What are some other creative 21st-anniversary ideas?

Looking for another meaningful gesture that feels unique? Beyond regular gifts, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Yeranosian suggests making a handwritten list of 21 reasons why you love your partner, an activity that you can do on your own or as a couple. Another great idea? Relive your first date night by visiting the special restaurant you went to or the location where you had your first kiss.

Do I have to follow modern or traditional themes for an anniversary gift?

While following the anniversary themes may help to guide you in your gift choices, it's certainly not required. “Couples can follow what resonates with them," says Yeranosian. She adds that in today's day and age, it's totally ok if "If they want to keep the traditional customs or go with something more modern.” Whether it goes with the theme or not, a personalized gift is a great way to make your partner feel appreciated.

The 19 Best 21st Anniversary Gifts in 2022

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After celebrating the milestone of a 20 year anniversary, the 21st-anniversary may not seem as momentous an occasion. But it certainly is—and it's definitely worth commemorating with a special gift.

The traditional and modern gift for a 21st-anniversary is either brass or nickel, symbolizing durability and strength—just like your marriage. Go with something that's both stylish and functional for the home, like a modern wine rack or serving platter. Or, gift a delicate piece of jewelry or bold cufflinks that they'll wear again and again. And of course, any gift that's personalized will always be a home run,

Following an anniversary gift theme is not necessary, but it can help definitely help guide your choices. Angela Yeranosian, the founder of curated gifting site PATET, suggests home décor items go with the theme: think picture frames, candlesticks, or a bar set. Yeranosian also recommends small personal items like cufflinks, jewelry, or a charming trinket tray. It's also ok to veer off theme if you've found something that you know your partner will love. “There really are no rules when it comes to gifting,” says Yeranosian. At the end of the day, it's about what feels meaningful as an expression of your love.

Meet the Expert

Angela Yeranosian is the founder of curated gifting site PATET, a lifestyle brand that offers gift sets for everything from self care and relaxation to entertaining.

Read on for the best 21st-anniversary gifts.

Anthropologie Brass Wine Rack

Spruce up your wine collection with some shiny brass storage. This gorgeous wine rack is the perfect addition to your dining room—it adds both a subtle golden hue and adds room to hold five bottles of wine vertically on the wall.

Nancy Nelson Personalized Brass Cuff

Instead of carving your initials into a tree, go with something more unexpected (and practical!). Add this bold cuff to her jewelry collection—it's cast out of brass from real birch, so it feels rustic, yet refined. Personalize it with engraved initials for an extra special touch.

Michael Aram Nickel Plume Feather Tray

Want something lovely that represents both themes? This decorative tray is handcrafted from nickel and brass. The delicate feather shape offers great texture and a bit of shine to any surface.

American Coin Treasures Bison Nickel Cufflinks

Do they love outdoor adventures or traveling through the American West? These clever cufflinks are handcrafted from a nickel coin featuring an engraved bison. The gold bezel makes them even more stylish to wear with any cuffed shirt.

World Market Brass Picture Frames

For this pretty patina brass frame, choose one of your favorite photos of the two of you from a favorite trip, a special occasion, or your wedding day. Select from a range of sizes that can either be hung on the wall or displayed on a table.

Williams Sonoma Brass Hammered Mug

A round of moscow mules to say cheers to 21 years? Absolutely! These hammered brass mugs will add pizazz to any home bar setup. Bonus: they’re crafted with a stainless steel base to ensure that they're extra-durable and long-lasting.

Fawn and Rose Brass Necklace

When it comes to jewelry, sometimes simplicity is key. This handmade brass necklace features four dainty circles—it's a stunning, minimalistic piece that's versatile enough for her to wear every day.

Minted Custom House Portrait

Looking for something really meaningful? After 21 years together, the house you share together truly has become a home. Commission a custom portrait of the front of your current house, or even commemorate a previous address. Choose a variety of frame styles, color themes, and borders for a gift that will warm their heart.

Melsy's Illustrations Personalized Stationery

Do they love to pen sweet notes to friends and family? Personalized stationery is the ultimate gift. This chic design can be customized fully—simply select the appropriate hair and skin color for the handmade illustration, along with a script version of their name at the top of the note.

Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Serving Bowl

This hand-painted serving bowl is the perfect surprise for the partner who loves to host. Intricately detailed to look just like cabbage leaves, it gives off a garden party-meets-vintage vibe that's ideal for everything from salads to pasta. The earthenware construction also means that's it’s incredibly durable, so you'll bring it out for years to come.

Pottery Barn Slab Glass Cheese Board

If your partner loves to put together elaborate charcuterie spreads, this sleek cheese board will let their work shine. Crafted from recycled glass, it will add character and texture to your next party spread.

Brightland The Duo Olive Oil Set

A home chef will swoon at the sight (and taste!) of fancy olive oil. Made in California from hand-harvested olives, this lovely set features two different fragrant blends to try out and use to enhance any dish.

Boll & Branch Spa Towels

While a trip to a spa may not be in the books, a refresh of home towels can make it feel that way. These luxury towels come in six colors and are lightweight yet super soft. They’re made from organic cotton, which also makes them incredibly absorbent.

World Wildlife Organization Adopt an Animal

Looking to make a difference with your gift? Symbolically adopt your partner’s favorite animal through the World Wildlife Fund. They'll get this cute gift, along with a special certificate.

SQ Drinkware Botique1 Stoneware Mug

This handmade mug will be sure to uplift their morning cup of joe. These mugs are crafted from stoneware, with a stunning speckled hue, and they’re the ideal shape for coffee, tea, or cocoa.

Parachute Home Cloud Cotton Robe

A new cozy robe is always a welcome gift. This lightweight cotton robe is made from two-ply cotton gauze to make it feel extra soft and luxurious. It has two hidden pockets and a snug waist tie for the perfect fit. Even better? There are eight different colors to choose from.

Juliana N Studio Floral Trinket Tray

Flowers are always a welcome gift, but these are special because they’ll last forever. This darling trinket tray is not only gorgeous, but it’s entirely functional. It’s handmade with real blooms and shiny flecks of gold, all cast in see-through resin, which means that each tray is completely one-of-a-kind.

Mark & Graham Growlerwerks Growler

Need something for a beer lover? This unique growler is sure to win you major points. It’s beautifully designed and made from stainless steel, complete with a brass finish. The unique technology will keep beer or other carbonated drinks cold all day long and fresh for up to two weeks. Plus, it can be engraved with a custom monogram to make it that much more special.

Tokki 'Here’s to Being in It Together' Candle

Tokki 'Hereâs to Being in It Together' Candle — Tokki

This hand-poured candle is made with vegan coconut soy wax, featuring a wood wick that crackles as it burns. The sweet sentiment printed on the candle will remind you of your partnership each time you light it.

What to look for in a 21st-anniversary gift

Brass and nickel, the modern and traditional themes

If you want to stay with the anniversary theme, you can't go wrong with brass and nickel gifts. From serving pieces and home goods to jewelry and other accessories, these materials are long-lasting and durable, making them a perfect symbol for your anniversary.

FAQ

What are some other creative 21st-anniversary ideas?

Looking for another meaningful gesture that feels unique? Beyond regular gifts, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Yeranosian suggests making a handwritten list of 21 reasons why you love your partner, an activity that you can do on your own or as a couple. Another great idea? Relive your first date night by visiting the special restaurant you went to or the location where you had your first kiss.
Do I have to follow modern or traditional themes for an anniversary gift?

While following the anniversary themes may help to guide you in your gift choices, it's certainly not required. “Couples can follow what resonates with them," says Yeranosian. She adds that in today's day and age, it's totally ok if "If they want to keep the traditional customs or go with something more modern.” Whether it goes with the theme or not, a personalized gift is a great way to make your partner feel appreciated.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Molly Allen is a former small business owner with years of experience in the lifestyle and wedding industries, with a focus on parties, entertaining, food, and beverage. She is dedicated to searching for high-quality, beautiful, and unique products that will bring a smile to any recipient’s face.

The 19 Best 21st-Anniversary Gifts That Will Win the Day

Mark the occasion with brass and nickel