Of all the fish in the sea, you swam right up to your partner and chose them to be your lucky fish to marry. And hopefully, you’re still happy with your decision as you approach your 30th wedding anniversary.
If you’re like me and you like to keep things old-school, you’ll want to follow the traditional wedding anniversary gift theme, which after thirty years of marriage is pearl. Derived from oysters, pearls represent that your love has endured difficulties and given you treasures in return.
Anniversaries are an important part of our lives, reminding us of meaningful personal events. When we mark the length of time we’ve spent with someone, we’re telling them how dear they are to us and showing that their efforts over the years have not gone unnoticed. A thoughtful present is worth a lot more than just its monetary value.
Here are some ideas for unique anniversary gifts that are totally out of the oyster, I mean box.
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Traditional 30th Anniversary Gift – Pearl
Pearls take time to grow and are oysters’ response to an irritant entering them. The source of friction becomes one of the most beautiful gems in the world. Spending 30 years with someone will no doubt have seen you weather some storms together, and your current relationship is as precious as the pearl.
Pearl items are a timeless gift, symbolising the beauty within and there are many ways for you to creatively interpret this theme when it comes to your celebration.
Modern 30th Anniversary Gift – Diamond
Along with the pearl, modernists have also adopted diamonds to mark the 30th anniversary of marriage. These precious stones are also able to withstand enormous amounts of pressure and are long-lasting.
This is a wonderful way to represent your union, and although diamond jewellery may be the first thing that comes to mind, you could go so far as simply select something with a similar shape. This is a far more unique way of looking at the tradition and gives the gift-giving process a lovely twist.
30th Wedding Anniversary Flower – Lily
Reaching 30 years together is a truly majestic status and it’s more than reflected in the lily. Along with symbolising magnificence, this sweetly fragrant flower with its star-shaped bloom brings connotations of beauty and devotion to the table, both of which are further testaments to your achievement as husband and wife.
30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
Pearl Pendant
A pearl pendant is a stunning way to mark this milestone anniversary and your wife can wear it close to her heart with pride. We adore the Astral Aurora Akoya Pearl Pendant in rose gold as it oozes elegance, grace and style.
A Bouquet of Lilies
Every woman loves receiving flowers, and a huge bouquet of lilies is a wonderful gift. You can choose from the classic arums in pure white, or go for the more colourful varieties, depending on your wife’s tastes.
Diamond Ring
It may be the obvious choice, but 30 years ago you sealed your union with a ring, why not do it again?
You can choose a diamond ring that suits your wife’s style, or you can opt to have one designed especially for her. Taylor & Hart offers a bespoke design option that lets you add the personal touch.
Diamond Encrusted Make-Up Compact
She’ll always look her best if she has a stunning make-up compact in her purse. Put a sparkle in her smile with the Cartier Make-Up compact complete with a diamond design.
Pearl Earrings
Pearl earrings are a wonderful gift, but if your wife is a little more creative, you don’t have to settle for the staider studs. There are some amazing pieces that are real artworks too, and the Annoushka diamond and pearl ear pin from Harrods has to be one of our favourites.
Lily Tableware
After 30 years of marriage, it may be time for a new dinner set! Spoil your wife with dinnerware with meaning and buy her the Royal Worcester Blue Lily set. Every meal you share will be a reminder of your union.
Diamond & Pearl Bangle
If a special bracelet is more fitting for this anniversary you can choose from single strands or the more exotic, arty pieces created by some of the world’s most talented designers. The L’ATELIER NAWBAR yellow gold, diamond, mother-of-pearl and malachite bond bangle stands out as one of the finest, and it certainly will make a fitting 30th anniversary gift.
Pearl Encrusted Clutch Purse
For the lady who loves a little elegance and enjoys a night out dressed to the nines, a classic or contemporary pearl embossed clutch purse is the perfect gift. Even after 30 years together, you can jazz up her wardrobe with one of these pearl clutches that she’ll love using.
A Garden Surprise
If you want to go one better than a bouquet, you can surprise your wife with a garden full of lilies! Plant a bed of them or pop them in large tubs and she’ll think of your special day every time she sees them. If you have a pond or water feature you could be extra creative and add some water lilies too.
Diamond Pen
A pen may be a functional present, but a beautiful pen is a work of art too. Splash out on a Meisterstuck Diamond LeGrand Ballpoint Pen and she may even pen you a love note, just like she used to!
30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
A Pearl Wristwatch
A watch is an excellent anniversary gift as it pays tribute to the time you’ve spent together, and the years to come.
What better way to spoil your husband than with a statement timepiece from Chopard? This luxury watchmaker’s Alpine Eagle watch features a mother-of-pearl dial, making it the perfect pick for the discerning man in your life.
Lily-Themed Art
Art is also a good idea, and you can let how well you know him guide you in choosing something he’ll love. From Monet’s Water Lilies to more contemporary prints, your options are endless.
Pearl Cufflinks
If he’s a snazzy dresser even after 30 years of marriage, that’s a real plus! Splash out and spoil him with pearl cufflinks from Aspinal of London and he’s sure to dress for success.
Pearl Pen
30 years ago, he signed his name in the wedding register next to yours, and now he can ink his name with panache. Dunhill’s sleek black, pearl and diamond Sentryman pen is a stylish addition to any man’s desk.
A Decanter
For the man who loves his tipple, a decanter from the Diamond Collection by Richard Brendon is an exceptional choice. You can toast the 30 years you’ve spent together and keep his favourite drink on display at the same time.
Pearl Pocket Knife
If your man is handy round the house or a little bit of an outdoorsman, he’ll want a penknife he can rely on. Spoil him with a pocket knife with a pearl inlaid handle. He’ll appreciate your practical yet sentimental gift no end.
Lily Print Silk Handkerchief
For the dapper husband who loves a good handkerchief, a silk square featuring a lily print is a real winner. We love this M&S print, but there are plenty of other options for you to choose from too.
Lily-Scented Candles
You’ve kept the flames of romance alive for 30 years, so a luxurious scented candle will make a super gift. The Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Home Candle from Jo Malone features hints of lily and is sure to set the scene for a night of passion!
Headphones
If your husband enjoys listening to music (or plays the TV too loudly while you’re trying to sleep!) a set of diamond-inspired headphones is a great gift. The Monster Diamond Tears headphones are a luxurious option that’s perfect for the avid audiophile.
30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Couples
Sure, a piece of pearl or diamond jewellery for a 30th wedding anniversary gift is a grand gesture. But heed my pearls of wisdom – experiences make for the best anniversary gifts for couples! If you want to splash out and spoil your partner with a special experience gift, consider the following options for your 30th wedding anniversary.
Travel to Budapest – the ‘Pearl of the Danube’
When you’re a married couple going on thirty years of marriage, it can feel close to impossible to find time to enjoy each other’s company. Raising kids, business meetings, laundry, family engagements; I get it – life can be demanding. But come on! It’s your 30th wedding anniversary, and you need to treat your spouse to something better than dinner at your local restaurant. How does a five-star gastronomic getaway to Budapest sound?
No pearl products. This time, you are inside the pearl yourself! Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest is arguably one of the most attractive and romantic European capitals. Spend the night in a five-star hotel and enjoy an unforgettable wine-tasting experience in an authentic Hungarian wine cellar. The two of you will also have the chance to savour contemporary Hungarian cuisine at a leading Michelin star restaurant. Great food, great wine and great company. It’s no wonder taking a getaway like this one has been proven to boost happiness.
Pearly Private Suite At The Dorchester Spa
Looking for activities in London that are a bit more on the lavish side? How does a couple’s spa day at one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels sound? The Dorchester Spa is simply dripping with 1930s Art Deco glamour, featuring shimmering mirrored designs, plush velvet-covered chaise longues, and an ultra-luxurious midnight blue relaxation room.
But without a doubt, the show-stopper is the spectacular chandelier centerpiece made of 73 000 South Pacific pearls.
Pamper yourselves with an indulgent day in the private couples’ spa suite. Following a relaxing facial and aromatherapy massage, savour a healthy lunch together in the indulgent Spatisserie. Described as ‘dining on a cloud,’ it’s the perfect end to your revitalising spa day.
Antique Tour – Hunt for Pearls
Ever watched people on TV debating if an antique is of true value or not? Now you have the chance to learn and do it yourself! On your 30th wedding anniversary, why not invite your spouse on a private antique walking tour in London? You’ll be accompanied by none other than BBC ‘Antique Roadshow’ presenter and expert, Mark Hill.
After a cup of coffee with Mark to get you buzzing, explore the plethora of trinkets and collectibles on display at the famous Alfies Antique Market, London’s largest indoor antiques and vintage market. Take this as a scavenger hunt to find the best pearl gift to suit your anniversary! Use bargaining techniques that Mark taught you, or by chatting with different dealers to learn the stories behind each antique.
Personally choosing and bargaining for a pearl-themed gift among hundreds of other nick nacks makes this unique wedding anniversary experience that much more special.
His & Her Personalized Pearl Perfume
Before you got hitched, you’ll remember falling in love with your partner’s captivating charm and good looks. But do you remember falling in love with their scent?
Science has shown that it’s more likely we feel attracted to a person’s scent rather than their looks. Our sense of smell says how much we can feel drawn to a person. In honour of this aromatic revelation, treat each other to a His & Her personalised perfume experience with Britain’s oldest and best-respected perfume retailer, Floris. The Royal Perfumers have an impressive list of clientele, including Marilyn Monroe, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and now you.
Champagne in hand, enjoy a two-hour private consultation with a Floris perfumer in their iconic flagship store in London. Together the two of you will craft your fragrances based on your style, tastes, and emotions until both you’ve created both of your unique tailored fragrances. Your Customised Eau de Parfums are then presented in a bespoke fragrance gift box containing an engraved fragrance bottle. This is one of those hands-on experience days for him and her that you can really enjoy together.
But how does this relate to pearl? Before your anniversary day, you could secretly work with the Royal Perfumers and ask them to make your bottle pearl-themed or pearl-embellished. If that doesn’t work out, simply accompany your perfume bottle with a beautiful pearl necklace or pearl cufflinks.
Visit the Queen’s Crown Jewels
Surprise your Queen or King with a Tower of London tour. A must-visit destination, the world-famous Tower of London holds a fascinating 1000 year history and is home to the equally renowned Crown Jewels. The Queen has a seriously impressive collection of ceremonial regalia, and you can bet your biffy there are a lot of pearls. The Imperial State Crown alone contains 269 pearls, 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 4 rubies!
As far as days out in London go, it doesn’t get much better than following your royal tour with a fine-dining lunch at elegant riverside restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour. Innovative French cuisine with stunning views of the City and Tower Bridge make this a royally romantic affair.
Oyster Shucking Masterclass
Celebrate a pearl that could have been by devouring the tasty, slimy gifts from the ocean that are oysters. One of London’s best Scottish restaurants, Mac & Wild Devonshire Square revealed their Glenfiddich Oyster & Whisky Terrace just in time for summer – and it’s as scrumptious as it sounds.
Hailing all the way from Cumbrae Firth in Scotland, their oysters are as fresh as they are delicious – you can all but smell the clean ocean air. Have heaps of fun learning the intricate process of oyster shucking, before dining on your own shucked oysters. This sure is one unique way to celebrate your pearl-themed anniversary. Did I mention that oysters happen to be one of nature’s best aphrodisiacs?
Pearl of London – Cruise on River Thames and London Eye Experience
Up the romance even more with a cruise down the River Thames on the MV Pearl of London. This brand-new, spacious vessel boasts one of the largest open-air decks on the river, making it a prime spot to enjoy the unrestricted views of London’s most iconic landmarks. Prosecco in hand, watch the twinkling city lights go by as you toast to thirty years of shared memories.
After your romantic cruise, take your partner to another pearl of London, the London Eye. Share breath-taking panoramic views in the private ‘Cupid Capsule’, toasting the occasion with champagne and truffles at soaring heights. The romance continues as you come back down to Earth for fine French-inspired dining at double Michelin-starred restaurant, The Greenhouse. As far as anniversary date night ideas in London go, it doesn’t get much more romantic than this.