Candace Cameron Bure’s Anniversary Gifting & Keys to Marriage Longevity

Meaningful anniversary gifts come from personal touches, not extravagant spending.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Candace Cameron Bure’s Refreshingly Honest Approach to Anniversary Gifting

Anniversaries come with societal expectations of grand gestures, elaborate gifts, and perfect celebrations. However, Candace Cameron Bure, the beloved actress known for her roles on ‘Full House’ and Hallmark movies, recently celebrated 25 years of marriage and gave fans a refreshingly genuine glimpse into her own anniversary traditions—and admitted enduring imperfections along the way.

Celebrating a Silver Milestone

This month marks Candace and her husband Valerie Bure’s milestone 25th wedding anniversary, a significant achievement in an industry notorious for fleeting relationships. The occasion is traditionally celebrated with silver-themed gifts, and Candace freely confessed her husband is the thoughtful one who always stays on theme. “Val always comes up with something wonderful and theme related, meaning it’s 25 years. … It’s silver,” she explains.

‘I’m Terrible at Anniversary Gifts’: A Candid Admission

Rather than trying to present a perfect picture, Candace is quick to admit her own shortcomings when it comes to exchanging gifts. She shared laughingly, “We are exchanging gifts, although I’m terrible at anniversary gifts. I’m the worst.” While Val often manages something creative and meaningful, she described choosing something “really small and not expensive,” but with a personal, customized touch. “I had something custom made—so that felt a little extra on my part, but it’s not extravagant,” she told Us Weekly.

  • Valerie’s Anniversary Gift Approach: Thoughtful, theme-driven (especially silver for the 25th).
  • Candace’s Approach: Admits imperfection, prefers small, customized, but meaningful gestures.
  • Key Message: Gifts don’t have to be extravagant; personal effort and intention matter most.

Planning the Perfect—but Realistic—Anniversary Celebration

For their 25th anniversary, Candace and Valerie planned a romantic getaway to Northern California, blending relaxation and connection without unnecessary fanfare.

  • Destination: Northern California coast
  • Activities: Dining at favorite restaurants, enjoying the beach, prioritizing intimate time together

The trip is a deliberate reward after a year spent mostly indoors, weathering life’s challenges and nurturing their relationship. Candace described the trip as “just spend[ing] a couple of days together… enjoy[ing] the coast and the beach and one another.”

Marriage Tested: Lockdown Lessons and Renewed Bond

Like millions around the world, Candace and Val faced unique pressures and complications during lockdowns, revealing that not all years are smooth sailing.

She candidly shared with Yahoo! Lifestyle, “It got really hairy after the first few months, like bad. All the things we have avoided for years talking about, they all surfaced and… it was unavoidable to have these discussions and work through the real deal crap.”

  • Pandemic Challenges: Forced conversations about issues previously avoided
  • Outcome: Strengthened relationship, deeper understanding and closeness

Candace credits her three children—Natasha (22), Lev (21), Maksim (19)—as the grounding force that helped the couple navigate these turbulent times. “My children were the biggest influence in helping my husband and me work through it,” she said.

Marriage is a Journey: Embracing the Hills and Valleys

Candace keeps her reflections grounded, noting, “There’s always hills and valleys, no matter what. But when you come out of the valley, it is like, hallelujah. You feel like you can accomplish anything. And that’s what this pandemic felt like.”

Candace’s Guide to Relationship Longevity

The couple’s silver anniversary prompted reflection on the building blocks of their enduring partnership. Rather than offering an idealized recipe, Candace underscores ongoing learning and the lived experience of navigating marriage together.

Key PrincipleHow Candace & Val Put This Into Practice
GraceForgiving mistakes and regularly giving each other benefit of the doubt
CommunicationAddressing difficult topics directly even when uncomfortable
Sex & IntimacyMaintaining romance and physical connection as a priority
LaughterFinding humor in everyday life and not taking oneself too seriously
PatienceRecognizing that growth takes time and setbacks are normal
Love in ActionMaking love a verb—showing love through daily actions
FaithLeaning on spiritual values for guidance and perseverance

Learning and Growing Through Every Season

Candace insists, “Lord knows I will never write a book about [marriage advice] because we are still learning every year, every day.”

For Candace and Val, faith has been the “secret sauce” to enduring life’s ups and downs. “Through thick and thin, ups and downs, God has blessed us tremendously with guidance and perseverance. I believe God is the secret sauce,” she explained.

She’s direct about their relationship not being “picture perfect,” yet grateful for their joint willingness to work hard, trust one another, and seek encouragement from wise friends and mentors. The couple regularly consults the advice of those who’ve gone before them—as well as from those firmly rooted in spiritual wisdom.

Embracing Imperfection and Having Fun

One of Candace’s most celebrated marriage insights is her unabashed openness about her relationship’s playful and romantic side. She’s publicly shared moments of intimacy with Val—sometimes playfully, sometimes sparking internet gossip—but always with confidence. “We have fun and we’re spicy together.”

  • Breaking Stereotypes: Candace pushes back against the myth that long marriages lose their spark.
  • Honesty: Publicly embraces their affectionate, sometimes cheeky dynamic.
  • Playfulness: Laughter and a spirit of fun are ongoing priorities.

She’s noted that even after 25 years she has “more love for this man today than the day we married each other.”

Family First: The Role of Children in Relationship Growth

Their three children have been crucial to the couple’s journey through difficult seasons. Candace credits them for helping her and Val “work through it” during the hardest months of the pandemic.

With children now young adults, the Bure family’s evolving dynamic demonstrates how shared priorities and mutual support fortify a marriage through change.

  • Natasha (22)
  • Lev (21)
  • Maksim (19)

Real Talk: Candace’s Anniversary Gift Tips for Anyone

Drawing inspiration from Candace’s candid approach, here are relatable tips anyone can apply to anniversaries and gift giving:

  • Focus on Meaning: Custom, thoughtful gifts are often most appreciated, regardless of cost.
  • Embrace Imperfection: If you fumble the gift or forget, acknowledge it with humor and care.
  • Stay Connected: Prioritize time together, even a simple dinner or getaway.
  • Communicate: Talk about what you both value about gifts and celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What did Candace Cameron Bure gift her husband for their 25th anniversary?

A: Candace chose a small, custom-made gift rather than something extravagant, emphasizing thoughtfulness over expense.

Q: Why does Candace consider herself ‘terrible’ at anniversary gifts?

A: She feels her husband is more thoughtful and creative, especially with themed celebrations, while she tends to keep gifts simple and personal.

Q: How did the pandemic impact Candace and Val’s marriage?

A: The lockdown forced difficult conversations the couple had previously avoided. With their children’s support, they managed to work through challenges and emerged more closely bonded.

Q: What marriage advice does Candace Cameron Bure offer?

A: She highlights grace, communication, patience, laughter, intimacy, and love in action—with faith as the guiding principle.

Q: How does the couple keep romance alive after 25 years?

A: Candace and Val remain playful, physically affectionate, and strive to maintain a fun, loving dynamic, debunking myths about long-term relationships losing their spark.

Anniversary Gifting: Realistic Inspiration for Every Couple

Candace Cameron Bure’s reflections on marriage and gifting present a grounded, honest alternative to lavish traditions. She demonstrates that meaningful gestures, humor, ongoing effort, and open communication form the real heart of every happy anniversary—and every resilient relationship.

  • Be genuine— Imperfection is natural; sincerity matters more than perfection.
  • Celebrate together— Prioritize connection over material display.
  • Value growth— Hills and valleys are part of the journey; embrace them.
  • Lean on loved ones— Family support and shared values create stability.

Candace and Valerie’s love story is not flawless, but it’s resilient. Their anniversary celebration is a reminder: the truest gifts are built from everyday effort, honesty, and a commitment to grow side by side—year after year.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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