What Do You Get Someone Who Has Everything?
Here's How We Solved a 25th Anniversary Gift Dilemma
The other day, my close friend called me with one of those “help, what do I do?” questions: “What do I get my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary? We’ve been together so long, and honestly… he already has everything!”
We had a good laugh because, really, after 25 years of marriage, it’s not just about stuff anymore. You’ve already done the fancy dinners, surprise vacations, gadgets, jewelry—you name it, they’ve got it. So, now what?
We started throwing out ideas. I asked her, “… Has he hinted at anything recently?” We ran through the usual suspects—maybe some cool tech, a new bottle of rare bottle, or a luxury experience. But none of it really clicked. She said, “Honestly, he can just buy whatever he wants. I feel like there’s nothing left for me to get him!”
That’s when I asked her the real question: “If he already has everything, what do you think is the most valuable thing to him now? What’s something he can’t just buy?”
Without even thinking, she laughed and said, “Well, me! He already has me.”
We both cracked up, but then things got a little more serious. I said, “Okay, yes, true, he has you! But beyond that, what do you think he really values the most in life?”
She paused, took a moment, and said, “It’s time, isn’t it?”
“Yes!” I said, “That’s it. After 25 years, the most valuable thing isn’t something you can put a price tag on—it’s the time you spend together, the memories you’ve made, and the ones you still have to create.”
After hanging up. I sat down with a cup of coffee and brainstormed. Here’s what I came up with—ideas that are more about time, connection, and creating new memories.
🎈 Create an Experience:
Plan something totally unique, like a hot air balloon ride, a surprise weekend getaway, or even just a day trip to a place you’ve never explored together. It’s not about the destination—it’s the memories you’ll make along the way.
📸 Personal and Sentimental Gifts:
Go for something from the heart: a photo book or scrapbook filled with your favorite moments from the past 25 years. You could even commission a piece of art or have something meaningful engraved—a place that matters to both of you, a special date, or even a line from your wedding vows.
💆♂️ Relax and Recharge:
Give the gift of relaxation. A spa day, a wellness retreat, or even a quiet weekend away where you both can unplug and just be together. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing except enjoying each other’s company is the most valuable thing you can do.
⏳ The Gift of Time:
This one’s simple but powerful. Plan a whole day (or more) to do something you both love without any distractions. Whether it’s hiking, cooking your favorite meal, or binge-watching that series you’ve been meaning to start—just focus on being present and enjoying each other’s company.
If you ever find yourself wondering what to get someone who seems to have everything, remember: the most valuable gift isn’t something you can buy. It’s time, connection, and those little moments that truly make life special. Those are the things that last forever—and trust me, they’ll mean more than any physical gift ever could.