Are there other second-anniversary gift ideas besides cotton?

Although cotton is the traditional second-anniversary gift, it doesn’t mean you have to give a gift that’s by the books. Giving something thoughtful or sentimental is a perfect way to mark the occasion. The modern second-anniversary gift is china, so a set of gorgeous plates or a stunning china teapot are excellent choices. If you’re craving a more sentimental gift, a photo album of cherished moments is a sweet way to take a trip down memory lane. And if you’re a romantic at heart, surprising your bae with a candlelit date night or a bouquet will fan the flames of love.

The 18 Best Cotton Anniversary Gifts in 2022

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With two years under your belt, your marriage is officially in full swing. The honeymoon period might be ending, but your partnership is just beginning. So celebrating this milestone is a must! Traditionally, the second wedding anniversary gift is cotton, which symbolizes the strength and comfort of your union. Like the individual threads of fabric, you are weaving together your lives to create something strong and enduring with the comfort and warmth of true partnership.

Luckily, cotton comes in many forms—which means there are a plethora of great gifts to consider. Two years is a perfect time for a bedding overhaul and cotton sheets can’t be beaten. Or maybe something more whimsical—like a cotton hammock for two—strikes your fancy. And even if you're celebrating a different anniversary year, luxe cotton throws, bedding, and cozy robes are gifts that will be sure to please (there's no reason you have to stick to the rules!).

Read on for the best cotton anniversary gifts!

Thread the Wick Cotton Heart Embroidery

Celebrate your cotton anniversary with this handmade, embroidered heart sign. Make it special by adding text, initials, or a date for a gift that commemorates two heartfelt years as a duo.

Bee Happy Art The Story of Us Timeline Print

Send them on a trip down memory lane with this handmade timeline. Printed on cotton, this custom keepsake maps out all of the memorable moments that made your love story one for the books.

Reverie Stationery Company Wedding Vows Cotton Anniversary Gift

Gift Reverie Wedding Vows Cotton Anniversary Gift — Courtesy of Etsy

The vows you made on your wedding day were meant to stand the test of time. This lovely, sentimental gift features those very words printed on cotton—a meaningful gift to be cherished throughout the years.

Frankie Print Co. Love Letter Blanket

What’s better than being wrapped in love? A love letter, perhaps! This cotton blanket features both in a gift that’s cozy and supremely romantic.

Initial Jewelry Gifts Cotton Cord Bracelet

Love lavishing your lady in jewelry, but wondering how you can incorporate cotton? We got you! This sweet handmade bracelet features a cotton cord and personalized initial charm. It's a winning gift she'll love.

Mark & Graham Sydney Stripe Italian Cotton Throw

This supremely soft cotton throw represents the warmth and comfort of your coupledom. It comes complete with a monogram for a gift that says "I’m all yours".

Paper Anniversary Love Cotton Anniversary Gift for Him

More than your average catch-all, these handsome stacking trays have a special feature—custom wording on cotton liners. Include the lyrics to your favorite song, or the vows you spoke on the day you wed as a thoughtful reminder of the love you share.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Couple Art

It’s been two years since your wedding day photos were taken. Time for an update—on cotton! These whimsical, custom portraits capture the quirky details of each couple for a gift that deserves a spot on the wall.

Minted Amour Snap Tote

This cotton tote bag has a design that spells it out— it’s all about love! Leather straps, brushed copper details, and a personalized foil-pressed leather tag makes this tote one she’ll want to hang on to.

Parachute Home Cloud Cotton Robe

Bring the spa experience home with this luxurious cloud cotton robe. Crafted from premium Turkish cotton, the robe comes in a range of shades for both men and women.

Brooklinen Classic Move-In Bundle

As if you need a good reason to get cozy in bed with your S.O., this cotton bedding makes it hard to resist snuggling under the sheets. The percale set comes complete with sheets, a comforter, and two pillowcases—everything you need to woo your boo under the covers.

Terracotta Door Hammock for Two

This handwoven cotton hammock is the perfect invitation to kick up your feet and get cozy with your significant other. Because there’s nothing like swinging in the breeze with your sweetheart!

Business & Pleasure Vintage Inspired Stiped Premium Beach Umbrella

Food52 Vintage Inspired Stiped Premium Beach Umbrella — Courtesy of Food52

If your bae loves the beach, this stylish gift will have them breaking out the swimsuit and the sunblock. Bright and cheery, this vintage-inspired umbrella assures that lazy beach days will be endless. Bonus—it’s just the right size for two people to lounge under.

Solmates Socks Mismatched Crew Socks

You know what they say about soul mates—they wear matching socks! These funky pairs are made of organic cotton and come in a range of playful, mismatched designs that are as fun for the feet as they are for the spirit.

Bole Road Textiles Omo Bath Set

While bath towels may sound like a boring gift, this set is anything but. Handwoven of Ethiopian cotton, they’re a chic addition to bath, pool, or beach time.

Blockshop Lagoon Rose Woodblock Print

Two rose-colored circles are infinitely bound—just like you and your beau. Handprinted on cotton rag, this woodblock print is a striking piece of artwork that's also filled with symbolism.

Tantuvi Studio No.7 Sunrise Rug

This gift is perfect for a couple that’s redecorating or moving to a new home together. This finely spun rug has a striking geometric design and is handwoven by artists in Rajasthan, India. The intricate process takes up to two months to complete—a labor of love.

Bumblebee Linens Men's Monogrammed Heart Handkerchief

Practical and stylish, a handkerchief was once as common an accessory as the phone charger. Nowadays, it’s a throwback to a bygone era that hasn’t lost its charm. This cotton hankie is a true keepsake and is embroidered with initials and a heart.

What to look for in an anniversary gift

Celebrating an anniversary is so much more than giving a gift. It’s about honoring the connection you have and the life you’re building together. So coming up with a thoughtful way to celebrate your coupledom is just as meaningful and important as the gift you give. Whatever you choose to do for your anniversary, celebrating your partner and the love you share is what ultimately matters.

Cook a romantic dinner

Your honey is sure to melt when they see all the effort you’ve put into making a special meal for the two of you to share. Pro tip—don’t forget to make it candlelit!

Take them back to a meaningful place

Go back to a spot that has a special meaning for you as a couple. Whether it’s the park where you proposed or the place where you had your first date, taking a trip down memory lane will spark those amorous feelings that started it all.

Treat them to a night out

If your beau has a favorite sports team or musician, a night out to a game or show is a fun way to treat the person you love to a gift that says I get you. What’s more romantic than that?!

Make it a surprise!

Whether you’re taking them out to their favorite restaurant or setting up a romantic picnic in the park, keeping your plans on the DL will add a sense of playful mystery to the occasion.

FAQ

Are there other second-anniversary gift ideas besides cotton?

Although cotton is the traditional second-anniversary gift, it doesn’t mean you have to give a gift that’s by the books. Giving something thoughtful or sentimental is a perfect way to mark the occasion.

The modern second-anniversary gift is china, so a set of gorgeous plates or a stunning china teapot are excellent choices. If you’re craving a more sentimental gift, a photo album of cherished moments is a sweet way to take a trip down memory lane. And if you’re a romantic at heart, surprising your bae with a candlelit date night or a bouquet will fan the flames of love.

Why Trust Brides?

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world— and web—hunting down that just right object for over 15 years as a prop stylist. Read: she’s seen just about everything when it comes to things made of cotton!