18 Lovely Linen Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your 12th Year
You’ve been married for 12 years and I bet you feel like you know your spouse inside out. Now that your anniversary has rolled around, it’s time to prove it! Cast your eye over my top picks for 12th anniversary gifts and see which ones are a perfect match for your beloved.
What is the Traditional 12th Anniversary Gift?
One of the most brilliant things about anniversary gifts is (unlike birthdays) they have special suggestions and significance. Each anniversary has a different symbolic inspiration to get your search started. However, when I began writing this post I discovered there’s some difference of opinion on what marks the traditional gift for the 12th anniversary. Some sources say linen, while others say silk. Working out which one is correct can be a challenge.
To get to the bottom of this mystery, I consulted my go-to guide for all things anniversary gift related, Emily Post’s The Blue Book of Social Usage, which had been helpful for our article on 4th year anniversary gifts. Penned back in the early 20th century, this fascinating book reveals the gifting conventions that continue to guide many of our traditions today.
Did you know that before 1937 there were only gift conventions for a handful of milestone anniversaries? That year, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now known as Jewelers of America) introduced an expanded list of gifts and keen eyes like Emily’s recorded them for posterity.
So what did her blue book say? That this 12th year is all about linen!
Modern 12th Anniversary Gift
If you’ve got your heart set on choosing a modern alternative, you’ll be pleased to know the possibilities are endless – the modern gift for the 12th wedding anniversary is something with pearls or colored gemstones.
Symbolic Flower: Peony: The beautiful flower for your 12th wedding anniversary is the peony. Symbolizing many sweet things – romance, compassion, honor, good fortune, and even a happy marriage – it’s an excellent gift option.
Symbolic Gem: Jade: This year, celebrate with the jade gemstone. Signifying harmony and balance, as well gentleness and nourishment, jade has as many meaningful connoations as it does shades of green.
12th Anniversary Gifts for Her
Make her year with a thoughtful linen gift that’s sure to remind her of why she fell for you in the first place.
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Linen Jewelry Roll
- Great for a girl on the go
- Keeps jewelry safe and organized
- Linen construction is soft yet protective
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Linen & Cotton Pouch
- Top zip closure keeps items safe
- The perfect size to carry essentials
- Great for women who don't like to carry a lot
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Waterproof Linen Purse Insert
- Customizable sizes
- Lots of pockets for organization
- Linen construction is right on theme
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Linen Throw Pillow
- Perfect addition to any bed or couch
- Great for snuggling
- Pair with a blanket for an extra cozy gift
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Bouquet of Peonies
- Fresh flowers are a classic anniversary gift
- Peonies are the traditional flower
- Include a vase to make them easy to display
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Linen Rose
- Lasts longer than traditional roses
- Linen construction is unique
- A variety of colors to choose from
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Jade Dangling Earrings
- Threaders are a unique earring style
- Length is changeable to fit the mood
- Comfortable to wear
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Vintage Jade Bracelet
- Jade is right on theme with the anniversary
- Elegant and simple
- Pair with the above earrings for a complete gift
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Modern White Linen Placemats
- Linen is right on theme
- A modern and elegant addition to any dining room table
- Versatile and durable — she'll have these for years
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French Linen Candle
- New way to show your "burning love"
- Fresh scent sets the right mood
- This candle and a bottle of wine make for a romantic night.
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Wedding Song Lyrics Framed on Linen
- Beautiful way to display your first song
- Ready to hang and display
- A sweet and sentimental linen gift
Have you been buying your wife lots of gorgeous jewelry over the years? Then this is the perfect year to give her somewhere to store it all. And if you’ve got the budget to splash out, delight her even more by hiding the next item on this list inside…
Slim and chic, this linen pouch is the perfect size for her essentials. The cream linen color is simple but the striped strap adds a fun pop of color. She just needs to pop in her phone, keys, and cash, and she's good to go!
Is your sweetie organization minded? These linen purse organizers are so much nicer than the stiff (and yucky) felt organizers I see most often. There are pockets for literally everything to keep her purse in tip top shape. The organizer is made to fit some of the most common bags but can be sized to fit her specific purse.
For some women (ahem, myself included) there is no such thing as too many pillows. Indulge her love for all things comfy with this classy way to display your special date.
As the traditional flower for the 12th anniversary, peonies arranged in a charming bouquet are sure to win a smile. That said, these ruffled blooms aren’t easy to find out of season. You’re most likely to be in luck if your anniversary falls between late April and early June.
If your anniversary falls outside of peony season, this linen rose is a lovely way to gift a flower. She’ll treasure it always, knowing the petals will never fall off. With a palette of gorgeous hues to choose from, you might just end up getting her a full bouquet!
Delicate and comfortable, threader earrings have changed the earring game. They're easy to wear, and she can change up the length to fit her mood for the day. The light green jade pendants are the perfect size — not too big to be uncomfortable but definitely big enough to catch the eye.
To me, this bracelet exudes the sophistication and elegance of the 1920s. This bracelet is simple yet stunning, with two chain styles and alternating colored jade pieces. Made in 18K gold, this beautiful bracelet can easily become an heirloom.
Placemats are a staple of the dining table. The linen construction of these placemats makes them so versatile. The simple design easily goes with elegant decor but the linen fabric creates a cozy look if that's what you're going for. She's bound to love how durable these are and they are oh-so-easy to clean. Grab the perfect amount for her dining room table. Better yet, grab two sets!
You can never go wrong with candles. Whether you’re hoping to set a romantic mood with flickering candlelight or fill the room with the fresh scent of linen, we’ve got you covered. This ample sized candle will keep burning no matter where the night takes you, and the luxurious scent will please even the most delicate noses. This refreshing candle is just the thing to celebrate 12 years.
This is such a unique, cool idea! Have the lyrics from your wedding song printed on linen and beautifully framed. You’ll both remember that magical moment you took your first dance together as husband and wife every time you look at it.
12th Anniversary Gifts for Him
Wrap up a fab gift for your main squeeze with our linen gift suggestions for men.
Now that you’ve got your linen anniversary gift inspirations all sewn up, I hope you and your honey have a wonderful time celebrating a dozen years of marriage! Until next year (hint: it’s Lace), we wish you all the best!
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Linen Catchall Tray
- Perfect for keys, jewelry, or loose change
- Unique design option for a classic tray
- Works with any decor style
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Linen Robe
- Excellent option for a his and hers gift
- Creates a spa-like experience in your own home
- Pair with a candle and bathbomb for the ultimate gift of relaxation
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Linen Custom Fit Shirt
- Made to measure means a perfect fit
- Great for both business and casual
- Linen is a breathable fabric and perfect for hot summer days
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Linen Handkerchief
- A classy addition to every man's accessories
- Easy to keep clean
- Grab a couple so he always has a clean one
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Linen Tablet Sleeve
- Protects his device in style
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Linen is easy to keep clean
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Linen Wireless Phone Charger
- Keeps his space clutter free
- Different colors and sizes to choose from
- Linen is right on theme
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Linen Wall Organizer
- Handmade in Vietnam
- Perfect for storing things without taking up too much space
- Keeps him organized (and you sane)
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Linen Notebook
- Great for notetakers
- Options for journal or planners
- Leave a special note inside to remind him of your love
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French Linen Sheet Set
- Creates a cozy sleep environment
- Options for both patterns and solids
- Linen is breathable and perfect for hot sleepers
I love this simple and yet sweet idea. The maker will inscribe your personalized message on this funky linen tray. Showcase your wedding vows, a quote he loves, or a saying you share. It’s also super handy for anyone who’s got a habit of misplacing their keys.
Make him feel equal parts sophisticated and relaxed with this stylish robe. Woven from 100% linen and naturally soft, he’ll want to cozy up in it every single night.
Every man should have at least one (I suggest more than that) made to measure shirts in their closet. These high-quality linen shirts are made to your man's precise measurements. The result is a shirt that fits like a glove. Let's be honest, this gift is for you as much as him, since you won't want to take your eyes off him in this shirt.
Make sure he always has a quality hanky on hand by gifting him a set of soft, strong linen ones. Add his initials for an extra touch. If he’s a crier, package it with a weepy movie that you can both bawl your eyes out to. Or, if he likes to cook spicey dishes, add in some hot chilies so he’s got all bases covered next time he’s tearing up in the kitchen.
Is your man almost as crazy about his tablet as he is about you? Then there’s a good chance he’s going to love this handmade buckram linen case.
The amount of cords in anyone's life is getting out of control. Keep him organized and his space clear of clutter with this linen charging pad. The linen pad is perfect for every decor style and this pad comes in three sizes. Personally, I think the charging pad + organizer combo is the best.
Another gift for the organized, this wall organizer is versatile and a great addition to any room. While the outside of the containers may be fashioned of neutral colors, the insides have pops of color for a bit of fun.
Whether she’s a writer of lists, keeps a journal, or likes to pen poetry and prose, a linen notebook is a smart choice. Take it to the next level by adding a dedication at the front or hiding a secret love letter among the pages.
There are some things in life you shouldn’t skimp on and your bedsheets are one of them. Give your wife the gift of a more comfortable night’s sleep with good quality linen sheets. They might even entice her to stay under the covers and snuggle with you longer than usual!
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