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Best 21st Anniversary Gifts, According to Gift Experts

Shop brass, nickel, and beyond.

best 21st anniversary gifts

Brides / Kristin Kempa

After celebrating the milestone of a 20th anniversary, the 21st anniversary may not seem like a momentous occasion, but it certainly is. It’s 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. Following an anniversary gift theme isn’t necessary but can help guide your choices.

“While these themes inspire, the best gifts come from personalization and understanding your partner’s desires,” says John Ruhlin, gifting expert, speaker, and author of GiftologyAngela Yeranosian, the founder of the curated gifting site PATET, suggests home décor items go with the theme. Think picture frames, candlesticks, or a bar set. “There are no rules regarding gifting,” says Yeranosian. At the end of the day, it’s about what feels meaningful as an expression of your love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If your partner loves to host, they’ll love this set of seven nickel candlesticks that can elevate any tablescape, mantel, or display for dinner parties and special events. 

Handmade by skilled artisans in Utter Pradesh, India, these holders come in seven varying sizes that you can either keep together in a gorgeous pattern, cluster in smaller groups, or place individually around your table or home. Use neutral candles for a minimal approach, or go for a bold color if that better suits your aesthetic.

For book lovers, home décor aficionados, or anyone who appreciates a gift that’s both functional and stylish, these expertly crafted ‘T’ bookends were handmade in Austria and look absolutely stunning on display. 

Designed by legendary Carl Auböck II in 1948, the polished and patinated brass is luxurious and timeless. The brand notes that, since these pieces are made and finished by hand, you may notice slight imperfections.

Few brands are as iconic and recognizable as the renowned French designer Saint Laurent. Known for high quality craftsmanship, prestige, and timeless luxury style, you can’t go wrong with a piece from this high-end house. 

This gorgeous rose gold brass bracelet features a horizontal interlocking YSL charm at the center and an adjustable spring ring closure with a lobster clasp. It’s small, dainty, and versatile for everyday or elevated wear.

Made in Italy and crafted from 100 percent calf leather, this leather belt is the perfect accessory to bring your outfit from just okay to polished and ready to hit the town. It features brass, gold-toned hardware, with a logo buckle fastening and an adjustable fit.

It comes in sizes from 80 centimeters to 120 centimeters (equivalent to around 31” to 47”) in 5 centimeter increments for a perfectly tailored fit.

Sculptural, artistic, and cool girl-approved, the Caldera Clutch features a shiny gold shell that highlights the textured dents and curves on the bag. We love the flat bottom that makes it easy to display the bag in your closet or even as a gorgeous home décor item. It’s finished with a gold-toned clasp at the top.

Do note that it’s quite small, at around 11 inches long and 5 inches high. This is ideal as an accent clutch for special events, parties, and gatherings, rather than an everyday bag.

Ruhlin recommends brass cufflinks, as a quality pair of cufflinks is a timeless and sophisticated gift for the elegant individual. They strike a balance between adding flair to your shirts and providing a functional benefit. Cufflinks can also be personalized for an even more special touch. 

Made in the U.K. from aerospace-grade brass and finished by hand, these gorgeous cufflinks feature T-bar fastenings and a stylish spiral etching designed by an award-winning master engraver. They’re well-made and will last a lifetime with proper care.

These textured and elegant dishes are crafted from untreated brass with a gorgeous ridge design. Food-safe for both dinnerware and decorative use, the set includes a larger bowl for salads or stews, while the smaller bowl is ideal for sauces, sides, and dips. They’d both make excellent catchall dishes for trinkets, essentials, and more.

Note that these are hand-wash only, and should not be used with acidic foods, which may not be ideal for some.

No bartender’s collection is complete without an ice bucket, but why go for any old container when you could have a gorgeous statement piece ready for chilling wines and bubblies?

The vintage-inspired Geneva ice bucket is crafted from shiny brass and features a classic cylindrical shape. We love the wrap-around handle lined with intricate knotted detailing that’s sure to elevate any home bar cart.

Set that ice bucket atop this stunning oval bar and serving cart. It sits on locking casters and features a brushed gold finish with black undertones, resulting in a beautifully brassy appearance. The oval design easily tucks into a corner, along a wall, or underneath a counter for an elevated approach to bar storage.

A perfect gift for the spirits lover or those who love to host, it has two matching wide shelves for your beverages, serving glasses, and cocktail trinkets.

This sculptural brass and marble tic-tac-toe set is fun, striking, and even good for kids! It comes with a grooved marble base that’s of a substantial weight, making it feel luxurious and expensive. We love that the polished brass develops a rich natural patina over time.

This is a fun game night gift, or a perfect home décor item or accessory for an office desk that could use a little sprucing up.

If you’re dreaming of beachier, sunnier, more palm tree-lined days, you’ll love The Palm Collection candle holders from Michael Aram. Granite and nickelplate palm trees have a subtle curve and texture, with a shiny antique-style finish. The tall pair can hold a 3/4-inch diameter candle (sold separately). 

Place these on your dining table, mantel, or anywhere else easily visible for a touch of something beachy.

Keep your hearts healthy and in love with this high phenolic EVOO from Laconiko. ZOI is an early harvest oil with a Best in the World Ranking, known for its exceptionally high polyphenol and oleocanthal content. Studies show these help prevent disease and chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and aging.

This is a delicious olive oil that provides added benefits to your overall health and well-being. It’s best to store in a red wine cooler and consume within 30 days of opening.

This spherical 9k gold ball locket says “I want to keep you close to my heart.” We love that you can insert up to two photos from your 21 years together for an extra meaningful and sentimental touch that’s sure to bring a tear to your partner’s eye.

It’s simple and sleek enough to suit a variety of styles and occasions. Choose a chain of 16, 18, or 20 inches and a gold or silver finish.

There's something so personal about a key ring; it's an item that's most likely touched every day. This elegant Tiffany & Co. key ring is made of palladium-plated brass. The heart tag is a quaint symbol of your love—all 21 years of it.

A high-quality designer good like this leather card case by Saint Laurent stands the test of time, just like your marriage. The pebbled leather and gold hardware give it a timeless look, making this a piece that they'll use and enjoy for years to come.

What to Look for in a 21st-Anniversary Gift

  • Brass and Nickel: 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.
  • Uniqueness: Trust your instincts, says Ruhlin. “At the 21-year mark, I would hope that you know them best, and well enough to pick the perfect gift yourself,” he says. “Look for them in the gift. Give a gift that will act as the delivery vehicle to the appreciation and love you feel for them. It’s hard to put into an item that encapsulates 21 years together, but do your best.”
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. “There’s no gift list I can put together that will speak to your partner the way you can,” says Ruhlin. “It all comes back to actively listening for the right gift idea.”

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

    “Couples can follow what resonates with them," says Yeranosian. She adds that in today's day and age, it's totally okay "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

Molly Allen is a contributing writer for Brides, where she specializes in wedding décor, and all things entertaining. A former events planner, she has over 10 years editorial experience, and focuses on weddings, lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.

Chelsea Frank has been a lifestyle writer for nearly 10 years. She’s contributed to dozens of online publications, researching and writing on several topics from clean beauty and fashion to travel and wellness. For this article, the Brides team spoke to two gifting experts for tips and insight.

  • John Ruhlin is a gifting expert, speaker, and author.
  • Angela Yeranosian is the founder of the curated gifting site PATET.
Article Sources
Brides takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270-8. doi:10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498

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