We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 34 Best 2nd Anniversary Gifts of 2024

2nd Anniversary Gifts arranged on a brown background

Brides / Alli Waataja

While the first wedding anniversary often comes with a grandiose celebration—like a big trip or a luxe staycation, and of course, that top layer of wedding cake—the second is no less special and deserves to be celebrated. So, how do you mark year two in a fresh and new way? Start by choosing a second-anniversary gift that perfectly symbolizes your love and affection.

The traditional second anniversary gift is cotton, making this a prime time to splurge on upgraded bedding or a cozy throw you can use when snuggled up together on the couch. The modern gift is china–consider adding to your entertaining stash or finding a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. But by all means, feel free to think outside the box, and remember that going with a personalized, custom gift is always a foolproof plan.

Laura Jennings, a gifting expert and the founder and CEO of Knack, recommends incorporating the traditional theme into a cozy article of clothing. Another great option? “If you’re going to buy yourselves something together to celebrate your anniversary, it's great to splurge on luxurious sheets or bedding—it's something you’ll both appreciate for a long time,” she says.

To help you find the perfect gift for your favorite person, we researched and narrowed down the best second-anniversary gifts, considering the theme, functionality, thoughtfulness, personalization, and overall value. To evaluate the quality of the overall product and custom details, we tested out some of our top picks in our NYC lab.

Read on for the best second-anniversary gifts your spouse is sure to love.

This piece of artwork is a fun and unexpected take on the cotton theme. It uses cotton string to create the shape of any state, with a heart placed over the city of your choosing. Customize one with the special place where you met, married, or live. 

Ultimately, we think this artwork would be a great gift for someone who appreciates a more rustic interior design style. Our tester customized it with the state of Kansas, where her family has a farm. "It's nice that you can tell it's handmade," she noted. We appreciated the quality; the piece was made of a hefty, evenly stained wood plank.

However, we did feel like the piece was a bit expensive for the simplicity of the materials (wood, string, and nails), but we liked the creative approach to a traditional map. It's great value if you're seeking a super personalized gift specific to an important place.

Personalization: Stain Color, State, City | Dimensions: 12" x 12"

string art

Dotdash Meredith

Incorporating both the cotton and personalization element, this oversized blanket is customized with your initials and wedding year. Toss it over your couch to have on hand for snuggling up during movie nights, or layer it over the bedding in your master bedroom. It’s also available in two different sizes.

After testing, we noticed the graphic print on this blanket really stands out. We felt that the execution of the design was crisp and clear, however, the material felt a little cheap and synthetic. It's pretty affordable for the size, but we would have liked something with a softer and more plush touch.

Our tester also found that font and design options were limited, but that the throw would be a great choice for a couple with a traditional aesthetic. Because this is a bold decor piece, we would recommend getting to know the couple's home style before committing to it.

Personalization: Initials, Special Date | Dimensions: 50" x 60", 60" x 80"

blanket

Dotdash Meredith

"This is a great gift for a couple who loves to spend time at home together—it's perfect for displaying on a sofa or at the end of a bed." — Kate Donovan, Senior Editor

A non-cheesy way to rock matching outfits, these super cool hoodies are embroidered with your wedding date in roman numerals. There are eight soft colors to choose from, as well as crewnecks and t-shirt options available if you're looking for a different style.

Personalization: Color, Special Date | Sizes: S-L

Have your wedding song, wedding vows, or even just a heartfelt message transformed into a gorgeous print. Each piece is custom printed onto a piece of handmade cotton paper (the frame comes separately). Available in seven different sizes, this is also a budget-friendly pick.

When testing, we really liked the organic, botanical style of the print and the rustic, romantic feel that it has to it. Our tester customized the print with her brother and sister-in-law's vows. She explained that they had a small backyard ceremony and then a larger party for extended family and friends. Because many of the people at the reception weren't there for the ceremony, they displayed this print with their vows at the welcome table.

We found that the print looked best when it was framed and seen from a bit of a distance. "When you step back, you get a sense of the delicate design," our tester shared. "Up close and unframed, the paper seems a little cheap." Granted—it would be more expensive—but we would have liked to have seen letterpress or hand-drawn version versus a printed text.

Personalization: Material, Vows | Dimensions: 5"x7", 8 x 10", 8.5" x 11", and more

calligraphy vows

Dotdash Meredith

Delight your spouse with this romantic floral tote from the exclusive minted + BRIDES Gifts Collection. It's made with 100% cotton, features a brushed-copper snap closure, and can be personalized with a foil-pressed leather name tag for an added sentimental detail.

Personalization: Embossed Tag | Dimensions: 15.5” H x 16” W x 3.5” D

These trays are a meaningful—and practical—gift for him or her. Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes, then add custom text on the inside. It can be something as simple as your wedding date, your vows, or a few lines highlighting what you love about your partner. The message is printed on organic cotton, in keeping with the second-anniversary theme.

When testing, we liked that it could be used by different genders and the text is completely customizable. While our tester felt that the tray was sturdy, she was surprised by the size. "It's way larger than I expected and will take up a lot of room on a night stand." She explained that it's not really a ring dish, but instead a surface that can corral phones, glasses, and other bedside items.

We were a little concerned that the cotton surface could get stained or ruined easily. We wish the base was covered in a clear, more durable material. "Accidents happen—I'm just imagining spilling a water glass on my nightstand and wondering how this would hold up," shared our tester. We felt that it would be an impressive gift overall, just maybe something the recipient would want to handle with care.

Personalization: Font, Title, Name, Date | Dimensions: 7” x 4”, 8” x 8”, 13” x 8”

paper tray

Dotdash Meredith

At this point, you’ve probably already compiled your wedding album, so why not create another album capturing all the fun and memories that have ensued since? This elegantly bound book features high-quality pages and a choice of linen or leather covers. For a personal touch, have a custom title foil stamped on the front.

Our tester used the photos from her own wedding to test out this product. She was impressed with the luxe linen cover and the thick, superfine card stock pages. She also felt that the quality of the photos was high: "The images are clear and have a matte finish to them," she shared.

Although we liked the photos in general, we didn't always love the cropping. "There was a lot white space and some photos were too small for the page," noted our tester. The album is also a bit pricey. But given the heavy card stock interior and high-quality cover, we can definitely see where the value comes from.

Overall, the extra white space and smooth pages would make for a great gift as a wedding guest book for close friends or family. Adding in engagement photos and have guests sign it with sweet notes at the wedding might also be a great idea for this gift.

Personalization: Colors, Text, Photos | Dimensions: 8.5” x 8.5”, 8.5” x 11”, 11” x 8.2”

personalized album

Dotdash Meredith

Fun and whimsical, these matching socks are a sweet option for anyone looking for a smaller gift or a little something extra to pair with a larger present. Choose from four different colors and add your wedding date and names for a personalized touch.

Personalization: Names, Special Date | Colors: Black, Navy

Any type of luggage is always a super practical and welcomed gift. This weekender bag is made from 100% cotton canvas, so it’s totally on theme and can be customized with either your spouse’s name or a monogram on the front. Pair it with a surprise stay-cation for an extra special anniversary celebration.

Personalization: Embroidered Monogram | Dimensions: 13"h x 20"w x 10.5"d

This may be called a robe, but it’s truly more of a robe-blanket hybrid. The puffy, duvet-like design makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in your favorite comforter, but with the convenience of having armholes and pockets. It's the ultimate movie date night must-have.

Colors: Indigo, White, Oatmilk | Sizes: S-L

This beautiful compass can be engraved with pretty much any type of photo or text in the font of your choosing, including in your handwriting, making this feel extra personal. The leather case is an optional add-on, though one that’s well worth it.

Personalization: Engraving, Leather Case | Dimensions: 2'' Diameter - 13'' Long Chain

Channel those ‘we’re relaxing in a five-star hotel’ vibes every day by slipping on this extra-soft, organic Turkish cotton robe. Make sure to pick up one for both you and your partner; you can even have them monogrammed with your initials for a personal touch.

Personalization: Font Style, Initials | Sizes: S-XL

When it comes to upgrading your bedding, this blanket is the perfect accent piece. Available in three, sun-washed colors, each with the same geometric print, it’s an easy way to add a fun visual touch to any neutral bedding. Made of organic Portuguese cotton, the blanket is stonewashed to make it extra soft, and the perfect weight to add extra warmth in the winter or use solo in the summer.

If you could take your favorite, coziest, most worn winter sweater and turn it into a blanket, this is what you’d get. Made of 100 percent, sustainable cotton, the black knitted throw boasts a unique wash that gives it a dimensional and even more textured look; it’s just as chic as it is cozy. For every purchase, the brand plants trees in the Amazon rainforest.

 Colors: Black, Denim, Earth Brown and more | Dimensions:  50" x 60"⁣⁣

These towels aren’t made out of just any old cotton. The brand partners with local artisans across the globe to create gorgeous wares in a fair-trade environment. In this case, it’s a Pima cotton from a family-run mill in Japan that’s been making towels for over a century. The end result is these stunning, waffle weave towels that feel as good as they look. 

Material: 100% Cotton | Dimensions: 23.6" x 47.3"

You can simply never go wrong with diamonds. This delicate, 14K gold band features five inlaid round diamonds, which makes for a romantic and exquisite gift. It is beautifully worn on its own, but it also works well amidst the rest of your ring stack.

Material: 14k solid Yellow Gold | Band Width: 1.4 mm

If you don’t need to completely revamp all of your bedding, but do want to upgrade your sheets, go with this set. Made of already-soft percale cotton, the fabric only gets better and softer with time and has the added benefit of being nice and cool to the touch, a boon for hot sleepers. While it comes in eight neutral shades, you can’t go wrong with the crisp and clean pure white.

Colors: Cream, White, Sand and more | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, and more

If you didn’t register for new bedding for your wedding, consider this the perfect time to upgrade your sleeping situation. This complete set has everything you need, including a comforter, sheet bundle, and even pillows. Made of 100 percent long-staple cotton, it also totally fits this anniversary's theme, not to mention it's one gift you’re both guaranteed to get plenty of use out of.

Materials: 100% Long-Staple Cotton | Includes: Fitted sheet, Flat sheet, Duvet cover and more

You probably already have a coffee maker in your kitchen, but we love the idea of gifting this to any java junkie to keep on hand in their office. It comes with an electric pour-over kettle, dripper, and carafe, all in a modern and minimal matte black design.

Colors: Smoke Green + Maple, Matte White, Matte Black | Highlights: Customizable Brew Settings, Precision Temperature and more

Give the gift of comfort. This super-soft cotton pajama set comes in four different colorways, with side pockets, and tailored cuff details. Plus, it’s machine washable (which is always a plus). 

Colors: Ribbon Stripe Poplin, Blue End on End Poplin, and Navy Breton Stripe Poplin | Sizes: XS-XXL

Don’t let them get cold feet. These adorable socks are the epitome of cozy. Made from 100% recycled cotton blended yarns, they’re exceptionally soft. Choose from 30 different colorways that you think they’d love most and you’ve got yourself a great cotton gift. 

Material: 100% Recycled Cotton | Sizes: S-XL

Pillows can make or break your living space. And this cotton knot pillow is definitely a maker. Not only does it give your space a sleek look, it’s designed to be a gently-weighted cotton pillow with a rubber foam which relieves stress and targets your senses. 

Colors: Matchstick, Terrazzo, Autumn Plum and more |  Dimensions: Medium diameter approx 8", Large diameter approx 11"

What To Look For in a 2nd-Anniversary Gift

  • The Traditional Theme, Cotton: From crisp white sheets and cozy throws to handmade paper gifts, it's easy to find something that will fit this theme. It's also a great time to refresh some household items like towels and kitchen linens that you may have received from your registry two years ago. That's why we love the Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bundle and the Parachute Percale Sheet Set.
  • The Modern Theme, China: If you're looking for something a little different, think beyond dishes and platters. And a little customization goes a long way. Add a personalized touch by monogramming a bedside table tray or ring dish, suggests Jennings.
  • Personalization: If you want to gift something that's more of a departure from the traditional and modern anniversary themes, personalization is key. A monogrammed accessory, a piece of unique artwork, or another custom item will stand out and feel like you've gone the extra mile.
FAQ
  • What are some creative gift ideas for a two-year anniversary?

    “A second anniversary is a fun time to revisit someplace important to your relationship, such as the site of your rehearsal dinner or wedding proposal. Or consider recreating the events—and excitement—of your first date,” suggests Jennings.

  • Do I have to follow the anniversary theme?

    “The traditional gift list is simply a helpful tool for inspiration, especially for ‘minor’ anniversaries, those after the first but not divisible by five,” says Jennings. Above all, focus on a gift that’s personalized or an item that reinforces the story of your relationship, she suggests.

  • How should we celebrate our second anniversary?

    You might want to go out for a fancy dinner or choose to cook a romantic meal at home. It's also a great idea to plan a getaway together, even if it's just for a few days. Something as simple as breakfast in bed or a hike through nature can also make the day feel special.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She also recently planned her own wedding.

  • Laura Jennings, who is the founder and CEO of Knack, a custom gift-giving company specializing in personalized gifts and curated boxes.

Related Stories