We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

23 Best Cotton Anniversary Gifts Your Spouse Will Love

A variety of Cotton Anniversary Gifts in a blue background

Brides / Kevin Liang

After two years of marriage, the honeymoon phase may be ending, but your partnership is still just beginning—and that's a reason to celebrate! Traditionally, the wedding anniversary gift for the second anniversary is cotton, which symbolizes "strength, adaptability, and the ability to intertwine with anything—just like a marriage," says New York City image and etiquette consultant Tami Claytor. Luckily, cotton comes in many forms, which means a wide array of great gifts are available, from fancy towels and sleepwear to bold art pieces printed on cotton-based paper.

When shopping for a cotton anniversary gift, look for one that speaks to the story of your relationship, says Amanda Sanders, an image consultant and personal shopper based in New York City. It's helpful to shop with your partner's hobbies and interests, and your relationship, in mind. You can pick something that recalls a fond memory from your wedding day, something they've been eyeing for a while, or a gift you can customize for an extra special touch. For a second anniversary gift—or any gift!—always aim for one the recipient will truly want but might not buy for themselves, Claytor says.

These men's black Pima cotton pajamas feature sleek white piping that gives your spouse a bedtime black-tie look (but one that's infinitely more comfortable). Petite Plume's set of pants and a long-sleeved top keeps your partner warm, but the high-quality cotton is breathable and light so they'll stay comfortable all night long.

Prepare your partner for a day trip to the beach, the lake, or even just to the grocery store with this classic carryall bag. Paravel's bestselling oversized tote comes in four color combinations and has a spill-proof, water-resistant lining. What's more, you can personalize the bag with hand-painted or embroidered lettering in your choice of color.

With the comforting scent of freshly washed linen, this candle is a unique take on the cotton-themed anniversary gift. The top note is blue chamomile, the heart notes are linen and white cedarwood, and the base note is sweet musk. This pretty candle comes in a reusable glass jar and has a burn time of 24 hours, so it will provide plenty of enjoyment for a spouse who loves the ambiance of a candle.

This custom keepsake maps out all of the memorable moments that made your love story one for the books. You can choose between framed or unframed 8-by-10-inch or 11-by-14-inch sizes and include anywhere from eight to 12 important dates from your relationship. Select from a range of icons to illustrate the dates, or work with the artist to customize your own.

A great gift for a Scandinavian design lover, this Hansen & Søn lounge chair folds up for easy storage and is woven from 100 percent natural cotton. The seat and back straps are available in either natural ivory or black and the wood frame comes in a sleek black lacquer, oak oil, or a light soaped oak.

Why should bath and shower time be boring? This set of luscious organic cotton bath towels will delight your spouse with its cheerfully mod color combination. The two hand towels and matching bath mat come in an orange and white checkered pattern, while the bath towels come in a pale blue with orange stripes.

More than just your average catchall, these stacking trays feature custom notes printed on cotton liners. Include the lyrics to your first dance wedding song or the vows you spoke on your wedding day. You can choose between classic and cursive font styles, as well as three different sizes (or go for a set). Your spouse will love displaying their jewelry, cologne, or other small trinkets for years to come.

Papier Wavy Trim Notecard Set
Papier Wavy Trim Notecard Set. PHOTO: Papier

This set of whimsical personalized stationery is not only a thoughtful second anniversary gift but can serve as a sweet reminder to write one another love notes. Choose from eight bold colors for the wavy border design and have your name (and address, if you like) embossed on the top and bottom. These versatile notecards can be ordered in sets of 20, 30, or 40.

Keep things cozy—but also easy, breezy, and relaxed—with this 100 percent organic cotton blanket from Coyuchi. We love the casual elegance of this lightweight throw, which is woven in Portugal and finished with delicate zigzag stitching. It comes in three earth-tone colors, including a subdued golden hazel, a warm taupe, and a soothing juniper green.

These machine washable, 100 percent cotton napkins come in six chic colors that work equally well for a lazy Sunday breakfast or your next big dinner party. And they're the perfect table accents for a special anniversary date night at home.

Write a love letter to your partner and immortalize it on this soft and cozy blanket. Made of 100 percent cotton, it comes in three sizes and is machine washable for easy cleaning. Choose between one of the provided fonts or take it a step further and have the blanket printed with your own handwriting. Your partner will adore being wrapped up in your love—literally!

This cotton percale bedding makes it hard to resist snuggling for just a little longer in the morning. The set comes complete with bottom and top sheets, a comforter, and two pillowcases—choose from 10 colors and patterns, as well as sizes ranging from twin to California king. Made of 100 percent long-staple cotton, these sheets are super breathable, so you'll both stay cool all night.

This artful pair of cozy socks is made of organic cotton and comes in a range of playful, mismatched designs that are as fun for the feet as they are for the spirit. They come up just above the ankle and are machine washable for easy cleaning.

While bath towels may sound like a boring gift, this set is anything but. Handwoven from Ethiopian cotton, they’re a chic addition to your bathroom (or pack them on your next beach trip). For the ultimate spa-inspired present, gift your spouse a matching robe, a fancy candle, and a set of luxe bath salts.

Two rose-colored circles are infinitely bound in this art print—just like you and your beau. Handprinted on cotton rag paper, this woodblock print is a bold art piece that's also filled with symbolism. You can purchase it unframed or choose from three different museum-quality frame options, including natural maple, black, and white.

This rug is perfect for a couple who might be redecorating or moving to a new home together. Handwoven by artisans in Rajasthan, it features a striking geometric design in a monochromatic color palette (an intricate process that takes up to two months to complete). It's available in seven different size options, from 2 by 3 feet to 9 by 12 feet.

Give your partner a great night's sleep with this patented weighted cotton sleep mask. Nodpod's cleverly designed mask applies gentle pressure to replicate the feeling of your eyes getting heavy. After a night of sweet dreams thanks to this super-soft cotton fleece mask, your spouse will wake up rested and restored.

Is your idea of a romantic night together an evening on the couch in your comfiest clothes? Then this breathable 100 percent cotton pajama set is the perfect outfit to give your spouse for your second anniversary. Trimmed with classic piping and available in four colorways, these pajama sets are designed for women, but Brooklinen carries another coordinating set called the Henry for men if you're the matching kind of couple.

This elegant throw is ideal for snuggling under while watching a movie. It’s 64 by 32 inches in size, so there’s plenty of room for two. It comes in three colors—ivory, dark camel, and gray—and the material is a blend of cotton, nylon, and wool, so it is soft with a bit of stretch. Because it’s from Mark & Graham, you can personalize it with an embroidered monogram of your choice for a small fee.

Make your cotton anniversary gift a gift of comfort. These cozy cushioned slippers from Parachute are made in Turkey from 100 percent cotton terry material. They come in six colors in unisex sizing (so grab a pair for you and your partner). They’re soft, luxurious, and breathable, making them ideal for lounging around the house together.

A cami and wide-leg set like this patterned option is always a stylish and comfortable choice for lounging or sleeping (pack it for a weekend away with your love). In an effortless silhouette and made of 100 percent cotton, this chic ensemble is sure to please.

Although this pick is made of bamboo, not cotton, you won't find a cozier present. It's designed to be cooling and temperature-regulating, so your sweetie won't swelter under it. The simple design will fit in no matter your style of décor.

This photo frame is the perfect solution when you can't choose just one or two photos to display. Feature 12 of your favorite photos (perhaps from your wedding or honeymoon?) in this wood frame. You can add text underneath each one.

What to Look for in a Cotton Anniversary Gift

  • Interests and Hobbies: While you may be sticking to a cotton anniversary gift theme, it's important to consider your partner's personal interests and hobbies. This can help you narrow down your options and help you find a cotton anniversary gift you know they'll like.
  • Practicality: Opting for an anniversary gift that brings you back to your wedding day is always a safe bet, and it's also never a bad idea to go for something practical that will add a cozy and comfortable feel to your home together, such as a soft cotton blanket or matching bathrobes.
  • Personalization: If you want to take your cotton anniversary gift a step further, we recommend finding a gift that you can personalize for an extra special touch. This can be something as simple as an embroidered monogram on a throw or as complex as a custom piece of artwork that highlights your vows or a special moment from your relationship. Sanders suggests something bearing your anniversary date or a new last name if either of you changed your name.
FAQ
  • Are there other second-anniversary gift ideas besides cotton?

    Although a cotton gift is traditional for the second anniversary, that doesn’t mean you have to give a gift that’s by the books. Giving something thoughtful or sentimental is a perfect way to mark the occasion.

    The modern second-anniversary gift is china, so a set of gorgeous plates or a stunning china teapot are excellent choices. If you’re craving a more sentimental gift, a handmade photo album is a sweet way to take a trip down memory lane. And if you’re a romantic at heart, surprise your sweetheart with a bouquet of fresh flowers and a candlelit date night.

  • How do you celebrate a second wedding anniversary?

    Celebrating a second anniversary is so much more than giving a gift. It’s about honoring the connection you have and the life you’re building together. So coming up with a thoughtful way to celebrate your coupledom is just as meaningful as the gift you give. Whatever you choose to do for your cotton anniversary, celebrating your partner and the love you share is what ultimately matters. Something as simple as a handwritten anniversary card can go a long way in expressing how you feel.

    Some surefire anniversary date ideas include cooking a romantic dinner at home (make your partner's favorite meal!), surprising them with a special night out (like a romantic sunset picnic or a high-end restaurant), or going back to special locations (like your first date or where the proposal took place).

Why Trust Brides?

As a prop stylist, art director, and set director, Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has scoured marketplaces around the world (and the web) for over 15 years. In addition to Brides, she has contributed to Architectural Digest, Real Simple, Domino, and more.

Brides contributor Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles where she has worked in the fashion digital space for over seven years. She has a special passion for shopping and finding the best deals.

Ashley Jimenez is an editor at Brides who is an expert in identifying shopping trends, highlighting multicultural content, and exploring conversations within the influential beauty segment.

  • Tami Claytor is a coach with Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting and has two decades of experience in the field.
  • Amanda Sanders has been a fashion consultant and lifestyle concierge for nearly 20 years. She is also the co-founder of Well Suited NYC, which makes pre-folded pocket squares.

Related Stories