Every anniversary you and your partner share is a reason to celebrate. You might have gone all out for your first wedding anniversary — it was your first of many, after all! But your second anniversary is just as special. As you continue to grow together and deepen your love, this milestone deserves just as much recognition as the big ones.
When planning your second-anniversary celebration, you might already have the perfect gift in mind. But if you’re looking for something with tradition and meaning, there are classic and modern anniversary gifts, each with its own symbolism, along with a traditional flower and gemstone. Whether you want to honour tradition or go with something personal and unique, there’s no right or wrong choice — only what feels right for you and your partner.
If you’re searching for the perfect way to mark your second anniversary but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. This guide explores different gift ideas and their meanings, helping you find something truly special.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary?
Since the early 20th century, there have been traditional and modern gifts which many couples like to give each other to celebrate their 2nd anniversary. There’s also a traditional flower and gemstone that have wonderful meaning behind them.
Traditional 2nd anniversary gift – Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre that grows in huge open fields. It’s a really delicate plant that can be carried away with a light breeze. But, once it’s been picked and processed this delicate plant becomes incredibly strong and durable – as strong and durable as your marriage. And it gives you a brilliant amount of creativity to come up with a unique present that your loved one will adore.
Modern 2nd anniversary gift – China
By today’s standards, china probably feels a little outdated. But, china is associated with quality and luxury. It’s also precious and fragile, so has to be looked after and maintained – a lot like a marriage. China is another gift that’s open to interpretation and gives you a chance to have fun with your gift-giving.
2nd anniversary gemstone – Garnet
Garnet is a lovely gemstone that’s frequently seen in deep shades of red, but can also come in orange, brown, green and even black. It symbolises trust and friendship, which is a beautiful way to encapsulate your relationship with your partner. Garnet isn’t always a first-choice stone for use in jewellery and accessories, but it’s very versatile, not to mention striking.
2nd anniversary flower – Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is a delicate little flower that resembles a cluster of tiny white bells. While stunning in a garden, it also adds a touch of elegance to any bouquet with its fresh green leaves and dainty blooms. Symbolizing purity and youth, it’s a perfect reflection of the love and joy you and your partner share.
However, if you have pets at home, keep in mind that lily of the valley is toxic to cats and dogs. If that’s a concern, don’t worry — we’ve got plenty of alternative flower suggestions for you below.
How do you choose a gift for a 2nd wedding anniversary?
You know your partner better than anyone, but you’ll only have one 2nd wedding anniversary, so how on earth are you supposed to choose the perfect gift? You could get them a few things, but then that’s likely to get expensive. Have a think about what your partner would really love which would stand out above other times you might give them gifts, like on their birthday or Christmas. Consider these points when choosing the ideal gift:
- Should you follow anniversary traditions? The traditional and modern gifts aren’t set in stone, so make sure they fit with what you and your partner might be expecting.
- Have you set your maximum budget? You might want to really spoil your partner, but you should set a budget and stick to it. This will likely influence what you can give them.
- How personal do you want the gift to be? Something off-the-shelf can be fantastic, but personalizations elevate a gift and make them even more special.
- What does your partner love? Cotton or china gifts might not be something your partner would appreciate, and if so is there something else they might prefer?
If you’re someone giving a 2nd anniversary gift to a friend or family member, you can also interpret these rules how you see fit. There’s nothing wrong with joining in on the traditions and giving someone something linked to cotton or china to help them celebrate their big day.
50 ideas for a 2nd wedding anniversary gift
If you want to give your partner a 2nd anniversary gift steeped in meaning, but have no idea where to start, we’ve put together a list of 50 ideas to help get you started. That way, you can find the perfect gift and show your love that you’re super romantic and thoughtful.
10 traditional gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
The traditional 2nd anniversary gift is cotton, so to give you a bit of inspiration here are 10 cotton-themed gifts you can give to your loved one.
1. Personalized cotton bath towels
Never argue about who’s using the wrong towel again, with personalized bath towels! Good towels are hard to come by, but cotton towels with your names embroidered on them are as soft as they are thoughtful.
2. Personalized dressing gown
Is there anything more relaxing than spending the day in your dressing gown? And relaxing is what anniversaries are all about. A personalized dressing gown is completely on-board with the cotton theme, with the added bonus of being completely unique to them.
3. Personalized love knot cushion
Keeping the personalization theme going, a cushion is a nice subtle way to bring a bit of you to your home furnishings. Some cushions can be personalized to include your names and the date you got married.
4. Bedsheets from the hotel where you spent your first night together
Contact the hotel where you and your partner spent your first night together as a married couple and ask them where they get their bedsheets from. Then, you can see if you can get hold of the exact same sheets so you can have that honeymoon feeling every time you get in bed. They’ll probably be from a wholesaler, but with a bit of charm, you might be able to place a one-off order with them if you explain what you’re hoping to do.
5. Cotton flowers
For a subtle but beautiful cotton gift, a handmade cotton flower is something your partner can always keep to remind them of your anniversary. They’re delicate but stunning and will last a lifetime.
6. A comfy pair of socks
Socks might not be glamorous, but they’re comfortable and practical. A lot of decent socks also happen to be cotton, and there are tons of options out there.
7. Song lyrics cotton canvas
If you and your partner are into music, you could give them a cotton record that features their favourite song lyrics, or maybe even the lyrics from your first dance.
8. A cotton bracelet
Cotton isn’t usually associated with jewellery, but it actually makes for a touching accessory that your partner is bound to love. Not only is it a gift from you on your anniversary, but it also has deep and poignant meaning. There are expert craftspeople on Etsy who produce lovely cotton bracelets.
9. Egyptian cotton candle
Candles are a surefire way to help build a romantic atmosphere on your anniversary, and why not do that with an on-theme Egyptian cotton-scented candle?
10. A nice shirt
You can’t go wrong with a stylish shirt for your partner — something they can wear casually or save for special occasions. Plus, if you gift it to them earlier in the day, they can slip it on for a romantic dinner or a night out, making your anniversary celebration even more special.
10 modern gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
If cotton’s not to your liking, the modern choice for a 2nd anniversary gift is china. Okay, perhaps china isn’t as modern as it was a hundred years ago, but it’s still a lovely gift that can be interpreted in lots of different ways. So, here are 10 china-themed gifts to give you some ideas.
1. A fancy china tea set
One of the most obvious china gifts you can give your partner is a fancy china tea set, especially if they enjoy a nice hot cuppa. There’s also a massive amount of choice available, from expensive bone china to sets that are a little (and a lot) more affordable. You can go quirky or elegant or something for everyday use – the choice is yours.
2. A china rose
China is a hard gift to give someone, but you can surprise your partner with a little creative thinking. So, think outside the box and give your partner a handmade china rose, which is delicate and beautiful.
3. Some fine china
If your bowls and plates are in need of an upgrade, you could give your partner a lovely new set from a prestigious name. China can be rather pricey, though, so it might not be a set you want to use every day – just for special occasions or whenever the mother-in-law pops around for coffee.
4. A delicious Chinese meal
Remember, you’re free to interpret china however you like, so you could treat your other half to a delicious Chinese meal. Whether you spend the evening cooking a meal together, you snuggle under the duvet with a takeaway, or you dress up to visit a nice restaurant, just make sure you enjoy yourselves!
5. A delicate figurine
China can be used to create beautiful figurines which look amazing on a shelf or in a cabinet. These come in loads of of different styles from various artists and makers. You could choose something unique to your partner’s interests, or something that represents the love the two of you share.
6. Mr and Mrs mugs
You really can’t go wrong by giving your partner a mug. China mugs are delicate but feel special, and there are so many different options out there that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
7. An adorable trinket dish
Whether your partner needs somewhere to keep their keys, their rings and other jewellery, or little bits that usually go amiss right when they need them, a trinket dish is always useful to have around.
8. A snack box from China
Another one that stretches the rules, but it’s your anniversary so do whatever you think will make your partner happy! And we bet that a box full of tasty snacks from China will be a fun and unique way to enjoy some treats on your anniversary.
9. A tealight dome
Fill your home with a warming glow cast by a tealight dome. They make for elegant and sweet little decorative items with the bonus of looking beautiful, especially when the sun starts to go down.
10. A china clock
Another great way to incorporate china into your gift is with a clock. Surprisingly affordable, a china clock can feature simple yet elegant designs that blend beautifully into any space. Its timeless appeal ensures it will look great wherever you choose to hang it.
5 affordable gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
If you’re looking to give your partner a gift on your 2nd anniversary but only have a small budget to play with, then that doesn’t mean you can’t get them something thoughtful and on-theme. Here are five affordable gifts you can give your love to mark your 2nd anniversary.
1. Cotton candy
Why not give a gift that totally fits with the traditional second anniversary theme but at the same time is totally unexpected and affordable? Cotton candy is tasty, sweet and a cute token gift that still has a ton of meaning behind it.
2. Plain socks
A decent pair of cotton socks don’t need to break the bank. They’re a handy little gift that will always be put to good use. A lot of shops sell multipacks of socks for next to nothing for the perfect practical present.
3. Cute mouse decoration
Not all second anniversary ornaments have to be pricey. Rather than thinking china, why not think cotton instead, with a cute mouse or another animal sat on top of a cotton reel ornament? It’s adorable and fits the traditional theme, as well as being super affordable.
4. Moisture gloves
Okay, hear us out. Cotton moisture gloves might seem like a random gift, but it’s just the prelude to a larger gift you could give to your partner, in the form of a romantic pamper evening. Use them as part of a personal pamper party by spending the evening exfoliating, moisturising and relaxing in face masks.
5. Cotton bag
If you’re really not sure what to give your partner that fits with the traditional theme, why not pick up a cotton bag and fill it with goodies, like snacks, games and other treats? That way, you’re giving your partner something you know they’ll love while still including a little touch of tradition.
5 DIY gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
A DIY gift shows that you really care and put thought into your gift, because it takes a little more effort than popping to the shops or ordering something online (which is totally fine too!). But, you probably have a lot on so might struggle to find the time. Thankfully, not all DIY gifts have to take ages to make. So, here are five DIY 2nd anniversary gift ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
1. Grow your own cotton
You’ll have to start early for this one, but if you have a greenhouse or similar you can grow your own cotton plant. Cotton seeds are very cheap, and given the right environment, can flourish. Then, right before your anniversary, you can pick them, arrange them in a vase and present them to your love.
2. Cotton bunting
Cotton is a fantastic material for making bunting, whether you upcycle old t-shirts or pick up fabric from a craft shop. The more personal you make it, the better — it’ll add a charming touch to your anniversary celebrations. Plus, there are plenty of video tutorials to help you get started if you’re new to DIY bunting!
3. Cotton flowers
If you have some cotton wool, potpourri, thread and a glue gun, you have everything you need to make some super cute DIY cotton flowers! You don’t need any experience to make them, and your partner will love the effort you put into them. Check out this easy-to-follow video tutorial on how to make cotton flowers for instructions.
4. Some personalized embroidery
Embroidery is a really rewarding hobby because you can produce an unlimited number of incredible designs, so why not have a go at embroidering something that’s associated with something your partner loves? If you’re not sure where to start, you can pick up embroidery kits that include everything you need.
5. Cotton handkerchiefs
If you have some old cotton offcuts or a t-shirt you no longer wear, why not have a go at turning them into handkerchiefs? That way, your partner will have something lovingly handmade by you that’s already close to them, with the added bonus of being useful!
5 experience or activity gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
One of the most exciting ways to spend your anniversary is taking part in an activity or experience. But what experiences can you do that tie into your 2nd anniversary? Here are five suggestions for cotton and china-related activities.
1. A ceramic tour
From visiting local ceramic studios to exploring historic pottery-making traditions in places like Ontario’s Blue Mountain Pottery or Medalta in Alberta, you can experience the beauty of handcrafted ceramics firsthand. Some studios even offer workshops where you can try your hand at making your own piece—an unforgettable way to mark your anniversary!
2. A relaxing spa day
This one slightly bends the rules but it still counts, because you’ll most likely be sitting around relaxing all day while wearing comfy cotton dressing gowns! A spa day is a wonderful way to hang out with the love of your life, enjoy some tasty food and unwind.
3. A Scream movie night in
For an affordable and snuggly but perhaps scary night in, why not sit down to enjoy a Scream movie marathon with a takeaway? This one’s a bit of a stretch, but one of the characters (played by Liev Schreiber) is named Cotton, so we think it totally counts!
4. Sock creature kit
Couples who craft together, stay together. That’s not an official saying, but there’s no doubt that crafting is a cute way to spend time. And to link it to your second anniversary, you’ll find kits to make your own sock animal.
5. Pottery painting
Continuing the craft theme, why not spend an afternoon painting pottery together? You could have a go at painting anything from a money box to a garden ornament. Pottery workshops usually offer to fire it for you in a kiln and you can collect your masterpiece a few days later.
10 2nd anniversary gifts that contain garnet
Garnet is a stunning gemstone, typically a deep, rich red but also available in a variety of other colors. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for different types of jewellery, whether set in classic silver, gold, platinum, or any other metal your partner loves. If you’re considering a garnet piece for your anniversary gift, here are 10 beautiful jewellery ideas to inspire you:
- Earrings
- Cufflinks
- A ring
- A necklace
- A brooch
- A locket
- A bracelet
- An anklet
- A nose stud
- Belly button ring
Plenty of jewellers will have a selection of jewellery pieces and accessories that are set with garnet, so next time you’re in town have a browse to see what they have.
5 floral gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
The traditional 2nd anniversary flower is lily of the valley, an incredibly delicate and dainty flower that symbolizes purity and youth. Here are five ideas for second anniversary floral gifts closely linked to lily of the valley.
1. A lily of the valley bouquet
Nothing’s going to be quite as stunning as a lily of the valley bouquet, a really stunning arrangement with bold greens and pops of white. Just remember to find an alternative if you have pets at home as they can be toxic to cats and dogs.
2. Lily of the valley sculpture
For something a little more pet-friendly but still just as beautiful, a lily of the valley sculpture is every bit as elegant as the real thing. And the best thing is it’ll never wilt so you’ll always have something to remember your anniversary by.
3. Lily of the valley gift and soap box
Lily of the valley has a delicate sweet scent that lends itself perfectly to soap and other body and soap products. So, a lily of the valley hand and body gift box smells amazing and is also a brilliant way to treat your partner on your anniversary.
4. Lily of the valley brooch
Lily of the valley is such an eye-catching flower that it deserves to be shown off as much as possible, and a lily of the valley brooch is the perfect way to do that. It captures the elegance of this plant brilliantly!
5. Lily of the valley night light
How about a floral gift that’s three in one… a crocheted lily of the valley nightlight in a pot! It’s eye-catching, unique and full of character, making it a great gift for your big day.
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