A few things might have changed since you got married five years ago — maybe you moved to a new city, bought a house, or even had a baby. What hopefully hasn’t changed, though, is how much you love your spouse and enjoy spending time together. So when your fifth anniversary rolls around, you’ll want to get your husband or wife a gift that honors the special things you share — whether that’s hosting dinner parties, taking care of your plants, or simply enjoying your morning coffee together.
If you’ve been following the traditional anniversary gift guidelines, you know that the recommended five-year gift is wood. Here at the Strategist, we’ve covered lots of wooden things, and below we’ve rounded up some of our sturdy favorites that should last you through the next five years — and beyond. If you haven’t been married for five years, we also have guides for first-, second-, third-, and fourth-anniversary gifts; as well as ones for sixth-, seventh-, eighth-, tenth-, 20th-, 25th-, and 50th-anniversary gifts if you’re looking ahead.
For the millennials who actually like brown furniture
This six-drawer dresser looks like something from West Elm but at a much more affordable price. It is crafted from solid pine and MDF and comes in both a deep walnut and a lighter, caramel-colored wood.
For the couple who has reclaimed their (bath) time
Made from water-resistant teak, this tray lets you prop up a tablet or book for reading in the bath, and even has a wine-glass holder. Writer Verena von Pfetten is a fan and says, “It makes me feel almost productive, even if all I’m really doing is lounging, drinking, and catching up on prestige television.”
For the couple who’s exclusively hosting outdoors…
Ideal for dining outdoors, this affordable set is made from sustainable acacia wood and comes recommended by interior designer and Duett Interiors founder Tiffany Thompson, who likes its versatility. Everything folds up for easy storage, and if you really want to spread out, the table can be extended, creating space for guests.
…and needs some functional seating
If your outdoor space is limited, this storage bench offers both seating and a place to stash bug repellent, cushions, or other essentials. It’s made from stained acacia wood, which is ideal for weathering the elements.
For the couple whose “outdoor space” is a fire escape
Recommended by architect Ming Thompson, this tiny table clamps onto balconies and fire escapes, making dining or working outside possible. When you’re not using it, it’s easy to tuck away and store, making it the ideal table for the couple with limited square footage.
For the couple who swears print isn’t dead
This nice-looking magazine rack has a modern, streamlined silhouette and is made from a light, goes-with-everything wood.
For the couple who still hasn’t framed their wedding photos
Sure it’s been half a decade, but better late than never, right? This burl wood frame would also work for displaying vacation or family photos, and with Framebridge’s custom framing service, you can simply send a file from Instagram or Facebook so you really don’t have any excuses.
For the couple who collects coffee-table books
An inexpensive Amazon find, this natural wood and glass coffee table has a storage rack for displaying those fashion monographs and photography collections.
For the couple that loves to read
Any bookworm would appreciate this airy, minimalist shelf from Article, which happens to come highly recommended by Black Chick Lit podcast co-host Mollie Esposito, and has shelves that get deeper from top (paperbacks) to bottom (hardcovers).
For the couple who likes to sketch
These multicolored pencils are a favorite of artist Peter Shire, who uses them for both note-taking and marking his various creations. They can write on anything, he says, and have a sleek-looking back in place of an eraser. “They have so much potential,” he says.
For the couple who likes to cook
This do-anything Japanese knife comes highly recommended by Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans and has a driftwood handle that’s been buffed supersmooth. “I’d use it If I were a home cook and I were having people over to break down a chicken, cut up vegetables, or chop herbs. It’s a total everything-you-do type of chef’s knife,” he says.
For the couple with an (ultra)tiny kitchen
When Strategist social editor Hannah Starke moved into her new apartment, she had to somehow navigate a 22-square-foot kitchen and make it work for her needs. One of her solutions: this wooden wall-mounted pot rack that is ideal for hanging and storing pots and pans.
For the spouse who needs a “clothes chair” alternative
End arguments about overstuffed closets or one spouse leaving clothes on the floor with this leaning wall ladder that works as a garment rack.
For the couple who’s already saged the whole apartment
Burning palo santo, which means holy wood in Spanish, gives off a natural, piney smell that Strategist senior editor Katy Schneider compares to “a spring hike after a rainstorm.” Great for those days when you’d love to be out in nature but are stuck indoors.
For the couple who always leaves love notes
This compact mechanical pencil is a favorite of illustrator Tuesday Bassen, who loves its “chunky aesthetic.” They’re ideal for grocery lists and love notes alike, and can be refilled with any 0.7mm lead.
For the couple working on their knife skills
If you don’t already have a good cutting board, this oversize one (recommended by Ming Thompson, architect and principal at Atelier Cho Thompson) gives you plenty of room for chopping, mincing, and dicing, and also works as a serving platter.
For the (ecofriendly) couple without air conditioning
We dubbed this balsa-wood beauty the “Prius of ceiling fans” thanks to its extremely efficient motor. It uses only 27 watts of energy (much fewer than your standard 60-watt light bulb) and will only set you back $5 in energy costs a year. It’s also got an elegant, modern design and six speeds to keep you cool.
For the couple who handwashes their cashmere sweaters
With all that money you’re saving on dry cleaning, treat yourself to this durable maple drying rack. “This rack is extremely well made of solid, heavy-duty wood,” raves one Amazon reviewer.
For the couple with a spotless home
If you and your partner take pride in your home’s cleanliness, you’ll love using this humidity-resistant French ash-wood broom that’s nice looking enough to show off. After all, Schneider tells us artisan brooms are having a moment.
For the couple who has everything else
Though technically meant for children, these wooden cherries from German toy food brand Erzi happen to be a favorite of (full-grown adult) Strategist writer Liza Corsillo.
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