Bathrobe

• While husbands might give romantic cards and lingerie to a wife, not all men appreciate the return gesture of satin boxer shorts. Instead, wrap your groom in a practical and luxurious cotton robe. Hanging on a bathroom hook, thick robes double as decor. Cotton robes come in several different styles. Thick terry cloth spa-style robes absorb water from dripping hair. Cotton terry shrinks, so look for pre-shrunk fabric or wash in cold water. Take the robe out of the dryer slightly damp and hang dry. For a velvety look and feel, choose velour robes. Velour comes in polyester and cotton varieties, so check the label. If he prefers a short robe for the gym, choose a cotton waffle-weave robe. It does not retain as much moisture, so it will not soak his gym bag.
  
  

Socks

• Stock his sock collection.socks image by Paolo from Fotolia.com
  
  If he is aware of the cotton tradition, socks serve as a comical or practical gift appropriate for just about anyone to give. If he participates in a baseball league or enjoys the occasional pick-up basketball game, he might appreciate the spares. Fill a gift bag or gym bag with 100-percent cotton tube socks. If he hikes, choose a thickly woven pair for warmth. Just for fun, a wife or friend who imagines themselves a comedian could include a note that wishes for him to, "Have Safe Socks."
  
  

Cotton Candy

• Delight him with a cotton candy machine.Old Candy image by Aleix from Fotolia.com
  
  Sometimes a grown man has more fun at a child's birthday party than the children do. Indulge him by renting a cotton candy machine for the afternoon. Call tent or party rental companies or caterers for leads. Alternatively, a wife or friends might find a scaled-down child's version to purchase at a department store or toy shop. Invite friends or family over for a barbecue to avoid overindulgent stomachaches. Although the sticky treat fits the theme in name only, the originality makes the day a vivid memory in years to come.
  
  

China

• Serve decadent treats on a collectible plate.Choclate covered strawberries 2 image by Pat Lalli from Fotolia.com
  
  While cotton remains the traditional choice, the contemporary second anniversary choice is fine china. Rather than adding to the couple's "good dishes," or as a wife choosing an item that you would appreciate more than him, choose a funky guy-approved alternative. Look for collectible plates featuring classic cars or Elvis at secondhand shops. Find or order a single plate and load it with his favorite chocolates or an appetizer. As the couple enjoys the decadent treat, a dream car or a familiar face emerges from the crumbs.