Now that your 22nd wedding anniversary is fast approaching, you’re probably on the hunt for a gift to spoil your partner with. 22 years is a hell of a long time, but the fact that the two of you have made it this far proves how much you love and care for each other. So, while it’s not one of the biggies, it’s definitely an anniversary that deserves to be celebrated.

But, what sort of gift should you give your partner to mark 22 years of marriage? There are classic anniversary gifts, like chocolates or a bunch of flowers, but did you know that, for more than a century, couples have given each other special gifts filled with deep and symbolic meaning? So, if you’d like to go above and beyond, you might want to give your partner one of the traditional or modern 22nd wedding anniversary gifts.

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at what the traditional and modern 22nd anniversary gifts are and what the meaning is behind them. We’ll also give you 50 gift suggestions, so if you know you want to give your partner a gift linked to one of these themes, it’ll give you some ideas for where to get started.

To learn more about all the different wedding anniversary gift-giving traditions from 1 year through to 90, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 22nd wedding anniversary gifts have been given by couples to each other for over 100 years. Originally, when the list was created during the Victorian era, there wasn’t a traditional 22nd anniversary gift. But, the modern gift has unofficially become the traditional gift over the years. This still leaves you with great choices if you want to give your partner something filled with important meaning.

Traditional 22nd anniversary gift – Copper

The traditional 22nd wedding anniversary gift is copper. After reaching your 20th anniversary, the traditional gifts used only went in five-year increments. But, the traditional gift is now commonly considered to be the same as the modern gift.

Copper represents beauty, strength and wealth. This isn’t necessarily to be taken literally, but should sum up your relationship, and we know that to make it to 22 years you no doubt have each of these in abundance.

Modern 22nd anniversary gift – Copper

The modern 22nd anniversary gift is also copper and is also actually borrowed from the traditional 7th anniversary gift. So, if you didn’t give your partner something made from this shiny bronze-coloured metal back then, now might be the perfect opportunity to do so.

22nd anniversary gemstone – Spinel

The traditional gemstone for celebrating your 22nd anniversary is spinel. Spinel is a beautiful but affordable gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, and is sometimes confused for far more expensive and rare gemstones, such as ruby or sapphire.

Spinel represents passion and devotion, which means it’s the perfect choice if you’d like to give your partner an item of jewellery to mark your 22nd anniversary.

22nd anniversary flower – There isn’t one

For the first time since the day the two of you tied the knot, there isn’t actually a traditional flower to give to celebrate your 22nd anniversary. But, if you’d love to give your partner something floral, there are plenty of reliable favourites out there, like roses, sunflowers, tulips, hydrangeas and more.

How do you choose a gift for a 22nd wedding anniversary?

Your 22nd anniversary might not be one of the milestones typically celebrated – after all, you’re almost slap bang in between your 20th anniversary and 25th anniversary. But, it’s still an incredible stage in your marriage and one that deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops. So, if you’d like to give your partner a gift to mark 22 years, what sort of things should you think about before choosing what to get? Here are a few considerations to be aware of:

Are you set on sticking to the 22nd anniversary themes? There are only half as many themes as there were for most of your previous anniversaries, but you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a gift linked to them if you choose to.
Have you agreed on a set budget? The themes for your 22nd anniversary are far more affordable than they have been for other recent milestones in your marriage, which can make sticking to the themes a little easier than it may have been in the past.
Are you keen on giving your partner something that’s personalised? Due to its versatility, copper is a great gift to give if you’re looking for something personalised.
Is your partner after a specific gift? If they’ve asked for something or dropped one or two hints, sticking to the themes might be tricky, unless there’s a creative way to do both.

Is a couple in your life about to celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary? If so, you might be on the lookout for the perfect gift, and wonder about whether or not you can give them a gift that’s linked to one of the traditional or modern themes. Well, the great thing is, these rules aren’t specific to the couple themselves, so if you’ve got a great idea for something to give them that features copper or spinel, then you should absolutely go for it.

50 ideas for a 22nd wedding anniversary gift

It might not come with the same level of prestige or renown as other anniversaries, but your 22nd wedding anniversary is a wonderful milestone and shows just how much love and dedication the two of you share. To mark the occasion, you might want to give your partner a gift that’s filled with meaning that sums up exactly how you feel about them.

There are only two themes associated with your 22nd anniversary, unlike the usual four, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. Copper and spinel provide plenty of chances for you to give your other half a gift filled with symbolism which they can hold on to forever. Below we’ll give you 50 ideas so you both have a memorable and magical anniversary.

20 traditional and modern gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary

The traditional and modern 22nd anniversary gift is copper, a versatile metal that can be used to make everything from jewellery to ornaments. It’s also far more affordable than many other types of metal, so regardless of your budget, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding the perfect gift. Here are 20 ideas to give you a little inspiration.

1. A personalised copper wine cooler

If ever there was an excuse to enjoy a drink with your other half, your anniversary is certainly one of them. And you can cool down that bottle of bubbles with a personalised copper wine cooler, which can include your name and the year you got married.

2. A personalised copper bowl

A beautiful, useful and brilliantly on-theme gift for your 22nd anniversary is a personalised copper bowl, which your partner can use when you’re entertaining, as a fruit bowl or just as an extra bit of storage.

3. Copper couple figurine

After spending 22 years together, you probably know a thing or two about romance. And there’s no better way to sum up your romantic feelings for the love of your life than with a copper couple figurine, which would look wonderful on a shelf or in a cabinet.

4. A smoked copper wall mirror

For a gift with a unique look, a smoked copper wall mirror has a vintage finish and would go well with lots of different styles and colour schemes.

5. Tree of Life copper wall art

Copper symbolises the strength and beauty of your relationship, much like the strength and beauty of a tree. Combine the two with this tree of life copper wall art, which looks really lovely with an equally lovely meaning.

6. Copper Dog whisky

Is your other half a whisky drinker? If so, they’ll love a bottle of Copper Dog whisky, a delicious and easy-drinking single malt that has a very appropriate name when celebrating 22 years together.

7. A homemade copper heart

For a beautiful and thoughtful keepsake that your partner can hang somewhere around your home, you might choose to give them this homemade copper heart, which comes with a cute personalised token.

8. Personalised copper candle holders

If your partner loves creating a welcoming atmosphere at home with tea lights, they’ll definitely love this pair of personalised copper candle holders. They feature a stamped personalised message and look fabulous.

9. A hammered copper planter

Help your partner bring their favourite house plant to life even more with a hammered copper planter. It has a simple but eye-catching design and will look great in any room.

10. A copper candle

Help set a romantic scene on the night of your anniversary with a copper candle, which is all-natural and burns for over 50 hours.

11. A copper glass table lamp

Add a modern touch to a table or sideboard with this copper glass table lamp. It’s smart and sleek and comes with a black silk effect shade.

12. A pair of copper tumblers

Whether you want to enjoy a refreshing glass of OJ or something a little stronger, a pair of copper tumblers are fabulously eye-catching and stylish.

13. A pair of silver and copper earrings

Believe it or not, copper is a great metal for making jewellery out of, especially if paired with another metal like silver. So, a pair of silver and copper earrings looks unique, with enough designs and styles available to make sure you’ll find something perfect for your partner.

14. A copper bracelet

Copper bracelets are considered medical devices, as it’s believed they help alleviate the pain associated with arthritis. So, if your partner has painful joints, then a copper bracelet might be well received – and they also happen to look great.

15. Copper wall art

Make a real statement in a room with copper wall art featuring Queen Anne’s lace blooming. Over time, the art will get a little darker which makes it even more stunning.

16. A Copper Ombre vase

If you plan on giving your partner flowers for your anniversary, why not elevate them by putting them in a Copper Ombre vase? It has a luxurious look, but isn’t as pricey as you might think. Plus, once the flowers have died, your partner will still have a vase they can hold onto.

17. A copper water bottle

Water bottles will always come in use, and a copper water bottle is a functional, on-theme gift that will keep your partner nice and hydrated!

18. British farthing copper coin cufflinks

Farthings are old British coins that contain copper, and their vintage look actually makes them rather fashionable. As a result, these British farthing copper coin cufflinks are unique, look great and are perfect as a 22nd anniversary gift.

19. A pair of copper mugs

Enjoy an anniversary tipple with your partner with this pair of copper mugs, which are a great alternative to the usual glass you might enjoy a stiff drink in.

20. A 22nd anniversary copper horseshoe

What could possibly be luckier than a horseshoe? Well, how about a 22nd anniversary copper horseshoe that makes for a perfect keepsake to mark your big day?

5 affordable gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary

Copper isn’t exactly the most expensive metal, so finding cheaper gifts to give on your anniversary isn’t too difficult. But, you might want to keep your spending as low as possible, especially if you only want to give your partner a token gift linked to the theme. So, if you’d like to give your partner a copper-themed gift and only want to keep your spending super low, here are five ideas for you.

1. A copper wire anniversary card

If you’re on the lookout for a gift, you’re probably also going to give your partner a card on your anniversary. You could combine the two and give them a copper wire anniversary card, which features copper hearts on the front and is also very affordable!

2. A copper trinket dish

To help your other half keep their valuables, trinkets and jewellery somewhere they’ll never lose them, a copper trinket dish is small, sweet and on theme.

3. A personalised copper keyring

A personalised copper keyring ticks so many boxes. It’s small, affordable, on theme, personalised and your partner can take it with them whenever the two of you are apart. What’s not to love?

4. Copper photo frame

It might have been 22 years since you got married, but it’s important to keep those memories fresh. You could print off your favourite wedding snap and put it in a copper photo frame so your partner has something new to put on their desk or a shelf.

5. A copper stud earring

If your partner has a pierced ear, this copper stud earring is small and affordable. It’s also a subtle little nod to your 22nd anniversary which they can wear whenever they like.

5 DIY gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary

Making your partner a gift for your anniversary can be a lot of fun, and means you can give them something truly unique and personal. But, with a more limited number of gift themes to choose from, it can be rather tricky. Unless you have some tools, creating something out of copper isn’t the easiest thing in the world – unless you get creative with it. So, here are five ways you can make a DIY 22nd anniversary gift to give you a helping hand.

1. A DIY simple wire ring

With a little copper wire and a few basic tools, you can create a simple but thoughtful wire ring. It’s a lovely little ring and your partner will appreciate the thought behind it. Check out a simple DIY infinity ring tutorial for the steps you need to follow to give it a go.

2. DIY wire earrings

Copper wire can also be used to make wire earrings, with loads of different designs and styles to choose from. Some are harder than others, but if your partner loves big, bold earrings, it’s worth trying out. Watch a video tutorial for everything you need.

3. A DIY copper coin pendant

With a copper coin, a chain and a little wire, you can make a DIY copper coin pendant. Pennies are said to be lucky, so why not make your partner something filled with luck? Follow a simple tutorial for all the information.

4. DIY copper coin earrings

Just like with a pendant, copper coins also make nice additions to earrings, so you can guarantee to give your partner a gift like no other. Read a tutorial for more information on making a pair for your other half.

5. A DIY copper coin keyring

If jewellery isn’t really your partner’s thing but you want to make something using a coin, a keyring could be just the idea you need. It doesn’t require much but makes for a great token DIY gift. There are plenty of tutorials available so you can make one for yourself.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary

One of the best ways to make your anniversary memorable is by spending time with your partner doing something new or exciting. Activities and experiences make for the ideal 22nd anniversary gift, but can be hard to fit into one of the themes. Hard, but definitely not impossible. So, here are five ways you can spend time together on your anniversary.

1. A Copper Rivet Distillery signature cocktail masterclass for two

Copper Rivet Distillery is a distillery that makes vodka, gin and other delicious spirits. It also offers couples the chance to take part in a cocktail masterclass, so settle in and get ready to have some fun… as well as a few drinks!

2. A coppersmithing experience

A coppersmithing experience gives your partner the opportunity to get their hands dirty and try making something out of copper. It’s a fun and interesting way to learn this rarely-used skill.

3. A bronze and copper mine tour

Take a tour underground into the depths of the Great Ormes bronze age copper mine in North Wales, to see what life was like on the hunt for copper all those years ago.

4. Copper foiling stained glass taster day

Spend time with your partner designing stained glass windows with a copper foiling stained glass taster day, perfect for beginners who have wanted to give this brilliant craft a try.

5. A copper vineyard experience

See how grapes are farmed and pressed and made into delicious wine with a copper vineyard experience. And, most importantly, try out some of the delicious wines for yourself!

10 22nd anniversary gifts that contain spinel

The traditional 22nd anniversary gemstone is spinel. Spinel isn’t one of the most rare or expensive gemstones, but it’s still beautiful, bright and colourful, so it’s a great addition to a piece of jewellery or accessory. Because it’s affordable, it’s also great if you have a smaller budget. Here are 10 suggestions for jewellery you might consider:

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

Spinel isn’t too common in jewellery in the UK, but there are still plenty of high street and independent jewellers that offer a range of jewellery with spinel. Take a trip to your local town or city centre and browse a few retailers to see what they have in stock. Alternatively, at Bridebook we’ve partnered with a wide range of fabulous jewellers, with many having spinel jewellery – so take a look and see if they have something your partner would love.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 22nd wedding anniversary

Flowers are always a big hit when it’s your anniversary. The only trouble is, when you’re celebrating your 22nd anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower associated with it like there has been with every single anniversary that came before it. That means you can either rely on a trusty and romantic floral favourite, or you could link it into one of the other themes. So if you’d like to go for something with a little meaning, here are five suggestions.

1. A copper rose

Roses are synonymous with love and romance, which means that, for your 22nd anniversary, a copper rose has twice as much romantic meaning.

2. Copper garden poppy sculptures

Light up your partner’s anniversary and your back garden with copper garden poppy sculptures, which add real character to any flowerbed.

3. A set of copper sunflowers

For something small and subtle but utterly fabulous, a set of copper sunflowers have all the life of real sunflowers but are smaller and will never wilt.

4. A pair of spinel flower stud earrings

Because spinels are so bright and cheery, they make for the perfect centre for a pair of blooming flower stud earrings.

5. A blue spinel flower necklace

With a silver retro look, a blue spinel flower necklace is eye-popping and bold, and will definitely turn a few heads whenever your partner wears it.

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Happy Planning!

Mike Jeavons

Last updated: 18th Oct 2024

22nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas