Reaching your 21st year of marriage is such a wonderful milestone, and a real testament to the love and devotion you and your partner have for each other.

But when it comes to celebrating your 21st wedding anniversary, you may wonder what sort of gift to give the love of your life. Last year, your 20th wedding anniversary was known as your china anniversary – but what about your 21st?

Well, just like your previous 20 wedding anniversaries, there are also traditional and modern gifts for your 21st. That way, you can give your partner something filled with historical meaning that makes it an extra special gift for an extra special anniversary.

As well as the traditional and modern gifts, there are also a traditional gemstone and flower, each with their own symbolic meaning. Of course, you don’t have to give your partner a gift linked to one of the themes, but it can be a thoughtful gesture that lets your partner know exactly how you feel.

In this article, we’ll explore all the traditional and modern gifts associated with your 21st wedding anniversary. We’ll also give you 50 gift suggestions, to help you on your search for the ideal way to surprise your partner and make your upcoming anniversary one to remember.

To discover more about the different traditions surrounding anniversary gifts from 1 to 90 years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 21st wedding anniversary gifts

Couples have given traditional and modern 21st anniversary gifts to each other more more than 100 years. The traditional gifts were outlined during the Victorian era, while the modern gifts date back to the start of the 20th century. Each theme is filled with romantic meaning that symbolises the relationship you’ve built over more than two decades.

Traditional 21st anniversary gift – Brass and nickel

There are two traditional gifts to mark 21 years of marriage: brass and nickel. Both are types of metal but with different compositions.

Brass is an alloy, which is created by mixing copper and zinc. It has a bronze appearance and is exceptionally strong, representing all the good in your marriage.

Nickel is a metal, which is mined in areas such as Indonesia and South Africa and is naturally very durable. It represents strong emotional wellbeing in a marriage, which you likely have plenty of after such a long time with your other half.

Modern 21st anniversary gift – Brass and nickel

The modern 21st anniversary gift is also brass and nickel. This is because, after your 20th anniversary, the major traditional milestones are marked every five years. So, for many anniversaries after 20 years, the traditional and modern gifts are often the same. But, that doesn’t mean you have any less choice – they’re all wonderful themes with lovely meanings, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding something your partner will love to be surprised with.

21st anniversary gemstone – Iolite

The traditional 21st anniversary gemstone is iolite, which is also sometimes known as cordierite. Iolite is a gorgeously deep purple stone, with the darker-coloured stones being the rarest and most expensive. Iolites represent wisdom and rebirth, so make for a touching gift for this fantastic milestone in your marriage.

Because iolite is neither a precious stone, nor as commonly used as other stones, you can often find iolite jewellery and accessories for a fairly reasonable price, which is of course nice from a budget perspective!

21st anniversary flower – Iris

The traditional flower for celebrating your 21st wedding anniversary is the iris. Irises are most commonly known for their incredible purple colour (much like the traditional gemstone, iolite), but there are actually more than 250 varieties, coming in colours including white, yellow, pink and orange. Irises represent hope, trust and wisdom, which you likely have plenty of after 21 years of marriage.

How do you choose a gift for a 21st wedding anniversary?

Your 21st anniversary is a wonderful milestone in your marriage, and one that absolutely deserves to be celebrated in whatever way you like. Chances are, you might be keen to give your partner a gift as part of your celebrations. But, after the major milestone of your 20th last year, you might also be puzzling over what to give your other half that can match it.

The traditional and modern 21st anniversary themes are fairly unusual, and not all of them make for obvious choices for gifts. When it comes to finding the perfect present, there are a few things to consider before you make your purchase.

Are you and your partner keen to give gifts linked to the traditional or modern themes? If so, then you’ll want to find something associated with brass, nickel, iolite or iris, which isn’t always an easy task.
Do you have a certain budget? Thankfully, after your major milestone last year, the traditional and modern themes to mark 21 years are actually fairly affordable, which may sway your decision.
Do you want to give your partner a personalised gift? Some types of gifts are easier to personalise than others, which can be trickier than you might expect for gifts linked to the traditional and modern 21st anniversary themes.
Has your partner asked for something specific? You might want to stick to one of the themes, but has your partner left a few heavy hints or flat-out asked for something in particular?

Do you know a special couple who are about to celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary? If so, you might be looking for a gift and wondering whether or not to give them something associated with one of the themes. Thankfully, there are no official rules when it comes to the traditional or modern themes, so if you want to give them something linked to one of them, then you absolutely should. The couple will definitely appreciate the thought and consideration that’s gone into your lovely gift!

50 ideas for a 21st wedding anniversary gift

With your 21st anniversary coming up, you might wonder what sort of gift to give your other half. Of course, there are plenty of romantic staples: chocolates, flowers and jewellery to name just a few. But, if you want to stick to the 21st anniversary themes, you might be rather stumped about what sort of gift to get. After all, brass and nickel aren’t among the most obviously romantic themes out there.

With a little creativity, there are loads of choices out there so you can give your partner an on-theme gift they’ll definitely love. But where to start? Below, we’ve listed 50 21st wedding anniversary gifts to give you a few ideas and get in your partner’s good books.

20 traditional and modern gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary

Both the traditional and modern gift options for your 21st wedding anniversary are brass or nickel, two very different, but both equally as strong, types of metal. The meaning behind them is lovely, but they’re not exactly the most obvious choice of metals when it comes to choosing a romantic gift. It can be tricky to find something perfect, but by thinking outside the box a little, there’s plenty out there to find. Here are 20 suggestions for anniversary gifts linked to the themes of brass and nickel.

1. Personalised brass cufflinks

Brass looks almost identical to bronze, so lends itself well to jewellery and accessories (even if it isn’t often used in that way). That’s what makes this pair of personalised brass cufflinks so special. They’re not only unique and on-theme, but can also include a customisation to make them truly special.

2. Brass weighing scales

Not many appliances are made using brass, but one that’s been made from this durable metal alloy for a long time is old-fashioned brass weighing scales. If your partner loves to get creative in the kitchen, they’ll get great use out of this real old-school gadget. Just don’t forget the weights!

3. A set of brass coasters

For something small and subtle but definitely thoughtful and closely linked to the theme, a set of brass coasters is a fantastic token gift that also happens to be practical and actually quite reasonably priced.

4. A solid brass forest ring

Brass can be used to make rustic and character-filled, rough-around-the-edges but totally wonderful, pieces of unique jewellery. One particularly fabulous piece is a solid brass forest ring, which is chunky and strong, with a simple but meaningful design carved into the side.

5. A bottle of Brass Neck rum

Why not have a bit of fun with the theme? For every partner who loves a cheeky glass of rum, a bottle of Brass Neck is a delicious Scottish spiced rum that’s just as nice neat as it is with a mixer or as part of a cocktail.

6. An engraved brass plaque

To add a touch of personalisation to literally anything you can think of, an engraved brass plaque is exactly what you need. Add a plaque to a bench, beneath a tree, to the side of the shed… whatever you think your partner would like.

7. An antique brass carriage clock

Carriage clocks aren’t exactly as popular as they once were, but perhaps that’s part of the charm and why they make for such a unique gift today. An antique brass carriage clock can sit proudly on a sideboard or mantlepiece and has plenty of charm and functionality.

8. Gold-plated recycled brass hoop earrings

If your partner loves earrings with a little character, then these gold-plated recycled brass hoop earrings might be right up their alley. Not only are they brass, but they’re also hand-crafted and 21-carat gold-plated.

9. A unique piece of antique brass

Not so much these days, but in the past, brass has been used to make everything from teapots to statues. Browse online antique dealers selling antique brass or your local antique shop to find a piece of the past and give your other half something they’ll never see coming.

10. A brass teardrop pendant

With its wonderfully hypnotic design, this brass teardrop pendant is beautiful and attention-grabbing. If your partner likes their jewellery to be big and bold, then this might be just what you’re after.

11. A nickel moon-gazing hare sculpture

The myth states that the moon-gazing hare brings good fortune, so it’s always lucky if you run into one. That means a nickel moon-gazing hare sculpture has an abundance of special meaning, as well as making for a lovely ornament.

12. A pair of 20p coin cufflinks

A gift that really is unique, but also useful if your partner often wears a suit, is a pair of 20p coin cufflinks. 20p coins are partly made from nickel, which makes them a brilliant talking point when your partner dresses up.

13. A polished nickel photo frame

It may well have been more than 20 years since the two of you tied the knot, but we bet the big day still holds a special place in your heart. Keep your memories fresher than ever by printing off your favourite wedding snap and framing it in a polished nickel photo frame, which is available in a range of sizes.

14. Nickelback tour tickets

Do you and your other half have great memories of listening to 90s and early 00s rock band Nickelback? If so, you can probably guess where we’re going with this… This is how you remind your partner about those good times – Nickelback tour tickets!

15. A nickel-plated candlestick

Help create a romantic atmosphere on the evening of your anniversary by lighting a candle. But how can you tie that into the traditional and modern theme? With a nickel-plated candlestick, of course.

16. A personalised nickel coin keyring

Nickels are small US coins worth just 5¢, but they also just so happen to contain about 25% nickel. So, a brilliant on-theme gift is a personalised nickel coin keyring, which can contain a small engraving of your choosing.

17. A nickel wall clock

If tiny nickels aren’t likely to be your other half’s thing, why not a giant one? This nickel wall clock is perfect for your partner if they love all things American, and is a great talking piece – as well as functional.

18. A nickel-plated nibbles dish

If you and your partner often entertain or you crack out the snacks during movie night, a nickel-plated nibbles dish might be just what they need. It also has a unique design with a stag head right in the centre.

19. A nickel tree ornament

A nickel tree ornament certainly is attention-grabbing and makes for a great addition to a shelf or sideboard, or as a centrepiece to a table.

20. An item of antique nickel

While antique brass has a huge range of uses, antique nickel tends to have a smaller but far more practical use. From door knobs to knockers, and locks to peephole covers, give your partner something they could make great use of.

5 affordable gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary

By today’s standards, brass and nickel aren’t exactly common choices for gifts, and they are relatively inexpensive metals to begin with. But, because they’re not usually a popular choice, you might not want to spend much, especially if you’re only looking to give a token gift or you have a small budget. So, here are five ideas for affordable 21st wedding anniversary gifts so you can still give your partner something filled with loving meaning.

1. A brass anniversary card

If you’re also planning to give your partner a card to mark your anniversary, you could combine that with the traditional and modern theme, with a brass anniversary card. This inexpensive card features a heart made from brass, which you can even personalise with the date of your 21st anniversary.

2. A small brass cat figurine

Is your other half a cat person? If so, we have the purr-fect suggestion: this adorable brass cat figurine can sit looking sweet on a shelf and be a constant little reminder about your 21st anniversary.

3. A lucky nickel sixpence

In the 50s and 60s, sixpence coins contained nickel and were worth – as the name suggests – six pence. Of course, they’re no longer legal currency, but an authentic lucky nickel sixpence is a lovely token gift that has sweet meaning behind it.

4. A personalised brass keyring

For something small, on-theme, personalised and cheap, you might choose to give your partner a personalised brass keyring. This one ticks a lot of boxes, especially if you’re only looking for a token gift to mark the traditional and modern theme.

5. A personalised letter necklace

A unique and affordable piece of jewellery to surprise your partner with, which is totally on theme as it’s made with a copper-nickel alloy, is a personalised letter necklace. It’s big and eye-catching and might be the sort of thing your other half loves to wear.

5 DIY gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary

Some couples like to have a lot of fun around their anniversary by making each other a gift. The trouble is, if you’d also like to link your homemade gift to one of the themes, then brass and nickel aren’t exactly the easiest materials to work with. But, with a little creative thinking, you should be able to make something without the need for special skills or training. Here are five ideas for DIY 21st anniversary gifts.

1. A DIY brass wire bracelet

Brass wire is simple to get hold of and pretty cheap, and you can use it to make plenty of creative gifts. A DIY brass wire bracelet is a great place to start, and there are plenty of tutorials available to help you have a go yourself.

2. DIY brass wire earrings

With a couple of small tools, some brass wire and a few beads, you can make some unique and interesting brass wire earrings. It might sound complicated, but if you follow a video tutorial it will help you with every step.

3. A DIY brass wire figurine

If you’re not quite sure you want to make jewellery out of wire, you might want to try your hand at a DIY brass wire figure. It’s a fun challenge and you can theme it around your partner’s interests. Watch a video tutorial for more information on how to make your own.

4. A DIY nickel coin necklace

Take a nickel coin, a chain and a few tools you might already have at home, and you can create a real one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery with a nickel coin necklace. Find out more about what you need and how to do it with an easy-to-follow jewellery tutorial.

5. A quick and easy DIY coin pin badge

To create a pin badge out of a nickel coin, you don’t need much at all and it makes for a thoughtful and simple token gift for your 21st anniversary. Check out this video tutorial on how you can give it a go.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary

Your anniversary is a great excuse to forget real life for a little while and spend time with your partner doing something new, fun or exciting. With an experience you’re guaranteed to make new memories and make your 21st anniversary one you’re not likely to forget any time soon. But, did you know there are ways to tie this into the traditional and modern themes? Here are five suggestions for things to do on your 21st anniversary.

1. Brass band concert tickets

Brass is a major category of instrument, so one way to link an experience to the traditional and modern theme is by going to see a brass band concert. Even if it’s not something your partner has shown interest in before, it’s a unique way to hang out with your love on your big day.

2. See some historical brass at the British Museum

Throughout history, brass has been used to make everything from armour to statues. Many examples of brass items can be found on display in museums, including the British Museum. You might want to head into the capital to discover these brass items for yourself, or otherwise check out what your local museum has in its collection.

3. Beginner brass lessons

If your other half has ever expressed an interest in wanting to learn an instrument, then why not give them a real surprise with a beginner brass instrument lesson? It could even be something the two of you spend time doing together so you can help each other and offer moral support. Search online to find a brass instrument tutor near you.

4. A trip to the Royal Mint Museum

For your anniversary, you could take a trip to South Wales and visit the Royal Mint Museum, to learn all about the history of currency in the UK. Of course, many coins throughout history were made using nickel and brass.

5. A trip to Clydach in the Swansea Valley

While you’re in South Wales, another option is to head over towards Swansea and the village of Clydach, which is home to a refinery that separates nickel from ore. Okay, so you might not be able to visit the refinery, but Clydach makes for a great base from which to have a fun anniversary trip exploring the area.

10 21st anniversary gifts that contain iolite

The traditional gemstone for celebrating 21 years of marriage is iolite. It’s a real shame that iolite isn’t more popular than it is because, with its rich purples and an almost outer-space-like quality to it, it’s rather intoxicating to look at. This makes iolite a beautiful addition to jewellery or accessories, with the bonus of it usually being very reasonably priced. The only downside is, you might have to do a bit of searching before you find a piece you like. Here are 10 recommendations for pieces to consider that contain iolite:

Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks

Iolite isn’t one of the most commonly used gemstones in the UK, and not all of the high street chains have iolite jewellery in stock. Some do, but a trip around your local shopping centre might be a little frustrating. We’d recommend checking out independent jewellers or browsing the range offered by some of the jewellers here on Bridebook. Finding iolite takes a little longer than other gemstones, but we promise it’s absolutely worth it.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary

If you think your partner might love something with a floral touch for your anniversary, the traditional flower for celebrating 21 years of marriage is the iris. Irises are most commonly associated with purple, and are fan-like flowers with drooping petals. They’re beautiful, eye-catching blooms that are wonderful in any bouquet, and many other gifts use irises for inspiration. Below are five iris-themed gifts you might like to consider.

1. A bouquet of irises

Of course, there’s no way we couldn’t start this list without first suggesting a bouquet of irises. These stunning flowers look great on their own but also work just as well supporting larger floral arrangements.

2. A black iris vase

To ensure your partner has a vase that’s just as beautiful as any flower inside, a black iris vase is an amazing choice. It’s a gift they can use again and again whenever they get a new bouquet.

3. Iris stud earrings

With their distinct open flowers, irises are a wonderful addition to jewellery. If your partner wears earrings, then these beautiful but subtle iris stud earrings are bound to be a great addition to their collection. They can also be worn with a wide range of outfits and on any occasion.

4. A stained glass blue iris

For a floral gift that’s always guaranteed to look just as beautiful as the day you give it to your partner, a stained glass blue iris will look great anywhere and never need to be watered.

5. Iris lolite hoop earrings

A brilliant double-hitter for your 21st anniversary, this pair of iris iolite hoop earrings aren’t only beautiful, but also have twice as much romantic meaning.

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