16th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Wax candles melted and shaped into the number 16, symbolizing the traditional material for 16th wedding anniversary gifts, which is wax.

Traditional: Wax

Modern: Silverware and silver tableware

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16th anniversary gifts and ideas for spouses  

What to give 

Budget

  • Gift your spouse a candle-making kit. You’ll have fun together and learn a new craft.
  • Not into making your own candles? That’s OK. Gift a long-lasting candle and set the mood for a romantic anniversary. 

 

Splurge

  • Warm things up with a silver tea kettle that’s pretty enough to be left out on the counter.
  • Treat your spouse to a luxurious coffee-in-bed experience like that of a hotel with coffee service (think pitcher, cup, sugar pot) on a silver tray!

 

What to write

What to write in a 16th anniversary card

  • “I melt for you even after 16 years.”
  • “Our marriage is turning 16 years old! I’m just waiting for that new car to show up…”
  • “Happy sweet 16th anniversary to an even sweeter spouse.”

 

What to write about in a 16th anniversary love letter

  • 16 things your spouse does that make you melt.
  • 16 ideas to help you keep your love burning hot.
  • How your spouse has surprised you in the past year of marriage.

 

How to celebrate

  • Go on a silly date to a wax museum. Don’t forget to take photos next to your favorites!
  • Take an etiquette class together and finally learn which fork is used for which course! 
  • Take a candle-making class (watch out for hot wax).

16th anniversary gifts and ideas for friends and family  

What to give

  • Give your favorite couple wax seals monogrammed with their initials to use when sending cards. 
  • Send them a monogrammed silver ice bucket or bottle chiller to use at their next party. 
  • Gift a pretty silver serving tray or bowl for their dining room table.

 

What to write in a 16th anniversary card

  • “Happiest of anniversaries to a couple we hold close to our hearts.”
  • “You two have set a great example for what a happy marriage looks like.”
  • “Cheers to 16 years! Give your love the keys and drive off into the sunset.”   

 

Looking for more anniversary gift ideas? Check out our anniversary gifts by year page or these 85+ anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the day you said “I do.”