Celebrate a Second Wedding Anniversary

Your second wedding anniversary may not seem as important as the first anniversary, but it represents great progress! What’s more, there are actually traditional gifts associated with each year’s anniversary.[1] Take the opportunity to exchange classic second anniversary gifts of cotton or china, or even liven up your relationship with a few adventures.

Steps

Exchanging a Traditional Cotton Gift

  1. Pick up something for the bathroom. There are a variety of gift options for the bathroom involving cotton. Try purchasing a nice bath towel or wash cloth for your loved one. Add a monogram to the items to differentiate them from your other towels as something special.
    • Accessorize your existing bathroom items with cotton! Make a cozy for your soap dispenser or toothbrush holder with cute designs or both of your initials.[2]
    • Many bed and bath retailers will allow for monograms to be customized and ordered to your choosing.
  2. Give your loved one a bedroom gift. Buy a set of matching robes to celebrate your second anniversary, or buy a few monogrammed pillows to mark the occasion. Much like the bathroom, the bedroom lends itself well to a variety of cotton gifts.
    • Spice up your bed with a cotton canopy! Canopies allow for greater intimacy and privacy in the bedroom. Just make sure your bed can support one.[3]
    • Other ideas for gifts for the bedroom include a matching pair of cotton slippers, or a new bedding set.
    • Blankets and other similar types of throws allow for great personalization. Try ordering a blanket emblazoned with photos from your wedding![4]
  3. Think outside the box. Think about the things your partner loves and investigate whether there are cottons versions available. A new cotton tapestry set for the kitchen is a great idea for the person who loves to host parties, whereas a cotton hammock is great for the person who enjoy relaxation or reading.
    • Try sewing your own cotton items in secret leading up to the anniversary! Give them something cozy to wear, such as a pair of socks or a scarf.[5]
    • Make a bouquet of flowers out of cotton and leave them somewhere your loved one will find them.[6]
    • Create a collage dedicated to your relationship made out of cotton. For example, create a felt poster featuring cotton badges of all of the big moments you shared with your significant other. Hang them on the wall, or add it to your scrap or photo book.[7]
    • Cuff links, brooches, and even jewelry can be created from cotton. Use your imagination![8]
    • DIY websites such as Etsy can provide a range of gift ideas involving cotton that you may not have previously considered.
  4. Exchange calico gifts (optional). Calico is seen as one of the modern alternatives to cotton when it comes to the second year wedding anniversary. Many of the same cotton items that can be purchased as gifts can also be purchased in calico.[9]
    • Calico also refers to the repeating design patterns featuring printed flowers. In the case of the anniversary gift, the calico in question refers to the fabric (though you can certainly purchase a calico or cotton gift with calico designs).
    • Note that while calico tends to be cheaper than pure cotton, it also tends to be somewhat coarser, making it more ideal for bags or other items that need to be durable.[10]

Exchanging China on Your Anniversary.

  1. Give your loved one traditional fine china. Plates, tea cups, and other kitchen items are beautiful gifts that can be displayed in the home to demonstrate your love. China come in a variety of styles that can match your kitchen, whether modern or classic.
    • Take care when using china. Though porcelain dinnerware is very sturdy, it also tends to be more expensive.
    • Consider keeping the dinnerware as display only. You don't want to damage your anniversary gift![11]
    • Tchotchkes such as ceramic dolls or piggy banks are great ideas if your home isn’t into dishes and teacups.
  2. Purchase pottery for the home. Vases, urns, and statues bring a sense of elegance to home decoration. Place them in a visible location to remind you of how far your relationship has come. Pottery can also be used in combination with other gift ideas, such as serving as a container for hand made flowers.
    • Ceramic candle holders come in a variety of styles and make for a great gift. Candle holders are elegant and subtle, and can accentuate your home design without grabbing as much attention as a vase or urn.[12]
    • Try making your own ceramic pottery and design it just for your loved one. Sign up for a local class through your local art school or community college![13]
    • If you both like the aesthetic of ceramics and china, consider collecting them as a hobby! It can be a great activity for you and your partner to explore together.[14]
  3. Order custom ceramic jewelry for the occasion. Ceramic bracelets, necklaces, rings, or earrings make for beautiful and delicate gifts that come in a variety of unique designs and colors. Pricing can become quite expensive for some pieces, but you’ll be giving a gift unlike any other.[15]
    • Purchase or make a ceramic jewelry box to go with any ceramic jewelry you offer as a gift.
    • Ceramic beads allows for customization and creativity in your jewelry gift. Create something on your own, or invite your partner to join you in making matching bracelets or necklaces.[16]
    • Ceramic jewelry, when made correctly, is actually quite durable. Look for pieces made with a ceramic called titanium carbide.[17]

Doing Something Exciting

  1. Spend a day geocaching. Geocaching is a sort of treasure hunt utilizing mobile devices. Pick a hunt in an area that you've never been before, or that takes you through a favorite park or trail. Your hunt might just lead to other interesting vistas and adventures.
    • It is customary to leave a treasure when you take the one that is already at the location. Leave something to commemorate your anniversary, such as a photo or anniversary card. Spread the love!
    • Take plenty of pictures during your adventure. Many geocache paths are designed to lead you to interesting and memorable areas.[18]
  2. Do something thrilling together. If you'd like to travel outside of your comfort zone, do a little thrill seeking. Sign up for skydiving, bungee jumping, or cliff diving for your big day. Such activities can spark a new trend of fun and excitement in your relationship.
    • Make sure you give yourself plenty of time when planning events such as sky diving. These activities typically require a few safety and training courses before you are allowed to participate.
    • Run a challenge such as Train for a Tough Mudder or the Color Run! Tough Mudder features several obstacles that require teamwork, allowing for a great bonding experience on your anniversary.[19]
  3. Arrange a spur-of-the-moment vacation. Get away from it all and have a honeymoon-style holiday. If you can afford a longer break, take a trip overseas. Visit somewhere that both of you have expressed a longing to see.
    • Check travel websites or apps such as Groupon for any deals that may be running for certain locations. Some offer discounts for "last-minute" trips. Take a chance and fly by the seat of your pants![20]
    • Some hotels will offer discounts for couples staying during their anniversary. Call ahead to see if you can save some money while celebrating![21]
    • If time and budget constrain you, plan a weekend away that is close to home.
  4. Keep mementos of the day. Take plenty of pictures or purchase a few mementos to remember the day. Prepare a scrapbook, or make a digital photo album, and incorporate those pictures to remember the occasion. You can also add any tickets, menus, or other paraphernalia encountered during the day.
    • Activities such as sky diving or Tough Mudder will take your picture at various points throughout the event. These make for a great memento, as they often capture you in the moment of excitement and joy.
    • Print out some of the pictures you take and place it in a locket as a gift for your partner! You can even make matching lockets that have one another’s picture in each.[22]

Tips

  • Play your favorite wedding music for the week around your anniversary.
  • Be conscious of the gift expectations for a second wedding anniversary. There are several possibilities for appropriate second wedding anniversary gifts, depending on your tastes and preferences
  • Make sure you clear your schedule for your anniversary. Hire a babysitter if you must.
  • Unless you really want to, the second anniversary is not an occasion to ask friends and family to celebrate with you. Instead, keep it intimate and special.

Related Articles

  • Buy a Third Year Wedding Anniversary Gift

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/wedding-anniversary-gifts.html
  2. ↑ http://www.ltdcommodities.com/jma/10-Bathroom-Gift-Ideas-For-The-Holidays
  3. ↑ http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/how-to-make-a-bed-canopy
  4. ↑ http://www.personalcreations.com/product/-30022016?cobrand=PCR&ssid=4&ref=PCRCJAFFprdcat_%zn&clickid=2-mid-cotton-picthrow&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.1818399&CA_6C15C=120120870000040096
  5. ↑ http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/handmade-gifts-sew-boot-socks-embellishments/
  6. ↑ http://thecraftyblogstalker.com/how-to-make-20-different-fabric-flowers/
  7. ↑ http://www.homedit.com/photo-collages-without-frames-ideas-inspiration/
  8. ↑ http://www.happy-anniversary.com/year-of-marriage/year-two.html
  9. ↑ http://anniversariesbyyear.com/
  10. ↑ http://www.textileglossary.com/terms/calico.html
  11. ↑ http://justdestinymag.com/everyday-dishes/
  12. ↑ http://foter.com/explore/white-ceramic-candle-holders
  13. ↑ http://www.theartleague.org/content/ceramics_classes
  14. ↑ http://www.christies.com/features/Chinese-Ceramics-Collecting-Guide-7224-1.aspx
  15. ↑ http://jewelry.novica.com/ceramic/
  16. ↑ http://www.guidetobeadwork.com/wp/free-patterns-website-list/
  17. ↑ http://www.overstock.com/guides/faqs-about-ceramic-jewelry
  18. ↑ https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
  19. ↑ https://toughmudder.com/events/what-is-tough-mudder
  20. ↑ https://www.groupon.com/occasion/last-minute-travel-deals
  21. ↑ http://www.vikhotels.com/en/vik-hotel-arena-blanca-punta-cana/special-discounts.html
  22. ↑ http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/signature-engravable-memento-locket
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