The 28 Best First-Anniversary Gift Ideas for 2021

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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 1st-anniversary gift is considered to be paper, while the modern gift is a clock, which commemorates the passage of time over this important first year. It's also great to consider a personalized gift—it's something that will always leave a lasting impression and may become a treasured heirloom.

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.

Read on for the best 1st-anniversary gift for every couple.

Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map

Star Poster — Courtesy of Finch and Cotter

Capture the night that the stars aligned with this custom map. The poster features a snapshot of the night sky on the evening of your wedding and is customizable with ink color and font choices to make it personal.

Journey Print Shop Custom Anniversary Art

If you and your beau have traveled near and far to special places close to your heart, this custom art is the perfect way to illustrate your journey as a couple. Choose the maps you’d like to feature along with names and a date for a sweetly sentimental piece of artwork that captures the road to love.

Uncommon Goods The Anniversary Journal

It might be your 1st-anniversary, but there are so many more to come! This journal lays it all with custom pages that make it easy to capture all the special moments of your love. As a special keepsake, this book makes it easy to revisit every memory and milestone as you move through life together.

Create Your Own Reel Viewer

Take a walk back down the aisle with this retro toy. Customized with favorite memories from the big day, this is a gift that will bring back those wedding day vibes.

Lea Redmond "Letters to My Love"

Nothing spells romance like handwritten love letters. This keepsake collection of aerograms is meant to be filled with all the sweetest sentiments to your one true love—words that will be cherished forever, no matter where the road may take you.

Nellianna Origami Wall Clock

The traditional and modern 1st-anniversary gifts meet in this delicate paper clock. This contemporary design displays intricate craftsmanship and comes in a range of fresh colors that will suit any decor.

Love Poems

This petite book compiles some of the truest sentiments of romance. From ancient poets to modern masters, these words, immortalized on paper, will capture the feelings that send your heart aflutter.

Wreath Love Co. Personalized Wooden Clock

This personalized, modern clock marks a very special moment in time. Handcrafted out of birch wood, it comes with personalized engraving available in a range of different designs.

Jacqueline Schmidt Mates For Life Print

True love can be found anywhere— land, sea, or sky. Artist Jacqueline Schmidt illustrates those special species who have chosen to be mates for life. This whimsical print is ideal for the nature lover or romantic at heart.

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

Times puzzle — Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

The biggest news on the day you were married—your wedding of course! While it may not have made the front page of the New York Times, you can celebrate your special day with this custom front page puzzle which features the date you tied the knot.

Picture Poema Custom First Anniversary Couple's Portrait

Sure, you may have an album full of wedding photos from the big day, but a custom couple’s portrait is an extra special way of capturing the moment you said "I do!" This hand-illustrated portrait can be customized with everything from the flowers and favorite pets that were included on that special day.

Zaavy Anne Paper Anniversary Custom Paper Cut Portrait

This custom paper cut portrait from Etsy helps you show your sentiments with paper! This striking handmade artwork features a couple’s silhouette with personalized lettering that floats against a dreamy watercolor galaxy background.

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

All the memories closest to your heart are featured in this photo collage artwork from Minted. Customize it with favorite photos from your time as a couple or your first year together— this is a gift that will animate the heart!

Minted Your Vows as a Letterpress Art Print

The vows made on a wedding day are the deepest sentiments of love and commitment for your beloved— this is the perfect anniversary is a perfect time to revisit them. Instead of tucking them away, make them a part of your everyday! This letterpress print puts these meaningful words on to paper so you’ll always remember them.

DipintoAdArte House Number

If you and your partner have moved recently, this hand-painted ceramic house number is the perfect way to decorate and celebrate your new home. It's also a great housewarming gift–file away in your memory for the next time you're looking for something unique!

Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe

Still on cloud nine after a year of wedded bliss? This super-soft robe will keep you wrapped up in the dream. While this gift may not fall under the traditional or modern categories, it's something your spouse will be thrilled to put on every day.

Twine Boulevard Newlywed Anniversary Wine Carrier

Sentimental wines that mark a special milestone are meant to be saved and enjoyed down the road. Store special bottles in this pinewood box—it's sweetly illustrated with love birds who, just like you, are ready to savor every last drop!

Artifact Uprising Wedding Layflat Photo Album

A 1st-anniversary is the perfect time to revisit memories from your wedding day. Fill this customizable album with wedding photos or fun, candid snapshots from the celebration.

Made By Rheal Palette Swatch Woven Art Throw

This woven cotton throw will add a painterly touch to a bed or sofa. Lightweight, yet warm, it's the perfect thing to cozy up under for an evening of Netflix together.

Timex Weekender 40

They say that some people wear their heart on their sleeve, and while that may be true, wearing an engraved watch on your wrist is seriously sentimental. This sporty watch is a classic piece that can be inscribed with a message of love.

Estelle Colored Glass Cakestand

Traditionally, the couple enjoys a piece of their wedding cake on their 1st anniversary. Whether you froze a portion of it or are recreated the flavors in a fresh cake for the occasion, you'll want to serve it in style. This hand-blown stand is perfect to show off the special dessert—and many more to come.

Paper Rose Co. Paperversary Bouquet

Wishing you had more than just pictures of the dreamy flowers from your big day? Now you can! Immortalized your wedding bouquet with this whimsical paper version. Just the right gift for your paper anniversary.

Mark and Graham Sarah Chloe Homme Square Cufflinks

Every guy needs a great pair of cufflinks and a first anniversary is a perfect excuse to give them to him! This pair is made of sterling silver with a custom monogrammed so he’ll know that these cufflinks, like you, will always be his.

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

The first year of marriage has left you with stories to tell—and now you can! This modern photo book lets you create a collection of images for every season or year, with customizable options for format, design, and personalization. With so many memories of an epic year, this gift will be one you’ll revisit again and again.

Aili Jewelry Diamond Heart Necklace

This delicate gold necklace says it all. The diamonds represent the strength of love and fidelity—she'll wear it every day and think of you.

Big Agnes Cabin Creek Double Sleeping Bag

Do you and your partner love to get out in nature on the weekends? This double sleeping bag accommodates the two of you in comfort without adding too much weight or bulk to your backpack.

Cuisinart 18-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cellar

For the couple that’s really into wine, this state-of-the-art, temperature-adjustable wine fridge is the perfect anniversary gift for you both to enjoy! With its sleek, modern profile, you’d never believe this gadget holds up to 18 bottles.

AirBnB Gift Card

Want to surprise your partner with an impromptu first anniversary trip? This AirBnB gift card will be an opportunity go explore a new city or visit somewhere you already love.

Final Verdict

A personalized gift will always make a big impression. We love the Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map and Journey Print Shop's Custom Anniversary Art as unique gifts that will brighten up your walls (they also check the box for the traditional first-anniversary gift of paper). If you're looking to follow the modern recommendation of a clock for this anniversary, you can't go wrong with a chic version like the Nellianna Origami Wall Clock or the Wreath Love Co. Personalized Wooden Clock.

What to look for in an anniversary gift

When it comes to choosing an anniversary gift, the more personal and unique the gift, the better. It shows that you've gone the extra mile and are commemorating a moment that's special to the two of you. It's fun to play up the traditional and modern gifts for each year as well. At the end of the day, a gift with sentimental meaning (along with a thoughtful card!) shows your partner how much you appreciate them.

How to celebrate an anniversary

Anniversaries are special occasions—so don't be afraid to go over the top! That can mean different things for each couple. You might want to go out for a fancy dinner or choose to cook a romantic meal at home. It's also a great idea to plan a getaway together, even if it's just for a few days. Something as simple as breakfast in bed or a hike through nature can also make the day feel special.

Why trust Brides?

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world— and web— hunting down that just right object for over 15 years as a prop stylist. Read: she’s seen just about everything when it comes to gifts! With a discerning eye and astute mind, she considers quality, function, and design when she’s vetting products. Plus, she loves giving thoughtful gifts and is a romantic at heart.