Congratulations on reaching your first wedding anniversary! It’s a significant milestone that marks a year of love, laughter, and shared experiences. After the whirlwind of the wedding, honeymoon bliss, and settling into married life, the first anniversary is the perfect occasion to reflect on your journey and celebrate your commitment. Finding the ideal gift to commemorate this special day can be both exciting and a little daunting. Whether you’re searching for a meaningful present for your partner or a thoughtful gesture for friends celebrating their first year, we’ve curated a guide to help you discover the best first anniversary gifts.
Top Anniversary Gift Ideas for 2024
To make your search easier, here are some of our top recommendations for first anniversary gifts, catering to various tastes and preferences:
Personalized & Sentimental Gifts
- Custom Photo Album: Relive your cherished memories from the past year with a beautifully crafted photo album filled with pictures from your wedding, honeymoon, and everyday moments.
- Personalized 3D Photo Lamp: Turn a favorite photo into a unique and heartwarming keepsake with a custom 3D photo lamp that adds a warm glow to any space.
- Engraved Jewelry: A timeless piece of jewelry, like a necklace or bracelet, engraved with initials, a special date, or a loving message, is a gift that will be treasured for years to come.
Practical & Stylish Gifts
- Personalized Apron Set: For the couple who loves to cook together, a set of personalized aprons adds a touch of fun and functionality to their culinary adventures.
- Monogrammed Stanley Quencher: A trendy and practical gift, a monogrammed Stanley Quencher keeps drinks cold or hot and adds a personal touch to their daily hydration.
- Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case: A chic and organized cosmetics case is a thoughtful gift for the partner who appreciates beauty and travel, keeping essentials stylishly contained.
Experience & Shared Gifts
- Couples Journal: Encourage deeper connection and meaningful conversations with a journal designed for couples to reflect, share, and dream together.
- Movie Scratch-Off Poster: Create fun date nights with a scratch-off poster featuring 100 must-watch movies, perfect for couples who love cinema.
- Cooking Class: Spice up your routine and learn new culinary skills together with an engaging cooking class, exploring cuisines and creating delicious memories.
Classic Solid Apron
Alt text: Personalized Classic Solid Apron in red, a thoughtful first anniversary gift idea for wives who love cooking.
Understanding the First Anniversary Theme: Paper and Clocks
Traditionally, paper is the symbolic gift for the first wedding anniversary. This delicate yet strong material represents the blank pages of your life together, ready to be filled with new adventures and shared stories. Paper gifts can range from stationery and books to tickets and personalized art.
In modern times, clocks have also become a popular symbol for the first anniversary, representing the time you’ve spent together and the many more years to come. Clock-themed gifts symbolize lasting love and the preciousness of time shared as a couple.
Event planner Jessica Sloane suggests embracing these themes with gifts like a photo book or a personalized item, highlighting special moments from the first year of marriage. Framing wedding vows or meaningful readings is another thoughtful way to incorporate the paper theme and create a lasting keepsake.
First Anniversary Gifts for Her: Spoil Your Wife with Love
Finding the perfect gift for your wife on your first anniversary is an opportunity to show her how much you cherish her. Consider these curated gift ideas to make her feel truly special:
Personalized Gifts for Her
- Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Apron: If your wife is a culinary enthusiast, a personalized apron from Williams Sonoma is both practical and thoughtful. Available in various colors, you can add her name or initials for a personal touch. This apron will protect her clothes while she creates delicious meals and adds a touch of elegance to her kitchen attire.
- Rarton Custom 3D Photo Lamp: Transform a cherished photo into a captivating 3D lamp. This custom piece from Rarton on Etsy allows you to personalize a lamp with a picture of your choice, creating a warm and sentimental ambiance. It’s a unique way to display a favorite memory and light up your home with love.
- Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Album: Surprise her with a delightful pop-out photo album from Oakdene Designs. This unique gift unfolds to reveal a collection of your favorite photos, creating a memorable and interactive keepsake. Personalize it with pictures that capture your journey together in the first year of marriage.
Custom 3D Photo Lamp
Alt text: Rarton Custom 3D Photo Lamp, a personalized first anniversary gift for her with a picture of a couple, perfect for adding a personal touch to home decor.
Practical and Stylish Gifts for Her
- Lion Latch (Set of 3): For the active wife who values her jewelry, the Lion Latch set offers a secure and stylish solution for storing rings during workouts or travels. These waterproof and airtight containers ensure her precious accessories are safe and easily accessible.
- Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set: Enhance her hosting skills with a personalized bamboo cheese board set. This elegant set from Etsy can be engraved with your names and wedding date, making it a sophisticated and functional gift for entertaining guests or enjoying cozy nights in.
- Monogram Custom Stanley Quencher: Keep her hydrated in style with a monogrammed Stanley Quencher. Customize this popular tumbler with her initials in various colors and fonts, making it a personalized and practical gift for everyday use.
- Mark & Graham Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case: For the wife who loves her beauty routine, a vegan leather cosmetics case from Mark & Graham is a luxurious and organized gift. This timeless case provides ample space for makeup and skincare essentials, perfect for home and travel.
Personalised Pop Out Photo Album In Box
Alt text: Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Album in Box, a unique paper anniversary gift idea showcasing cherished memories.
Sentimental and Experiential Gifts for Her
- Mixtiles Gift Card: Give the gift of memories with a Mixtiles gift card. Allow her to easily create a stunning photo wall with damage-free, self-adhesive frames, perfect for showcasing your favorite moments together.
- The Bouqs Co. Lemonade Bouquet: Brighten her day with a vibrant bouquet from The Bouqs Co. The Lemonade arrangement features sunny yellow roses, white lilies, and peach carnations, with carnations symbolizing the passionate love associated with the first anniversary.
- Framebridge Olympia Frame: Frame a special memory with the elegant Olympia frame from Framebridge. As recommended by senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, framing your wedding vows or a meaningful photo in this shadow-box style frame is a sentimental and timeless gift.
- Fortune & Frame Flowered Vines Fortune Locket: Gift her a piece of jewelry with a hidden message with the Flowered Vines Fortune Locket from Fortune & Frame. Personalize it with a loving message or a saved fortune cookie paper for a unique and sentimental touch.
- Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark: For the bookworm wife, the Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark from Tiffany & Co. is a luxurious and practical gift. Engrave it with her initials or a special symbol for a personalized touch she’ll cherish with every read.
- Myka 10K Yellow Gold Infinity Name Necklace: Express your eternal love with the Myka 10K Yellow Gold Infinity Name Necklace. This delicate and timeless piece can be customized with two inscriptions, making it a deeply personal and lasting symbol of your commitment.
Lion Latch (Set of 3)
Alt text: Lion Latch Set of 3 in beach bling colors, practical first anniversary gifts for active wives to secure jewelry during workouts or travel.
First Anniversary Gifts for Him: Delight Your Husband with Thoughtful Presents
Show your husband how much you appreciate him with a first anniversary gift that reflects his interests and personality. Here are some top gift ideas for him:
Personalized and Unique Gifts for Him
- Personalized Gift Glass Art: Celebrate your shared song with a personalized glass art piece from Etsy. Customize it with your wedding song lyrics, a special photo, or your favorite album cover. This artistic and sentimental gift will be a cherished addition to his desk or home décor.
- Custom Home Portrait: Capture the essence of your first home together with a custom home portrait from Etsy. This thoughtful and personalized gift, recommended by Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, is a unique way to commemorate your shared space. You can even include beloved pets for an extra personal touch.
Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set
Alt text: Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set with engraving, an elegant first anniversary gift idea for couples who love to entertain.
Practical and Stylish Gifts for Him
- Manly Bands The Best Man Silicone Ring: For the active husband, Manly Bands offers a durable and comfortable silicone ring. “The Best Man” ring is perfect for workouts and outdoor activities, protecting his wedding band while still symbolizing his commitment.
- Home Wet Bar Oakmont Personalized Globe Decanter Set: Elevate his home bar with the Oakmont Personalized Globe Decanter Set from Home Wet Bar. This sophisticated set includes a globe decanter and glasses, personalized for a touch of elegance. It’s a great conversation starter and a stylish addition to his barware collection.
- Yeti 26-Ounce Rambler Water Bottle: Keep him hydrated and stylish with a Yeti Rambler water bottle. Available in a range of new colors and customization options, you can personalize it with his initials, favorite team logo, or a meaningful symbol.
- Mark & Graham Customizable Leather Money Clip Wallet: Upgrade his wallet with a sophisticated and customizable leather money clip wallet from Mark & Graham. Monogram it with his initials for a personal touch. This sleek and practical wallet is a stylish alternative to bulky traditional wallets.
Monogram Custom Stanley Quencher
Alt text: Monogram Custom Stanley Quencher in cream color, a personalized and trendy first anniversary gift option for him or her.
Gifts for the Husband Who Loves to Entertain
- Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand: For the grill master husband, a monogrammed forged steak brand from Williams Sonoma is a unique and impressive gift. Personalize it with his initials and let him brand his culinary creations with pride.
- Mark & Graham Outdoor Wine Bar Set: Enhance outdoor entertaining with the Mark & Graham Outdoor Wine Bar Set. Personalize the ice bucket and wine glasses with his initials for a stylish and practical gift perfect for casual gatherings.
- Personalization Mall To My Husband Engraved Sandalwood Watch: Gift him a timeless keepsake with the Personalized Sandalwood Watch from Personalization Mall. Engrave a custom message on the back of this sandalwood watch, blending the traditional clock theme with a personal and heartfelt touch.
Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case
Alt text: Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case in blush pink, a chic and practical first anniversary gift for wives who love makeup and travel.
First Anniversary Gifts to Share: Celebrate Together
First anniversaries are also about celebrating your bond as a couple. Consider these shared gift ideas to enjoy together:
Experiences and Connection Gifts for Couples
- Questions for Couples Journal: Strengthen your connection and spark meaningful conversations with the “Questions for Couples Journal.” This journal provides prompts and topics for insightful discussions, perfect for couples of all ages and stages.
- 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster: Create fun and cozy date nights with the “100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster” from Uncommon Goods. Scratch off movies as you watch them together, from classics to new releases, making movie night an adventure.
- We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game Couples Edition: Test your knowledge of each other and deepen your bond with the “We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game Couples Edition.” This game encourages vulnerability and connection, perfect for couples looking to explore their relationship on a deeper level.
- Homesick New Home Candle: If you’ve recently moved into a new home together, the Homesick “New Home Candle” is a symbolic and comforting gift. With scents of musk, sandalwood, and lime, this candle creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in your shared space.
Digital Gift Card
Alt text: Mixtiles Digital Gift Card, a flexible first anniversary gift allowing couples to create personalized photo displays.
Creative and Interactive Gifts for Couples
- PuzzlesPrint Custom Puzzles: Engage in a fun and collaborative activity with PuzzlesPrint Custom Puzzles. Create a personalized puzzle using a favorite photo, such as a wedding picture or honeymoon snapshot, for a memorable and interactive gift.
- Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit: Create a unique and artistic keepsake with the Luna Bean Hands Casting Kit. Capture a moment in time by casting your hands together, symbolizing your unity and love.
- Two Become One Wedding Personalized Books: Relive your wedding memories with the “Two Become One Wedding Personalized Books” set. Customize two books with photos, names, and personality details to create a personalized story of your journey as a couple.
- Uncommon Goods Personalized Interlocking Hearts Trivet Set: While wood is traditionally for the fifth anniversary, this Personalized Interlocking Hearts Trivet Set from Uncommon Goods is a charming and practical gift for the first year. Engrave your shared last name on this set of interlocking trivets, symbolizing your intertwined lives.
- Simmered in Spice: Ethiopian Cooking Class: Expand your culinary horizons together with the “Simmered in Spice: Ethiopian Cooking Class” from Uncommon Goods. Learn to cook authentic Ethiopian dishes in this online class, creating delicious meals and shared experiences.
- Uncommon Goods The Anniversary Journal: Document your journey as a couple with “The Anniversary Journal” from Uncommon Goods. This journal provides prompts and space to record memories, photos, and aspirations for each anniversary, creating a lasting keepsake of your relationship.
Lemonade
Alt text: The Bouqs Co. Lemonade Bouquet featuring yellow and peach flowers, a traditional first anniversary flower gift symbolizing young love.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Anniversary Gifts
Why is paper the traditional first anniversary gift?
Paper symbolizes the early stages of marriage – delicate yet full of potential. As Lauren Kay, wedding expert at The Knot, explains, “Paper is a fitting start because the material is delicate, just like the early stages of your marriage. It’s also symbolic — blank pages are a reminder of this new chapter of your life as a married duo.” Gifting paper items represents the fresh start and the many stories yet to be written in your married life.
Do I have to stick to the traditional paper theme?
Absolutely not! While tradition offers a lovely starting point, modern couples often opt for gifts that are more personal and reflect their unique relationship. Jamie Kutchman Wynne, gift expert and founder of Marigold & Grey, emphasizes thoughtfulness over strict adherence to themes: “I’m a firm believer that [anything goes] as long as the gift is thoughtful, and therefore impactful.” The most important aspect is choosing a gift that resonates with your partner and celebrates your first year together in a meaningful way. Whether it’s an experience, a personalized item, or something completely different, the thought and sentiment behind the gift are what truly matter.
Olympia
Alt text: Framebridge Olympia gold and black frame, an elegant way to showcase paper anniversary gifts like wedding vows or photos.
Meet the Experts
- Jessica Sloane: Event Planner and Creative Director
- Lauren Kay: Executive Editor and Wedding Expert at The Knot
- Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil: Senior Partnerships Editor
- Kamari Stewart: Associate Editor
- Jamie Kutchman Wynne: Gift Expert and Founder of Marigold & Grey
Explore more gift ideas for every anniversary milestone on Shop TODAY, including fifth anniversary gifts, 10-year anniversary gifts, 20th anniversary gifts, and beyond.
