeswax, surfboard wax or even candelilla wax.
Modern Gift – Silver Holloware
The modern 16th anniversary gift of silver holloware can seem rather unromantic. You might be thinking – what the hell is silver holloware? Essentially it’s the name for all silver tableware except flatware. This includes soup tureens, water jugs, gravy boats, sugar bowls, teapots and platters. It’s typically not regarded as being for everyday use. Instead, it’s brought out for special occasions, like a special anniversary dinner or a Christmas gathering.
Flower – Statice
Also known as sea lavender, statice is available in a variety of colours, including purple, white, red, pink, yellow and blue. Each stem bears a profusion of small flowers, and they are usually used with other blooms in bouquets and arrangements. The flower symbolises remembrance, and when given as a 16th wedding anniversary gift they represent the happy memories you share.
Gemstone – Peridot
Nicknamed the ‘evening emerald’, the 16th anniversary gemstone peridot is a gorgeous light green. It’s known as the stone of compassion and is associated with harmony and peacefulness. Whereas most gems are formed within the earth’s crust, peridot is one of the only two that are formed in the molten rock of the upper mantle and it’s also been found in meteorites. Topaz is another gem linked to this miletone, and it symbolises love and affection.
16th Anniversary Gifts For Him
He has loved and cherished you for 16 years. Spoil him on the anniversary of your wedding with a gift that expresses your bond.
Rocket Cocktail Shaker
If silver holloware will go down like a lead balloon, buck tradition by focusing on silver barware for his 16th anniversary gift. If he enjoys making his own cocktails, consider giving him this stellar rocket-shaped cocktail shaker from Asprey. Who knows what otherworldly cocktails he’ll whip up with this guy!
Cocktail Masterclass
Together with his fancy new cocktail shaker, indulge him with an anniversary gift that gives him the chance to enjoy a fun-fillled cocktail masterclass. He’ll have heaps of fun learning the the essentials of mixology, from developing his palate to building his home bar. It’s an opportunity to learn the tips from a professional on how to shake, stir and sip his favourite tipples. He’ll never forget the occasion or who made it possible.
Beekeeping & Craft Beer Tasting
Technically this gift revolves more around honey than beeswax – but they come from the same busy insects! For the man who’s buzzing about beer and bees, surprise him with this hands-on introduction into urban beekeeping. He’ll suit up in a professional beekeeping suit for a proper hive inspection, followed by a tutored honey craft beers and food matching session. It’s the Queen Bee of all 16th wedding anniversary gift ideas.
Masculine Luxury Scented Candle
One way of including wax in his 16th anniversary gift is to purchase one of the best scented candles for men. The most luxurious of them have a stylish appearance, come in muted or neutral colours, and have the most divine fragrance. Try House of Hackney’s Serpentis candle (pomegranate, pepper, and spicy wood), Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet (citrus, spice), Tom Daxon’s Under Milk Wood (amber, sandalwood, cedarwood, musk), or Floris of London’s ginger and sandalwood candle.
Bees Wax Grooming Gift Pack
A less obvious way of making wax part of his gift on his 16th wedding anniversary is to give him a pack of bathing and grooming products made from beeswax and other high-quality natural ingredients. The Male Collection by Bee Cosmetics includes Man Moisturiser, Beard Oil, Honey and Oatmeal Soap, and a Shampoo Bar. The products are handmade in Sussex.
Silver And Peridot Ring
Bring silver and peridot together in the form of a ring for his wedding anniversary gift. Consider a sleek, modern design such as Glamira’s Gemstone band ring that features the gem in fresh lime green.
Musky Statice Fragrance
Statice flowers have a scent that many people describe as ‘musky’. In the art of perfumery, musk has long been regarded as one of the quintessential masculine fragrances. With that in mind, consider making a fine fragrance with notes of musk your gift to him, like Musc Shamal from the Armani Privé collection.
Massage Or Spa Day
Show him how much you care for him by letting him enjoy a few hours of rejuvenating treatments. You know him better than anyone, so choose a package as a 16th wedding anniversary gift that you know he’ll appreciate. Whether it’s a hot stone massage, an aromatherapy facial, or even an old-fashioned wet shave and a haircut, he’ll emerge feeling like a new man.
16th Anniversary Gifts For Her
The 16th anniversary gift you surprise your wife with should be an expression of your love and devotion more than anything else. Use our suggestions to find something she’ll adore.
Chic Scented Candle
Give her a traditional anniversary gift of wax in the form of a scented candle. Choose a candle with a luxurious fragrance that will make her feel as though she’s adrift among the perfumed clouds of heaven itself. A few of our favourites are Kana X Evermore’s Light (it comes in a reusable ceramic bowl and smells of bergamot, grapefruit, rosewood, and cedar) and Maison La Bougie’s Rose des vents candle (thyme, tree moss, and pine) in a gorgeous ceramic vase. It’s said to lend a refined Parisian touch to your chic home.
Silver Tea Set
If you want to keep the tradition of gifting silver holloware on your 16th wedding anniversary, surprise her with a sterling silver tea set. Consider purchasing a vintage set from an antiques dealer or auctioneer or buy something modern and new from a silversmith. We love this three-piece Queen Anne tea set from Silver Groves, perfect for the queen in your life. It will serve as a reminder of your special day for years to come.
Afternoon Tea Experience
If you know she won’t use a tea set at home, gift her with a memorable afternoon tea experience instead. She’ll feel like royalty tucking into silver tiers of traditional British tea snacks in a lavish setting. In celebration of your 16th wedding anniversary, include some premium champagne and an aromatherapy massage at the spa. It doesn’t get better than this!
An Original Encaustic Painting
Encaustic paintings are created using molten pigmented beeswax. An evocative original encaustic artwork would make a fabulous 16th anniversary gift inspired by the old tradition of wax. Ireland-based Isabelle Gaborit is one of our favourite artists who works with the medium. She not only sells paintings, she offers workshops too, which your partner may prefer if she enjoys being creative.
Beeswax And Honey-Based Skin Care Range
Spoil her with a range of cruelty-free skin care products made from natural ingredients such as beeswax, honey, propolis and herbs. The Ultimate Skin Boost Collection from Bee Good includes Honey and Propolis Cream Cleanser, Plump and Firm Moisturiser, NectaPerfecta Enzyme Beauty Mask, and Facial Oil. It’s a luxurious alternative to the more traditional wax ideas.
Silver Vase
If serving ware will leave her feeling uninspired, consider another approach to silver holloware. Give her the gift of a silver vase and a beautiful bouquet. Be sure to include statice among the blooms as a nod to the traditional flower. We love these sterling silver tubular vases from Hersey & Son and they’ll provide a stunning reminder of your 16 years together.
Peridot Jewellery
Silver is the perfect setting for peridot as it highlights the gem’s green hue. Give her an anniversary gift of silver and peridot jewellery to celebrate 16 years together, and she’s sure to treasure it forever.
This square-cut peridot and sterling silver tennis bracelet from Franki Baker Jewellery, or the Rosalina ring featuring peridot and Swarovski crystals from Glamira are both wonderful options for the lady in your life.
A Gorgeous Perfume
Musk’s not limited to men’s fragrances, so if you’d like to pick up on the statice theme without buying fresh flowers, a perfume may be the way to go. The musky notes of some women’s fragrances are a wonderful nod to the 16th wedding anniversary flowers. Choose a fragrance such as Diptyque’s Do Son, with tuberose, orange leaves, pink peppercorns, and musk.
16th Anniversary Gifts For Couples
Don’t let your 16th wedding anniversary pass by without at least having lunch or dinner together. Even better, pack your bags and get away for a relaxing holiday!
Candle-Lit Anniversary Meal
Your wedding anniversary is a day should spoil yourselves, so go ahead and do it in one of the best ways possible. Enjoy a next-level culinary experience by visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant for a romantic dinner, just the two of you. To make the occasion even more memorable, let the restaurant know ahead of time that it’s your 16th wedding anniversary. Ask them to set the table with candles and their finest silverware for a true sense of occasion.
Candle Making Workshop
Looking for a scent-sational experience to enjoy together? Free your creativity and immerse yourselves in the curious world of candle making. Have fun melting wax and blending essential oils to find that aroma that perfectly captures the essence of your relationship. As well as fond memories of doing a new experience together, you’ll each have your own handmade candle to enrich your home. Every time you light it, you’ll be reminded of your unforgettable 16th wedding anniversary.
Australian Surfing Getaway
Looking to treat yourselves to a holiday for your 16 year anniversary? Grab your surfboard wax and get ready to hang ten, dude! Whether you’re a pair of surfing pros or have always wanted to try to catch a wave, Australia’s Great Ocean Road is 150 miles of surfing bliss. Embark on an unforgettable five-day road trip along the awe-inspiring Victoria coastline, passing quaint seaside towns and koala-populated forests. Soak up some sun, and enjoy some much-needed R&R as you make incredible memories.