25 First Anniversary Gift Ideas Your Spouse Will Love

Anniversaries should be celebrated by spending extra time with the one you love and reminding them of how much they mean to you.  However, we know the planning leading up to the anniversary can be stressful. You may have a hard time coming up with the perfect anniversary gift or picking the right activity to celebrate your special day. And if it’s your first anniversary, you may feel even more pressured to get everything right. We’re here to help. We’ve made a list of the best first anniversary gift ideas, just for you. To find the right inspiration, pick a section below. 

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What Is The First Anniversary Gift?

Your first anniversary as a married couple is a momentous occasion. So what’s the best way to mark such an important milestone? The traditional first-anniversary gift is paper. Many couples choose to incorporate this theme into some part of the present. For example, they may include a bouquet of paper flowers, a long handwritten letter, or personalized cards

However, the modern first-anniversary gift is a clock, which commemorates the passage of time over this important first year. Whether you decide to stick to the traditional theme or the modern gift idea is up to you and what makes the most sense for your special day. It’s also great to consider personalized gifts—it’s something that will always leave a lasting impression and may become a treasured heirloom.

Paper Anniversary Gifts

These paper anniversary gifts make for special moments or even lifelong keepsakes. Something like a print of the lyrics to the song you two danced to at your wedding will make your partner feel all mushy. Or a custom photo book expressing how much you love them is even more romantic. The trick to giving the perfect gift is to make it personal. These paper anniversary gift ideas below will guide you as you pick something out. 

1. Wedding Art Print

A framed Art printIf you’re like many couples, you might be having a hard time not spending all your time reminiscing through your wedding photos. If that’s the case, turn your favorites into a beautiful art print to hang on the wall for all to see. When framed, this makes an excellent paper anniversary gift idea.

2. Paper Flowers

Supplies for a paper rose lie on the table.

Creating paper flowers for your paper anniversary makes for a sweet gesture that your partner is sure to love. Simply cut out the “petals” from construction paper and tape them one by one to the “stem” of the flower.

3. Personalized Journal

A personalized journal on a desk.

This sentimental gift works well for the paper tradition and doubles as a sweet keepsake. Customize a journal with your partner’s name, photos of the two of you, or something you know they’ll find exceptional. As an added touch, write a sweet note on the first page.

4. Paperweight 

A paperweight with a married coupleWhile not made of paper itself, a paperweight is a cute idea to help celebrate your paper anniversary. Personalize it with photos of the two of you and place it on top of your anniversary card. This gift idea doubles as a meaningful keepsake you can look back on for years to come.

5. Post-it Notes

A set of Post-it Notes that say love.This sweet yet straightforward anniversary idea can last all year long. First, create a set of personalized post-it notes to celebrate your paper anniversary. Then use them to leave cute notes for your significant other throughout your living space.

6. Personalized Napkins

A set of personalized wedding napkins with initials.Do you already have an anniversary gift in mind but still want to include something that matches the paper theme? Consider gifting your partner a set of customized napkins. Not only are they a sweet gesture, but they double as a useful gift.

First Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him

Looking for something for your husband? If so, we have you covered. Check out our top picks for first anniversary gifts for him below. And if you need a little extra inspiration, make sure to visit our additional resource on anniversary gifts for him

7. Photo Book 

Bride and groom in photo book.

Photobooks make up one of the best anniversary gifts of all time, but these are especially perfect for the first anniversary. Create a photo book celebrating your first year together. Or if you don’t already have a wedding photo book, use this as your opportunity to make one.

8. Pencil Holder

Pen and pencil holder with grooms.

A personalized pen and pencil holder is a great way to make sure he always has a reminder of your love while he’s working. Upload a unique photo of the two of you for a memorable gift he can use every day. 

9. Custom Phone Case

Custom ipone case with wedding photosWhether he needs a new phone case or you know he loves a particular photo of the two of you– you can use that opportunity to make something for him that’s as useful as it is cute. Check out our custom iPhone cases and custom iPhone 12 cases for design inspiration or to get started creating. 

10. Personalized Growler

A set of custom growlers for a gift idea.

If he’s a master brewer or a general fan of beer, a custom growler makes an excellent gift idea. Personalize it with your new last name or your combined initials. Then make sure to fill it with his favorite brew for something he’ll treasure.

1st Anniversary Gift Ideas For Her

Picking the perfect 1st-anniversary gift idea for your wife should be fun, not stressful. That’s why we’ve picked out the anniversary gift ideas below. They’re not just something she’ll love, but something you can easily enjoy putting together. Check them out here:

11. Memory Box

memory box filled with letters, pictures, and mementos

A memory box is a great way to store meaningful or significant mementos like favorite photos from your wedding. You can create your own DIY memory box and as you go through many moments and different exciting periods together, this is a great way to make those last longer and occasionally remind yourself of what you went through. This makes them the perfect first-anniversary gift for her. 

12. Personalized Candle

A personalized candle with a photo and the word love.

If your wife loves candles use your anniversary as an excuse to get her something extraordinary. These personalized candles let you add your favorite photos along with a sweet message. Additionally, you can pick her favorite scent from a variety of options.  

13. First Christmas Ornament

A glass photo ornament and Shutterfly silk bag.

If your anniversary is near the Holidays, consider commemorating your first Christmas together with this adorable anniversary idea. Simply customize a photo ornament with your favorite photo together for a gift she’s sure to love. 

14. Engraved Jewelry

A set of cute engraved bar necklaces.

Gift her something she’ll love to show off: an engraved necklace. Personalize it with her name or a short and sweet message. Include it with a sweet letter to help you celebrate your first year together and toast to many more.

15. Keepsake Box

A cute keepsake box to be used as a gift.

These keepsake boxes are made from oak wood with a mahogany lacquer finish. With added design and photos, she’ll love unwrapping this anniversary gift. Include an anniversary note inside the box to complete this gift idea.

First Anniversary Gift Ideas For Couple

If you’re looking for the right gift to give a couple to help them celebrate their first anniversary, we want to help. That’s why we’ve made a list of our top picks for first-anniversary gift ideas for a couple. You can find them below:

16. Wine + Wine Tote

A set of cute wine tote designs.

If you know the couple loves a nice bottle of wine, take the gift to the next level by adding a custom wine tote. It’s a unique touch that lets them know you put time and thought into the present. Choose from photos to personalized messages and then pick up a bottle of their favorite label.

17. Luggage Tags

adventure awaits luggage tagsLuggage tags make a practical gift for couples. Personalized luggage tags take that useful idea and turn it into something they’ll love. Whether they’re planning an upcoming trip or you’re gifting them these as encouragement, they’ll appreciate this gift idea. 

18. Custom Pillows 

Indoor pillows for an anniversary giftIf you’re trying to find the perfect gift for new homeowners who are also newlyweds, these custom photo pillows will do just the trick. After all, nothing shows you care like the gift of personalized comfort. Click the image to start creating. 

19. Tea Towel

A set of cute tea towels for the kitchen.

Tea towels are a traditional housewarming gift, but they also double as a cute idea for anniversaries. Customize a set of tea towels for the couple for something they’ll display in their kitchen right away. And for an added bonus, include a new recipe for them to try out.

Other First Anniversary Gift Ideas

Searching for a few more examples of gift inspiration? Then make sure to visit our resource on personalized gifts, or check out the ideas listed below. No matter what gift you choose, it’s the sentiment behind it that matters. From unique paper prints and classic clocks to fun custom presents—and everything in between—we’ve got you covered.

20. Personalized Frame

A personalized frame that says "love"These personalized frames help you bring your favorite memories from your first year of marriage to life. Pick a design, a sweet photo, and include a sentimental message for your loved one. They’re guaranteed to love it. 

21. Custom Magnets

A set of custom wooden magnets for a happy couple.

When you’re looking for something small, custom photo magnets make for a cute anniversary gift idea. They’ll love having these special mementos on the fridge. Pick from a variety of types, sizes, and designs to find the right match for you.

22. Photo Coasters

A set of four custom coasters with cute designsPhoto coasters are as useful as they are beautiful. They’re great for cocktails or hot drinks, with no-slip cork backing and a variety of gorgeous designs. Pair them with a set of cocktail glasses to take your gift to the next level.

23. Canvas Print 

A canvas print for a married coupleHave you had the chance to print an elegant canvas print from your engagement or wedding photos? If not, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Not only will your partner love it, but you’ll also have a lifelong keepsake.

24. Custom Address Labels

A set of new address labels.

While updating your household stationary after the wedding may seem like an annoying task, you can quickly turn it into something special. Order custom address labels for your anniversary to help you and your spouse get excited about the many years to come.

25. A Vacation

travel photo book

Sometimes the best gift you can give your significant other is the gift of time. Have you both been wanting to explore a new country? Or are you thinking that a relaxing week on the beach might be more your speed? Whatever trip you chose can quickly become the most meaningful anniversary gift, even if you can’t wrap it with a bow.

Resources Related To 1st Anniversary Ideas

As you celebrate this special 1st wedding anniversary, reflect on both the delicate and hardy aspects of your marriage and your love for one another. If you liked this resource on first-anniversary gift ideas and you’re looking for more inspiration, we have you covered. Check out our related ideas below: