30 Best 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Traditional Leather & Modern Ideas
The 3rd year of marriage is a mini-milestone to celebrate. Leather, pearl, crystal and glass are the symbolic gifts of choice – and we’ve found a unique mix of the best presents!
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
They say three is a magic number, and while it may not be one of the major wedding anniversary milestones, there’s still plenty to celebrate when you reach three years of marriage. If you’re looking for third wedding anniversary gifts to mark the occasion, you’re in luck. The traditional gift for a 1st anniversary is paper, while the 2nd is cotton. By year three, things become a little more enduring, with leather representing the durability and flexibility of a marriage that has grown stronger over time.
Whether you’re searching for 3 year anniversary gifts UK couples will love or something a little more personal, there are plenty of special ways to mark the occasion. From third anniversary gifts for him to third anniversary gifts for her, we’ve rounded up ideas to suit every couple, including classic leather anniversary gifts and a few modern third anniversary gifts for those who want to do things a little differently.
What Is The Third Wedding Anniversary Gift?
When it comes to your third wedding anniversary, the traditional gift for your spouse is leather, while glass and crystal are the modern alternatives. Put simply, leather represents the strength, durability and flexibility of a marriage after three years, while glass and crystal symbolise clarity, transparency and a bright future together. How sweet!
In case you didn't know, the tradition of giving a particular gift for each year of marriage dates back to the Victorian era, and there are plenty of ways to make these traditions your own! Leather works for everything from a personalised diary or keyring to a smart weekend bag or piece of jewellery, while glass and crystal lend themselves to Champagne glasses, whisky tumblers, vases and of course, sparkling jewellery.
There are a couple of other symbols to consider, too. Pearls represent the wisdom gained during your first three years, while sunflowers symbolise adoration, loyalty and longevity. So whether you stick to tradition or put your own spin on it, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to mark your three years married.
3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Traditional 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gift: Leather – showing the durability of your relationship.
- Modern 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gift: Crystal and Glass – represents clarity, transparency and signifies a bright future.
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gem: Pearl – symbolic of the wisdom gained through your first few years of marriage.
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Flower: Sunflowers – they symbolise adoration, loyalty and longevity.
Whether you want a modern or traditional gift, use the links below to quickly jump to the section you need:
- Traditional Leather 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Modern Crystal And Glass 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Her
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Him
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Couples
- Personalised 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Everything You Need To Know About 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- What Is The Traditional Gift For A Third Wedding Anniversary?
- Why Is Leather The Third Anniversary Gift?
- What Is The Modern Third Anniversary Gift?
- What Should I Buy My Husband For Our Third Anniversary?
- What Should I Buy My Wife?
Traditional Leather 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
You would be hard pushed to find a gift that your loved one will appreciate that doesn’t come in leather. Here are some of our favourite options that suit every style and every budget.
1. Carter Leather Holdall in Chestnut – Osprey London
If you’re planning a romantic weekend away to celebrate three years of marriage, make the trip part of the present with a leather weekend bag. This Osprey London design is smart enough for a city break but roomy enough for everything they’ll need, so it’s a gift they can keep reaching for long after your anniversary.
- Expert take: This sophisticated chestnut brown will never go out of style. Crafted from saddle leather, it features a durable gun metal zip and an detachable shoulder strap.
2. Ecridor Ballpoint Pen Racing + Pen Case – Caran d'Ache
For the person who still loves putting pen to paper, this pen is a much more special take on an everyday essential. The Caran d’Ache Ecridor feels like the sort of gift they’ll keep on their desk for years, whether they use it for work, writing cards or the occasional handwritten love letter.
- Expert take: The gift of a pen can represent learning, knowledge, and the creation of destinies. Perfect for a 3rd wedding anniversary gift.
3. Carry-All Macbook Folio – Harder London
A good gift doesn’t have to be flashy. This leather folio is ideal for the partner who carries their laptop everywhere, keeping their MacBook, cables and other essentials together rather than rattling around in a bag. It’s practical, but still feels like a proper anniversary present.
- Expert take: This wallet has space for your passport and cards, too, making it perfect to travel with.
4. Large Trinket Tray – Smythson
For someone whose bedside table is permanently covered in jewellery, keys and other bits and pieces, this Smythson trinket tray is a surprisingly good gift. It gives all those little essentials a home while bringing a touch of luxury to a dressing table, desk or bedside table.
- Expert take: Smythson is known for its luxurious leather goods and you can even have this tray personalised.
5. Leather Luggage Tag – Aspinal of London
A leather luggage tag might not sound like the most romantic anniversary present, but this one is a step up from the usual travel accessory. Made from leather by Aspinal of London, it’s a thoughtful choice if you already have a getaway planned, particularly when paired with the promise of somewhere exciting to go.
- Editor's pick: Crafted in full-grain leather this tag comes in 8 different colours so you can find the perfect shade for your loved-one.
Modern Glass And Crystal 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
The modern 3rd wedding anniversary gifts are glass and crystal. They symbolise the clear and bright future for your marriage, so this is certainly worth a celebration. We adore the variety of gifts available, everything from Champagne glasses to decanters, vases, mirrors and more. Take inspiration from some of our favourite finds...
6. Crystal Champagne Coupes – Soho Home
If you’re celebrating three years together, you may as well have something suitably lovely to raise a glass with. This set of four cut glasses from Soho Home makes an occasion of a simple drink and would look just as good brought out for date night as they would at a dinner party.
- Expert take: Made from lead-free crystal glass, this glassware can be used for cocktails, too, or even to serve up a sophisticated dessert.
7. Gold & Glass Double Arch Portrait Standing Photo Frame – Oliver Bonas
A photo frame is a simple way to mark three years together without giving them something that will end up gathering dust in a drawer. This double frame gives you space for two photographs, making it perfect for pairing a favourite wedding picture with a more recent photo of you both.
- Expert take: Why not fill the frame with a photo from your wedding day and one of you as a couple now, a perfect memento of your first three years of marriage.
8. Oil and Vinegar Decanter – John Lewis
For someone who loves to cook or host, thisglass drizzler is the kind of gift they might not think to buy themselves but will be glad to have. The glass design gives an everyday kitchen essential a bit of Art Deco charm, and it looks good enough to leave out on the worktop.
- Expert take: This dual oil and vinegar decanter can stand pride of place on any work surface.
9. Stowell Vase – The White Company
A little something for their favourite corner of the home. The White Company’s Stowell Vase is made from glass, making it a stylish nod to the modern third anniversary tradition.This option has a simple shape that will work with all sorts of interiors, so it’s something they can keep on display well beyond their third anniversary.
- Editor’s pick: Fill it with their favourite flowers for a gift that feels thoughtful.
10. Simple Bevelled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror – John Lewis
Give their home a little refresh with this glass mirror. The clean, classic design makes it an easy addition to a hallway, bedroom or bathroom, while the bevelled edge gives it a little extra polish.
- Expert take: A great choice if they’re the sort of person who’d rather receive something beautiful for the home than another novelty gift.
3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Her
If you are shopping for something to treat your wife for a 3rd wedding anniversary gift, there is so much choice available. You can stick with the traditional leather, or look for something that represents the 3rd anniversary gem (pearl) or flower (sunflower). Read on for our top picks.
11. Sunflower Tumbler Carry Case – Coconut Lane
If your wife fell for the Stanley cup hype then this tumbler carry case is the perfect gift. Crotched with adorable sunflowers it’s sure to put a smile on her face - and encourage her to up her water intake on the go.
- Expert take: Big tumblers can be really awkward to hold but this convenient case makes them easy to carry so you can stay hydrated.
12. Leather Mini Oval Jewellery Box – Monica Vinader
A jewellery box is one of those gifts that feels instantly luxurious, particularly when it’s made from beautiful Italian leather. This compact oval design by Monica Vinader is ideal for keeping favourite pieces together at home or taking them away on holiday, making it a particularly good choice for a jewellery lover. We adore the rich jewel tones!
- Expert take: If you want to make this gift really stand out, you can get it personalised with your loved one’s initials.
13. Sunflower Gold Plated Necklace – Daisy London
If she likes jewellery with a little meaning behind it, this sunflower oval pendant is an easy winner. The sunflower is one of the symbols associated with the third anniversary, but the delicate design means she can wear it long after the occasion has passed.
- Editor's pick: This is the kind of necklace that will become a staple piece in any jewelry lover's collection. We love how it looks stacked with other chains too.
14. Smoked Plum & Leather – Jo Loves
While leather may not immediately spring to mind when it comes to fragrance, it adds warm, earthy and sophisticated notes. This option from Jo Loves is long-lasting and spice infused.
- Expert take: Perfume is a traditional and romantic gift. This scent offers a heady mix of sweet plum liqueur, crushed cinnamon, smoked cedarwood and soft, warm leather.
15. Handbag Hook – Aspinal
For the woman who never wants to put her handbag on a restaurant floor, this handbag hook is a small but seriously useful gift. The leather and gold design makes it feel far more special than an everyday accessory, while its compact size means she can keep it in her handbag and take it everywhere.
- Expert take: We love the chic gold and blue leather mix – keeping handbags off the floor will keep them in pristine condition for longer, and keep them safe!
3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Him
If you’re shopping for your husband but don't know where to start, then fear not. There are plenty of 3rd wedding anniversary gifts that are both traditional and modern. Enjoy our selection of crowd-pleasing presents.
16. Leather Casual Belt – Marks & Spencer
If his current belt has seen better days, here’s your excuse to upgrade it. This Marks & Spencer leather belt is smart enough for work but relaxed enough for weekends, making it the kind of present he’ll end up wearing far more often than a novelty anniversary gift.
- Expert take: In terms of sizing for this belt, it’s recommended that you choose something two inches larger than the waist size.
17. Tan Leather Golf Tee Holder & Hip Flask – Wolf & Badger
You’ll hit a hole in one if you are shopping for a golf lover. This handmade leather golf tee holder has an attached stainless steel hip flask; there’s space for 4 golf tees and the tipple of choice.
- Expert take: Not only would this make an ideal 3rd wedding anniversary gift, it would also be ideal as a gift for your best man – why not check out some other groomsmen gift ideas?
18. Halfeti Leather – Penhaligon's
If you want to stick with the leather theme without buying him another wallet or belt, go down the fragrance route. Penhaligon's fragrances, particularly Halfeti Leather, feels luxurious and grown-up, with the kind of distinctive scent that makes it a good choice for someone who likes their fragrance to be noticed.
- Expert take: Halfeti Leather is a layered scent with notes of incense, plum, and bergamot.
19. Camden Shoes – Grenson
A pair of beautifully made shoes is the sort of present he may not splash out on for himself, which makes them a strong anniversary choice. Grenson’s Camden style is classic enough to wear for years, while the polished leather gives them a smart finish for weddings, dinners and occasions.
- Expert take: With its rounded toe and polished mid-brown bookbinder leather, this is a handmade pair of shoes that are crafted to last.
20. Tissot Chrono L 42mm Men’s Watch – Beaverbrooks
A smart upgrade for his everyday wardrobe. This Tissot watch is a classic choice for a husband who appreciates a good watch, with a polished leather strap that works just as well with a shirt and blazer as it does at the weekend.
- Editor’s pick: If he’s not usually one for sentimental presents, a quality watch is a gift he can wear and enjoy for years to come.
3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Couples
Shopping for a couple who are three years into married life? Think about what they actually enjoy doing together. A gorgeous smelling candle, a piece for their home or a collection of glasses for their next tipple all make lovely choices without veering into overly cheesy territory.
21. Leather Memory Box – Life of Riley
Three years of marriage means there are already plenty of memories worth keeping, making a memory box a particularly fitting gift. This leather version gives them somewhere to keep wedding photographs, cards, concert tickets and all those little things that would otherwise end up in a drawer.
- Expert take: See this like a treasure chest full of your favourite memories together - anything that's special to you as a couple can be kept safe for years to come.
22. Malin + Goetz Leather Candle – Cult Beauty
A candle is always a good idea, particularly when it smells this good. The leather candle from Malin + Goetz has a warm, smoky scent that’s made for cosy evenings at home, making it a great pick for a couple who enjoy a little luxury.
- Editor's pick: We love that it combines leather and glass, the two symbols of the third wedding anniversary, in one stylish gift.
23. Short Night + Day Glasses – Our Place
For a couple who love a good drink, these handmade glasses from Our Place will get plenty of use. They’re the right size for everything from morning iced coffee to an evening Aperol spritz, and the sturdy glass means they’re made for everyday life.
-
Expert take: We like that they stack neatly in the cupboard, while the glass makes them a simple nod to the modern third anniversary symbol.
24. Mother Of Pearl Shell Butter Knife – Not On The High Street
For the couple who are happiest in the kitchen, this butter knife is a useful gift they’ll reach for every day when buttering their toast. The classic butter knife design and mother of pearl handle looks smart on the dining table and makes something everyday, a little more special.
- Expert take: We like the mix of mother of pearl and shell with the pearl ticking the box for the modern third anniversary symbol.
25. HueGah Home Glacee Butter Dish – FWRD
A little upgrade for their breakfast table, the Glacee Butter Dish from HueGah Home at FWRD is the sort of thing they’ll use every day. Its glass design makes it feel more special than a standard butter dish, while still being practical for putting in the dishwasher.
- Expert take: Made from pretty butter yellow glass, it’s a simple way to bring the modern third anniversary material into their home without going overboard.
Personalised 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
For a third anniversary, look for something you can add their names, wedding date or a meaningful message to, whether that’s a leather keepsake, engraved glassware or something they can display at home. It’s the small detail that turns a nice present into something cherished.
26. Personalised Leather Keyring Set – Not on The High Street
A pair of matching keyrings is a sweet way for a couple to carry a little reminder of each other every day. They’re useful rather than overly sentimental, and the leather makes them a natural fit for a third anniversary. We love this couples keyring set - it's equal parts practical and adorable.
- Expert take: These keyrings are crafted by hand in the New Forest from sustainably sourced leather. To make it extra special you can have them gift wrapped in a hessian bag with a personalised leather gift tag.
27. Personalised Collar Stiffeners - Not On The High Street
For the husband who always looks smart, these are a clever alternative to the usual leather wallet. The stainless steel collar stiffeners slip neatly into a shirt and keep collars looking crisp, while the leather pouch makes the set feel like a proper gift.
- Expert take: Each pair of stiffeners can be engraved with a personalised message.
28. Personalised Leather Coaster Set – Etsy
A small gift with plenty of meaning. This personalised coaster set from Etsy can be customised with their names or wedding date, making it a lovely way to mark three years together. The leather also ties neatly into the traditional third anniversary gift, while the personalisation makes it feel like it was made just for them.
- Editor's pick: Add their wedding date for a detail they’ll see every time they sit down for a drink together.
29. Personalised Mr And Mrs Botanical Glass Chopping Board – Not On The High Street
If they love cooking together, this is one personalised present they’ll actually use. The glass chopping board from Not On The High Street can be customised with their names and has a pretty botanical design that looks good enough to leave out on the worktop. It’s made from glass, too, tying into the third anniversary theme.
- Expert take: We’d add their wedding date alongside their names for a detail that makes this feel properly theirs.
30. Leather AirPod Case – Not Another Bill
For the person who is forever digging around in their bag for their AirPods, this monogrammed leather case is a small gift that solves an everyday annoyance. The leather case protects them from scratches while the monogram makes it feel more considered than a standard tech accessory.
- Expert take: Not Another Bill are experts when it comes to gifting. Not only does this case come in a wide range of colours but they also offer a monogramming service too.
Everything You Need To Know About 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Not sure which way to go with your third anniversary gift? From the traditional leather present to the modern glass and crystal alternatives, there are a few different traditions to get your head around. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you find the right gift, whether you’re shopping for your partner or another happy couple.
What Is The Traditional Gift For A Third Wedding Anniversary?
The traditional gift for a third wedding anniversary is leather, which represents the strength, durability and flexibility of a marriage that has had three years to grow.
Thankfully, you’re not limited to a leather wallet or belt (although great for your hubby!), from personalised keepsakes and bags to jewellery and homeware, there are plenty of ways to make the traditional gift feel modern and personal.
Why Is Leather The Third Anniversary Gift?
There’s a reason leather feels like a step up from the paper and cotton of the first two anniversaries. It’s made to last, but it isn’t rigid, making it a neat metaphor for a marriage that has had three years to find its feet. You’ve built something strong, but you’ve also learnt to bend, adapt and make life work together – much like leather softens and becomes more personal with use.
What Is The Modern Third Anniversary Gift?
If traditional leather doesn’t quite fit the bill, there is another option. Glass or crystal are the modern third anniversary gifts, representing clarity, transparency and a bright future together.
From Champagne glasses and vases to crystal jewellery and homeware, there are plenty of ways to gift your loved one.
What Should I Buy My Husband For Our Third Anniversary?
If you’re buying for a husband who’s not particularly sentimental, you can still nod to the third anniversary without going down the traditional route. A leather wallet, weekend bag or watch makes a practical choice, while glassware, a decanter or something for his favourite hobby can tick the modern box. The trick is to choose something that suits him first, and the anniversary tradition second.
What Should I Buy My Wife?
Stuck on what to buy her? Don’t overthink it. A leather handbag, personalised keepsake or favourite accessory will give a nod to the traditional third anniversary gift, while glass or crystal jewellery, a pretty vase or some new homeware offers a more modern failsafe option.
Want more anniversary ideas? Browse our guide to anniversary gemstones here.
