Traditional, Modern and Symbolic Anniversary Gifts
Below is a list of both traditional and modern gift materials, as well as classic flower and gemstone symbols, which mark a couple’s 21st wedding anniversary in countries around the world…
Traditional Gift – UK | ![]() | No Traditional Gift |
Traditional Gift – US | ![]() | No Traditional Gift |
Traditional Gift – Australia | ![]() | No Traditional Gift |
Traditional Gift – Canada | ![]() | No Traditional Gift |
Traditional Gift – Spain | ![]() | Oak |
Traditional Gift – Germany | ![]() | Opal |
Traditional Gift – France | ![]() | Opal |
Traditional Gift – Italy | ![]() | Oak |
Flower Gift | ![]() | Iris |
Gemstone Gift | ![]() | Opal |
Modern Gift | ![]() | Brass and Nickel |
Page Index
- About 21st Wedding Anniversaries
- How to Celebrate Your 21st Wedding Anniversary
- Common Questions About the 21th Wedding Anniversary
- 21st Anniversary Gifts for Him
- 21st Anniversary Gifts for Her
- 21st Anniversary Gifts for Parents
About 21st Wedding Anniversaries
Last year you reached the significant milestone of being married for 20 years and celebrating your China Anniversary. That certainly doesn’t mean, however, that this year’s 21st anniversary should feel anything like an anti-climax.
On the contrary… As we are, after all, well into the 21st century, you can celebrate yet another year of happy marriage in a variety of creative and contemporary ways. In many countries, 21 is the age of consent, which means that this year you can perhaps indulge yourselves by trying new things you’ve never done before – or possibly not been allowed to do 😉

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How to Celebrate Your 21st Wedding Anniversary
A little adventure is a great way to maintain a relationship that is exciting and fun-filled, even after 21 years! How about booking an adventure or activity holiday? Or trying something on the wild side that you could do together, such as a skydive, bungee jump, supercar racing experience or whitewater rafting?
If you’ve actually already done all of those activities together – and clearly are keen adventure-seekers – you’ll have to go even more extreme for your 21st wedding anniversary.
There are as many worlds as there are kinds of days, and as an opal changes its colors and its fire to match the nature of a day, so do I.” Quoted by: John Steinbeck
21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and the Couple
There is no traditional gift you could give for a 21st anniversary, but suggested modern gifts are brass and nickel. If you want to go with the brass theme, you could surprise your loved one with a night out at a concert with a brass band element to the music.
Great selection of Experience Days for Him & Her
If you prefer to go with the nickel theme, how about a surprise weekend getaway to Amsterdam? Until the the introduction of the euro in 2002, the Dutch Guilder was made purely of nickel. If one were needed – this is alluring Amsterdam after all! – that’s a good excuse for a weekend in the Netherlands’ capital city.
Alternatively, back near home a jazz or soul band evening would certainly hit all the right notes, offering just the right music and atmosphere for a wonderfully romantic anniversary celebration. We have a great selection of experience days to choose from across the site.
Common Questions About the 21st Wedding Anniversary
Q: What is the 21st wedding anniversary called?
A: The 21st wedding anniversary does not have a specific known name.
Q: What is the 21st wedding anniversary gemstone?
A: The 21st wedding anniversary gemstone is the Opal.
Q: What is the 21st wedding anniversary symbol?
A: The 21st wedding anniversary is not symbolised by anything other than another great year to celebrate.
Q: What is the 21st wedding anniversary colour?
A: The colour synonymous with the 21st wedding anniversary would be orange, linked to the modern gift for this anniversary.
Q: What are the traditional and modern gifts for a 21st wedding anniversary?
A: There is no traditional gift for the 21st wedding anniversary, however the modern gift is Brass and Nickel.
Q: What is the 21st year anniversary flower?
A: The classic flower for 21st wedding anniversary celebrations is the Iris, they can represent faith, hope, courage, wisdom and admiration.
21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
What can I buy my husband for our 21st wedding anniversary? Here we feature a great selection of gift ideas to help you choose.

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Our options include gifts for him on a budget, as well as both traditional and modern ideas and experience day suggestions.

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21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
What should I buy my wife on our 21st wedding anniversary?

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If your wife is the adventurous type, or likes a little pampering (and who doesn’t!), try these suggestions. Or you could also check out our other anniversary pages for hundreds of additional gift ideas.

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21st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and Parents
As a loving husband-wife, and as your parents, they both deserve beautiful greetings and gifts that are worthy of all the commitment and hard work they have put into their marriage.
From funny family memories to romantic quotes… write the cutest and sweetest messages on a card to make sure that your warm wishes and thoughtful gifts are the perfect start to your parents’ special day.
Here are some budget gift suggestions for your parents…

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When it comes to gift suggestions for a couple and friends, experience days are always a great and pleasantly surprising choice. Or perhaps send them a gift to share at home, such as a bottle of their favorite wine and some exquisite chocolates.

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Travel & Experience Gifts

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Here below are some more excellent suggestions for gifts that can be bought via our Red Letter Days link.
- Location visit (Amsterdam)
- Travel and activity gift vouchers
- Archery, air rifle and clay shooting for two
- Boutique hotel and spa (just for two)
- Escape to the country (many locations to choose from)
- Luxury spa day for two
- Sky diving and parachute jumps (really stepping out of the box)
- Adventure sports days (for the active couple or family)
Jewellery
The traditional 21st wedding anniversary gemstone is opal.
- Earrings
- Pendants
- Rings
- Necklace
- Tie Pin
- Cufflinks
Something Different & Unique
- Arrange a weekend getaway to the picturesque oak forests of Serra de Collserola nature park in Cataluña.
- Buy a stunning bronze artwork, for indoors or outside in the garden.
- Organise a celebratory gathering at home, for family and friends, that recreates your (and your partner’s) 21st birthday party.
- Go for the big gesture and plan a major trip away to Australia, to visit the opal mines in Lightning Ridge.
The most important consideration is to not let the 20th celebrations overshadow your 21st wedding anniversary. Enjoy an adventurous and exciting new celebration, with all the modern trimmings of the 21st century.
Related blog posts
Next Anniversaries
22nd wedding anniversary
23rd wedding anniversary
24th wedding anniversary
25th wedding anniversary
26th wedding anniversary
About The Author

This page has been written by Justin Aldridge. Justin is passionate about helping couples to make their anniversary as special as possible. Justin enjoys being creative and coming up with different and inspiring ideas for couples to celebrate their anniversary in style each year.
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