Your first wedding anniversary is a significant milestone in your new life together, warranting a thoughtful gift to commemorate the occasion. The traditional 1st anniversary gift is paper, symbolizing the fragility and blank slate of your newly formed union. While it may seem delicate, this gift category offers a range of affordable options.
Whether you’re seeking a special token for yourself or a meaningful present for loved ones, we’ve curated an assortment of unique and personalized ideas to help you find the perfect anniversary gift. We’ve also compiled an array of romantic date ideas to make your celebration even more unforgettable.
Wedding Venue Illustration
For the couple looking for a unique and sentimental 1st wedding anniversary keepsake, a hand-drawn wedding venue illustration is an ideal choice. This personalized memento allows you to relive the magic of your special day, whether it’s for yourselves or as a thoughtful gift for each other. You can discover stunning examples at renowned stationery stores like Little Ivory Weddings, Appleberry Press, Till Dawn Dear, Hannah Blake Art, and Dusty Boy Designs.
Alternatively, consider bespoke papercuts, such as the exquisite ‘Personalised Wedding Anniversary Papercut’ by THE PORTLAND CO, to truly make your anniversary gift stand out.
Custom Papercuts
Papercuts are intricate, handmade masterpieces crafted from a single sheet of paper or card. These delicate works of art can be personalized with meaningful details such as the couple’s shared surname and their special day’s anniversary. With a wide range of designs spanning from traditional to contemporary, enthusiasts can find an abundance of talented papercut artists on platforms like Etsy and Not On The High Street.
Some notable mentions include Miss Bespoke Papercuts, Mimi and Mae, Georgia Low, and BB Papercuts. For those looking for something unique, the Mates For Life Print from Uncommon Goods is a great starting point.
Vintage Style Prints
The ‘Mates For Life’ print by Jacqueline Schmidt is a charming collection of pairs from the natural world – land, sea, and sky. What makes this piece truly unique is its celebration of the idea that true love can be found between select species. The framed front page is particularly striking, making it a memorable addition to any room.
Newspaper Front Page
As you celebrate the most momentous day of your life – your wedding day – it’s hard to believe that amidst all the joy, laughter, and tears, there was another significant occurrence: the news of your union! While it may not have been a global phenomenon, you can relive the memories of that special day with a unique, framed front page edition that highlights the date you exchanged your vows. This sentimental keepsake serves as a beautiful reminder of the love and commitment you share.
To add an extra touch of elegance, consider pairing it with a calligraphy quote from Fluid Calligraphy, featuring words of wisdom or a heartfelt message to make this memento truly unforgettable.
Calligraphy Handwritten Quotes, Poems, Letters or Vows
Infuse your daily routine with meaningful symbols of love and commitment by transforming cherished vows, quotes, or letters into beautifully crafted calligraphy prints. This unique way to preserve special moments allows you to surround yourself with the essence of those feelings every day. Consider commissioning a talented calligraphy artist like Irish-based Calligraphy by Laura to bring your treasured words to life on paper.
Alternatively, find inspiration in creative expressions like the Date Night Jar by GTKY on Etsy, which beautifully encapsulates the art of cherishing and celebrating love in everyday moments.
Date Night Jar
I was thrilled when my bridesmaids surprised me with a thoughtful gift on my hen party – a jar filled with creative date ideas! To replicate this special gesture for your 1st wedding anniversary, fill a recycled container with 52 fun activities to enjoy together as a couple. Some of my top picks include watching a drive-in movie under the stars, gazing up at the celestial map, going on a glamping adventure, and sharing a romantic picnic followed by a home-cooked dinner.
A Couples Cookbook
When it comes to finding a thoughtful gift for a newly married couple celebrating their first anniversary, a cookbook is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide inspiration for future culinary adventures together, but it also serves as a symbol of their shared love and commitment to cooking and sharing meals as one.
Among the countless options available, we particularly recommend the comprehensive guide by Martha Stewart, The Newlywed Table by Maria Zizka, or Just Married: A Cookbook for Newlyweds by Caroline Chambers. To make the gift even more special, consider pairing it with a heartfelt gesture, such as a personalized card like Reasons I Love You Cards by Marta Brook.
Reasons I Love You Cards
In the midst of celebrating a milestone anniversary, it’s easy to get caught up in planning a grand gesture. However, what if we told you that sometimes it’s the smallest, most thoughtful expressions of love that have the greatest impact? Enter our Little Box of Love, a charming keepsake filled with sweet note cards and hidden envelopes, each one designed to capture a unique reason why you adore your partner or share a cherished memory from your first year together.
Whether it’s a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for being an incredible support system or a playful reminder of that time you surprised them with their favorite meal, these little notes have the power to bring joy and closeness back into your relationship.
A Fun Framed Print
A thoughtful wedding anniversary gift, prints offer an unparalleled level of personalization. With millions of options to choose from, couples can find a unique piece that reflects their love story, interests, and personalities. Whether it’s a vintage-style map with special locations marked, a custom illustration featuring inside jokes and memorable moments, or a beautiful piece of artwork showcasing the couple’s names and dates, prints provide endless possibilities for customization.
This makes them an excellent choice for any anniversary year, as they can be tailored to suit each individual couple’s tastes and preferences.
First Dance Lyrics
Capture the enchantment of your first dance as you exchange vows with a unique piece of framed art that immortalizes the lyrics to your special song. Online marketplaces like Etsy and Not On The High Street offer a wide range of stunning options, each one a treasured memento of your love story.
For instance, the Origami Wall Clock by Nellianna on Etsy is a beautiful example of how you can turn your first dance moment into a functional piece of art that will become a conversation starter in your home.
Origami Wall Clock
Intricately blending traditional charm with modern flair, Nellianna’s contemporary paper clock design beautifully commemorates the passage of time, making it a unique and thoughtful 1st anniversary gift. The intricate details and craftsmanship that go into this piece make it truly special, and it can be found on Etsy.
Custom Vintage Advertisement
Imaginative artistry meets personalized flair with Alexander & Co’s vintage-inspired creations. These unique pieces seamlessly incorporate cherished details like names, special dates, and meaningful venues, making them extraordinary gifts for those who adore the charm of yesteryear. Meanwhile, Martha Brook’s Reveal Wheel offers an innovative way to share life’s most memorable moments – a thoughtful present that’s sure to delight.
Reveal Wheel
Reveal the significance of that special person in your life by gifting them a thoughtful and creative DIY craft kit from My Papercut Forest. This unique gift, designed by Marta Brook, is an innovative 1st wedding anniversary card alternative that allows you to express your heartfelt feelings in a one-of-a-kind way.
A DIY Papercraft Kit
While there are many excellent paper craft kits available for purchase, one particularly charming option is inspired by the classic ‘ship in a bottle’ theme. The nautical-themed kit offers a delightful twist on this timeless concept. You can find more information about it here.
A Romantic Book
For couples who share a love for literature, a thoughtful addition to their bookshelf can be a beautifully curated collection of romantic poetry or a charming coffee table book. Among our top picks are ‘Love Letters of Great Men’, ‘Love Letters of Great Women’, and Pablo Neruda’s timeless ‘Love Poems’. These literary treasures not only showcase the beauty of language but also provide a unique insight into the hearts and minds of those who have come before us.
And, as an added touch of whimsy, a personalized star map can be the perfect accompaniment to this romantic trifecta.
Custom Star Map
Make your anniversary a celestial celebration with a unique gift that’s out of this world. Commission a custom print featuring the precise position of the stars on your special day, transporting you back to the moment when love shone bright. You can find such magical creations at The Night Sky or Etsy, and enhance the romantic gesture with personalized stationery from Hello Snowflake.
Personalised Notecards
At One Fab Day, we’re stationery enthusiasts who adore personalized social stationery for couples. These thoughtful gifts are perfect for romantic letter-writers or those who need a quick thank-you note fix. We’ve discovered some stunning modern notecard sets at Hello Snowflake, Papier, and Etsy, which can be customized with the couple’s first names, initials, or monogrammed with their new married surname.
For a non-personalized touch, Smythson’s offers an exquisite range of handcrafted correspondence cards. Additionally, Butler & Hill’s personalized jigsaw puzzles make for a unique and memorable gift.
Personalised Jigsaws
As people spend more time at home, the popularity of jigsaw puzzles is experiencing a resurgence. With countless options available, ranging from adorable to extremely challenging, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to make it even more special, consider creating your own custom puzzle featuring your favorite photos or maps. Websites like Photo Puzzle and Bags of Love offer personalized photo puzzles, while Butler & Hill provides customized map puzzles.
In today’s digital age, it’s refreshing to see a traditional hobby experiencing a revival.
Telegram
Surprise your loved one with an old-fashioned telegram that’s both a meaningful gesture and a cherished memento. In lieu of a traditional greeting card, this unique approach will surely delight the recipient, making it a lovely way to celebrate special occasions like anniversaries. Imagine the joy on their face when they receive a sweet message delivered in the style of days gone by!
Ogham Wish
For couples who exchanged vows in Ireland or have Irish heritage, the Ogham Wish holds a special significance. This ancient Celtic script, dating back to the earliest known form of writing in Ireland, offers a unique way to commemorate your love story. Consider gifting your partner a personalized Ogham Wish creation, infusing it with the emotional depth and symbolism that speaks to your bond.
A Year Of Us Book
What we adore about this book is its unique concept – 365 prompts designed to spark everyday conversations. This lovely resource helps couples learn something new every day, fostering a deeper connection through lighthearted and heartfelt questions alike. To strengthen your bond, consider shopping this book online for a thought-provoking journey with your partner.
Professional Wedding Photo Book/ Album
If you’re like many couples, you may be putting off printing your cherished wedding photos or wondering where to start. Fear not! Wedding Albums is a professional service that can help you create beautiful, personalized keepsakes. Simply add some thoughtful captions and relive the magic of your special day with your partner.For those looking for more anniversary ideas by year, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list from 1-100.
