3rd Wedding Anniversary

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 3rd wedding anniversary in countries around the world…

Traditional Gift – UK		Leather
Traditional Gift – US		Leather
Traditional Gift – Spain		Leather
Traditional Gift – Germany		Leather
Traditional Gift – Russia		Leather
Traditional Gift – France		Wheat
Traditional Gift – Italy		Leather
Flower Gift		Fuchsia
Gemstone Gift		Crystal and Jade
Modern Gift		Crystal Glass

About 3rd Wedding Anniversaries

Also known as the Leather Anniversary, your 3rd wedding anniversary is all about durable, warm, strong and flexible qualities that highlight stability in a relationship. The 3rd wedding anniversary is often when a couple becomes most acutely – and reassuringly – aware of the durability of their relationship.

That is why leather has become the traditional gift for this celebration, and in many ways the most appropriate. For those who consider themselves modernists, the symbol is crystal glass. Crystal represents a delicate reminder of how a couple can touch the lives of others.

How to Celebrate a 3rd Anniversary

The dual 3rd wedding anniversary symbols of leather and crystal lend themselves to some great creative interpretations. Finding the perfect three-year anniversary gift for your partner can be quite a challenge. So, instead of just buying a leather or crystal 3rd wedding anniversary gift, why not arrange a trip to the exotic tanneries of Morocco – or the glass blowers of Waterford in Ireland?

The flowers associated with your 3rd wedding anniversary are fuchsia and the lily of the valley. The fuchsia represents humble love, good taste and confiding love, while the lily of the valley evokes happiness and mental power.

The symbolic colours are white – traditionally meaning innocence, as well as wholeness and completeness – and jade green, which is the colour of growth and balance. Crystal gemstones are linked with the healing and renewing powers of Jade, historically used to attract love.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Quoted by: Lao Tzu

3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and the Couple

A 3rd wedding anniversary gift doesn’t have to cost the earth. It is the sentiment that counts, so a thoughtful alternative would be to plan a movie night and watch your wedding video. Put together a gift basket that has a variety of fuchsia plants, together with a pair of leather garden gloves, and a message on jade green paper stating your willingness (indeed, pleasure) to help your partner plant them in the soil.

3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him

What can I buy my husband on our 3rd wedding anniversary?

Traditionally the 3rd wedding anniversary gift is leather, although you will also find that – as for other wedding anniversary dates – more modern anniversary gifts will customarily feature crystal glass.

Featured here is a selection of both traditional and modern gift ideas for your husband – or you can opt for more fun-filled and quirky gifts. Check out our other wedding anniversary pages for additional ideas.

3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her

What should I buy my wife for our 3rd wedding anniversary?

If you are seeking a traditional gift to celebrate your 3rd wedding anniversary with your wife, look no more. Here are just a few ideas to help you buy the perfect gift. (*Bear in mind you can always use faux leather*)

Leather and crystal gift suggestions for your wife to make this 3rd wedding anniversary extra-special…

3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him & Her

Travel & Experience Gifts

• Location visit (leather goods themed)
• Romantic boutique hotel stay (attractive room with hot tub, etc.)
• Three-course dinner (try that restaurant that has great reviews)
• Luxury afternoon tea for two
• Adrenaline day for two

• Luxury Moroccan spa day for two

• Luxury hotel and wine tasting
  

Jewellery

The traditional 3rd wedding anniversary gemstones are crystal and jade.

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Rings
• Necklace
• Tie Pin
• Cufflinks

Something Different & Unique

• Learn a new craft or take a course involving a shared interest (leather goods or glass making).
• Don’t believe you should wear leather? Make a donation to an animal charity or adopt an animal.
• Enjoy a surprise holiday getaway to the tanneries in Morocco.
• Initiate a traditional annual celebration (theatre, adventure day, picnic etc.).

Whatever you decide, make sure you celebrate your 3rd wedding anniversary with huge doses of love and affection.

5 Top Animal Charities in the UK

If (as noted above) you avoid wearing leather – or would simply like to support a worthy cause to mark your wedding anniversary this year – here are five of the UK’s leading animal charities…

RSPCA: The world’s oldest animal welfare charity, the RSPCA deals with thousands of calls a day, taking in hundreds of animals with the aim of giving them a better quality of life, by helping restore their health, and finding foster and “forever” homes.  

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): This is the UK branch of one of the world’s most prominent animal charities, present in more than 100 countries. Its stated mission is to create a world where animals and humans can live in harmony and thrive together, including by protecting endangered species, slowing down the climate change process and promoting sustainable living.

The Humane Society International: Another major international organisation with a UK branch, The Humane Society International promotes animal welfare through several active campaigns including the protection of British wildlife such as hares and badgers.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation: PETA’S UK branch promotes the importance of respecting, establishing and protecting the rights of other sentient creatures, through public education, research, legislation and special events such as art installations, as well as celebrity endorsements.

Dogs Trust: Dating to 1891, and today the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, Dogs Trust helps care for an estimated 15,000-plus dogs annually at 21 centres throughout the country, making sure they are happy and healthy before being found a new home.

Next Anniversaries

4th wedding anniversary
5th wedding anniversary
6th wedding anniversary
7th wedding anniversary
8th wedding anniversary