Paper to DiamondAll years

16th anniversary gift ideas: Wax and silver holloware

Traditional list: wax. Modern list: silver holloware.

Wax is light and warmth. It also takes an impression.

Our pick for the 16th

A wax seal kit

Then write them a real letter and seal it.

Traditional: Wax · Under $50Find it
For the card
Sixteen years, and you've left your mark on every one of them.

7 more for year sixteen

Budget
They're into

WaxTraditional · 4

  • Beeswax candles

    They smell like honey when they burn.

    Under $50Find it

  • A candle-making kit

    Make your own scent for your house.

    Under $50Find it

  • Your song on vinyl

    Records used to be called wax.

    Under $50Find it

  • A waxed canvas bag

    Tough, water resistant, looks better scuffed.

    $50 to $150Find it

Silver hollowareModern · 3

  • A silver tea service

    The heirloom version of a teapot.

    $150 and upFind it

  • A silver serving bowl

    For the holiday table.

    $50 to $150Find it

  • A silver champagne bucket

    Keep a bottle in it.

    $50 to $150Find it

Wedding day, first date, whatever you count. It stays on this phone.

Printable Open When letters for couples
Open When Letters to print at homeOpen When Letters: 12 letters with gentle prompts, fold marks and envelope labels. Print at home, $6.See the printable →

What is the 16th anniversary gift?

The traditional 16th anniversary gift is wax. The modern one is silver holloware. Pick whichever gives you a better idea. Nobody checks.

What's a good 16th anniversary gift under $50?

A wax seal kit, beeswax candles or a candle-making kit. Each one fits the theme and comes in under $50.

What should I write in a 16th anniversary card?

Tie it to the theme, then say one thing only the two of you would know: a place, a joke, something from this year. To start: “Sixteen years, and you've left your mark on every one of them.”

Also made by the same person