25 Best 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Traditional Wax & Modern Ideas
Celebrate 16 years of marriage with a traditional wax anniversary present, or with the modern gift of silver holloware
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If you’re fast approaching your 16th wedding anniversary, congratulations! After 16 years of marriage, you probably know each other inside out, but that doesn’t make finding the perfect 16th wedding anniversary gift any easier.
Whether you’re shopping for your other half or a couple you know, we’ve rounded up plenty of ideas, including thoughtful 16th anniversary gifts UK shoppers will love.
If you favour tradition, the traditional gift for a 16th wedding anniversary is wax. Candles are an obvious choice, but you could also consider waxed clothing and accessories, or beauty products made with beeswax.
Prefer a slightly more contemporary approach? The modern gift is silver holloware, which is essentially any kind of tableware that isn’t flat – think bowls, coffee pots, candleholders and more.
But, not matter which route you decide to go down, we’ve found ideas for everyone, including plenty of 16th wedding anniversary gifts for him or 16th wedding anniversary gifts for her.
16th Wedding Anniversary Symbols
- Traditional 16th Wedding Anniversary Gift: Wax
- Modern 16th Wedding Anniversary Gift: Silver Holloware
- Flower for 16th Wedding Anniversary: Statice
- Gemstone for 16th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald
Whichever you choose, we’ve got you covered below. Scroll on for plenty of inspiration for him, her, modern silver options for couples and more. Happy shopping!
- Traditional Wax 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Modern Holloware 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Her
- 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Him
- 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Couples
- Everything You Need To Know About 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- What Is The Traditional Gift For A 16th Wedding Anniversary?
- What Is The Modern 16th Anniversary Gift?
- What Is A Good 16th Anniversary Gift For My Husband/Wife?
- Why Is Wax The 16th Anniversary Gift?
- What Flower Represents 16 Years Of Marriage?
Traditional Wax 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Looking to keep your 16th wedding anniversary gift traditional? Then take a look at some of our favourite wax wedding anniversary gift ideas for him and her.
1. Loving Candle – Bella Freud
Bella Freud candles never miss, and the Loving Candle is a gorgeous choice for a traditional 16th anniversary gift. It has a warm, sensual scent with tuberose absolute, amber and sandalwood, so it’s the sort of candle you’ll both want to light as soon as it’s unwrapped. Plus, the chic Bella Freud design makes it feel like a proper treat.
2. Personalised 16th Wax Anniversary Keepsake Gift Framed – Not On The High Street
If you want something a little more personal, this framed 16th wedding anniversary keepsake from Not On The High Street is a lovely option. It can be personalised with your names and anniversary date, making it a sweet way to celebrate 16 years together.
3. Custom Couples Wedding Wax Seal Stamp Kit – Etsy
How cute is this wax seal kit from Etsy? You can add your initials or names to create your own stamp, then use it on everything from anniversary cards and letters to wedding stationery. It’s a fun one for couples who like those little personalised touches.
4. Ceramic Burner And Wax Melt Gift Set Smoked Cedar And Bergamot – Not On The High Street
5. LoubeesStore Winter Meadow Beeswax Wraps – Etsy
For the foodie in your life, these beeswax wraps from Etsy make a fun and useful gift. They’re a handy alternative to cling film for wrapping leftovers, sandwiches and snacks, and make a nice nod to the traditional anniversary gift without being something they’ll only use once.
Modern Holloware 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
If you're looking for a modern 16th wedding anniversary gift, holloware, including stylish serving pieces and useful kitchen accessories are a great option.
6. Vera Wang Love Knots Toasting Flutes – Wedgwood
If there was ever a vessel worthy of your celebratory 16th wedding anniversary bubbly, these pretty, silver-plated flutes from the Vera Wang Love Notes collection at Wedgwood are it.
7. Arthur Price Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker – Selfridges
If you (or the happy couple) are partial to a homemade cocktail or two, you’ll need a great shaker for the job. Our pick would be this silver plated copper cocktail shaker by Arthur Price, which comes beautifully presented in a gift box.
8. Hammered Champagne & Wine Cooler – Culinary Concepts London
For the couple who love entertaining, this leather-handled champagne and wine cooler from Culinary Concepts London would make a stunning addition to the home and a great anniversary present.
9. Sterling Silver Honeypot Lid – Fortnum & Mason
For a modern 16th anniversary gift that incorporates both the silver and wax theme, this adorable sterling silver honeypot lid from Fortnum & Mason is individual and fun. It’s designed to fit on to any of the brand's 200g and 275g jars of honey – so why not pick up a pot to pair with it? Breakfast has never looked so glam!
10. Mirrored Cobra Pitcher – Georg Jensen
This stainless steel pitcher is a sleek and chic 16th wedding anniversary gift. We adore the fluid shape and calming Nordic style – and it makes a great a carafe for wine lovers. Make this gift extra special by teaming it with a bottle of the wedding wine.
16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Her
From pretty homeware and luxury scented candles to skincare, these are gifts she’ll genuinely be happy to unwrap on your 16th wedding anniversary.
11. Personalised Silver Armada Dish – Hersey Silversmiths
A gorgeous dish made in solid silver, this works just as wonderfully sitting on your wife's nightstand to hold jewellery as it does being used as a serving dish. Personalise it with a special message for your partner on your anniversary.
12. Silver Plated Heart Tea Infuser – Fortnum & Mason
For the tea-lover in your life, this adorable silver heart-shaped strainer pairs perfectly with a box of Fortnum’s loose-leaf tea for an elevated brew. It also comes beautifully packaged in the brand’s signature eau de nil coloured gift box.
13. May Birthstone Huggies in Gold with Emerald CZ – Astrid & Miyu
Worn alone or stacked with her favourite pieces, these gorgeous gold huggie emerald hoops from Astrid & Miyu are a classic staple in everyone's jewellery box. Whilst silver might be the traditional material for the 16th wedding anniversary, the emeralds on this yellow gold-plated pair make a lovely alternative for those who prefer it.
14. Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Candle 200g – Fortnum & Mason
If you’re looking to splash out on your wax anniversary present then this gorgeous candle by Jo Malone will add sophistication to any room. With 45 hours burn time, it last for ages, but once finished the pot will make a great holder for a plant too. Bonus points if your bride had peonies in her wedding bouquet!
15. Bee Lovely Nourishing Collection – Neal’s Yard Remedies
Give her the gift of some much-needed TLC for your 16th wedding anniversary with this set from Neal’s Yard Remedies Bee Lovely collection. As well as a hand cream, body lotion, and bath and shower gel, it also features the brand’s multitasking Bee Lovely All Over Balm, made with nourishing beeswax and orange oil.
16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Him
From a classic wax jacket he’ll wear for years to useful everyday pieces he probably wouldn’t think to buy himself, there are plenty of good 16th wedding anniversary gifts for him.
16. Alessi Moka Espresso Coffee Pot – John Lewis
This modern and stylish espresso coffee pot is the perfect wedding anniversary gift for any coffee aficionado. It comes in three sizes (three, six or nine cups) and we love the graphic shape.
17. Beaufort Waxed Jacket – Barbour
For a fashionable yet functional present, a waxed cotton jacket is a great spin on a traditional 16th anniversary gift for your husband. The beloved style doesn’t get much better than the options available at Barbour – and the Beaufort is our pick for spring.
18. Blundstone Originals Waxed Suede Pull On Boots – Toast
Warm, stylish, and able to handle the unpredictable great British weather, he’ll be ecstatic with these waxed suede Chelsea boots from Aussie label Blundstone for your 16 year anniversary.
19. Personalised Waxed Canvas Wash Bag For Men – Etsy
For the husband who’s always stealing your toiletries bag, this personalised waxed canvas wash bag is a pretty good upgrade. You can add his name or initials in the font and thread colour of your choice, making it feel that bit more special than a standard wash bag. Practical, personal and actually useful.
20. Expedition Cup Set with Oilskin Bag – Fieldtrip
If your husband loves camping, this cup set from Fieldtrip is a great little addition to his kit. The vacuum-insulated stainless steel cups stack into a waxed cotton bag, so they’re easy to throw in a rucksack for camping trips, long walks or weekends away. You can personalise each cup with a name, place or date, too, making them a fun reminder of your anniversary.
16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Couples
From something they can enjoy together to a useful piece for their home, there are plenty of thoughtful 16th wedding anniversary gifts for couples. Think candle-making kits, picnic essentials and stylish kitchenware.
21. Classic 5 Piece Saucepan Set – Stellar
If you’re buying a 16th wedding anniversary gift for a couple, you can’t go far wrong with something they’ll actually use. This 5 piece saucepan set from Stellar is a practical pick for keen cooks, with five different-sized pans for everything from quick dinners to cooking up a feast when they have friends and family over.
22. Culinary Concepts 'Let's Get Hammered' Silver-Plated Palace Serving Tray – Farrar & Tanner
For a couple who love hosting, this ‘Let’s Get Hammered’ serving tray from Culinary Concepts is a fun 16th wedding anniversary gift. The silver-plated design has plenty of personality, and it’s just the thing for bringing drinks or nibbles to the table when they have friends round.
23. Waxed Canvas And Leather Picnic Rug With Strap – Not On The High Street
Perfect for a picnic for two, this waxed canvas and leather picnic rug makes a lovely 16th wedding anniversary gift for a couple who enjoy getting outdoors. It rolls up neatly with its leather strap, making it easy to carry to the park, beach or countryside for a sunny afternoon together.
24. Beeswax Candle Making Kit – Not On The High Street
The Danes Beeswax Candle Making Kit is a fun option they can enjoy together. It comes with everything they need to make four standard-sized or eight smaller 100% natural beeswax candles, with no melting involved. Once they’re done, they’ll have their own sweet-smelling candles to light at home.
25. Classic Olive Oil Dispenser – Etsy
Know a couple who take their food seriously? This Portuguese olive oil dispenser is a fun addition to their kitchen, particularly if they’re the type to finish practically everything with a generous drizzle of good olive oil. It looks gorgeous on the table, too, so there’s no need to hide it away in a cupboard.
Everything You Need To Know About 16th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Here’s everything you need to know about the 16th wedding anniversary, including the traditional and modern gifts, why wax is associated with the milestone and the pretty flower linked to 16 years of marriage.
What Is The Traditional Gift For A 16th Wedding Anniversary?
The traditional gift for a 16th wedding anniversary is wax. It might sound like an unusual one at first, but there are plenty of lovely ways to work it into a present, from scented candles and wax melts to personalised wax seals and even beeswax gifts.
Wax is often seen as a symbol of warmth, flexibility and lasting love. After 16 years of marriage, it’s a nice reminder that a strong relationship can adapt and change over time while still keeping its shape.
What Is The Modern 16th Anniversary Gift?
The modern gift for a 16th wedding anniversary is silver holloware, which basically means silver or silver-plated items for the home, such as serving trays, bowls and barware. It’s a lovely option if you prefer your anniversary gifts to be a little more practical, as there are plenty of pieces that can be used when hosting friends or simply enjoying dinner at home.
Holloware has a lovely meaning behind it, too. A bowl or pitcher holds and serves what’s inside, symbolising the way a couple has supported and nourished each other through everyday life. Silver also represents the strength and durability of a marriage, while its polished finish reflects the refinement that comes with building a life together over more than 16 years.
What Is A Good 16th Anniversary Gift For My Husband/Wife?
There are plenty of ways to make a 16th wedding anniversary gift feel personal. For him, a wax jacket, personalised wash bag or something linked to a hobby could go down well, while a candle, keepsake or piece of emerald jewellery could be a lovely choice for her. You can also take inspiration from the modern gift and pick a silver or silver-plated piece for the home.
Why Is Wax The 16th Anniversary Gift?
Wax is the traditional gift for a 16th wedding anniversary because it’s often linked with warmth, protection and flexibility. It can be shaped and moulded, which is said to reflect how a marriage changes and grows with the couple over time. After 16 years, that feels pretty fitting - you’ve had plenty of time to build something solid while still making room for life to change along the way.
What Flower Represents 16 Years Of Marriage?
The flower for a 16th wedding anniversary is statice, or sea lavender. Its pretty purple, blue, pink and white blooms symbolise remembrance, success and lasting beauty. It also dries beautifully and keeps its colour, making it a lovely little symbol of a love that lasts. A silver rose is another option if you want to tie in with the modern anniversary theme.
Want to make your anniversary even more special? Look at these romantic hotels for a lovely escape together.
