What to gift for the Parsley Wedding? 5 bad ideas – and one perfect one!

12½ years of marriage – and now the parsley wedding?

It may sound a bit odd at first, but in many parts of the UK, the 12½-year anniversary is now being celebrated more frequently – often with a surprise party organised by friends. This special milestone, borrowed from German-speaking traditions, is known as the parsley wedding. But what should you gift a couple for such a unique occasion?

In this article, we’ll look at five gift ideas that show up again and again on Amazon and Etsy – and explain why most of them won’t make your friends especially happy. At the end, we’ll show you an anniversary gift that not only fits the occasion perfectly but will also be treasured forever.

Frische Petersilienpflanze im Terrakottatopf – symbolisches Geschenk zur Petersilienhochzeit oder als dekoratives Küchenkraut

Idea 1: A potted parsley plant

It sounds like a sweet idea – giving a real parsley plant for the parsley wedding. But let’s be honest: it’s not really a gift. It’s something you pick up at the supermarket on the way to dinner. Most of these plants survive just a few days on the windowsill and end up in the bin.

✔ Verdict: Not memorable. Not suitable as a real anniversary gift.

Tasse zur Petersilienhochzeit mit Spruch „12½ Jahre Ehe – wir trinken immer noch Tee aus der Tasse” – originelles Geschenk zum 12½. Hochzeitstag

Idea 2: A parsley-themed mug

There are quite a few mugs on Etsy that say something like “12½ years of parsley power” or “Happy Parsley Wedding”. But does the couple really want to celebrate their relationship with a kitchen mug? It may get used for a few weeks, then pushed to the back of the cupboard. And it’s certainly not something to show off proudly.

✔ Verdict: Too plain. A mug doesn’t say “This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone”.

Kräuterkiste zur Petersilienhochzeit mit Petersilie, Basilikum und Rosmarin – nachhaltiges und liebevoll verpacktes Geschenk zum 12½. Hochzeitstag

Idea 3: A herb growing set

It’s often labelled “parsley gift set” – but it’s just a box of seeds and pots. Sure, it’s nice for people who love gardening, but there’s nothing romantic or personal about it. It feels like a generic present, not something to celebrate 12½ years of shared life.

✔ Verdict: Too generic. Lacks emotion and personal meaning.

Schürze zur Petersilienhochzeit mit schwarzer Krone und Aufdruck „Petersilien-König” – lustiges Geschenk für Männer zum 12½. Hochzeitstag

Idea 4: A kitchen apron

Yes, parsley is a herb. Yes, it’s used in cooking. But a kitchen apron as a wedding anniversary gift? That suggests the recipient’s best role is in the kitchen – not the best message. Most aprons are low quality, too, and don’t feel like a thoughtful present.

✔ Verdict: Impersonal and potentially offensive. Best avoided.

Weißes T-Shirt mit Krone und Petersilienblatt sowie Aufdruck „Petersilienprinzessin” – witzige Geschenkidee zur Petersilienhochzeit für Frauen oder Kinder

Idea 5: A funny T-shirt

Parsley princess or parsley king – sounds funny, but will they really wear it? The joke wears off quickly, and the shirt probably ends up in a drawer. It might work as part of a themed party outfit, but as a standalone gift, it’s a bit awkward.

✔ Verdict: Too silly and quickly forgotten. Not a serious gift for a lasting relationship.

So, what’s the perfect gift for a parsley wedding?

If you want something meaningful, our personalised anniversary coin is the perfect choice.

You can add the couple’s photo, names, the date of the wedding and even a special message. Choose from different coin styles, materials (silver, brass or stainless steel) and beautiful floral motifs that reflect the idea of the parsley wreath.

Unlike mugs or T-shirts, this gift will never go out of style. It’s designed to last forever – a beautiful keepsake that will remind the couple of this special moment every time they see it.