This page contains affiliate links. Learn more.
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.
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
- Personalized with your names, dates and song lyrics
- Printed on uncolored cotton fabric
- Multiple sizes and framing options
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 or something significant from the early days of dating. Commemorate your second anniversary with an art print that features your song’s lyrics set in a vinyl record design printed on natural cotton fabric.
- Personalized with embroidered names
- Made from 100% cotton
- With a velour finish for a touch of luxury
- One size fits most
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.
A popular way to celebrate the second anniversary with cotton is to give personalized apparel or home decor. 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.
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.
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 decor. Either way, china is a long-lasting gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Featured China Anniversary Gifts
- Includes one (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 four (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.
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.
And 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.
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.
Featured Gift Guides
56 Anniversary Gifts Any Gardener Will Dig in 2023
If your loved one is a gardener then you already know it is more than a hobby, gardening is a passion that takes dedication and tenacity. Read more
42 Mid-Century Modern Anniversary Gift Ideas for 2023
Is your loved one a fan of all things mid-century modern? With an emphasis on organic and geometric forms and an inclination toward bold colors … Read more
58 Anniversary Gifts For Harry Potter Fans in 2023
Finding the right anniversary gift might feel as daunting as facing a dementor, but if your loved one is a diehard Potterhead then you're luckier than a Felix Felicis potion! Read more
56 Cozy Gifts for Fall Anniversaries in 2023
If your anniversary takes place during an autumn month, you can commemorate it with a gift that highlights one of the themes of the season. Read more
52 Anniversary Gifts for Your Witchy Wife in 2023
If your wife is witchy at heart, then finding an anniversary gift may seem like a challenging task. It is important to select a thoughtful … Read more
50 Anniversary Gifts for Coffee Lovers in 2023
If your partner loves coffee and enjoys discovering new flavors and roasts, read on to discover thoughtful anniversary gift ideas that will suit their tastes. Read more
21 Refreshing Gifts for Spring Anniversaries in 2024
Spring is a time of awakening and renewal. Days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and love is in the air. If … Read more
35 Disney Gifts Your Wife Will Love in 2023
If your wife is a huge Disney fan then you can be sure that a Disney themed anniversary gift will make her feel like a … Read more
24 Anniversary Gifts for Every Home Cook in 2023
Finding the perfect anniversary gift can be hard, especially if your loved one is a passionate home cook and particular about their culinary pursuits. To help make your … Read more
The History of Anniversary Gifts by Year
When it comes to commemorating wedding anniversaries, married couples choose to celebrate in many ways. Sometimes observing the occasion together with an intimate dinner or … Read more