You've gone on your honeymoon, moved in together and spent your first holidays as a married couple, but now it's time to celebrate your first wedding anniversary.
Whether you're gifting your partner or looking for something special for your coupled-up friends (especially if you missed out on their wedding registry), we've got the best gifts to celebrate a one-year anniversary.
What is the theme for the first wedding anniversary?
While modern couples tend to cohabitate before marriage, the first anniversary sets the tone for future anniversaries. Paper is traditionally gifted for the first wedding anniversary because it symbolizes “the blank page your new marriage gives you,” says event planner and creative director Jessica Sloane. More modern couples, however, tend to commemorate the occasion with a clock “to mark the time you’ve spent together,” she adds.
When it comes to anniversary gifting, Sloane recommends highlighting the special day with a photo book or a personalized object. “For couples who wrote their own vows or had a meaningful reading during their ceremony, consider getting that framed,” she adds.
First anniversary gifts for her
Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Album
This bestselling box comes with big surprises. She won’t expect it’s a pop-out photo album before opening it. Personalize it with your favorite memories and special moments.
“This photo book is perfect! It’s so cute and well made and unique, and it shipped so quickly!” one shopper said about its quality.
Rarton Custom 3D Photo Lamp
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a personalized photo lamp. The lamp can be personalized with a picture of you, which comes with a 3D plate and an engraving on the base. Be forewarned, this custom photo gift might make your spouse cry as soon as she sees it.
Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Apron
If she’s the type that loves collecting kitchen tools and preparing fancy meals, gift your wife this personalized apron. She won’t have to worry about occasional spills or stains any longer! It comes in 10 different colors and the personalization makes it extra special.
Lion Latch (Set of 3)
If your wife doubles as a fitness fanatic and doesn't want to switch to a silicone ring during workouts, this viral, waterproof and airtight travel jewelry holder is a quick solution. Simply place the accessory inside the container, put the lid on and secure it in place. This set comes with three so she can leave one in her gym bag, one in her favorite purse and even hooked onto her keys.
Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set
Elevate her hosting skills with this efficient charcuterie board set. You can personalize the board with your names and add even your wedding date. Aside from solving any small counter space issues, it also comes with initialed specialty knives, slates, markets and a wine opener.
Monogram Custom Stanley Quencher
A new last name means new initials! Sure, she’s updated all the important documents, but what about having a little fun with it? Stanley offers customization options that allow you to monogram her initials onto her favorite water bottle, in a number of different colors and fonts.
Mark & Graham Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case
For the wife who leaves her makeup around, give her a chic cosmetic case to keep all her beauty essentials. With a timeless design, interior compartment and durable material, this makes the perfect makeup bag for the spouse that can't leave home without her skin care and lipstick collection.
Mixtiles Gift Card
For photos and frames that won't damage your walls, Mixtiles has got you covered. Made with self-adhesive foam board that can be placed and taken down between moves, they are great for easy gallery wall switch-ups and living room rearrangements, giving your giftee(s) the ability to add to their photo wall for years to come.
The Bouqs Co. Lemonade
For the sweet woman with a passion for petals, this luxury floral arrangement will add a pop of color to her night table. The box features different sunny tones of classic flowers, including carnations, the traditional first anniversary flower symbolizing "the promise of young, passionate love."
Framebridge Olympia
"My husband and I have only been married for about two years, but so far we’ve stuck with the traditional anniversary gift themes. For our first wedding anniversary, my husband got creative with the paper theme by framing our handwritten vows (yes, he somehow had the foresight to save them after our ceremony and hide them from me!)," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil.
She says he used this exact frame which has an elegant, shadow-box style.
Fortune & Frame Flowered Vines Fortune Locket
She'll feel super fortunate to have you when you give her this thoughtful necklace. Personalize it with a message or place an old fortune cookie paper she has saved.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark
If she always has her head in a book, she’ll appreciate this heart-shaped bookmark where sentimentality and practicality meet. It can be engraved with her initials, a symbol or a custom message just for her.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart was recently gifted this bookmark for her one year anniversary and can’t stop raving about it: “It’s perfect for readers and has a bit of weight to it, too, which I was surprised by. I’m so excited to use it with my next read.”
Tiny Tags Square Personalized Locket
Help her wear her heart on her sleeve — or around her neck, in this case. Make it even more special by adding your favorite photos into the locket before gifting it to her. You can also personalize the outside with an initial and short message!
First anniversary gifts for him
Personalized Gift Glass Art
If you share a special song with your spouse, remind him of the lyrics with this artistic gift. Add a special photo and personalize it with your wedding song or favorite album. This is one item that he will keep close to his desk.
Custom Home Portrait
“In keeping with the paper theme, I got my husband a custom print of our new home. There a bunch of great businesses on Etsy and beyond who offer similar services in different styles — and often you can even add a furry friend on the doorstep for an even more personal touch!" says Cocchi Zabloudil.
Manly Bands The Best Man
For the husband who enjoys a good workout yet despises the damage done to his ring, gift him with this silicone ring that will still show off his married status while protecting his precious metal. Available in sizes 5-17 and measuring in at eight millimeters thick, it won't deteriorate no matter how hard the exercise.
Home Wet Bar Oakmont Personalized Globe Decanter Set
Is your spouse into liquor? Update his home bar with this glamorous decanter set featuring a set of glasses. The item is definitely a conversation starter when guests start looking at the globe.
Yeti 26-Ounce Rambler Water Bottle
Your man needs to stay hydrated, too! YETI has released a number of new colors recently, including this fiery red, forest green, Barbiecore pink and lavender. Choose to customize it with his initials, college mascot, hunting symbols and other insignias YETI provides.
Mark & Graham Customizable Leather Money Clip Wallet
Most guys are still rocking with the wallet they got in high school or early college. Gift him with this more professional, grown-up looking leather one that can also be monogrammed with his initials.
Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand
For the husband who loves to stand by the grill, this exclusive steak brand will elevate his meals. Personalize it with his initials and make him feel special every time he cooks. Who knows? Maybe he will start his own steakhouse business.
Mark & Graham Outdoor Wine Bar Set
Cool down the Chardonnay in this wine bar set from Mark & Graham. You can personalize the ice bucket and wine glasses with his initials — a perfect combo for casual entertainment. Also, avoid spill accidents with the low center gravity of the glasses.
Personalization Mall To My Husband Engraved Sandalwood Watch
As a traditional anniversary gift, the watch will not only tell time but also a special note. Every time he takes it off, he will read your custom message on the back. The watch is made of sandalwood and comes with engraving options for your sweetheart.
First anniversary gifts to share
Questions for Couples Journal
Create meaningful conversations and build a connection with your partner through this journal. The book encompasses fun questions and topics for an insightful discussion with your spouse.
"We’re a couple in our sixties, so this isn’t only for newlyweds, it's for ALL-weds. Highly recommend and a lot of the questions could be used to strengthen friendship and family relationships too," shared one verified reviewer.
100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
From classics and children's movies to box office hits and comfort films, this poster allows you to check off movies, sequels, trilogies and full-on series. Whether you're in need of a new chill date-night idea or looking to switch up what you're watching each night after dinner, Uncommon Goods has got you covered. The company also has more specific genres available, such as horror and sci-fi.
We're Not Really Strangers Card Game Couples Edition
Now that you're one year into marriage, you may think that you're close with your partner, but put your knowledge and trust to the test with the couples edition of the hit card game "We're Not Really Strangers."
Homesick New Home Candle
You checked off getting married last year, but this year presents a fresh set of milestones as you embark on your first anniversary. Perhaps, you bought your first house together, further solidifying your commitment to each other. This candle from the brand Homesick will make you feel quite the opposite when you light it in your new home, thanks to scents of musk, sandalwood, lime and more layered within.
Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit
This TikTok hidden gem is an artistic gift for the cultured, creative couple. All you need to do is dip your hands together or surprise your spouse with a sculpture of your hand holding their engagement ring or wedding band.
PuzzlesPrint Custom Puzzles
For stay-at-home nights, engage your man in a fun puzzle game. He will enjoy finding each piece to connect your smile and the memorable past. All you need is some wine and start connecting the tiny images.
Two Become One Wedding Personalized Books
Keep the memories alive with this personalized book set. The package comes with two books — one for each of you — and can be customized with photos, names and personality types. This is a great way to show your love for your partner while reminding them how you met.
The Ceremony Club Our First Year Photo Album
Has your first year of marriage been jam-packed with photo-worthy adventures and moments? Keep them all in one spot with this designated album that holds up to 200 photos.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Interlocking Hearts Trivet Set
While wood is typically reserved for the fifth anniversary, this sweet trinket is too hard to pass up. Personalization is synonymous with sentimental, and with the option to engrave your new shared last name on it, this will be a gift you’ll both remember (and use) forever.
Simmered in Spice: Ethiopian Cooking Class
If one thing that you both love to do together is make a home-cooked meal, add more recipes to your arsenal after this authentic Ethiopian cooking class. Taught by chef and entrepreneur Eleni Woldeyes, you'll unpack the complex flavors of the "Fragrant Region" through three traditional meatless dishes over the hour-long class.
Reminisce It Wedding Card Keepsake Book
Let's be honest — wedding cards hold a lot of sentiment, but they also take up space. Simply send your cards to Reminisce It and they'll make photocopies of each one (front and the inside), conserving each one into a coffee table book you'll cherish for many years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Aside from tradition, paper is very symbolic and a major milestone in your relationship. "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," says executive editor and wedding expert at The Knot, Lauren Kay.
There are many ways to celebrate this traditional anniversary with paper-related items. Kay recommends gifting stationery, concert tickets, a book, a printed photo from your honeymoon or a heartfelt art object.
You don't have to cling to traditional gifts! Couples can also reminisce with something more personal or splurge on a vacation. "I’m a firm believer that [anything goes] as long as the gift is thoughtful, and therefore impactful," shares Jamie Kutchman Wynne, gift expert and founder of Marigold & Grey.
Kutchman Wynne noted that while most loved ones don't keep up with a couple's wedding anniversary after the ceremony and reception, giving them a unique gift to toast their first year together is a thoughtful move if the couple didn't have a wedding registry in the first place. "They’re choosing gifts that most pertain to the couple and what they might enjoy versus being confined to gifting based on the number of years together."
Meet the experts
- Jessica Sloane is an event planner, creative director, designer and stylist based in Nashville.
- Jamie Kutchman Wynne is the founder and CEO of Marigold & Grey. She is based in Washington, D.C.
- Lauren Kay is the executive editor of The Knot and The Bump. She is based in New York City.
Don't forget to check out Shop TODAY's other gift guides to find the perfect present for every anniversary milestone including five years, 10 years, 20 years and more.
