Eight years spent building a happy marriage is such a fantastic achievement. It’s something that you and your other half deserve to celebrate together, especially as you’re just two years away from the big 1-0.
But, what should you give your partner to mark such a special occasion? Are you happy giving them flowers or chocolates, or would you prefer to give them something with a much deeper level of meaning?
There are actually traditional and modern anniversary gifts to mark eight years of marriage, which couples have been gifting to each other for more than a century. These gifts are packed full of symbolism and meaning, which can turn an ordinary gift into an extraordinary one. But, what should you give your partner if you want to launch your gift-giving skills into the stratosphere?
In this guide, we’re going to explore exactly that, and let you know all about the traditional and modern 8th wedding anniversary gifts, as well as the traditional gemstone and flower. Then, you’re armed with all the information you need to give the most romantic gift ever on your 8th anniversary. And if you’re still not quite sure, we’ll also give you 50 gift suggestions so you can hit the ground running in your search for the perfect present.
To discover more about all the different anniversary gift-giving traditions from 1 to 90 years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.
What are traditional and modern gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary?
If you’re keen to give your partner an 8th anniversary gift steeped in tons of historical meaning, you might want to consider a gift associated with the traditional or modern themes. That way, you can give them a wonderful gift that can make your anniversary extra special.
Traditional 8th anniversary gift – Bronze
The traditional anniversary gift for eight years of marriage is bronze, a versatile metal which is often used to make statues and jewellery. It’s really strong and it takes a lot to damage it, which is why it makes for such a perfect gift – it probably sums up your relationship to a tee.
Modern 8th anniversary gift – Linen or lace
If bronze isn’t your partner’s thing, there are actually two modern 8th anniversary gifts: linen or lace. They’re both beautiful and delicate fabrics that can be used to make loads of different items, including underwear, pyjamas and bedsheets.
8th anniversary gemstone – Tourmaline
The traditional gemstone for an 8th wedding anniversary is tourmaline. Tourmaline isn’t exactly the most commonly used gemstone when it comes to jewellery, but it’s a brightly coloured stone that sometimes comes with a rainbow effect, so it’s truly striking and goes well in many types of jewellery or accessories. It symbolises creativity and wisdom, which we bet your partner has by the bucket load.
8th anniversary flower – Lilac (or clematis)
Depending on who you ask, there are two traditional 8th anniversary flowers: lilac and clematis. Lilacs are beautiful and purple and symbolise renewal, while clematises are also purple but symbolise mental strength. Either make for a perfect choice on your anniversary.
How do you choose a gift for an 8th wedding anniversary?
Your 8th wedding anniversary is a big deal, and means you’re only two years away from celebrating a whole decade of wedded bliss. That means you might want to choose a special gift to mark such an amazing occasion. So, here are four points to bear in mind when deciding what kind of gift to give your love.
- Have you talked about buying gifts based on traditional or modern themes? If so, you’ll want to think long and hard about what they might love and try to think of something outside the box.
- Have you both agreed on a budget? Bronze and lace can be a little pricey, so might not be suitable if you have a super strict budget.
- Do you want to give a personalised gift? It can be tricky to personalise gifts that include bronze and lace, so have a think if personalisation is important to you.
- What kind of gift would your partner love? Bronze and lace aren’t the most obvious of gift choices, so try to consider what kind of present they’d love to receive.
If a couple in your life is about to celebrate eight years of marriage, you might be interested to know whether you can also give them a gift associated with bronze, lace or linen. The great news is, it’s not a rule that’s exclusive to the couple, and you’re more than welcome to join in on these gift-giving traditions. A gift with extra thought and meaning can make something even more special.
50 ideas for an 8th wedding anniversary gift
If your 8th wedding anniversary is creeping ever closer and you’d love to give your partner a gift filled with symbolism, it can sometimes be a little tough to know where to start. After all, what kind of anniversary gifts contain bronze or linen? If you want to give your other half something extra memorable, here are 50 8th anniversary gift suggestions to help get your imagination working.
10 traditional gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
For a gift with traditional flair, you might want to give your partner something that contains bronze. Bronze isn’t exactly the most glamorous of metals, but that’s not the point – it’s strong and versatile and can be just as beautiful as any precious metal in the right hands. Here are 10 anniversary gift suggestions around the theme of bronze.
1. A bronze necklace
No, bronze isn’t a precious metal, so it’s often not included in the same category as platinum, gold or even silver – but it still looks beautiful. And one of its many wonderful uses is in a necklace, and St Justin has a huge selection of absolutely fabulous pieces, which means there’s no doubt that you’ll find something your partner will adore.
2. A bronze rose
The rose is a globally recognised symbol of love, so when you pair it with bronze, it makes for the perfect 8th anniversary gift. A bronze rose is a unique and eye-catching gift that your partner will want to display so they can always be reminded of your big day.
3. Couple in love bronze figurine
Remember how incredible it was when the two of you got married eight magical years ago? That feeling is wonderfully encapsulated in a couple in love bronze figurine, a lovely statement piece that’s filled with meaning.
4. A bronze ring
Because bronze is a shiny and incredibly durable metal, it’s great for making rings. Because it’s not a precious metal, it’s not usually set with a gemstone, which means it’s often made into unique and memorable designs. Tribu has a wide selection of bronze rings and we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your partner’s tastes.
5. A replica bronze age arrow head
If your partner’s a bit of a history buff, they’ll love a piece of replica history in the form of a bronze age arrowhead. Not only will they have a memento of the past, but it will link nicely to your 8th anniversary.
6. Bronze heart sculpture
When celebrating your 8th anniversary, your heart is no doubt bursting with oodles of love. Let your partner know exactly how you feel with a bronze heart sculpture, which features two conjoined hearts to represent how you and your other half are always connected.
7. Personalised bronze cufflinks
Does your other half lack a really nice pair of cufflinks? Or maybe they haven’t bought a pair since your wedding day all those years ago? Well, why not correct that with a pair of personalised bronze cufflinks, which you can customise with a special message?
8. Bronzed kissing hares
What could be cuter than two adorable kissing hares? How about two adorable kissing hares that just so happen to be bronze statues? Yes, it’s true, there really is no cuter 8th anniversary gift than a pair of kissing bronzed hares, a wonderful gift for any wildlife lover.
9. A personalised bronze clock
Bronze isn’t the most obvious of materials when it comes to a clock, but a personalised bronze clock ticks (get it?) a lot of boxes. It’s big, it’s functional, it’s bronze and it can be personalised, so you’ll both be reminded of your anniversary whenever you check the time.
10. A bronze vase
For a gift that’s utterly beautiful and striking, a bronze vase makes for a wonderful choice. The only way you could make it any better would be by giving your other half some flowers to go in it!
10 modern gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
If you’re not sure your partner would love a bronze-themed gift, then maybe they’ll love something related to the modern 8th anniversary gift: linen or lace. These delicate and luxurious materials are used in lots of different ways, opening up plenty of opportunities for a memorable and extra special gift. Here are 10 suggestions to get you started.
1. A personalised linen rose
We’ve already included a bronze rose in our list, so it only seems fair that we include a linen rose as well. It’s nicely made with a chic design, and is a great alternative to a real flower if your partner would appreciate something softer than bronze.
2. A luxury linen candle
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, clean linen, which has been perfectly captured by this linen-scented WoodWick candle. Not only is it on theme and smells amazing, but it also crackles as it burns, reminiscent of a warming fireplace. The perfect gift to create a romantic atmosphere on your anniversary night.
3. Fortnum and Mason linen fragrance sachets
Fortnum and Mason is a brand known for its luxury and quality. Why not spoil your other half and give them a collection of linen fragrance sachets, so your clothes will have a freshly washed smell even after spending weeks in the cupboard?
4. A luxury linen sketchbook
If your partner loves to doodle and sketch, a luxury linen sketchbook might just be the ideal gift for them. For even more luxury, it features gold edging, and down the spine it reads, ‘Design and create with your heart’, which is so appropriate when celebrating your anniversary.
5. A smart linen shirt
If you love it when your other half dresses up, a smart linen shirt is sure to tickle your fancy. If you’re heading out for a romantic dinner, it’s a great gift to give just before you head out so they can model it for you that evening.
6. Some lace pyjamas
For a touch of luxury and comfort, you really can’t beat some lace pyjamas. Lace is so soft and smooth that your other half will feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, and you’ll definitely not be able to keep your hands off them.
7. Show-stopping lace cufflinks
For something a little naughty your partner can take with them to work, a pair of lace cufflinks features a smart, stylish and unique design. So, whenever your partner’s at work or at a special event, they can wear a cute and subtle reminder of your 8th anniversary.
8. Some sexy lace underwear
Ok, so this one is kind of obvious, but we really couldn’t make this list and not suggest some sexy lace underwear. Whether you want to buy some for yourself and surprise your partner, or give them a gift as a treat for the both of you, it’s a fun way to spice up your evening.
9. A lace silk cushion
A nice cushion can really pop, and there’s no better way to draw attention than with a lace silk cushion. The lace cushions of yesteryear were frilly and a bit garish, but today they’re smart and striking and look absolutely wonderful. It’s likely something your partner will adore.
10. Lace earrings
Not only can you get lace cufflinks, but you can also get lace earrings, which are subtle and cute, and will go with a wide range of styles and outfits. They’d make for a great addition to any jewellery collection and are something your other half can wear to remember your special day.
5 affordable gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
Lace and bronze aren’t usually associated with affordability, which can make it tough to find the right gift if you’re on a strict budget. But, if you think creatively, there are still plenty of ideas out there so you can give your other half a token on-theme present. Here are five suggestions for affordable 8th anniversary gifts.
1. A lace bookmark
Does your partner love to read a good old-fashioned physical book? If so, then a lace bookmark is the perfect multi-purpose gift. It’s super thoughtful and brilliantly on theme, and is unique, affordable and super useful.
2. Bronze anniversary card
If you’re planning to give your partner a card to mark your anniversary, you could combine it with the modern theme and give them a card that contains eight bronze-coloured hearts. It works on so many levels that they’ll absolutely love the meaning behind it.
3. A personalised bronze keyring
For something small and sweet that your partner can always keep in their pocket, a personalised bronze keyring can be customised to include the date the two of you got hitched, so they’ll always have a reminder close by.
4. A Roman spintria
For a really authentic piece of the past, a genuine Roman spintria (the name for a small token or coin from that era) is surprisingly affordable considering they’re thousands of years old. Give your other half something a Roman soldier might have kept in their pocket for around £5-10 from auction sites such as eBay.
5. Bronze couples keyring
Yes, you could get your partner a keyring, but why not get a pair of bronze couples keyrings which are in the shape of a lock and key, so you can each carry one with you as a symbol of how you fit together perfectly? We absolutely love the thought and meaning behind this one.
5 DIY gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
A brilliant way to really hammer home just how much you love your other half is by making your anniversary gift with your own two hands. Even if it doesn’t turn out all that great (though we know it will), your partner is bound to love it because of the love and effort that went into making it. Of course, making something out of bronze and lace can require a lot of skill and practice, but there are some things you can make that don’t require expert craftsmanship. Here are five ideas if you want to have a crack at making something yourself.
1. A bronze wire ring
Now, you might assume that making jewellery out of bronze is tough if you don’t have a forge, but there’s a fantastic way around it – wire. Bronze wire can be used to make a lovely bronze ring, and it doesn’t take too long at all. There are wire ring video tutorials available on YouTube to get you started.
2. A DIY lace gift bag
If you’ve already picked up the perfect gift for your partner but are still looking for a way to link it to a theme, you could make them a DIY lace gift bag to tie it in closely. It’s fairly simple to do if you follow a tutorial video.
3. A bronze wire bracelet
If a ring isn’t quite your partner’s thing, why not consider making them a bronze wire bracelet? You’ll need a few simple tools, but the results are beautiful and it shouldn’t take you too long to master it, especially if you follow a video tutorial.
4. A bronze wire sculpture
Do you want to make something out of bronze wire but aren’t sure that jewellery is quite the right thing? Then why not consider making a bronze wire sculpture? It can be a little tricky and fiddly, but with a little perseverance, you should be able to give your partner something truly memorable for your anniversary. Check out some wire sculpture video tutorials for a little guidance.
5. Lace bunting
Anniversary decorations aren’t seen very often, but you could make your own lace bunting and make your home fitting for such a special occasion. Even if you haven’t made much before, a video tutorial lets you know how to do everything you need.
5 experience or activity gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
Spending time with your partner on your anniversary is important so you can really share the love. And what better way to do that than by doing something exciting, new or unique? You might think that bronze- or lace-themed activities are hard to come by, but you don’t need to look too far to find the ideal experience. Here are five 8th anniversary-themed activities you can try.
1. A bronze-casting experience
If you know your partner would love to get stuck into making something out of bronze, a bronze-casting experience will definitely be a memorable and unique way to spend your anniversary.
2. Enjoy a linen factory tour
Linen was invented over 35,000 years ago, and some of the same techniques are still used to this day. To find out how linen is made in modern factories, a linen factory tour lets you find out first-hand.
3. A bronze animal experience
This one might be bending the rules slightly, but it’ll be worth it to see the happiness on your animal-loving partner’s face. An animal experience at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, like the bronze lemur experience for two (see, it does technically fit the theme) is a brilliant way to get up close and personal with some furry friends on your big day.
4. Visit a sculpture park
You might not be able to give your other half a bronze statue for your anniversary per se, but one way around that is to take them to The Sculpture Park in Farnham, Surrey, to see them in person.
5. A lace-making experience
Lace is beautiful and intricate and oh so delicate – it also takes a lot of skill and practice to make. A crafty and creative way to spend your 8th anniversary is with a lace-making experience, with plenty available up and down the UK.
10 8th anniversary gifts that contain tourmaline
Tourmaline is the traditional 8th anniversary gemstone, and it comes in a wide variety of colours. It’s even found in iridescent rainbow colours, which means it can suit almost any kind of jewellery or accessory and makes for a wonderful choice for LGBTQ+ couples. It also varies in price, which means some tourmaline can be relatively affordable. Here are 10 ideas for jewellery and accessories you might want to consider set with tourmaline.
- A necklace
- A bracelet
- Earrings
- Cufflinks
- A ring
- A broach
- A locket
- An anklet
- A nose stud
- Belly button ring
It’s not one of the most commonly used stones for jewellery and accessories, which means it’s not always the easiest to come by. Some high street chains may have a selection of tourmaline jewellery, but if not, many online retailers will. At Bridebook, we work closely with a range of brilliant jewellers, and many have a choice of tourmaline jewellery, so be sure to check them out.
5 floral-inspired gifts for an 8th wedding anniversary
The traditional flower for your 8th wedding anniversary is lilac (and some also say it’s clematis), both beautifully purple flowers that make for wonderful gifts. They’re also incredibly pretty, so are often used as inspiration for other gifts as well. Here are five ideas for floral gifts linked to the 8th anniversary theme.
1. A purple lilac plant
Purple lilacs are big clusters of tiny flowers, so they’re not often used in a bouquet. They’re not native to the UK, but if you give them the right conditions to grow, they can look stunning. They can be a little pricey, so they’re perhaps only appropriate for the horticulturist in your life.
2. A lilac heart plaque
It’s a shame that lilacs aren’t easy to grow in the UK, because they really are gorgeous. Instead, you could give your partner a lilac heart plaque, so they can hang a subtle little reminder of your 8th anniversary somewhere they’ll always see it.
3. A purple lilac flower necklace
For a tiny nod to your 8th anniversary that your partner can wear for any occasion, a purple lilac flower necklace is every bit as pretty as it is thoughtful.
4. A bouquet with clematis
A clematis is a super eye-catching purple flower that makes a perfect addition to any bouquet, especially a clematis and craspedia arrangement, which is a fantastic mix of purples, yellows and lush greens.
5. Clematis bulbs
It’s actually fairly simple to grow a clematis, as they thrive in full sun or partial shade. There are also loads of varieties, so you can add patches of vivid colours to your flower bed or in a pot. Plus, clematis bulbs aren’t all that expensive.
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