1st wedding anniversary gift ideas

First anniversary ideas. Outline of the number 1 (for 1st anniversary) filled pieces of paper (for the traditional 1st anniversary gift) against a turquoise background

Traditional: Paper

Modern: Clocks

Read on for unique ideas for giving 1st anniversary gifts—as well writing anniversary messages and celebrating the happy occasion.

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1st anniversary gifts and ideas for spouses  

What to give

Budget

  • Grab a pen and some stationery and write the kind of love letter that will be tucked away forever. Need help getting started? Try these tips from Hallmark writer Keely Chace.
  • Give a book of romantic “love coupons,” purchased or homemade, that can be redeemed for back rubs, chores or other favors.
  • Give your mate a pack of beautiful stationery.

 

Splurge

  • Get matching smart watches or find an antique or vintage clock for your wall or mantel.
  • Take out a full-page ad in the local newspaper wishing your partner a happy anniversary and sharing your love for him or her with the world.

What to write

What to write in a 1st anniversary card

  • “This first year has been so full of love—I can’t wait to see where the other years take us!”
  • “When I saw you on our wedding day, my heart was bursting with love…and somehow I love you even more a year later.”
  • “Everything I fell in love with is still there, and in this past year, I’ve found even more reasons to love you.”

 

What to write about in a 1st anniversary love letter

  • Your favorite memory from this past year
  • What you’ve learned about your partner this year
  • A goal (or wish or promise) for your next year of marriage

 

How to celebrate

  • Relive your honeymoon at home (recreate your favorite meals and the ambiance of the restaurant) or by visiting restaurants and attractions, if they’re nearby.
  • Don’t forget to eat that cake you froze from your wedding day. (Or, if you didn’t, track down a cake that’s similar to your wedding cake and feed each other a slice.)
  • Print out your vows on paper—the traditional first anniversary gift—and frame them.

1st anniversary gifts and ideas for friends and family  

What to give
  • People appreciate personalization, so give note cards or stationery printed with the couples’ names or initials. A pack of stamps makes a thoughtful addition.
  • Print your favorite wedding photo and send it in the perfect paper anniversary gift—a card.
  • Give a subscription to a magazine or newspaper you think they’d both enjoy.

 

What to write

  • “Hope today is the perfect excuse to drop everything else and focus on the two of you.”
  • “So happy to have shared your special day a year ago—here’s to a beautiful couple!”
  • “May your love and happiness grow, year after year!”

 

Looking for more anniversary gift ideas? Check out our anniversary gifts by year page. Or see our 85+ anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the day you said “I do.”