We all know the famous ditty: ‘I’ve got the key of the door, never been 21 before!’ But what exactly does it mean?
The 21st birthday signified the start of an adult life and the independence it brings with it. Traditionally when a person became 21 he or she would leave the parental home for pastures new. Now, young adults are likely still living with parents but 21 remains a landmark birthday, calling for Celebration with a capital ‘C’.
Making the most of a 21st Birthday
Marking the occasion with special 21st Birthday Gifts is a tradition which will last forever. And why not? Reaching 21 used to be a really big deal before we had the medical advances we have today and sadly, many people died young. Yet this birthday has kept its importance intact and friends and family naturally want to bestow the new 21 year-old with 21st Birthday Gifts galore!
Great Gifts for people turning 21!
If you are looking to buy a memorable birthday gift for someone you know who will soon be celebrating their 21st rest assured there are plenty of 21st Birthday Gift Ideas to get those little grey cells inspired.
From contemporary paperweights to authentic appearances on the cover of their fave magazine, memorable experience days to Personalised 21st Birthday Gifts, there is a real treasure trove of options just waiting to be discovered online.
How do you make their 21st Birthday Gift Memorable?Lets be honest, someone turning 21 is likely to receive a boat-load of wonderful gifts and even the most conscientious person might forget who gave them which gift in ten years time.
By personalising your chosen gift you will be imparting it with instant sentimental value that they are certain to be able to recall out of their 21st sea. Also, having your gift personalised with a message of your choice shows you have made a special effort to elevate your 21st birthday offering way beyond the ordinary.
Birthday messages can be added to practically any item you care to conjure up. Photo frames, T-shirts, mugs, bottles of champagne – a must for any 21st birthday celebration worth its salt – you name it; all can get the VIP personalisation treatment.
What’s more, once you have arranged to have your gift personalised, you have boosted it with sentimental status. And trust us, anything personalised will gain extra value in your recipient’s heart. Unique 21st birthday gifts like these will be treasured for generations.
That said, unusual 21st birthday gifts don’t stop there. Anything with the 21st stamp of approval will go down a treat, but when you see exactly what’s out there for the taking, you will wish you to were 21 again.
Browse our selection of 21st Birthday Gifts from The Gift Experience.
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FAQs
Celebrating a 21st birthday with the traditional key honors the birthday person's arrival at adulthood and independence. Reaching twenty one is an occasion to be celebrated. And the key symbolizes their maturity and the joy of arriving at the next stage of life.
What is the key of the door 21? ›
We all know the famous ditty: 'I've got the key of the door, never been 21 before! ' But what exactly does it mean? The 21st birthday signified the start of an adult life and the independence it brings with it. Traditionally when a person became 21 he or she would leave the parental home for pastures new.
What does age 21 signify? ›
The 21st birthday holds significant meaning in the lives of young individuals. It symbolises the transition to adulthood, a time of personal growth, newfound responsibilities, and legal rights.
Why is turning 21 a big deal? ›
In the U.S. the legal age for drinking, smoking, and entering nightclubs is 21. So the 21st birthday is a significant turning point for a young adult as they're now able to partake in more adult activities, legally. Given Australia has inherited much from American culture, it's no surprise we've adopted this as well.
Who gets a 21st key? ›
Gifting keys to those who turn 21 is an age-old tradition that's practiced around the world! It signifies that the recipient is now a legal adult and has matured enough to be a “keyholder” of their home.
What do keys represent spiritually? ›
The key is the mechanism of the powers of opening and closing, and denotes liberation, knowledge, mystery, and initiation. SILVER keys usually refer to temporal power, while GOLD ones refer to spiritual power.
What symbolic gift do you give for your 21st birthday? ›
21st birthday gift jewellery symbolism
“The key” is a well-known jewellery design for a 21st birthday gift – it represents the key to the door into adulthood. The key is popular for a good reason, not only does it feel special and traditional, there's something that's both classic and up-to-date about the design.
What does a golden birthday mean? ›
Your golden birthday is when the date of your birth coincides with your age. For example, if you were born on October 8, your golden birthday took place when you turned 8. If you were born on December 21, your golden birthday took place when you turned 21. Learn more.
Why is 21 a special birthday in South Africa? ›
Interestingly enough, 21st birthdays in South Africa do not actually celebrate one's 21st year of life. In South Africa, birthdays traditionally celebrate the day that one was initiated into an African community. Much like Australia, there is a tradition of giving a key to the birthday man or woman.
What does 21 mean in love? ›
What Does 21 Mean for Soulmates? For soulmates, the angel number 21 can be a positive sign and a reminder to trust in the spiritual practice of love. By being open, authentic, and trusting that you are on the right path, you can overcome challenges and truly deepen your connection.
So goes the old song, but why is a person's 21st birthday so special? The 'key to the door' signified the reaching of adulthood and the independence that brought with it.
What does 21 21 mean in spirituality? ›
Angel number 2121, in numerology, is a call to find harmony and equilibrium in all aspects of your life. It encourages you to embrace both your independent leadership and your collaborative abilities, all while fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion for those around you.
What are the negatives of turning 21? ›
"It does appear that turning 21, and the 21st year, is probably a pretty high-risk time for drinking, driving and high-risk sexual behavior," said Fromme, who leads the UT Experience, a study tracking more than 2,200 University of Texas students from just after graduating high school to age 22.
What can you buy at 21? ›
Allowed at 21
- Smoke or use marijuana.
- Smoke or use tobacco.
- Drink alcohol.
- Purchase ammunition for a handgun.
“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and laughter. May this milestone be the start of a new and exciting chapter in your life.” “Happy 21st birthday!
What does a key necklace Symbolise? ›
Key pendant necklaces are also linked to new beginnings and new chapters – and are often given as 21st birthday gifts to herald the start of adulthood. You might also come across key and lock pendants – a symbolism of love and gifting your heart to another.
Are keys a symbol of good luck? ›
Keys. Keys, which are believed to bring good luck as a gift, have roots in Far Eastern cultures. They were often given as gifts on 21st birthdays, symbolizing that one had reached an age to be a key holder to their family home.
What is the best message for a 21st birthday? ›
21st Birthday Message Ideas: What to Write in a Card or Text
- 21st Birthday Message Inspiration. ...
- Congratulations on Reaching this Milestone! ...
- Embrace the Adventure Ahead! ...
- Always Believe in Yourself! ...
- Thank You for Being You! ...
- Welcome to Adulthood! ...
- Celebrating Your Achievements. ...
- The Best is Yet to Come.
Keys are symbols of opening and closing. Locks and keys affect our lives in various ways. Sometimes a key means the difference between freedom and incarceration, or life and death. Keys also affect our lives in other ways; they give us security – we can lock our door and know that no one else has the key.
