What to give for 20th wedding anniversary

If you’ve made it to 20 years of marriage, huge congratulations are in order!

Making it through so many years of marriage calls for a celebration and a special wedding anniversary gift. But choosing the right 20th anniversary gift to mark this matrimonial milestone can be a little challenging. Luckily, that’s where we come in with inspiring and thoughtful 20 year anniversary gifts.

We’ve got everything you need to know about 20th anniversary gifts and celebrations right here, including gift ideas, experiences and more.

What is the 20th Anniversary Gift?

Each wedding anniversary has a particular material and flower associated with it. These elements have special meaning and symbolise the beauty of your growing and evolving relationship. As you can imagine, the material and blooms that mark your 20 years of marriage as one are truly special.

Traditional 20th Anniversary Gift – China

True love is refined and fragile, and the traditional gift of china embodies that rare and elegant nature perfectly. Since it’s often used to commemorate auspicious occasions it can feel especially meaningful. This 20 year anniversary gift is also a poignant reminder of family, as it’s usually passed down from generation to generation. This adds a touch of nostalgia and history to the mix too.

Consider bone china, which contains bone ash, fine china, or porcelain as a beautiful reminder of how to treat your marriage – look after it with care, and don’t take it for granted!

Modern 20th Anniversary Gift – Platinum

The modern counterpart to the traditional gift of china is platinum and interestingly, the meanings behind the materials are almost diametrically opposite. Where china is breakable and must be handled with reverence, platinum is strong and exceptionally enduring.

Of course, both of these descriptions fit any romantic union that has lasted for an impressive two decades!

An incredible, strong bond that demands to be treated with reverence and care if it’s going to last well – could there be a better description of a successful and loving 20 years of marriage?  Honestly, we can’t think of one. These values and their symbolic materials should make you proud of yourself, your partner and your 20 year anniversary, and inspire some worthy celebrations.

20th Anniversary Flower – Aster

The dainty aster bloom is as delicate as china, making you feel like you need to handle it with care. In the Victorian language of flowers, asters were also believed to symbolise charm and – very important for anyone in a long-lasting marriage (not to mention 20 years) – patience.

These flowers have long been believed to have magical properties and be talismans of love, which seems very fitting. They also generally represent love, faith and wisdom, and red asters show undying devotion, which might explain why so many 20th anniversary gift bouquets are that colour.

The 20th anniversary gift ideas we’ve lined up for you are based on china, platinum, asters, emeralds (the 20th anniversary gemstone) and on simply doing something special to commemorate such an impressive milestone – 20 years of marriage!

Dinnerware to Be Proud Of

Mealtimes are important for couples of all ages and life stages, so a gorgeous china dinner set could be the perfect 20th wedding anniversary gift. In fact, if you host a dinner party to mark the occasion of 20 years of marriage, you could use your new place settings to add some panache to the proceedings!

Trust us when we say that the range of designs is far more impressive than it was when you got married. Today, many high-end designers including Kate Spade, Gucci, Versace and Ralph Lauren create beautiful tableware.

You’ve been together a long time (20 years to be exact), and your cupboards might well be a mashup of mismatched plates, saucers, bowls and other crockery items. Take this opportunity to finally treat yourselves to the coordinated dinner service you deserve or update the set you got for your wedding all those years ago.

Every time you use your new dinnerware, you’ll be reminded of just how wonderful your life together has been.

Discover More 20th Anniversary Gifts for Couples

Chinese Cuisine

If you are not interested in eating off new china, consider eating new Chinese food instead as a 20th wedding anniversary gift!

There are some truly sublime dining experiences to be had which honour the region’s incredible flavours. Michelin-star chefs bring innovation and culinary traditions together and serve them in incomparable settings.

It’s the perfect option for couples with adventurous taste buds and is a wonderfully contemporary take on celebrating your 20th anniversary.

Not in the mood for Chinese? Have a look at all of our restaurant gift vouchers that will make for the perfect way to celebrate your love for one another over find food.

Exquisite Ginger Jars

In Ancient China, ginger jars transported all kinds of spices. They were also used in the export of flavourings to Europe in the 19th century. At that time, they became prized collector’s items, a status that they still enjoy today.

Their beautiful, characteristic shape and intricate patterns will add sophisticated elegance to any interior, from an austere study to a sunny breakfast nook. They also work well as the base to lamps and are often found in this format. If your significant other loves elegance, give them this downright tasteful room accent.

Sparkling Emeralds and Platinum Jewellery

Any jewellery that incorporates this gorgeous green gem won’t go amiss here. Finely wrought or more modern, angular pieces can both fit the bill. Whatever your partner’s style, you’ll be able to find adornments that match it perfectly for your 20th wedding anniversary gift.

The same can be said for platinum gifts – and of course, you get bonus points if you pick a piece with emeralds in it! Simple eternity bands, cufflinks, bracelets, necklaces or rings will all show your spouse how precious they are to you. Or you could go all-out and look for an emerald-and-platinum bauble in the shape of an aster.

Luxury Asters in Bloom

Saying it with flowers never fails, so choose a bouquet of asters in red, purple, pink, white, or all of the above. To up the ante even more, put the bouquet in a china vase (or ginger jar) or a modern platinum vessel.

If your spouse is an avid gardener, surprise them with potted asters, or get a gardener to plant them for you. When these flowers bloom annually, they’ll offer a colourful reminder of a special day.

Make Time for Tea

China is famous for its incredible selection of teas, and its tea ceremonies. The practice stretches back thousands of years and still has an air of reverence about it. There’s something truly amazing about taking part in something steeped in so much history.

If you get to enjoy the ceremonies as a couple, tasting various blends, they’re even more significant and memorable. And there are several ways for you to do just that, depending on your location and the time you have at your disposal.

Book a special tasting event, give the 20th anniversary gift of a gorgeous traditional teapot and teacups, or treat yourselves to an exquisite afternoon tea complete with gastronomic delights. You could even create your own personal blend – as balanced and unique as your romantic partnership!

A Chinese Trip or Tour

Make your 20th wedding anniversary extra special by taking an incredible trip together, collecting memories and special souvenirs as you go. You could even do something of a world tea exploration and enjoy the most regal afternoon teas to be had in every corner of the globe. Or think outside the box with a Ceylon Tea Trails tour that offers a refined and elegant travel experience unlike any other.

Alternatively, book a trip to the country of the hour itself. If you’ve never been to China it should be on your bucket list, and what better occasion is there? Enjoy a sunrise breakfast on the Great Wall, explore ancient temples, take a walking tour, see the Forbidden City … the list goes on and on.

Indulge in a Cruise or Spa Weekend

What’s more romantic than floating together on the ocean, complete with fabulous meals and entertainment? For some married couples, the answer to that would be nothing! For others, a spa getaway that allows you to relax, unwind and reconnect could be the perfect way to celebrate the big 2-0.

Either way, you’ll be indulging all your senses and spending time together, making memories that will truly last a lifetime. And really, isn’t the perfect gift a gift of no interruptions and undivided attention the greatest one of all?

It has been over a decade of adventure. What do you get someone who has spent the last 20 years by your side? Experience moments in time, full of fun, romance and just being together with our anniversary gifts.

Whatever 20th wedding anniversary gift ideas you fancy, make sure you mark the occasion in a fitting way. This is the only 20 year anniversary that the two of you are ever going to have – make it count!

Jump To a Section Below

• What is the 20th Anniversary Gift?
  • Traditional 20th Anniversary Gift – China
• Modern 20th Anniversary Gift – Platinum
• 20th Anniversary Flower – Aster
• 20th Anniversary Gifts
  • Dinnerware to Be Proud Of
  • Chinese Cuisine
  • Exquisite Ginger Jars
  • Sparkling Emeralds and Platinum Jewellery
  • Luxury Asters in Bloom
  • Make Time for Tea
  • A Chinese Trip or Tour
  • Indulge in a Cruise or Spa Weekend