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CNN
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 29 best 50-year anniversary gifts for celebrating half a century together
50th anniversary gifts quick picks To celebrate the promises you made 50 years ago: Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print For the couple who remembers the decades through music: Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record If they don't want more stuff: UrbanStems The Peony Sky For the bookworm: Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Romance is eternal, and so should be finding meaningful ways to celebrate marriage milestones. Whether you're the gift-giving type of couple or prefer to show affection through a different love language, wedding anniversary gifts themed by year offer a special way to honor and celebrate the time you've spent together. 'Fifty years — that's legacy,' etiquette expert Elaine Swann said. As both the traditional and modern anniversary gifting theme, gold gifts speak to the preciousness of a half-century partnership that has thrived through life's inevitable changes, ups and downs. 'It's perfect because it represents something that's stood the test of time,' Swann said. 'To me, anniversary gifts have always felt like little markers along the path of a shared life,' Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird, said. 'I love that the tradition is deeply human,' she said, referencing the centuries-old custom in which husbands would give their wives a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold one on their 50th. 'It represents a quiet but meaningful celebration of endurance and devotion.' Ahead, our selection of thoughtful 50-year anniversary gifts ranges from literal to symbolic, with each giving you the chance to consider what will truly delight your life partner — or any couple you know celebrating this milestone. Framebridge Antiqued Oval Tabletop Frame You can't go wrong with framing a family portrait, wedding photo or special quote, said etiquette expert Myka Meier. She recommends putting whichever would be most meaningful to your spouse in a gold or gold-accented photo frame — and we love this vintage-inspired option from Framebridge. Simply upload the photo of your choice, and Framebridge will take care of the rest. Papier Monogram Navy Leather Notebook When it comes to a super special anniversary gift, etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts recommends taking a trip down memory lane — literally. 'Revisit somewhere like your honeymoon spot,' she said, 'complete with a golden travel journal.' This notebook from Papier can be monogrammed with gold foil, making it a great choice for partners who prefer a subtle gold touch. Plumeria Original Art Original Violet Oil Painting Violets are the traditional flower for 50th wedding anniversaries, commonly seen as symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. This hand-painted oil painting is a unique way of honoring the time-honored tradition. Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Sometimes, the best gift is just one that acknowledges your partner's favorite hobby, pastime or passion. For those who love nothing more than snuggling up with a good book, this golden brass bookmark can be personalized with both their birth flower (or an anniversary-appropriate violet) and up to three characters. Arhaus Jules Frame Meier said a framed poem or letter might seem like a simple gift — but it's thoughtful, personal and gives you a chance to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with your life partner. A sleek frame like this option from Arhaus is the perfect vessel to showcase the keepsake of your choosing. World Market Antique Gold Peacock Trinket Dish Gold doesn't need to mean flashy or expensive. This trinket dish is fun, full of personality and perfect for holding everyday essentials like jewelry, keys or loose change. Michael Aram Heart Frame Ornament Whether you plan to hang it up year-round or during the holidays, we're suckers for a heart-shaped gift. This ornament is made from gold-hued metal with a heart motif and is a charming way to put your love center stage. UrbanStems The Peony Sky Meier recommends 'a bouquet of golden-hued flowers' for those who might not be into a more traditional gold gift. This stunning multicolored bouquet features beautiful yellow roses amongst an array of flowers, including peonies, white roses, ranunculus and delphinium. Dearest Forever Personalized Family Tree Art A celebration of the family and legacy you've created together, this family tree can be personalized to include four, five or even six generations. There are a couple different print sizes in addition to fonts, and you can work with the designers to get your piece just right before framing and gifting it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Sargent Rose Brooch Brooches are such a classic way to accessorize, and this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art store is a true showstopper. It pays homage to a late 19th-century painting by American painter John Singer Sargent — perfect for the art lover. Williams Sonoma Wilshire Jewel-Cut Gold-Rim Champagne Flutes, Set of 4 Grotts recommends Champagne flutes — monogrammed if you can — to 'toast to 50 years with something as sparkling as your story.' Each of these four glasses is hand-cut with a slightly different pattern and complete with a 24-karat gold rim. Apollo Sundials Custom 50th Wedding Anniversary Engraved Gold Sundial Chances are you or the couple you're shopping for doesn't have an engraved sundial — yet! Perfect for placing in an outdoor garden or yard, each item is customized with your very own message on the front and calibrated for the location in which it'll be placed. Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Engravable Rhodium-Plated Tie Clip An understated accessory for more formal occasions, tie clips are a simple way to bring the polish of any menswear look to the next level. This sleek option is made from sterling silver with a gold plating. Because we love the opportunity to make any present a bit more personal, it can be monogrammed too. Olivia Riegel Botanica Box Keepsake boxes like this one, which features a gold-cast pewter flower, are a perfect anniversary gift. Include a handwritten letter, a piece of jewelry or a thoughtful trinket inside for extra points. Pottery Barn Hawthorne Oval Wall Address Plaque For those who don't typically love gifts, we'd recommend opting for something that's both practical and thoughtful. This elegant and customizable plaque is a sweet way to celebrate the place where you've created countless memories and built a life together. Classic Touch Clear Glass Vase With Removable Gold Leaf Base If flowers are a common way to celebrate milestones in your relationship, opt for an elegant gold or gold-accented vase to accompany your latest bouquet. Whether it's their favorite flower or a violet-inspired bouquet (paying homage to the flower associated with this landmark anniversary!), this is a thoughtful way to go the extra mile. Uncommon Goods Love Grows Together Wall Art This charming piece of wall art captures all the themes of a 50th wedding anniversary gift — growth, strength and a deepening relationship over time. It's a beautiful daily reminder of your shared journey and a testament to the fact that love does grow together. Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album What better way to remember memories from the past 50 years than with a photo album? You can opt for an elegant keepsake like this layflat album, which has gold detailing on the cover (a subtle way to reference the gifting tradition!) or make a custom scrapbook like Meier recommends. Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record This personalized gold record is a thoughtful and unique way to celebrate the soundtrack of your relationship. In addition to customizing the record's title, you can select up to five songs — perhaps one for each decade — to include on the record label. Mark & Graham Sarah Chloe Monogram Cufflinks When it comes to the perfect 50-year wedding anniversary gift for men (or anyone who wears suits), Meier recommends engraved gold-tone cufflinks. This monogrammed option is a smart alternative you can customize with two or three characters. Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print Wedding anniversaries are the perfect opportunity to look back and reflect on the commitment you made to each other half a century ago. This custom print, made with real gold foil, is a stunning way to honor that day and the journey you've been on together since. Skylight Digital Picture Frame in Gold Digital picture frames are an incredible way to remember and celebrate the milestones of everyone in your life, especially if it involves friends and family across the country or the world. This chic gold option is intuitive, user-friendly and easy for loved ones to keep you up-to-date on all their special moments. The Million Roses Heart Gold Box Made from real roses and uniquely preserved to last for up to three years, these gold roses are a grand gesture that'll last way longer than fresh flowers. You can display throughout your home or as an impressive centerpiece. Fossil Men's Carraway Quartz Stainless Steel Three-Hand Watch A stunning piece of gold-toned jewelry doesn't have to come at designer costs. This stainless steel watch strikes the perfect balance between wearability and sophistication that works equally well in everyday and more formal settings. Tiffany & Co. Olive Leaf Stud Earrings When it comes to classic 50th anniversary gifts, you can't go wrong with jewelry, said wedding planner Laura Gardner. 'I would buy something they can wear,' she said. These elegant yet practical stud earrings feature beautiful pearls surrounded by 18-karat yellow gold olive leaves that symbolize peace and abundance. Catbird Dollhouse Oval Gold Locket Plessner, Grotts and Meier all recommend a gold locket as the perfect anniversary gift. You can include photos from your wedding day on one side with photos from today on the other, or choose a photograph and message with special sentimental meaning. Regardless, it's 'something she can wear close to her heart,' Plessner said. Rolex Pre-Owned Datejust 79173 'Gifting a watch for an anniversary isn't just about telling time, it's about telling your story,' James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, said. 'The right timepiece marks your shared milestones with meaning, elegance and intention.' Rolex describes this stunning option — made with stainless steel and 18-karat gold — as the first self-winding wristwatch to feature a date display. Frank Darling The Dad Band 'There's beauty in simplicity, and few things are more timeless than a pair of classic gold band[s],' Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of jewelry brand Frank Darling, said. 'I love the idea of coming full circle at 50 years with matching rings engraved with each other's names — which is complimentary at Frank Darling — and that are meant not just to wear, but to pass down,' she said. Brilliant Earth Homme Engravable Tag Pendant in 14-Karat Yellow Gold Plessner recommends engraving a piece of jewelry or a medallion with a special pet name as a sweet way to celebrate something only the two of you share. 'I hope me and my husband have pet names for each other at our 50th anniversary,' she said. 'Anniversary gifts are a moment to pause the day-to-day and reflect — not just on what your partner means to you, but on why you chose each other to begin with,' Fisher said. 'It's less about the gift itself, and more about the meaning behind it.' So use this landmark as an opportunity to consider your partner's unique interests, passions and hobbies. If you're stuck on where to start, Meier suggests the reason behind this celebration. 'Think about what the milestone represents, and what would feel meaningful and enjoyable to your spouse,' she said. This isn't necessarily going to be something you would want, though it can also be memorable to you. 'It can be something traditional, practical, creative, or sentimental,' she said. 'There's no one-size-fits-all.' Ultimately, it isn't about the price tag. 'Anniversary gifts are more than presents,' Grotts said. 'They're a sentimental mile marker, not just a calendar date.' Whether you're honoring gifting traditions or creating your own, 'the best present is one that honors the journey,' she said. For this article, we consulted the following wedding, etiquette and jewelry experts to gain their professional insights. Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of bespoke bridal and fine jewelry brand Frank Darling Laura Gardner, a wedding and event planner and owner of Love, Laura Lisa Mirza Grotts, also known as the 'The Golden Rules Gal,' a renowned etiquette expert, author and public speaker Myka Meier, a globally recognized etiquette expert, two-time bestselling author and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird Elaine Swann, a nationally recognized lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, a secondhand platform for luxury designer goods We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this article, contributing writer Noelle Ike interviewed the pros to find the best wedding anniversary gifts for celebrating 50 years of marriage.


Forbes
11-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Catbird Brings Its Signature Jewelry Experience To Chicago
Catbird's store on Armitage Ave opened this week. Catbird, the Brooklyn-based fine jewelry brand known for its delicate 14-karat gold pieces and cult-favorite welded bracelets, is bringing its distinct brand of intimacy and craftsmanship to the Midwest. On April 10th, the company opened its first Chicago store in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood, marking its ninth retail location nationwide and a key step in its measured expansion. Founded in 2004 in a small storefront in Williamsburg, Catbird has always placed physical retail at the heart of its brand identity—even as it grew a strong online presence. Mo Sakurai, CEO of Catbird, sees this next phase of retail growth as deeply tied to the brand's origin story. 'The history of the brand and the brand DNA is really rooted in brick and mortar,' she said. 'When I first started, we had two stores. Now we're at eight and about to open Chicago, which will be our ninth.' While online continues to make up the largest share of sales, in-person experiences remain central to how customers discover and fall in love with the brand. Sakurai describes jewelry as a category that naturally lends itself to tactile, immersive experiences—something Catbird leans into heavily with its store design and offerings. 'Jewelry is really such an immersive experience,' she explained. 'There is very much a customer who wants that in-store shopping experience—to try the jewelry, feel the weight and scale. And for them to do that in our stores, they really fall in love with the brand.' Catbird's Chicago store is located at 904 W Armitage Ave. The new Chicago location is on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood matching the brand's aesthetic and community. The brand has had this exact neighborhood on its list for a while and knew it was time when the right spot became available. It is one of many direct-to-consumer trendy brands on the street, including Gorjana, which is right across the street, and a popular California-based jewelry brand. The street hosts other trendy brands like Rothy's, Jenni Kayne, and Buck Mason. Other new openings include Rails, a contemporary clothing brand, and Foxtrot 2.0, a redo of the market that abruptly closed last year. Each Catbird store is designed to feel layered and personal. Filled with vintage furnishings and styled to encourage exploration, the retail spaces invite visitors to discover the brand in a tactile, almost home-like environment. The idea is customers can either style themselves or work with the staff. Along with the core jewelry collections, the stores feature in-person exclusives like the permanent bracelet welding service, a signature Catbird offering. The welding service involves welding a delicate gold chain around the wrist to be worn permanently. 'What's amazing about that is we have friends who come in as a group every year and add on a new bracelet. We have mothers and daughters that come in and get that together. It's really a bonding experience—a milestone experience,' shared Sakurai. Additional offerings at the store include design services for personalized charm bracelets and necklaces, in-store soldering of heirloom pieces, and wedding ring consultations with designs that reflect Catbird's understated and distinct point of view. To celebrate the Chicago opening, the brand is planning a festive weekend featuring a pizza party, gift bags, and a store-exclusive tote inspired by a local Chicago cub. In keeping with tradition, a limited-edition charm will also be released. 'We always do a special charm for each new store opening,' Sakurai said. 'When we opened Los Angeles, it was a pumpkin charm. In Georgetown, we did a cherry blossom. For Boston, it was a swan boat. Our customers really get excited about these.' Catbird's stores feature vintage furniture and decor, highlighting the brand's unique style. At the end of the day, brands need to provide unparalleled experiences for consumers. McKinsey released a report late last year stating, 'Consumers are returning to in-store shopping at pre-pandemic levels across much of the world, but retailers need to remind shoppers what they love about the in-store experience. That starts with well-trained staff who are empowered to assist and inspire customers.' Even though so much has improved in physical retail, there's an extra need for loyalty given today's economic uncertainty. While Catbird's e-commerce business continues to grow, its stores offer its loyal community connection, which digital can't. 'We definitely target areas where we trade higher in online traffic—these are communities that already have a base of Catbird customers who are familiar with us and who are eager to come in in person,' said Sakurai. 'When we opened our Los Angeles store, we heard multiple stories of customers driving three hours just to come visit. It's really exciting to be able to connect with customers, but especially with longtime customers in person.' But it's not just longtime fans who benefit. Catbird stores are also powerful acquisition tools, especially in walkable neighborhoods with substantial foot traffic. For brands like Catbird, which have a strong online presence, opening a store in a key market like Chicago not only deepens loyalty but also introduces the brand to entirely new audiences. Catbird's stores allow customers to either try on jewelry independently or with the help of a ... More stylist. Following the Chicago store opening, Catbird plans to open locations in Atlanta and Philadelphia later this year. Looking longer term, the brand is aiming to open two to three new stores per year, but always with a sense of purpose and restraint. For now, the focus remains domestic, with each potential market evaluated for both online engagement and in-person community fit. On the product side, Catbird continues innovating through collaborations—an area where the brand takes a hands-on, authentic approach. Most recently, the company teamed up with musician and TikTok star Maye, who brings a distinctive, jazz-influenced aesthetic and a deeply engaged following. 'She has a really fanatical engagement on TikTok and a beautiful point of view in terms of her personal style,' Sakurai said. 'The accessories she advocates for are often inspired by her wardrobe. Partnering with an artist like that is a really impactful way for us to introduce ourselves to a new community of jewelry lovers.' These collaborations, exclusive in-store experiences, and location-specific products help Catbird differentiate itself in a competitive fine jewelry market. As Sakurai shares, 'We have such a long history, and we are such an authentic brand. We do have a wonderful, loyal community—and our stores are a place for that community to grow.'