Bronze may go to the third-place finisher in the Olympics, but if you’re familiar with traditional wedding-anniversary gifts (or if you’re Googling them as they come up, as we do most years), you should know that on your eighth anniversary, the bronze goes to the person who’s No. 1 one in your heart: your husband or wife. Gifts made from bronze symbolize durability, a fitting tribute to mark eight years of sleeping through each other’s snoring, earnestly laughing at stories you’ve heard five times before, and, through it all, still being the only people you’d choose to spend a weekend on the couch with, watching Netflix.
Drawing partly from our extensive archive of expert-recommended and editor-beloved products, we’ve put together a list of bronze gifts, including a bookcase for literary couples, stackable side chairs for couples who entertain, and much more. If you (or the folks you’re shopping for) haven’t yet been married for eight years, we also have gift guides for milestones along the way, including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh anniversaries. And if you’re looking ahead, check out our list of tenth-, 20th-, 25th-, and 50th-anniversary gifts.
For the couple with a no-shoes-inside policy
You can pad around the house in matching pairs of our favorite lightweight Birkenstocks in bronze.
For the beachgoing couple
For the couple that are amateur somms
With just the push of a button, this gadget dispenses perfectly aerated wine from your favorite bottle.
For the couple that wears jewelry
This necklace beloved by Denise Richards feels particularly appropriate for the occasion. “The Lovetuner is a whistle that, when blown, makes a sound at the frequency of 528 hertz, which is known as the frequency of love,” she explains. “You wear it around your neck. I know it might sound odd, but if you try it, you’ll see that it immediately changes your state of being. It’s very calming. Any time I’m feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, it helps ground me.”
For the couple that wears fragrance
This woodsy scent with hints of leather comes recommended by actor Mike Colter, who calls it his favorite. He says that “fragrances are always gender neutral,” something we tend to agree with.
For the couple that always sets the mood
A trio of ambiance-improving candleholders for a tablescape or living-room table.
For the couple that sets the mood with flowers
If you’re of the mind that no anniversary gift feels complete without flowers, present them in this bronze vase that goes well with everything from farm flowers to a dozen red roses.
For the couple that is in a book club
If you own more novels than artist monographs, this bronze bookcase lets you show off your literary taste.
For the couple that is in a book club (and lives in a small home)
If there’s no space for big shelving units, gift these elegant Art Deco–inspired bookends. (They’re technically polished brass, but we won’t tell.)
For the couple that collects coffee-table books
You’ll have more than enough room to store your Phaidon collection on this two-level bronze coffee table. It’s a cousin of the (now sold out) bronze Crate & Barrel coffee table that Seattle-based designer LeeAnn Baker says “reads much more expensive” than its price point.
For the couple that collects tchotchkes
A handsome catchall tray for displaying all the doodads and decorative objects you’ve acquired over the years. (It also works for remote controls.)
For the couple that likes to sit by the fire
If you happen to have a fireplace, this sleek bronze log holder will make your hearth look not only more modern but less cluttered.
For the couple with a tiny bathroom
Even if you barely have room to stand in your shower, you don’t have to sacrifice your elaborate hair-conditioning and body-washing routine. Just hang up this caddy to display your precious products.
For the couple that hosts dinner parties
These bronze versions of Anna Wintour’s desk chair would look just as good around a dining table. They’re also stackable for saving space.
For the couple that observes cocktail hour
If you turn your living room into a bar every day at 5 p.m., this lovely bronze nut dish would be a fancy way to serve some snacks like cashews (or potato chips) with those predinner drinks.
For the couple with outdoor space
These modern bronze lanterns will warm up any deck, yard, or patio. You could even fill them with citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.
For the city-slicker couple
For the couple that likes to tidy up
All the clutter you’ve accumulated over the years will look much nicer corralled into these bronze wire baskets.
For the couple that likes to hike
These breathable, water-friendly sandals from Keen appear bronze enough and, more importantly, will help you keep your footing even across slippery creeks.
For the statement-making couple
If you’re coveting the $7,000 Serge Mouille chandelier that has been popping up in stylish Brooklyn brownstones, here’s a much more affordable oil-rubbed-bronze fixture with a similar modern, minimalist feel.
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