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Anniversary Gifts for Him he'll Love | From Boudoir pics to Beer Flights
- Jennifer Wilson
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
Monette Photography
Guide to Anniversary gifts for him!
Anniversary Gifts for Him: Thoughtful Ideas He’ll Actually Love
When your wedding anniversary is just around the corner, finding the perfect gift for your guy can feel like trying to decode a puzzle. You want his gift to be meaningful—but not cheesy. Romantic—but not too over-the-top. And most of all, something he’ll actually love (and not stash in a drawer for years to come).
At Celestial Farms wedding venue in Clio, Michigan, we believe in celebrating love stories from the first “I do” to every milestone that follows. And just like Celestial Farms makes sure the groom’s experience is just as magical as the bride’s on wedding day, we think anniversaries should be equally thoughtful for him, too.
So whether it’s your first year married or your tenth, this blog has the ultimate list of anniversary gifts for him—starting with the classic traditions and ending with modern, unforgettable ideas that speak his love language.
🎁 Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year (and How to Make Them Fun)
Traditionally, each wedding anniversary year is associated with a specific material that symbolizes the strength and growth of your marriage. While these ideas can be a great place to start, we’re going to show you how to take each one up a notch.
Here are the first 10 traditional anniversary gifts—and how to make them a little more exciting for him:
• 1st Year – Paper: A custom photo book of your favorite memories together, or even better—boudoir photos by Angela’s Angles Photography
• 2nd Year – Cotton: A cozy, custom sweatshirt with an inside joke or his favorite team logo
• 3rd Year – Leather: A leather-bound passport wallet…with a surprise weekend getaway booked and placed inside
• 4th Year – Fruit/Flowers: A gourmet gift box from UncommonGoods featuring unique dried fruits, craft condiments, or spicy snacks he’ll love
• 5th Year – Wood: A handcrafted wooden beer caddy or cutting board engraved with your last name
• 6th Year – Iron: A cast iron skillet + a romantic steak dinner you can make together at home
• 7th Year – Wool/Copper: Wool socks + a copper mule kit for making moscow mules together
• 8th Year – Bronze: A bronze golf ball marker or engraved keychain from Etsy are great ideas
• 9th Year – Pottery: A pottery painting date night at a local studio or pottery class for two is romantic
• 10th Year – Tin/Aluminum: A tin full of his favorite craft beers or candy
Just use these examples to spark your own creativity and personalize gifts that suit him!
Bailey Morgan Photography
The point is: traditions are a great guide, but you can (and should) personalize them to reflect what makes your partner smile.
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❤️ Anniversary Gifts He’ll Actually Love (That Aren’t Boring)
Couple's Boudoir photos taken at Celestial Farms by Angela's Angles Photography LLC
Boudoir Photos—A Sexy Surprise He’ll Never Forget
If you’re looking for a gift that’s personal, bold, and totally unforgettable, boudoir photography tops our list.
At Celestial Farms wedding venue, we’ve seen firsthand how meaningful and confidence-boosting a boudoir shoot can be—not just for you, but for your relationship. Angela’s Angles Photography (a preferred vendor here at CF and one of my closest friends) specializes in tasteful, empowering boudoir sessions that make the perfect surprise gift for any occasion.
Imagine wrapping a custom photo album with his name on it… and inside? Stunning, intimate boudoir portraits he’ll treasure forever.
Plan a Michigan Date Night He’ll Brag About
Sure, dinner and a movie works—but you can do better.
Here are a few fun, guy-approved date night ideas around our beautiful state of Michigan that turn a simple evening into a celebration:
• Axe throwing -many locations all over
• Beer flights and live music- try Frankenmuth Brewery
• Kayaking date down the Au Sable River
• Food truck hopping at the Flint Farmers’ Market or food truck events
• Escape room adventure in Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor or Stardust in Saginaw
• Catch a Tigers game and grab Detroit-style pizza afterward
Angela's Angles Photography LLC
Wrap up the experience in a thoughtful card that hints at the date (tickets, map, or clue). It builds anticipation and makes the gift you're giving feel more intentional.
Order Something He’ll Actually Eat from UncommonGoods
Skip the cliché gift baskets. Instead, head to UncommonGoods Food Gifts and pick something that caters to his taste.
• Hot sauce of the month subscription
• Whiskey-infused jerky
• Exotic honey or mustard tasting sets
• Taco night kits
• Bourbon-smoked spices and BBQ rubs
Unique + delicious = a win every time.
Book a Romantic Overnight Stay in Michigan
Surprise him with a night away for just the two of you.
Some of our favorite romantic overnight spots in Michigan:
• 85Ten Boutique Hotel – Port Austin: This historic 1800s home turned boutique hotel is right near the dark sky preserve park for stargazing and Lake Huron. It’s charming, quiet, and perfect for can anniversary date.
• Castle in the Country – Allegan: If you’re feeling ultra romantic, this dreamy B&B offers packages with massages and private dining which is appealing to just about anyone.
• The Siren Hotel – Detroit: For urban-loving couples, this artsy hotel downtown is full of character and just steps away from great restaurants and bars you'll love to explore.
Score Tickets to His Favorite Concert, Game, or Comedy Show
The best gifts are often experiences—and tickets to see his favorite band or team will hit the mark.
Some Michigan venues to check for events:
• Little Caesars Arena – Detroit
• The Fillmore – Detroit
• Pine Knob Music Theatre – Clarkston
• Soaring Eagle Casino – Mt. Pleasant
Want bonus points? Get tickets for something you’d never choose, but he loves.
Sign Up for a Cooking or Dancing Class Together
• Zingerman’s Bakehouse (Ann Arbor): Pasta, bread, or cookie-making classes
• The Cooking School at Mirepoix (Royal Oak): Couples date night events
• Fred Astaire Dance Studios: Great for trying ballroom or salsa dancing
Even if you’re both terrible at it—that’s part of the fun.
Create a Custom Photo Book of Your Life Together
Apps like Chatbooks, Shutterfly, and Artifact Uprising make it easy to turn your camera roll into a beautiful, hardcover love story.
Include:
• Wedding day memories
• Candid selfies
• Travel adventures
• First home moments
• Everyday snapshots that are meaningful
Want bonus points? Add handwritten captions or inside jokes to your photo book
Alysha Jayne Photography
Plan a “Staycation” and Cook for Him
Sometimes, the best anniversary gift for him is you—in your comfiest clothes, cooking his favorite meal at home, and just being together without distractions. (If you have kids, get a sitter!)
Set the vibe with:
• Candles
• A curated playlist
• A handwritten menu
• Homemade dessert (or order in his favorite)
• A cozy movie or game night to end the evening
It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect—it just needs to be intentional and about him.
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🌟 Final Thoughts: It’s About the Thought (and the Connection)
At Celestial Farms wedding venue, we’ve hosted weddings where grooms cry when they see their bride for the first time, where they help build the arch for their ceremony, or where they plan secret dances with the wedding party (Nate -you killed it). We know how important the groom’s wedding experience is—not just on your wedding day, but in every year that follows.
So when it comes to anniversary gifts for him, think outside the box. Celebrate his love and his heart. His humor. The way he supports you. Give him something that says: I see you, I love you, and I still choose you and always will.
Whether that’s a boudoir photo album, a mid-Michigan escape, or just a homemade dinner with candles and connection, the best gift is the one that makes him feel known, seen, and loved.
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Angela's Angles Photography LLC
💬 We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have an anniversary date or gift idea that worked great for you? Planning something special for your next one? Leave a comment below—we love sharing love stories and celebrating every unique vision.
We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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