Celebrating wedding anniversaries is a tradition that we’ve practised for years and while it may not seem very long, the 2nd anniversary is definitely nothing to be ignored.
What’s the significance of a 2nd wedding anniversary?
Traditionally, cotton was the ideal gift for the 2nd wedding anniversary. It’s believed that the interwoven fibres in cotton are symbolic of the kind of bond the couple should have.
In modern day, chinaware is considered the ideal 2nd anniversary gift. When it comes to flowers, there’s lily of the valley and when it comes to colour, it can only be red - a symbol of passion and everlasting love.
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2nd wedding anniversary gift giving tips
When looking for a gift for your spouse or loved to commemorate their 2nd anniversary, you don’t just buy what you assume will make a good gift. Selecting anniversary gifts is an art that many of us need to learn and it’s important to remember that every year really is symbolic.
The first thing you need to know is that in the first new years of marriage, gifts are normally exchanged only by the couple. While outsiders may choose to celebrate with a present, it’s not necessary.
The timing of your present-giving is also a great deal when it comes to anniversaries - ordinarily, the wedding day is reserved for the married couple to exchange gifts. Outsiders who wish to offer presents should do so a few days before or after the date. The type of gift also matters and you might wish to look into a gift that symbolises the number of years the couple’s been married. Now, there are two ways to go about this: you can search for something that fits the traditional 2nd year anniversary gift, or you can pick something off the modern gift list. As mentioned above, traditionally the gift of choice was cotton. However in modern day, it’s china.
As a married couple, you should not expect gifts from guests - even if you are hosting an anniversary party. It’s also important to understand that the idea of celebrating the anniversary is not to exchange gifts. For the couple, there are various ways to celebrate their day, for example, by taking a trip or enjoying a nice dinner together. Sometimes a party is not required.
2nd wedding anniversary gift ideas
As we have mentioned, cotton and china are the official gifts for 2nd year anniversaries. That however doesn’t mean that they are the only gifts you can give your spouse. There are plenty of other ideas that work just as well, if not better. Overall, it does help to give anniversaries a theme. Couples who choose to follow the cotton theme, can spend a day/meal in a place where cotton items are purchased, plan a holiday in a cotton plantation or merely visit a museum that has a cotton exhibit.
Not convinced on cotton quite yet? Perhaps a camping trip is in order. You can stare at the stars from the confines of your cotton tent if you really feel the need to keep the significance of the official gift. Another fantastic idea is a cotton themed night, where you would ideally wear items made from cotton and denim. Denim, as you may already, is made using cotton. Other options can include buying his and hers cotton bathrobes, matching slippers, or beach towels with the promise to take a beach holiday in the future.
There are plenty of ideas that don’t involve cotton which you can opt for with the modern official gift; china. A set of chinaware is a great gift for your second anniversary is a great way to add some nice decorated plates to your home decor. The plates could be personalised with the date of the wedding engraved on it, or can be used to hold wedding photos. Vases are a wonderful and thoughtful gift too. Nothing screams romance than a beautiful china vase with a bouquet of flowers in it. Lastly, the gift doesn’t have to be an item - it could be an experience. A trip to China is an idea you can work with, but if that’s a little out of your budget, you can always have a nice Chinese dinner either at home or in one of Sydney’s finest Chinese restaurants.
How to choose the most ideal 2nd wedding anniversary gift
When looking for a 2nd anniversary wedding gift, it helps to keep the couple’s preferences, hobbies, personalities and interests in mind. At the end of the day, you need a gift that’s pleasant in the eyes of the recipient. While some may prefer a traditional gift of cotton, others may prefer modern gifts. On the same note, others may not even want a gift - these are all things you need to consider.
Other factors to consider when buying anniversary gifts are:
Types of gift. The safest bet is going with one of the two official gifts for the 2nd anniversary. If you’re going with the cotton theme, good quality beddings, matching bathrobes and throw blankets are nice. If the china theme is what you are working with, personalised plates, a decorative figurine or statue, kitchenware and the vase with flowers are perfect.
Your relationship with the couple. You need to consider your relationship with the couple when buying them gifts. If you have a close and personal relationship, you can be more adventurous and cheeky. However, if you’re just friends or colleagues, you may wish to stick with the safe official gifts.
Age. The age of the couple is yet another consideration. For example if the couple is young, you might want to buy gifts that are useful such as appliances. If they are more established adults, they might not be looking for more items to fill up their home and a voucher to a Chinese restaurant or tickets for a trip would be thoughtful.
Top retailers for 2nd year wedding anniversary gifts
When buying a 2nd year anniversary gift, you should not worry about the value of the gift but its significance. It’s important to note that good gifts have less to do with money and more to do with the thought gone into the present. That said; this doesn’t give you the right to be lazy with your selection. There are many gift ideas that you can work, which won’t hurt your wallet and still be highly valuable and appreciated. At finder.com.au, you’ll discover retailers who have great gifts to suit any personality and need.
It’s always important to put some thought into the gift you wish to give. Your gift must be a gesture worth appreciating. For example, most people celebrating their 2nd year anniversary will have a young one or some sort of responsibility. Giving them a gift they can experience is a good way for them to take some time off and reflect on their time together.
Why shop at finder.com.au for 2nd wedding anniversary gifts?
Finder.com.au is one of the best places you go to find a good gift for the 2nd year anniversary.
- Competitive shipping charges. Some of our featured online retailers offer free shipping on their orders with no minimum purchase. When you add items to your cart, your shipping costs and options are displayed.
- Voucher coupons. Enjoy discounts and special offers with our featured merchants. Occasionally there are discounts of up to 70% off as well as free shipping on certain orders.
- Warranty. Many of our featured online merchants offer warranties or guarantees on their products, so you can shop with peace of mind.
- Returns and exchanges. Our featured online retailers offer a minimum of seven days to return, exchange or refund your purchase if you’re not happy with your purchase.
- Earn points. Some of our featured online retailers have loyalty clubs so you can get more value out of your purchases. Accumulate your points and you could get more discounts off your next order.
Why shop for 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Purchasing anniversary gifts for the 2nd year need not be a daunting task. With finder.com.au, you have access to a wide range of retailers with a wide selection of gifts.
However, finding the right vendor is only the beginning. You need to ensure that you buy an appropriate gift for the 2nd year of marriage, whose main themes are cotton and china.
Summary
The 2nd year anniversary is still a young age for any marriage. It’s a time to celebrate not just for the couple but by those close to them such as friends and family. While friends or family are not expected to present gifts, many still feel obligated to. And if that’s you, then there are various types of gifts on option that are marked specifically for a 2nd year congratulations. These are: cotton and china - though you can always go with other gift ideas if you wish. There are no strict rules when it comes to gifting.
The most important consideration is to give a gift that which is useful and appropriate for the couple. Using finder.com.au you can discover the best flowers, vases, beddings, electronic gadgets, appliances and more for that happy couple.
