Yes, cotton and china are the themes for a second wedding anniversary — cotton is the modern theme and china the traditional — and those are certainly represented in this list in what we think are fun and modern ways. But just in case you and your spouse aren't the types to follow themes and tradition, we've included some other great finds in here, too, that will help you express your (still newish) adoration for each other.
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
$145 and up from Etsy
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A lot can change in two years. Kids come along, pets are adopted, hairstyles change, and all of those life shifts can be represented in this adorable framed piece of embroidery from Etsy seller StitchFellas. Expect a 10-week lead time and be prepared to provide descriptions and photos that will help create a more accurate and treasured final product.
$40 from The Adventure Challenge
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If you've been married only a couple of years, there are still many adventures to embark upon together. This gift is a scratch-off book of just that — adventures in the kitchen, adventures in creativity, adventures out in the world. Each entry has a budget so you can choose based on your bank balance, and all adventures range from $0 to $50. As an added bonus, each entry includes a place for a photo, so even when you've completed the book, it becomes a keepsake you'll likely want to hang on to for years.
Related: Memorable Experiences Worth Giving
$78 from Uncommon Goods
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This gorgeous robe is — you guessed it — 100% cotton. It's made using an ancient Indonesian batik dyeing process and includes pockets (who doesn't love pockets?) and a slip-free belt.
Related: Great Valentine's Day Gifts for Her
$100 from Uncommon Goods
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Reaffirm the commitment you made to your significant other with this print, which features illustrations of 12 creatures that mate for life. It comes mounted in a walnut wood frame — measuring 19-by-13 inches — and is made in the U.S.A.
Related: Gifts That Are Made in America
$50 from Uncommon Goods
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If you're looking for a cotton-themed gift for him, we think these monogrammed socks are a pretty cool find. Made from Pima cotton — a type of cotton primarily grown in the U.S. — the set includes five pairs of socks and you can choose from chic black or a more casual gray. You don't have to stick to initials, either — you can even customize them with a cheeky message of your choosing.
$20 from Etsy
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What could possibly be sweeter — literally — than embracing the cotton theme in an out-of-the-box way with this gift set from Etsy seller SpunLight? The set comes with five different bags of cotton candy, each with a different love saying, and you can choose your colors and flavor.
Related: 50 Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Him, Her, and Everyone Else
$17 and up from Etsy
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If you and your significant other like trying to best each other in front of the gaming console, this adorable tee, which comes in a number of different styles, sizes, and colors, would make an amusing second-anniversary gift. Personalization in the form of your names and the month and date of your anniversary is free.
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$20 from Amazon
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This simple, hand-stamped aluminum and copper penny keychain stating "2 down" and "forever to go" can be personalized with a set of initials, and you can even order one for yourself and your mate for a discounted rate.
$25 from Amazon
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Yes, after a couple of years, you know each other's strengths, flaws, and everything in between pretty well, but this game — inspired by couples psychologists and meant to create "human connection in the digital age" — can help you grow your love, admiration, and respect for each other even more. It has 150 "conversation starter" cards with questions like, "how have you changed since we were first together," and "tell me one thing I did this past week that impressed you."
$207 and up from Boll & Branch
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If ever you were going to splurge on some fancy 100% cotton sheets, the second anniversary seems like the time to do it. These from Boll & Branch are made from organic cotton and feature a "meticulously crafted eyelet banding" on the flat sheet and pillowcases. They come in three go-with-everything colors: beige, shore, and pewter.
$84 and up from Amazon
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Yes, china is a second-anniversary theme, but in this day and age, fine china seems so stuffy and unnecessary to some. But not all china has to be gold-edged, ornate, and only broken out for special occasions. We love this everyday set from Stone Lain that has a marbleized pattern and looks sturdier than other china dishes. It comes in a 16- or 32-piece set and includes bowls, two sizes of plates, and cups.
$26 from Amazon
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If you do like the idea of a more traditional china pattern but just don't want to splurge or store a full set, this cup-and-saucer is still special enough for a second-anniversary gift. Throw in a set of gold-plated spoons and you've got yourself and your mate a truly lovely approach to morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Related: 25 Coffee Subscriptions to Make Your Mornings Easier in 2021
$10 from Amazon
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Handkerchiefs are one of those things that are super useful but that people rarely buy for themselves. This 100% cotton set of six handkerchiefs comes in six different style options and gets great reviews from buyers.
$28 and up from Etsy
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Here's another china gift option that seems more appropriate for the modern age — jewelry made out of broken dishes. The Etsy seller, DinnerWearJewelry, makes pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings out of traditional china patterns with a pretty and chic result.
$29 and up from Etsy
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Printed on 100% high-quality uncolored cotton in the U.S.A, this personalized gift takes the lyrics from your first-dance wedding song (or, presumably, any song that is special to the two of you) and makes that into a special piece of artwork with lots of meaning. You can choose from a few different sizes and framed and unframed options, and the final product is customized with your first names and a date of your choosing.
$70 and up from Etsy
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You can never go wrong with flowers for an anniversary gift, but how about an arrangement that she'll both get to enjoy for years to come and that incorporates the cotton theme? This bouquet from Etsy seller Pine and Petal Weddings is handmade, hand-dyed, and created from sola wood flowers, cotton, and pine flowers. It's all arranged in a distressed white Mason jar before being sent to your home.
$80/person from Airbnb Experiences
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Gifts you can unwrap are nice, but for something different and fun, how about an Airbnb experience that includes a private astrology reading? After the reading your host, Luiza, will mail you a "digital file with printing resolution of your natal chart painted that represents the uniqueness inside you." Those who have done it give it high ratings, call it a "magical" and "amazing" experience, and say Luiza is "kind-hearted" and "soothing and wise."
$49 from Etsy
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Printed on durable plastic, this unique puzzle map gift lets you personalize your experience of past and future travel with your loved one and gives you a reason to travel together in the years to come. It measures 36-by-24 inches and is an Etsy bestseller.
Price varies from Wine Insiders
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Just like with flowers, you can really never go wrong with wine as a gift, and Wine Insiders has some wonderful options that hit a lot of price points. Choose from around 130 wine "sets," a subscription club for wine year round, or you can just gather up a few bottles of your and your mate's favorite varietals and blends.
Related: 20 Affordable Wine Clubs That Will Satisfy Even the Snobs
