15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Fifteen years together as a couple is a significant milestone. The traditional 15-year anniversary symbol and gift is crystal. It represents the clear and sparkling love between the spouses. The modern gift for a wedding anniversary of 15 years is glass or a watch, thought by many to be a symbol of the time you've had—and plan to have—together. 

Many spouses feel challenged when it comes to selecting either a traditional or modern gift on this special occasion. Handing over a Timex watch may seem less than romantic, no matter how pretty it is. Here are a few 15-year anniversary ideas to help you conform to tradition—or modern tradition—in a loving way. 

15-Year Anniversary Symbols

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Illustration: © The Spruce, 2019
  • Traditional symbol: Crystal (the 15-year anniversary is called the crystal anniversary)
  • Modern symbol: Watch
  • Gemstone: Ruby, garnet, Alexandrite
  • Flower: Rose
  • Color: Red

Traditional Gift Ideas 

Crystal can be a dazzling reminder of the love you've shared for 15 years, a love that's sturdy and strong enough to last another 15. Here are some examples of crystal gifts:

  • A crystal paperweight
  • A crystal ball
  • Crystal candleholders
  • Crystal frame
  • Stemware
  • Bells
  • Decanters
  • Crystal wine glasses
  • Vases (filled with flowers)

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

 The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

Modern Gift Ideas

The watch is the modern symbol for a 15-year anniversary gift. Timepieces, which come in all shapes and sizes, make perfect gifts. Think of the time you've spent together and the many years ahead that you want to spend together and you'll understand the significance of timepieces in any form for this anniversary. Here are timepiece gift ideas:

  • Wall clocks
  • Table clocks
  • Desk clocks
  • Wristwatches for fitness, sports, golf, hiking, etc.
  • Timepieces on chains as necklaces

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

 The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

Gemstone Anniversary Gifts

If crystal and clocks don't appeal to you, consider jewelry for the 15th wedding anniversary. In keeping with rubies and garnets, the official color of a 15th year anniversary is red, although the alexandrite is known for changing color. They only turn red at night Here are three stones that are commonly connected with 15 years of marriage:

  • Ruby
  • Garnet
  • Alexandrite

Wedding Anniversary Stones

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

 The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Flower Anniversary Gifts

The traditional flower for this anniversary is the rose, preferably a red one. In the language of flowers, roses represent passion, love, and perfection. 

Ways to Celebrate Your 15th Anniversary

Now that you've got the gifts figured out, toast each other—with red wine, of course—in that new crystal stemware. Maybe you'd like to purchase a crystal clock together, instead. Here are a few more ideas to inspire a meaningful 15th wedding anniversary:

If you’re celebrating 15 years of marriage, first and foremost, congratulations! You’ve likely experienced highs, lows, and everything in between since your wedding day, and now’s the time to honor that journey. The traditional 15th-anniversary gift is crystal, an enduring material that symbolizes the lightness, clarity, and durability of your love. The modern gift is considered to be a watch or other timepiece, representing the many hours and minutes you've spent together, as well as the years to come.

Look for items with a high level of craftsmanship and quality for an enduring 15th-anniversary gift.

However, while we certainly love a theme, you don’t necessarily have to stick with one of these two categories. This anniversary can also be an opportunity to surprise your spouse with something totally unique. To help, we've researched a slew of keepsake items that are sure to delight and stand the test of time, ranging from the traditional and modern to the customized and unexpected options. When narrowing down our top picks, we considered durability, thoughtfulness, practicality, personalization, and overall quality.

For something totally unexpected, we love the The Metal Foundry 15th Anniversary Gift Sundial and the The New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia. For a sparkling gift for your spouse, the Olive and Piper Harriet Drops and the Swarovski Sparkling Dance Round Necklace are foolproof picks.

Read on for the best 15th-anniversary gifts.

Introducing Minted + Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of customized gifts for the couple, wedding party, and more.

Our Top Picks

The Metal Foundry 15th Wedding Anniversary Sundial at Amazon

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Swarovski Sparkling Dance Round Necklace at Amazon

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Andre’s Chocolate Bar Sampler Box at Andreschocolates.com

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Artifact Uprising Photo-Wrapped Hardcover Book at Artifactuprising.com

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GROHE Rainshower 310 Smart Connect at Amazon

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Homesick Let's Toast Candle at Amazon

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Olive and Piper Harriet Drops at Oliveandpiper.com

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Waterford Love Forever Flute Pair at Amazon

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Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven at Amazon

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The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia at Amazon

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The Metal Foundry 15th Wedding Anniversary Sundial

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Etsy

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Here’s a new and different take on the modern watch theme. This aluminum cast sundial is a handcrafted present that's entirely unique—and it can be displayed both indoors or outdoors, While this artist offers several different versions, this one comes complete with congratulatory 15th-anniversary text. It's a unique gift that will surely surprise your spouse.

Swarovski Sparkling Dance Round Necklace

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Swarovski 

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This delicate crystal necklace is one that she'll wear again and again, both for everyday activities and for fancy date nights. It comes in six different colors and a choice of rose gold or rhodium-plated finishes. It's also in keeping with the crystal theme.

Andre’s Chocolate Bar Sampler Box

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Andre's Chocolates

View On Andreschocolates.com

You could easily make the case that both life and marriage are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get, as Forrest Gump so eloquently put it. But at least in this box, you know you'll get an array of delicious chocolates. The 65-year-old family business features three generations of Swiss-trained chocolatiers that handcraft insanely high-quality sweet treats. Here, you get a variety of their best-selling bars in mini and full sizes–think Dark Chocolate Whiskey Caramel and Milk Chocolate Roasted Almond. If your spouse has a sweet tooth, this is a delightful and thoughtful gift.

The 17 Best Food Gifts for the Culinary-Obsessed

Artifact Uprising Photo-Wrapped Hardcover Book

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Artifact Uprising 

View On Artifactuprising.com

Compile some of your favorite photos from the last year—or the last 15—in this personalized photo book. With a textured binding and high-quality interior pages, the book can hold from 30 to 210 pages, which offers plenty of room for all your favorite memories. It's guaranteed a spot on your coffee table for years to come.

The 18 Best Wedding Photo Albums of 2022

GROHE Rainshower 310 Smart Connect

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Amazon

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This high-end shower head upgrade may seem like a utilitarian present—but just wait until it's installed. It boasts a wireless remote that lets you easily change the customizable spray function, making your everyday rinse feel like a truly spa-worthy, luxurious experience. Not to mention that it’s incredibly easy to install–no power tools or plumber required. We love that it's an unexpected gift that's useful and prioritizes your partner's comfort and enjoyment.

Homesick Let's Toast Candle

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Homesick

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This candle not only smells incredible (effervescent and citrusy) but it's also so much more. You can personalize it with both a message on the outer box and a custom note on the jar itself, ensuring it remains a keepsake long after you’ve burned through it.

Olive and Piper Harriet Drops

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Olive and Piper

View On Oliveandpiper.com

These delicate crystal drop earrings are the perfect accessory to brighten up any outfit. They add just a touch of bling but still have a sophisticated look for a night together out on the town. Your partner will appreciate the beauty of this pair, and it's a great way to celebrate tradition with a crystal gift.

The 50 Best Anniversary Gifts for Your Wife of 2022

Waterford Love Forever Flute Pair

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Waterford 

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Bring out that good bottle of champagne and pair it with these stunning crystal flutes. The delicate design features an eternal flame, a poignant reminder of your everlasting love. They're also perfectly on theme to toast to 15 years together.

The 11 Best Champagne Glasses That Are Fit for a Celebration

Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Amazon

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This genius appliance is essentially the next best thing to having a personal chef in your home. Yes, it’s a countertop smart oven, but it’s also a meal service that delivers chef-prepared meals right to you. All you have to do is scan the QR code on each dish and pop it in the oven—it’s that easy. Your partner will love this practical yet luxurious gift that you can use for years to come.

Here Are the Best Toaster Ovens for Your Wedding Registry

The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Amazon

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This gorgeous coffee table book is a perfect gift for a wannabe sommelier or the couple that loves to host wine nights. It contains everything you want to know about vino, from detailed descriptions and maps of growing regions to a taste chart and thousands of specific wine recommendations. Pair it with your favorite vintage so you can sip on a glass as you peruse the book together.

Parachute Waffle Lounge Set

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Parachute

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Yes, you need matching loungewear. This set—featuring a crew neck pullover top and joggers in mini waffle cotton—is the definition of cute and cozy, and it comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. In other words, make sure to get one for both your spouse and yourself. You can cozy up together as you reflect on the last 15 years.

Crockpot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Target

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While this obviously isn’t a watch, it is one gift that will give you back the invaluable gift of time. Spend those few precious hours together at the end of a workday with a delicious meal—minus all the clean-up of pots and pans. Simply set the time you want dinner to be ready, and this smart slow cooker will do the hard work for you, automatically adjusting the cooking cycle. We love that it's a fun culinary twist on the watch theme.

The 8 Best Slow Cookers for the Coziest Date Nights at Home

All Mies Bauhaus 41mm Create Your Own Watch

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of All Mies

View On Allmies.com

Who says a good-looking watch has to be expensive? This brand offers simple yet sophisticated timepieces for great wallet-friendly prices. There are plenty of styles to choose from, but we’re especially partial to their customizable option, which lets you choose the dial, case, and strap colors. So you can create an accessory that perfectly suits your partner's personal style.

The 21 Best Gifts For Your Husband That Will Steal the Show

Made Leather Company Excursion Weekend Duffle

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Made Leather Company

View On Madeleathercompany.com

Made of 100 percent leather and with a sturdy handle, this tote is both fashionable and functional. The ideal size for your next weekend getaway, it features a roomy interior compartment, top zip closure, plenty of exterior pockets, and a detachable and adjustable strap. It comes in three shades of full-grain, vegetable-tanned goat leather.

These Are the Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces for Your Registry and Beyond

Impart Book

15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband
15 year wedding anniversary gift for husband

Courtesy of Impart

View On Giveimpart.com

While it often seems like marital advice is given to newlyweds, in the grand scheme of things, 15 years is just a drop in the bucket. A thoughtful and personalized gift, ask your friends and family—who have been married for longer than you—to share their best pieces of advice for a long-lasting marriage. Compile it into this beautiful book and present it to your partner—it will be sure to elicit smiles and happy tears.

What to Look for in a 15th-Anniversary Gift

Finding the perfect gift for your partner can be a daunting task–after all, 15 years is a big deal! You want to give them something special to commemorate your journey together thus far. If you're unsure of where to start, it can help to consider the traditional and modern 15th-anniversary themes: a crystal gift or a timepiece, such as a watch. However, there are no rules that say you have to stick to these themes, so feel free to get creative! The most important thing is finding something you know your partner will appreciate.

There are plenty of options out there, so consider your spouse's personal style and preferences. If they're always dressed to impress, consider giving them a sparkling new crystal necklace or an upgrade to their everyday watch. Do they value sentimental keepsakes over more material options? A personalized gift or a scrapbook of your favorite memories are excellent options.

FAQ

  • What is the traditional 15th-anniversary gift?

    If you're sticking to tradition, then a crystal gift is in order. Crystal is an enduring material that symbolizes the clarity and durability of your love. And it comes in many forms! You can gift your favorite person with new jewelry pieces, crystal drinking glasses, or even a crystal art piece for your home.


    You can also go the modern traditional route, which says timepieces, such as a watch or clock, are best for the 15th-anniversary gift exchange. But feel free to think outside the box here, too. Unique twists on this theme, such as the Crockpot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker, are also great anniversary gift ideas.

  • Do I have to give a traditional 15th-anniversary gift?

    Absolutely not! While traditional gifts are foolproof and can make your search easier, it certainly isn't required. What counts is giving your partner something they'll truly love and appreciate. So if you're going with something non-traditional, think about their hobbies and interests when looking for the perfect gift option. Find something that reflects who they are, and they're sure to cherish the thoughtful sentiment.


    Or, you can gift them with an experience. Perhaps your partner is always busy with work and doesn't have a ton of time for self-care–treat them to a day at the spa for some much-needed R&R. An experience the two of you can do together is always a special gift option, too. Sign up for a cooking class, book a weekend trip, or take them on a romantic outdoor adventure like hot air ballooning at sunrise or horseback riding. It's a gift they'll remember forever!

    What should I get my husband for 15 year anniversary?

    The traditional 15th-anniversary gift is crystal, an enduring material that symbolizes the lightness, clarity, and durability of your love. The modern gift is considered to be a watch or other timepiece, representing the many hours and minutes you've spent together, as well as the years to come.

    What is 15 years of marriage called?

    Wedding anniversary names common to most nations include: Wooden (5th), Tin (10th), Crystal (15th), China (20th), Silver (25th), Pearl (30th), Ruby (40th), Golden (50th), and Diamond (60th).

    How do you celebrate 15 years of marriage?

    What is the traditional 15th anniversary gift? Traditional 15th wedding anniversary gifts range from crystal ware and timepieces (crystal clocks, watches, etc), to flowers (roses or anything red) and jewelry.

    What material is 15 years of marriage?

    Crystal has been the traditional material for 15th anniversary gifts for centuries on account of its sparkling beauty and elegant clarity, the likes of which are thought to represent the transparency of everlasting love.