Cotton, Linen and Silk Anniversary Gifts: What Each Year Means

By Snoozyn · Updated September 2026

Anniversary lists are older than most people assume. The traditional British version gives a material for each year, starting with paper and building towards silver, ruby and gold. Three of those materials are cloth, and they happen to be the three we work in. Here is what each year means, and what to give.

The traditional anniversary materials, year by year

2nd anniversary: cotton

Cotton follows paper because it is the first material that is woven: two separate threads made into one cloth that is soft but hard-wearing. It suits a marriage that has settled into a shared routine, and it suits gifts you use rather than keep in a drawer.

• Matching cotton pyjamas. Our Navy Zebra set is 100% cotton and comes in a women's cut (from £59.90) and a men's cut (from £54.90), so the pair match without being identical. More in his & hers.
• A cotton bedding set. A crisp Plain Cotton set is the practical gift; a Cloud Cotton set in double gauze is the softer, more relaxed one. Or build the bed in two colours, one for each of you.
• Two pillowcases, two sets of initials. A pillowcase pair with a different monogram on each is the request we get most from couples. See personalise.

4th anniversary: linen

Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres and it gets softer every time it is washed, which is the whole idea at year four: something that improves with use. Some lists give silk for the 4th instead, so either works.

• Linen bedding. Our linen bedding set is pure French flax, stonewashed so it arrives soft. A double three-piece set is £139.90. If the full bed is too much, a linen pillowcase pair starts at £17.90.
• Table linen. A linen tablecloth for the anniversary dinner, then every Sunday lunch after it. Browse table linen.
• The date, stitched. Initials and a wedding date on a linen pillowcase corner or tablecloth hem, embroidered by hand in our London atelier.

If you want to know why linen costs what it does, why is linen bedding so expensive? breaks it down.

12th anniversary: silk

Silk arrives at year twelve as the fine material: smooth, lustrous and a little indulgent, often paired with fine linen. It is the anniversary where a gift can be pure luxury.

• Silk pyjamas. Our mulberry silk sleepwear comes in 19 and 22 momme, from cami sets (from £159.90) to long sets with matching prints for both of you. What is momme? explains the difference.
• A silk robe. The 19 momme robe (from £219.90) is the one piece of silk that gets worn every morning.
• A small silk gift. A silk eye mask (£25.90) needs no size guessing and takes a monogram well.

Making it feel like an anniversary gift

Two things turn a piece of bedding into a present: a monogram and the packaging. Monograms are quoted within one working day, so allow four weeks before the date. Every order ships in our signature packaging, and gift boxes can be added at checkout. If you are unsure of size or colour, an e-gift card lets them choose. Everything is gathered in anniversary gifts.

Questions people ask about anniversary gifts

What is the 2nd wedding anniversary gift?

Cotton is the traditional 2nd wedding anniversary gift in the UK. Cotton pyjamas, cotton bedding or monogrammed cotton pillowcases all fit the theme.

What is the 4th wedding anniversary gift?

Linen is the traditional 4th wedding anniversary gift in the UK, though some lists give silk. Linen bedding and table linen are the classic choices.

What is the 12th wedding anniversary gift?

Silk is the traditional 12th wedding anniversary gift, often paired with fine linen. Silk pyjamas, a silk robe or a silk eye mask all fit.

Can you personalise an anniversary gift?

Yes. Our London atelier hand-embroiders initials, names or a date on sleepwear, bedding and eye masks. Allow four weeks before the anniversary.