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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Second Anniversary Gift Guide

Happy May!

It's our anniversary month and I can't believe we are approaching our second wedding anniversary (and seven years together). What a wonderful, amazing ride it's been thus far. We are blessed, indeed.

We are fairly traditional people and I cherish the traditions and rituals we have established as a couple. We were engaged in Paris and we included some Parisian influences in our wedding. 

Our honeymoon was in Spain later that summer, but we wanted a way to mark the occasion closer to the actual wedding date. 

It was my sweet husband who suggested that, if we couldn't go to Paris, we should go somewhere where we can channel that French spirit, like Montreal or Quebec City or New Orleans. 

And if we couldn't do that, we should go to a French bistro for dinner. 

And if we couldn't do that, we would drink French wine at home and eat a baguette. 

You get the idea. 

He's a love.

Our first year, we did go to Montreal. And it was lovely. 

This year, we will go back to Montreal or Quebec City. And we will drink French wine and eat a baguette. Or a croissant. Or all of the above.

Back at home, for our first anniversary, we went traditional and, honoring the suggestion of paper, we wrote each other a letter. We stayed at the inn where we were married. Back at home, we watched our wedding video. As far as anniversaries go, it was spectacular.




This year, the traditional second anniversary gift is cotton. So I went to the clearinghouses of all things creative: Pinterest and Etsy. 

And now, I have something lovely for our anniversary that honors the suggested gift of cotton. 




If you or someone you know is celebrating a second anniversary, here are some gift ideas.

1. A new duvet or quilt for your bed. 

2. An artistic print noting your name and anniversary date.




3. Monogrammed cloth napkins...romantic and environmentally sound. A win-win. Sometimes, you can find hand towels (that can double as napkins) with initials at the Christmas Tree Shoppe...very budget friendly.


4. A monogrammed throw pillow case




5. Pajamas--top for you, bottom for him.


6. Your wedding vows or the lyrics to your first dance on canvas



7. A personalized throw for cuddling and canoodling




8. A picnic blanket for a romantic picnic for two.

9. A special table cloth or runner you can use for a romantic anniversary dinner (along with your toasting glasses and wedding candles, if you used them).

10.  How about a hammock built for two?

It's fun to play with tradition and themes. It gets the creative juices flowing.

What are your ideas for cotton based anniversary gifts? 



28 comments:

  1. I loved Montreal! My hubby just mentioned he wants to go to Canada soon. I love it there. My family is not big on giving presents for anniversaries....it's just always been that way. We get a card and a cheerful best wishes, but that's it lol. It's ok....I guess it's just who they are. Love the chart makes it easy to know what's what. Don't forget to tell us what you end up doing for yours!!! Carolann

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    1. Thanks, Carolann! Montreal is fabulous! For us, it's a 6-hour drive...close enough, but feels like a world away. My family isn't big on gift giving either, but I truly think that experiences are so much more meaningful than accumulating "stuff." I will keep you updated. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  2. What great ideas! We are celebrating #17 on the 17th. Wow, I can't believe it. I love the list graphic you shared!

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! Happy Anniversary to you! That list graphic is so helpful. I pinned it so I can refer to it each year. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  3. Happy anniversary month! I'm excited because it's also our anniversary month (3 years married on the 28th!). I need to start thinking about leather or crystal/glass....

    I love these gift ideas and the traditions you have in place!

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    1. Hi Rachel! Thanks so much. :-) Happy Anniversary to you too! I cherish the traditions we put in place. We don't have children, and we never will, so these traditions are all the more special in our family of two. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  4. My favorite is the personalized pillow or blanket!
    XO Semirah
    www.soundofcharm.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Semirah. I love the pillow and blanket because it's such a keepsake. They all are, really. It's something small, but it's a nice way to mark the day. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  5. Aww, this is really sweet! My husband and I just get each other steak - we just like going out for a nice dinner. (Although now that I think about it, we had these crazy enormous steaks at our wedding, so maybe it is appropriate!)

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    1. Love it, Anna Belle. My husband is a steak guy, so that would be a great gift idea for him too. :-) Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  6. The hammock built for two is such a great idea!!

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    1. Thanks, Kerry. There's something romantic about a hammock. And given that you're almost always on vacation when you're using a vacation (or at least taking time to relax) it's a win-win. :-) Have a great weekend!

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  7. Such cute ideas! I love the idea of getting a new duvet cover or something you are going to use together as a present for each other!

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    1. Thanks, Rachel. I like it for its practical use too. And, it's a sweet reminder. Have a great weekend!

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  8. Great ideas!

    Sarah
    aroseinthecity0.blogspot.com

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  9. Happy anniversary Kelly! I love your list and thinking outside of the box :-)

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    1. Thank you, Kathe. I try to think of things that are different, but fairly functional as well. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  10. Anniversary is the end of this month. I will have to do this for 11 years. Thanks. :)

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    1. Happy Anniversary to you, Adrianne! Good luck finding your perfect gift. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  11. Happy anniversary month!! These are all such great ideas! I love the pillow and canvas!

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Chelsea. :-) I tried to choose ideas that were fairly functional, as well as sweet. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-)

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  12. Oh that Montreal story is so cute! What a sweetheart your husband is :)
    We''re going to be three years this October...so leather. Hmmm that might be difficult. Crystal/glass does lend itself to more options, though. Of course, I'd rather have an experience like a trip together :)

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    1. Thank you, Christy. He is a sweetie. I am very lucky. Happy early anniversary to you! A trip together, in my opinion, is so much more valuable because it's those memories that last far beyond any material gift. Have fun planning. Maybe you can take a special glass with you for champagne on your weekend away. <3 Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. :-) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Happy Anniversary month Kelly! These are terrific ideas. I never really did the traditional number of year to the gift type and think that is super neat! Hope you enjoy a wonderful time in Montreal! Interestingly my husband did me pearls for our 30th though! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Peggy. I love pearls...they're my birthstone. Whether we end up in Montreal or Quebec or even Atlantic Canada, I don't know. We'll have a great time though, I'm sure of it. Thank you, again, for stopping by. :-) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  14. Fantastic anniversary gift ideas Kelly, especially the canvas print. Enjoy your anniversary celebration :).
    Stopping by from
    http://www.Lush-Fab-Glam.com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your well wishes. :-) Have a great weekend!

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