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7 Best Gift Ideas for 1st Year Anniversary That Are Unique and Personal

7 Best Gift Ideas for 1st Year Anniversary That Are Unique and Personal

March 29, 2024 by Giving Assistant Editorial Team

Coming so soon after the wedding date, the first anniversary seems to creep up fast on everyone. Traditionally, first anniversary gifts are paper – maybe because paper symbolizes the fragility of marriage vows, or perhaps because so many blow the budget on wedding gifts. 

Whether or not you choose to go with paper, there’s a lot to be considered in order to be sure you get your spouse, your friends, or your loved ones a perfect gift that they will always cherish and remember.

Our wedding anniversary gift ideas guide can help you to know what it is that you need to look for and how you can find the best first anniversary gifts possible.

The Best 1st Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for 2023

1. Personalized Black & White Street Sign – Framed

Beautiful personalized street sign

There are a lot of unique pieces of art out there and couples are always looking for wedding anniversary gift ideas that include home décor. This beautiful personalized street sign is actually a really cool addition to any couple’s walls. The black and white street signs are set against a cool grey sky.

The photograph is framed in a lovely black wooden frame and measures 24” by 18”. The lines on each of the two street signs have space for 25 characters, so you can put the couple’s names or whatever else that you’d like to have on there.

2. Personalized Anniversary Chronicle Canvas Print- 12″ x 18″

Personalize wood frame bars

This anniversary chronicle takes the first anniversary gift to a literal conclusion, by making a beautiful print that looks just like a newspaper! It can be personalized with their married names and their wedding day.

Then, the chronicle takes it to the next level and puts all sorts of cool information on this paper anniversary gift, including top movies, sports, and songs, who was in office, headlines in the news, and even cost of living changes. The finished canvas is 12” by 18” and stretched on wood frame bars so that this keepsake is ready to hang when it arrives.

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3. Couples’ Heart Glass Christmas Ornament

Particular ornament heart made from glass

A couple’s first Christmas or first wedding anniversary is the very best time to get a lovely Christmas ornament to memorialize the occasion. This particular ornament is a heart ornament made from glass, measuring 4 inches by 3 inches in size. It can be a personalized keepsake with the married couples’ names or wedding year.

You’ll have to assemble it when it arrives (it has a suction cup and a ribbon), but it’s a simple process.

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4. A Love to Last Anniversary Double Opening Frame

White frame with gold foil detailing

Frames that the married couple can use in order to show off their favorite wedding photos are the perfect option when you’re buying a 1st anniversary gift.

This white frame with gold-foil detailing can be personalized with whatever words you wish, and with names, a good message, and the date of the wedding. It fits two 4 by 6 wedding photos inside of it.

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5. Hello, Will You, I Do, Art Print, 1st Anniversary Wedding Gift

Commemorating dates piece shows off three maps

Commemorating dates is a fun way to put together a gift, and the Hello, Will You, I Do art print is a fantastic first anniversary gift idea to do just that.

This piece shows off three maps, pointing out where the couple first met, where they got engaged, and where they got married. Then, underneath, they are able to note the dates when each of these events occurred.

6. Happy 1st Anniversary Open Beach Window Card

Custom greeting cards

Custom greeting cards are always a fun gift, especially if you’re in a situation where you can’t spend as much on a gift as you’d like. This window card is a thoughtful option that allows you to choose what dates you’d like on the beach scene and gives you plenty of room to write a message.

The paper used in this card is matte, so it’s incredibly simple to write on and you don’t have to worry about smudging anything while you write. Plus, it looks cute, which any couple would enjoy.

7.  Why I’m Grateful for You Fill in the Love® Book

Little book fill in the blank spots

If you’re giving a gift to your spouse for your 1st year anniversary, this little book is a solid option to explore. It has all sorts of fill in the blank spots, complete with ideas and thoughts related to how and why you love your significant other.

You can make this lovely love letter as appreciative, affirming, and loving as you wish – and your spouse will be able to keep it on hand for when they need a reminder of your love. 

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Our Guide to 1st Year Anniversary Gift Ideas

Paper, paper, and more paper

The 1st anniversary is the paper anniversary, and paper gifts (like paper meche items, cards, and other such things) are the best options for your lovebirds. There are a lot of fun paper anniversary gifts that you can find that aren’t fragile items either. Look for unique paper products and gifts during your search and you’re sure to find something fun for their first wedding anniversary. 

Check their wedding registry

In some cases, the wedded couple may not have taken down their wedding registry yet. In those cases, it’s likely that they didn’t get everything that they wanted or needed for their homes. If it’s still up there, then you can use that as a guide as to what might be the best gifts to get them.

Ask if they need anything

Your favorite newlyweds may also have some things that they need that they didn’t realize that they needed until they were well into their first year of marriage. It could be something simple, or it could be a small appliance or something. If they have a need for something, take advantage of their anniversary and get them what they need.

More Anniversary Gifts You Might Like:

Traditional Gifts for First Year Anniversary Gifts

It’s the first year after their wedding, so it’s likely that you (and they) are still recovering from the financial end of their wedding. Because of that, you want to look for things that are more affordable and more practical.

We hope our gift guide has helped you to jog your creativity and to put together a first anniversary gift that your spouse, loved ones, or friends will enjoy.