After the grandiose celebrations associated with the one-year wedding anniversary, couples are faced with a difficult choice – let the magic settle or keep up the momentum and embrace your two-year wedding anniversary with the same purpose and excitement.
The two-year wedding anniversary is a special milestone as a couple. After two years of wedded union, it’s a time to look back and commemorate the occasion with a thoughtful and meaningful gift for your spouse.
To help you find the perfect present for your loved one, we’ve compiled a list of traditional, modern, personalised, fun, and romantic two-year anniversary gift suggestions. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, or you want to find a gift that is as unique as your partner and your relationship – there is something for everyone in this simple guide.
If you’ve come this far, you will know that the one-year anniversary gift is symbolically tied to paper. So when it comes to the same traditional lineage, the traditional gift for a 2-year wedding anniversary is cotton.
The tradition of giving cotton as a 2-year anniversary gift dates back hundreds of years. In those times, it was customary for the husband to gift his wife a garland which was made of cotton a symbolised the prosperity and adaptability of changing circumstances.
Today, the gift of cotton as a second wedding anniversary gift endures – although it has adapted since then. Today, some popular traditional anniversary gifts that feature cotton include:
Clothing: With so many of our clothes derived from cotton or cotton blends, choosing an outfit or clothes for the cotton anniversary is a no-brainer. If your spouse is on the fussy-side of things when it comes to clothing, then you may be better off going with a gift voucher to their favourite retailer and encouraging them towards the cotton section of the store.
Bags: Bags, satchels, handbags, and totes – there’s plenty of great options when it comes to bags for your cotton anniversary.
Socks: Socks for an anniversary, really? Hold on and hear me out! Socks may seem a little tame or something you would expect as a stocking filler from your grandmother, but why not get creative with some customised socks or socks from their favourite brand? Keep it interesting and make it part of a larger gift.
Towels: Towels are a great option for your cotton anniversary gift. You can never have too many towels and they are a great opportunity to stock up on essentials while also letting your partner know that you love them with that warm, comforting feeling when they get out of the shower or bath.
Bathrobes: Behind every great hotel stay is a bathrobe, so what better time to bring that same luxury into your own home than your cotton wedding anniversary. There are plenty of great cotton options out there and even some personalised choices if you want to get a matching robe with your loved one.
The modern two-year wedding anniversary gift is China. We’re not talking about the country – we’re talking about the plates, cups, and fine dining accessories that are a staple for most households. China symbolises the delicate and beauty of a strong and enduring marriage. If you’re looking for a modern gift idea for your two-year wedding anniversary, here are some ideas that incorporate the theme of China:
Dinnerware: Give your spouse a beautiful and lasting set of fine china dishes and plates that can be the centrepiece of your special occasions and dinner parties for years to come.
Personalised anniversary plate: You can have a personalised china plate with your name, wedding anniversary – or even something much less serious and sincere that is personal to you your partner.
Figurines: Collectible figurines are often made from china, which means that this could be the perfect opportunity to get your loved one’s favourite animal, character, or figurine that they can treasure for years to come.
Vases: A china vase filled with flowers is a classic, enduring two-year wedding anniversary gift that provides an enduring reminder of this special anniversary.
Jewellery: Jewellery is a classic, timeless gift that your spouse is sure to treasure on your 2-year anniversary. From bracelets, to necklaces, earrings, and even a custom ring or diamond, you can’t go wrong with jewellery. To make things even more personalised and memorable, consider incorporating their initials, a special message, or even their birthstone into your gift.
Art: A personalised piece of art is a beautiful and enduring gift for your loved one on your 2-year anniversary. While it may deviate from the tradition and china and cotton, a piece of art, print, or a framed photo is a memorable way to capture and remember a special milestone in your relationship.
Photo Album: In this day and age, a photo album is arguably more important than ever. Sure, your spouse likely has thousands of images from the first two years of your marriage but putting together an album that captures special moments like holidays, birthdays, wedding photos, or other milestones is a personalised keepsake your spouse will treasure.
Spa Day: If your spouse is motivated by experiences, not things, then a spa is a great gift that they can enjoy, unwind, and relax.
Weekend Away: Planning a weekend away to your local winery, beachside escape, or national park is a great way to show your loved one how much they mean on your cotton wedding anniversary.
Extended Holiday: This requires a bit more planning, but an extended holiday is a win-win for you and your spouse on your wedding anniversary. Whether you want to plan it yourself or sit down and plan it as a couple will come down to your relationship.
Love Letter: In a day and age where most of us converse through shared memes and social media tags, a love letter is a traditional and time-honoured way to show your spouse how much you care. Pen your feelings and let your loved one know how much they mean to you on your wedding anniversary.
Couples Massage: Float into the weekend and leave behind the stresses of your week with a couples massage.
Picnic: Choose your favourite park, beach, or maybe even re-enact your first date with a picnic. Put together a basket of food and drinks that they love and take the time to sit down and watch the world go by on your special day.
IOU Booklet: An IOU (I Owe You) booklet is a great way to show your spouse that you love them – even when you’re on a budget. Fill a book with little surprises such as nights off chores, foot massages, and anything else that you can think of that they will love. IOU booklets are a simple, personalised reminder to your spouse of the special date and how much they mean to you.
As you celebrate your 2-year wedding anniversary and reflect on the 12-months that have passed since your first anniversary, it’s important to find a gift that is truly unique and reflects your relationship. Traditional and modern two-year anniversary gifts are a fun guide, however, don’t feel the need to get bogged down with tradition.
A heartfelt gift will make your anniversary truly special and memorable – so go with your heart and choose something that shows your partner how much you love and appreciate them on this special day.
