Cotton anniversaries mark two years of wedded bliss.
Two years of revelling in newlywed status, savouring honeymoon moments and most probably, recovering from an expensive but raucous wedding bash that lives on in the photo albums.
Despite it being a seedling in the slew of anniversaries to come (silver, ruby, sapphire etc), your cotton anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate one another and the two spins around the sun you’ve experienced as a married couple.
Naturally, there is a theme to the occasion. Cotton anniversaries call for, you guessed it, cotton gifts to bestow upon each other. While this isn’t necessary, it is a fun spin to add to the event, after all, who wouldn’t want a fluffy robe from Soho Home or a new set of organic cotton pyjamas?
Thankfully cotton pervades an array of shopping departments, from fashion to homeware and beauty. This means it’s time to get creative. Cotton poplin pieces to elevate the wardrobe, cotton-scented candles and luxurious cotton bedding make for covetable, functional finds to delight a spouse. Plus, the milestone is a great excuse to gift new underwear, preferably crafted from ethically sourced organic cotton.
Not to sound like a broken record, but one thing to consider when shopping for cotton-themed items is the issue of sustainability. According to Sustain Your Style, in some places, inefficient water use means that up to 20,000 litres of water are needed to produce 1kg of cotton. And 99.3 per cent of cotton grown globally is not organic, meaning chemicals and genetically modified seeds are used during production.
A quick and easy way to ensure you’re searching for gifts through an environmental lens is to look for terms such as ‘organic’, ‘pesticide-free’ and ‘locally made’. Cleanly-produced cotton isn’t just good for the planet, but also soft on the skin and highly durable - set to stand the test of time (hopefully) like your relationship.
Discover the best cotton anniversary gifts and show them you really care.
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Soho Home House Robe
Soho Home’s sumptuous robe is an uber-luxurious treat so much so that you’ll be adding one for yourself to basket too. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and can be personalised with classic-text initials. A hood offers extra comfort, while the iconic Soho House logo is embroidered on the chest to give the feel of lounging in one of the luxurious private member’s club spas or hotels.
Buy now £95.00, Soho Home
Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle
Infuse your home with arguably the best scent to tickle the olfactory sense - fresh cotton. Not only will Byredo’s soothing candle ensure your space smells like clean laundry 24/7, but it’s also a genderless gift for those who favour simple luxury.
Buy now £35.00, Cult Beauty
Paul Smith Printed Cotton Pyjama Set
Exclusive to Mr Porter, Paul Smith’s printed pyjamas make for the most luxurious snooze. Complete with leaf-like patterns in two colourways, the matching set is a cut above the rest. Not only is it brimming with character, but the co-ord further features a lightweight cotton construction for easy, breezy weekend wear.
Buy now £220.00, Mr Porter
Rixo Bobbie Cotton Pyjamas
The brand may be known for its occasion-ready dresses, but with high temperatures on the horizon, Rixo has gone down a decidedly more casual route.
The label has a glorious summer loungewear collection made up of breezy frocks and short sets crafted from comfortable breathable cotton. Perfect for work or play, choose from paisley, floral and gingham prints in cool summer hues.
Buy now £165.00, Rixo
Maje Flower Motif Cotton Pareo
One of the most versatile pieces on the market, a classic square scarf can be styled in several ways. Wear Maje’s tropical hibiscus piece as a bandeau, halterneck or flirty sarong for when you need a break from the glowing sun rays.
Buy now £149.00, Maje
Good Squish Scrunchie
If you watched the final season of Sex Education and wondered where the incredible souped-up scrunchies are from, well the answer is Good Squish. The ruffled hair adornments are the most sought-after accessory of the moment with their oversized design and pretty yet punchy colourways.
Buy now £68.00, Couverture & The Garbstore
Damson Madder Floral-Quilt Cosmetics Pouch
Unsure what to buy her? Anything from Damson Madder will score you brownie points. This gorgeous green pouch is brimming with sprawling florals, perfect for packing or keeping sink-side.
Buy now £30.00, Harvey Nichols
Wool-Cotton Lavender Bag - Set of 2
You may mistake one of these wool and cotton blend bags for a pair of socks, but that simply speaks to their luxurious housing. Filled with lavender, they’ll keep your drawers smelling fresh for months on end. We love how the drawstring bags can easily be refilled with additional dried lavender once the original scent has dissipated.
Buy now £22.00, The White Company
Story MFG Greetings Logo-Embroidered Tie-Dyed Cotton and Linen-Blend Shirt
One for the conscious shoppers, Story MFG’s collections are created with both the planet and people in mind, from encouraging slow fashion to nurturing age-old techniques.
A bold choice that’s far from garish, this shirt’s artfully tie-dyed with a muted colour palette – and the lightweight linen-cotton blend will serve you well in the heat.
Buy now £340.00, Mr. Porter
Coco & Wolf Betsy Sage Cotton Duvet Set
Pepper your bedroom with softly blooming florals. Coco & Wolf’s Betsy Sage Cotton Duvet Set features playful blossoms in shades of sage, mustard, coral and cornflower blue. Layer yours with some yellow or dark green velvet cushions and bring the space to life.
Buy now £329.00, Anthropologie
TOMS Harbor Cotton-Blend Slipper
Everyone will remember the sheer grip that TOMS had on 2010s fashion, but they are much more than just espadrilles. The brand is a member of the Fair Labor Association, which works with suppliers that conduct their businesses ethically, engage with workers, ensure safe working conditions, and establish human rights compliance and social responsibility.
When you buy from TOMS, you help fund access to mental health resources for those in need, plus support grassroots organisations which the brand backs.
Buy now £39.00, TOMS
M&S Quick Dry Seersucker Swim Shorts
Available in baby pink and gentle blue pinstripe prints, M&S’ affordable swimming trunks are ripe for cotton anniversaries celebrated in the sun. Made to a regular fit with an adjustable drawstring fastening for easy wear, the swim shorts are crafted from over 50 per cent recycled cotton.
Buy now £25.00, M&S
Cou Cou Intimates The Bodysuit
Cou Cou Intimates is an underwear brand to have firmly on your radar. Feminine pointelle designs are married with classic neutral colourways to create durable intimates to stand the test of time. Each adorable piece is finely crafted from 100 per cent certified organic cotton, which is kinder to your skin and the planet.
Buy now £68.00, Selfridges
Fearne Cotton Collection 3 Books Box Set
Kit out your summer reading list with this trio of texts by Sunday Times bestselling author Fearne Cotton. Consisting of Happy, Calm and Quiet, each read focuses on aiding mental health, be it navigating anxiety, stress or letting go. An ideal pick for overthinkers and those in need of a moment of calm while curled up with a good book.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Comme Des Garçons Play x Converse 70s Hi-Top Canvas Trainers
It is nigh on impossible to go wrong with a pair of Chucks. The shoe has been around for decades and instantly lends a youthful look to practically any wardrobe. The only thing better? This collab with Comme Des Garçons puts the luxury brand's motif on the side for a splash of colour to the monochromatic look.
Buy now £140.00, Converse
