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They say good things come in pairs and wedding anniversaries are no exception! As your second year as a married couple draws to an end you may be looking for a romantic gift to extend the honeymoon phase. Or maybe you are perfectly content having settled into your blissful routines and a practical gift is the best fit for your spouse. Either way, you’re searching for a special gift to celebrate the occasion. We’ve rounded up several second anniversary gift ideas to help you find the perfect present.
If you’re here it’s probably because you want to know more about the gift themes for the second anniversary. What are they and what do they symbolize? The practice of giving specific anniversary gifts has a long history and is an excellent way to provide direction to the gifts you give throughout your marriage. Read on to discover the traditional, modern, gemstone and flower gift themes for the second anniversary.
2nd Anniversary Gifts
Traditional Gift
Modern Gift
Gemstone Gift
Flower Gift
What Is the Traditional 2nd Anniversary Gift?
The traditional gift for the second anniversary is cotton. Durability, flexibility and comfort are characteristics of cotton and excellent traits to have in a maturing marriage.
Cotton also represents the weaving together of two lives into a solid union. Because it is a strong material used in many everyday items, a cotton gift can serve as a regular reminder of your love.
A popular way to celebrate the second anniversary with cotton is to give personalized apparel or home décor. Whether you’re looking for a gift for him, for her or for a couple of close friends or family, cotton is a flexible theme that gives you the opportunity to give a gift related to their specific needs or interests.
Cotton items can also play a supporting role in a larger gift or experience. For example, incorporate a plaid blanket into a romantic picnic date or pamper your spouse with a spa day featuring luxurious bathrobes or monogrammed towels.
Featured Cotton Anniversary Gifts
- Personalize with your song, names and wedding date
- Printed on uncolored cream cotton fabric
- Multiple print size and framing options available
This personalized gift is perfect for a musician or for those couples that have a sentimental song that they love. It could be a first dance song, something significant from the early days of dating, or it could even be an original song. Commemorate your second anniversary with an art print that features your song’s title and the first page of sheet music printed on natural cotton fabric.
- Crafted from premium Egyptian cotton
- Styled with with your choice of black monogram letter
- Features piped stitching, full shawl collar, tie belt, and two pockets
Indulge your spouse with a luxuriously soft bathrobe and they won’t be able to tell if the warmth they feel is from the cotton or from your love. Either way, they will definitely relax and unwind in this cozy personalized second anniversary gift.
- Handmade mini plant hammock
- Crafted from 100% cotton rope
- Size: 12″ x 12″ x 30″
- Planter and plants not included
Does your spouse love plants? Show them some love with a unique second anniversary gift that supports their passion. Simple, yet meticulously handcrafted, this plant hanger adds a modern touch of boho chic to any home, balcony or patio. Bonus points if you pair it with a new houseplant that you know your spouse will enjoy.
More Traditional 2nd Anniversary Gift Ideas
What Is the Modern 2nd Anniversary Gift?
The modern second anniversary gift is china. Delicate and strong at the same time, china symbolizes the fragility and increasing stability of a new marriage. China is also much more durable than it looks and, like your relationship, if you treat it with care it can last a lifetime.
When choosing a china gift, consider if you want to give dinnerware that will be used on a daily basis or if it will be reserved for entertaining or special occasions. Luckily, there is a wide range of china products available, so finding a gift that best fits your loved one’s needs and style should be relatively easy.
If you’re worried about confusing china with more casual dinnerware, don’t fret! Every item we’ve selected for this year is made from one of the three types of china: bone china, fine china or porcelain.
You might already have a set of fine china that you received as a wedding gift. In that case adding new serving pieces that match or compliment your current set is a good choice for a modern second anniversary gift.
If you’re building a new set of fine china or mixing and matching new pieces you can choose a pattern that reminds you of your wedding themes or fits your home décor. Either way, china is a long-lasting gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Featured China Anniversary Gifts
- Includes (1) each: dinner plate, salad plate, bread & butter plate, teacup and saucer
- Made from fine bone china
- Features gold banding and bold florentine accents
- Presented in a gift box
The Renaissance Gold Collection by Wedgwood is a strikingly elegant pattern that adds modern class to any table. Inspired by elegant interior design motifs and the oval shape of iconic Wedgwood cameos, this indulgent second anniversary gift will definitely delight any fan of fine dining.
- Set includes (4) teacups and saucers
- Assortment of rose chintz-inspired patterns with gold trim
- Each teacup holds appx. 8 oz
- Made of fine porcelain
This sweet set of teacups and saucers is the epitome of shabby chic! And the best part might just be that they come in a floral box ready for gift giving. If your spouse is a fan of coffee or tea with a side of whimsy then this gift is sure to serve some joy, with one sugar or two.
- Bright, bold colors are detailed with beautiful peonies
- Ideal for hosting an afternoon tea
- Plates measure 8.5″
- Presented in a signature Wedgwood gift box
The Paeonia Blush Collection by Wedgwood is an eclectic mix of teaware pieces that feature a beautiful peony pattern. Peonies are believed to represent romance and good fortune and are symbolic of a happy and prosperous marriage. This set of side plates is a perfect anniversary gift for anyone that enjoys serving sweet or savory treats.
More Modern 2nd Anniversary Gift Ideas
What is the 2nd Anniversary Gemstone?
Garnet is the second anniversary gemstone. Most commonly dark red in color, garnets are symbols of the heart and deep feelings of love.
While jewelry is always an excellent anniversary gift, you can also surprise and delight your spouse with a gift of garnet jewelry given on any special occasion during your second year of marriage.
Garnet Jewelry Anniversary Gifts
What is the 2nd Anniversary Flower?
The second anniversary flower is lily of the valley. A bouquet that includes this bell-shaped flower represents the luck and happiness you feel in your marriage. If lily of the valley is unavailable or out of season, the classic anniversary bouquet of red roses will always be appreciated.
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