The second wedding anniversary marks a significant milestone, deserving just as much celebration as the first. While the whirlwind excitement of the wedding might have settled, your bond has deepened, and it’s time to honor that growing love. Traditionally, cotton represents the second anniversary, symbolizing comfort, strength, and the interwoven nature of your lives. Modern interpretations also include china, signifying elegance and the beauty of a lasting relationship. Whether you stick to tradition or venture outside the box, the perfect Second Year Anniversary Gift should be thoughtful, personal, and reflective of your unique journey as a couple.
Laura Jennings, founder of Knack, a gifting expert, suggests embracing the cotton theme with cozy apparel or luxurious bedding. “Splurging on high-quality sheets or bedding as a second year anniversary gift is a wonderful investment,” she notes, “something you’ll both enjoy every day.” To guide you in finding that perfect expression of your love, we’ve curated a list of exceptional second year anniversary gift ideas, considering both traditional and modern themes, functionality, personalization, and value. We’ve even tested some top contenders to ensure quality and lasting appeal.
Top Second Year Anniversary Gift Picks
- Minted Botanical Cascade Snap Tote
- The Modish Home Couples Initials Throw Blanket
- Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album
- INSIDEOUTGIFT Embroidered Anniversary Roman Date Hoodies
- Coyuchi Pismo Organic Blanket
- Pretty and Shine Calligraphy Print
- R. Chiara Diamond Center Stackable Ring
- PaperAnniversaryLove Custom Tray
- Parachute Percale Sheet Set
- Mirage Engraving Personalized Compass
- Fellow The Rookie Pour-Over Kit
- Brooklinen Men’s Henry Pajama Set
- Bearaby Hugget Knot Pillow
- West Elm Rhode Begonia Sheet Set
- Four Seasons Bath Robe
- Bearaby Napper
- Venus Et Fleur Mini Fleur Frame
- Uncommon Goods Experiences Kokedama Ball Kit
- Hermès Soleil d’Hermès Dessert Plate n°1
- Smeg Drip Coffee Maker
- Backhouse Fragrances Custom Wedding Mini Candles
Minted Botanical Cascade Snap Tote
PHOTO: Minted
For a touch of romance and practicality, the Minted Botanical Cascade Snap Tote is a delightful second year anniversary gift. Exclusively designed for the minted + BRIDES Gifts Collection, this 100% cotton tote features a charming floral design and a secure brushed-copper snap closure. Personalize it with a foil-pressed leather name tag for an extra sentimental touch, making it a unique and thoughtful cotton anniversary gift. Perfect for everyday errands, weekend getaways, or carrying work essentials, this tote blends style and functionality.
The Modish Home Couples Initials Throw Blanket
PHOTO: Etsy
Embrace the cotton theme with a personal touch with The Modish Home Couples Initials Throw Blanket. This oversized blanket can be customized with your initials and wedding year, making it a deeply personal second year anniversary gift. While testers noted the graphic print was crisp and clear, the material felt somewhat synthetic. However, its affordability for its size and bold design make it a great décor piece, especially for couples with a traditional aesthetic. Consider this personalized cotton anniversary gift if you’re looking for a statement piece for their home.
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Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album
PHOTO: Artifact Uprising
Preserve your cherished memories with the Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album. This elegantly bound book, featuring high-quality pages and linen or leather covers, is a timeless second year anniversary gift. Foil-stamp a custom title for a personal touch and fill it with photos from your wedding or first two years together. Testers praised the luxe linen cover and thick card stock pages, highlighting the high photo quality with a matte finish. While noted as a pricier option, the quality materials and craftsmanship justify the investment, making it a treasured keepsake for years to come, and a deeply sentimental personalized anniversary gift.
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INSIDEOUTGIFT Embroidered Anniversary Roman Date Hoodies
PHOTO: Etsy
For a fun and subtly matching second year anniversary gift, consider INSIDEOUTGIFT Embroidered Anniversary Roman Date Hoodies. These cool hoodies are embroidered with your wedding date in Roman numerals, offering a non-cheesy way to show your commitment. Available in eight soft colors and various styles like crewnecks and t-shirts, you can find the perfect fit for your couple style. This is a comfortable and unique cotton anniversary gift that you can both enjoy wearing.
Coyuchi Pismo Organic Blanket
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PHOTO: Coyuchi
$328 at Nordstrom $298 at Anthropologie $197 at Coyuchi.com
Upgrade your bedding with the luxurious Coyuchi Pismo Organic Blanket, a perfect second year anniversary gift that aligns with the cotton theme. Made of organic Portuguese cotton and stonewashed for extra softness, this blanket offers both comfort and style. Available in sun-washed colors with a subtle geometric print, it’s a versatile accent piece for any bedroom décor. Its perfect weight makes it ideal for year-round use, providing warmth in winter and comfort in summer. This cotton anniversary gift is a sophisticated and practical choice.
Pretty and Shine Calligraphy Print
PHOTO: Etsy
Transform your heartfelt words into art with a Pretty and Shine Calligraphy Print. Have your wedding song lyrics, vows, or a special message calligraphically printed for a deeply personal second year anniversary gift. Testers loved the organic, botanical style and rustic, romantic feel of the prints. Framing enhances its delicate design, making it a beautiful display piece. This personalized anniversary gift adds a touch of sentimental elegance to any home.
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R. Chiara Diamond Center Stackable Ring
PHOTO: R. Chiara
For a timeless and luxurious second year anniversary gift, the R. Chiara Diamond Center Stackable Ring is an exquisite choice. This delicate 14K gold band features five inlaid round diamonds, offering a romantic sparkle. Perfect worn alone or stacked with other rings, it’s a versatile piece of fine jewelry that symbolizes enduring love and commitment. While not cotton or china, diamonds are always a cherished gift, making this a truly special anniversary gift for her.
PaperAnniversaryLove Custom Tray
PHOTO: Etsy
$99 at Etsy View on Paper-anniversary.com
The PaperAnniversaryLove Custom Tray offers a meaningful and practical second year anniversary gift. Choose from various shapes and sizes and personalize the inside with custom text printed on organic cotton, thoughtfully adhering to the cotton theme. Testers appreciated its gender-neutral appeal and full customizability. While larger than expected and requiring careful handling due to the cotton surface, it’s a unique and thoughtful cotton anniversary gift perfect for organizing bedside essentials and adding a personal touch to home décor.
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Parachute Percale Sheet Set
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PHOTO: Parachute
$259 at Zola $259 at Parachute
For a practical yet luxurious second year anniversary gift, consider upgrading your bedding with the Parachute Percale Sheet Set. Made from soft percale cotton that becomes even softer over time, these sheets are a dream for hot sleepers, offering a cool and crisp feel. Available in eight neutral shades, the pure white option provides a classic and clean aesthetic. This cotton anniversary gift is a worthwhile investment in everyday comfort and quality sleep.
Mirage Engraving Personalized Compass
PHOTO: Etsy
Symbolize your journey together with the Mirage Engraving Personalized Compass, a unique and thoughtful second year anniversary gift. Engrave it with a photo, text, or even your own handwriting for an extra personal touch. The optional leather case adds to its charm. This personalized anniversary gift is a beautiful keepsake that represents guidance and shared adventures, perfect for the couple who loves to explore, both literally and figuratively.
Fellow The Rookie Pour-Over Kit
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PHOTO: Fellow
For the coffee-loving couple, the Fellow The Rookie Pour-Over Kit is a sophisticated and practical second year anniversary gift. This modern and minimal matte black set includes an electric pour-over kettle, dripper, and carafe. Perfect for elevating their home coffee experience or for a stylish office setup, this gift caters to those who appreciate quality and design. While not directly related to cotton or china, it’s a luxurious and thoughtful gift for shared enjoyment.
Brooklinen Men’s Henry Pajama Set
PHOTO: Brooklinen
Give the gift of comfort with the Brooklinen Men’s Henry Pajama Set, a perfect cotton anniversary gift. This super-soft cotton pajama set comes in four colorways and features practical details like side pockets and tailored cuffs. Machine-washable for easy care, it’s a luxurious everyday essential. Consider gifting a matching set for a cozy and coordinated second year anniversary gift experience.
Bearaby Hugget Knot Pillow
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PHOTO: Bearaby
$79 at Amazon $79 $56 at Nordstrom $29 at Bearaby.com
Enhance your living space with the stylish and comforting Bearaby Hugget Knot Pillow, a unique cotton anniversary gift. This handcrafted knot pillow adds a sleek, modern touch while also serving as a gently weighted pillow designed to relieve stress. Made from organic cotton with a rubber foam filling, it’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional, making it a thoughtful and trendy second year anniversary gift.
West Elm Rhode Begonia Sheet Set
PHOTO: West Elm
Refresh your bedroom décor with the West Elm Rhode Begonia Sheet Set, a stylish and comfortable cotton anniversary gift. Featuring whimsical begonia prints in two options, this 100% cotton sheet set adds flair and personality to your bedding. Built to last, just like your relationship, this cotton anniversary gift combines durability, comfort, and eye-catching design.
Four Seasons Bath Robe
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PHOTO: Four Seasons
Indulge in luxury at home with the Four Seasons Bath Robe, an opulent cotton anniversary gift. Made from 100% velour jacquard cotton with a terry interior, this plush robe exudes comfort and elegance. Wrapped in sophisticated packaging, it’s ready for gifting. Consider a pair of these unisex white bathrobes for creating a spa-like experience at home, making it a truly pampering second year anniversary gift.
Bearaby Napper
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PHOTO: Bearaby
$279 at Nordstrom $249 at Bearaby.com
Promote restful sleep with the Bearaby Napper weighted blanket, an eco-friendly and comforting second year anniversary gift. Made from ocean-bound plastic and GRS-certified, this sustainable blanket offers the soothing pressure of a weighted blanket for improved sleep quality. Available in six colors and two weights, this cotton anniversary gift is both beneficial and environmentally conscious.
Venus Et Fleur Mini Fleur Frame
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PHOTO: Venus et Fleur
Combine flowers and cherished memories with the Venus Et Fleur Mini Fleur Frame, a beautiful and lasting second year anniversary gift. This frame features 14 petite preserved roses surrounding a space for a mini photo from your wedding or engagement. Choose from five rose colors and personalize it further by uploading a photo or adding one yourself. This personalized anniversary gift is a stunning display piece for shelves or walls.
Uncommon Goods Experiences Kokedama Ball Kit
PHOTO: Uncommon Goods
For a unique and engaging second year anniversary gift, the Uncommon Goods Experiences Kokedama Ball Kit is perfect for plant-loving couples. This DIY kit includes everything needed to create kokedama balls, a Japanese technique for growing petite plants in moss-covered soil. It’s a fun and interactive gift that fosters creativity and brings a touch of nature indoors. This experience-based anniversary gift is memorable and enjoyable.
Hermès Soleil d’Hermès Dessert Plate n°1
PHOTO: Hermès
Embrace the modern china theme with the Hermès Soleil d’Hermès Dessert Plate n°1, an elegant and luxurious second year anniversary gift. This 8.2-inch porcelain dessert plate features a vibrant Mediterranean summer design with bold yellow accents, brightening any table setting. Hand-decorated in France, this china anniversary gift is a treasured piece of art and functional tableware, symbolizing sophistication and lasting beauty.
Smeg Drip Coffee Maker
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PHOTO: Amazon
$230 at Amazon $230 at Nordstrom $230 at Williams-Sonoma
Combine style and function with the SMEG Drip Coffee Maker, a chic second year anniversary gift. This 10-cup coffee maker boasts a retro design and comes in seven vibrant colors, adding a pop of personality to any kitchen. Adjustable brew strength and small-batch brewing options cater to individual preferences. While not cotton or china, this stylish appliance is a practical and visually appealing gift for the couple who loves their coffee.
Backhouse Fragrances Custom Wedding Mini Candles
PHOTO: Backhouse Fragrances
View on Backhousefragrances.com
Create a romantic ambiance with Backhouse Fragrances Custom Wedding Mini Candles, a personalized and fragrant second year anniversary gift. These hand-poured mini candles come in 10 scents and can be personalized with your names and anniversary date, creating a wonderful keepsake. Made with phthalate-free fragrance oil and a lead-free wick, these candles offer over 30 hours of burn time, making them a delightful and thoughtful personalized anniversary gift.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Second Anniversary Gift
- Cotton Theme: Embrace the traditional cotton theme with gifts like luxurious bedding, cozy throws, comfortable clothing, or even unique cotton-based art. It’s a perfect opportunity to upgrade household items received at your wedding.
- China Theme: Explore the modern china theme beyond dinnerware. Consider elegant serving pieces, decorative china items, or personalized china keepsakes.
- Personalization is Key: Whether you choose cotton, china, or something completely different, personalization elevates any gift. Monogramming, custom engravings, or bespoke artwork make your gift feel extra special and meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Second Anniversary Gifts
- Creative Gift Ideas? Recreate your first date or revisit a special place from your relationship, like your rehearsal dinner venue or proposal spot, for a memorable experience.
- Must I Follow the Theme? Anniversary themes are suggestions for inspiration, particularly for milestones like the second year. Focus on gifts that resonate with your relationship story and personal preferences.
- How to Celebrate? Plan a special dinner, cook a romantic meal at home, or enjoy a weekend getaway. Simple gestures like breakfast in bed or a nature hike can also make the day meaningful.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
This guide is curated by experienced writers at Brides, Melanie Rud and Dagmara Cintron, who have extensive backgrounds in lifestyle and wedding content. Expert insights from Laura Jennings, founder of Knack, a personalized gifting company, further enhance our recommendations, ensuring you receive trusted and thoughtful advice for selecting the perfect second year anniversary gift.
