Traditional, Modern and Symbolic Anniversary Gifts
Below is a list of both traditional and modern gift materials, as well as classic flower and gemstone symbols, which mark a couple’s 12th wedding anniversary in countries around the world…
Traditional Gift – UK | ![]() | Silk and Fine Linen |
Traditional Gift – US | ![]() | Silk |
Traditional Gift – Australia | ![]() | Silk |
Traditional Gift – Canada | ![]() | Silk |
Traditional Gift – Spain | ![]() | Silk |
Traditional Gift – Germany | ![]() | Nickel |
Traditional Gift – France | ![]() | Silk |
Traditional Gift – Italy | ![]() | Silk |
Flower Gift | ![]() | Peony |
Gemstone Gift | ![]() | Jade |
Modern Gift | ![]() | Pearls and Coloured Gems |
Discover the 12th year anniversary
- About 12th Wedding Anniversaries
- How to Celebrate Your 12th Wedding Anniversary
- Common Questions About the 12th Wedding Anniversary
- 12th Anniversary Gifts for Him
- 12th Anniversary Gifts for Her
- 12th Anniversary Gifts for Them
About 12th Wedding Anniversaries
The journey to your 12th wedding anniversary has no doubt been eventful – in a positive way, of course. Hopefully, you have been able to sail on smooth waters, although some couples will have encountered a few rough passages along the way.
That is what marriage is all about: overcoming any obstacles in a relationship, pressing ahead with even stronger bonds, and looking forward to seas ahead that are as smooth as silk. Just one reason why this 12th celebration of your marriage is popularly known as the Silk Anniversary.
How to Celebrate a 12th Wedding Anniversary
Celebrate this anniversary by taking time to indulge in a little luxury and pleasure. A tour of the silk trade routes in Asia is an extravagant way to celebrate your big day – but hugely rewarding and memorable.
If you’ve got the time and funds, go for it! If not, a gift of silk lingerie (for her) or silk boxer shorts (for him) will set the scene for an unforgettable 12th anniversary celebration.
We all have a childhood dream that, when there is love, everything goes like silk, but the reality is that marriage requires a lot of compromise.” Quoted by Raquel Welch
12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and the Couple
A modern-day gift for the 12th year is linen, so clothing would be the perfect choice, especially if your anniversary falls in the warmer months.
One of the symbolic gemstones for this anniversary is jade, regarded as a symbol of good and beauty. The other is opal, a stone which – when worn close to the skin – is believed to reflect your emotions.
Both gemstones offer many diverse jewellery gift options for couples celebrating 12 years of marriage. How about jade cufflinks for him, and a beautiful jade pendant for her?

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We have given you a different choice in flowers as Peony have a very short season.
The classic flower for a 12th wedding anniversary is the peony, magnificent when in bloom and beautifully fragrant. It traditionally symbolises a joyful life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity and devotion.
Planting a peony in your garden would make a wonderful gift, as well as being a constant reminder of your 12th wedding anniversary. Or maybe put together a bouquet of 12 of these attractive blooms for an especially romantic and meaningful anniversary gift.
You don’t always have to follow tradition, however. Perhaps instead arrange a candlelit dinner for two at your favourite restaurant, or a night at the theatre followed by a luxury overnight stay in a boutique hotel.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 12TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Q: What is the 12th wedding anniversary called?
A: The 12th wedding anniversary is known as the Silk and Fine Linen Anniversary.
Q: What is the 12th wedding anniversary gemstone?
A: The 12th wedding anniversary gemstone is Jade.
Q: What is the 12th wedding anniversary symbol?
A: The 12th wedding anniversary is symbolised by Silk and Fine Linen.
Q: What is the 12th wedding anniversary colour?
A: The colour synonymous with the 12th wedding anniversary would be Oyster White.
Q: What are the traditional and modern gifts for a 12th wedding anniversary?
A: The traditional gift for the 12th wedding anniversary is Silk and Linen, and the modern gift is pearls and coloured gems.
Q: What is the 12th year anniversary flower?
A: The classic flower for 12th wedding anniversary celebrations is the Peony and represents prosperity, good luck, love and honour.
12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
What can I buy my husband for our 12th wedding anniversary?

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We have anniversary gifts for all budgets. If you cannot find exactly what you want here, check out our other anniversary pages for more ideas.

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Need more gift suggestions for your husband or partner, check our other page below.
12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
What should I buy my wife on our 12th wedding anniversary?

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Finding the right gift – whether it is traditional or modern – can sometimes prove to be a little difficult. Hopefully, you will be able to find the ideal anniversary gift idea here.

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Still looking for more gift ideas? Check for more gifts suggestions for your wife or partner below.
12th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him & Her

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Travel & Experience Gifts
- Location visit
- Travel gift vouchers
- Special 12th wedding anniversary getaway and meal
- Luxury afternoon tea for two
- Skydiving and parachute jumps
- Luxury spa day for two
- Design your own Perfume Gold Experience for two.
Jewellery
The traditional 12th wedding anniversary gemstones are jade and opal.
- Earrings
- Pendants
- Rings
- Necklace
- Tie Pin
- Cufflinks
Something Different & Unique
- Buy some eye-catching silk artwork.
- Take a local arts & crafts course together (for example, silk painting).
- Enjoy a luxury holiday in one of the destinations along the venerable Silk Road.
- Visit Macclesfield’s Silk Museum, followed by a meal at The Silk Trader pub.
However you decide to celebrate your 12th wedding anniversary, make sure the special day showcases the fine silky threads that hold your marriage together – and which shape a future journey of enduring love.
Next Anniversaries
13th wedding anniversary
14th wedding anniversary
15th wedding anniversary
16th wedding anniversary
17th wedding anniversary
About The Author

This page has been written by Justin Aldridge. Justin is passionate about helping couples to make their anniversary as special as possible. Justin enjoys being creative and coming up with different and inspiring ideas for couples to celebrate their anniversary in style each year.
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