Second wedding anniversary gift traditional and modern

2nd anniversary gift idea. This is the 2nd anniversary cotton gift I put together for my husband. The gifts were: comedy works tickets, origami, treats, to do list for the next… 

2nd anniversary gift idea. This is the 2nd anniversary cotton gift I put together for my husband. The gifts were: comedy works tickets, origami, treats, to do list for the next year, one bottle of whiskey, and Netflix.

2nd anniversary gift idea. This is the 2nd anniversary cotton gift I put together for my husband. The gifts were: comedy works tickets, origami, treats, to do list for the next year, one bottle of whiskey, and Netflix.

etsy, uncommongoods

Whether you're searching for gifts for men or gifts for women, the first anniversary gift comes with a lot of pressure. It celebrates that initial big, milestone year of marriage and sets the tone for anniversaries to come, so there's a lot riding on that first one. But when it comes to the second anniversary, all best are off — time to relax and have fun!

If you're following the list of traditional anniversary gifts by year — which offers a series of symbolic materials and themes for each year, starting with light and delicate ones and getting stronger as they go on — the second anniversary gift is cotton. It's sturdier than the first anniversary material (paper), but it's still flexible, symbolizing the fact that your bond is getting stronger, but you're not yet set in your ways. In addition to cotton, the American National Retail Jewelers Association — which came out with its own, more practical "modern" gift list — the material of the year is china. Red, garnets and bouquets of cosmos are also associated with the second anniversary.

There's a lot of leeway in there for some great 2-year anniversary gifts, including these, which feature Good Housekeeping Institute award winners, editor's faves and some items just for fun. Then you can move on to planning your three-year anniversary gifts and four-year anniversary gifts.

Parachute Home

Cloud Cotton Robe

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

Paperbunchuk

Printed Cotton Rose

Best 2-Year Anniversary Gift for Him

Sock Fancy

Crew Socks Subscription Box

Wedgwood

Nantucket Ice Cream Bowl

GH Tested

Pottery Barn

Hydrocotton Towels

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

Uncommon Goods

Couple Hobby Blanket

Jungalow

Teal Cotton Velvet Floor Pillow

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

WillowLaneCollective

China Trinket Dish

GH Tested

Brooklinen

Classic Core Sheet Set

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

bespokeeffects

Roman Numerals Sign

Unisex 2-Year Anniversary Gift

DIOP

The Weka Tote Bag

Royal Albert

Bone China Tea for One Set

Best 2-Year Anniversary Gift for Women

LeRoseGifts

Monogrammed Pajamas

J.Crew

Pajama Set in Cotton Poplin

Great Couple's Gift

Threadrock

Bacon & Eggs Matching Couples T-Shirt Set

Prouna

Bone China Barrel Coffee Mug Set

Blue Nile

Sunburst Oval Garnet Stud Earrings

Uncommon Goods

Home State Embroidered Dish Towel

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

TheModishHome

Personalized Cotton Throw Blanket

Hedley & Bennett

Bravo's Top Chef Apron

Villeroy & Boch

Porcelain China Table Vase

2-Year Anniversary Gift for Men

Good Man Brand

Jetset Jogger Pants for Him

Good American

Zodiac Boyfriend Sweatpant for Her

Uncommon Goods

Collegiate Pouches

MaisonGregoria

Cosmos Paper Flower Template

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

AMZprint

Personalized Lyric Art

CustomizedJewellery

Garnet Cufflinks

Personalized 2-Year Anniversary Gift

EmmaAndTheBeanHOME

Personalized Initial Pillow

Lovepop

Wildflower Bouquet

Marisa LaScala Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother.