The 50 Best First Anniversary Gifts of 2023

What We Like

Unique concept and design
Comes framed and ready to hang

What We Don't Like

The frame features a plastic front instead of glass

Calling all star-gazers and starry-eyed lovers! This custom poster features a gorgeous image of the night sky as it appeared on a certain date from a specific location. Underneath, you can add the place and date of the couple's wedding, their names, and even a sweet personalized phrase like "Written in the stars" or "Forever began here."

Our tester, Alyssa Kingham, was impressed with the design, which is available in three sizes. (For an additional $32, you can purchase the 16x20 size framed.) "The print is large, so it will be a focal point in any room I hang it," she notes. Kingham was also impressed with the print quality but was slightly disappointed with the frame. "For the price, I wish it had a glass front instead of plastic," she says. "Still, the personalized aspect of this piece makes up for any flaws."

Price at time of publish: $40

"I am in love with this print. The text is written clearly and the color of the star map is pretty spot-on to the emerald color I chose online. It's amazing to look at a snapshot of the night sky on my wedding day—it really brings me back to dancing under the stars on that special night." —Alyssa Kingham, Production Manager

Etsy

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What We Like

High quality print
Handmade frame

What We Don't Like

No gift wrap included

Has your love gone the distance? You can celebrate all of the places you've been together with this gorgeous piece. The design consists of a mountain range made from maps of the cities and countries you've visited. Add the caption of your choice above the illustration and your names and the date you got together below. The artwork is printed on painted white wood and encased in a beautiful handmade frame.

Editor Jesa Calaor used the print to commemorate several favorite locations she shares with her fiancé. "I personalized it with three locations that mean a lot to us," says Calaor. "I love how each mountain features a detailed terrain map." Calaor also noted that the piece is crafted from high-quality materials, which makes it an excellent heirloom gift.

Price at time of publish: $55

"This wooden map print is exactly what I'd hope it would be. It's very well-made and the print itself is very clear and detailed (no striping or uneven printing here). I'm planning to gift this map to my partner, who I'm sure will appreciate the quality and the thought behind the piece." —Jesa Calaor, Editor

Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Reel Viewer

Amazon

What We Like

Nostalgic
Fun to use
Crisp, clear photos

What We Don't Like

Each reel only houses 7 photos

If they only have eyes for you, make them a reel viewer they’ll never want to put down. Each reel holds seven of their favorite pictures of the two of you so they can cycle through memory lane whenever the mood strikes. If you can’t choose just seven photos, don’t worry. You can always order additional reels. Whether you include photos of your wedding night, your first vacation together, or special memories of moving into your first home together, this thoughtful and affordable gift is sure to make them smile.

Price at time of publish: $35

"Using this reel viewer made me feel like a kid again. The photos were clear and it was so fun to use!" —Alyssa Kingham, Production Manager

Minted

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The first year of marriage is a special time in a couple's life together—and this print, part of the exclusive Minted + Brides collection, will help commemorate it. Choose 12 favorite snapshots from throughout the year, from the romantic beach trip you took in February to the backyard barbecue you hosted in June. (It's also possible to personalize the text under the photos if you don't want to follow a monthly theme.) Minted will create a custom piece of art using a collage of vintage-style photo prints. The brand offers six sizes and a dozen frame styles to fit any aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $50

Candid shots work especially well for this collage. When you're choosing your images, look for a range of couple shots, environments (a favorite hotel or landmark you visited), and something unexpected. Consider adding images representing important milestones like adopting a pet, buying a house, or starting a business.

Personalization Mall

What We Like

Gift wrapping included
Stylish and sturdy

What We Don't Like

It's difficult to read the etched text

This personalized hourglass comes with the touching sentiment "Our love is timeless," and it's engraved with the couple's names and wedding date. It's a sweet and classy piece of décor that will remind them that time spent with your loved one is never wasted.

While an hourglass may seem like a somewhat old-fashioned anniversary gift, tester Araziel Jackson found that the shape and look of this one felt modern. She also liked the effect of the white sand in the hourglass: "There seemed to be bits of sparkle sprinkled throughout the sand, which added a nice contrast to the clear glass."

Price at time of publish: $49

"The satin line box is a great start to gifting this product. Wrap it with a ribbon and add a gift tag, and you're all set to give this away!"—Araziel Jackson, Associate Social Media Editor

Uncommon Goods

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A keepsake journal is a perfect way to mark the occasion and look ahead to the many anniversaries still to come. This one is made to last with black, silk moire binding, and high-quality paper pages perfectly designed to preserve the memories you make together. Every section includes space to attach your favorite photos and writing prompts to help you record the highlights of each year.

Price at time of publish: $130

The Metal Foundry Sundial Anniversary Gift

Amazon

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What We Like

It's made of durable brass
The gold details and lettering

What We Don't Like

It requires some assembly
A little pricey

A sundial is an excellent way to celebrate the first anniversary and the timelessness of lasting love. This gorgeous model is hand cast from solid brass, with a coat of white, lacquered outdoor paint to withstand the elements. Whether you keep it in your home or garden, this ornament is an excellent reminder that your love will endure as time passes.

Tester Avery Stone was wowed by the weight and heft of the sundial, especially considering its small size. She also liked the gold lettering and details. "The font is more traditional, but if it's your style, I think it would be a lovely accent piece for a table," she notes. Some assembly is required, and you'll need to purchase a plinth if you want to display it outdoors.

Price at time of publish: $107

"I was surprised by the weight of this sundial! The bronze material feels durable and like it would withstand the elements if I decided to place it on my balcony. It's also small enough to place on a table indoors as well." —Avery Stone, Associate Commerce Editorial Director

Uncommon Goods

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Appropriately titled "Mates for Life" (we appreciate the pun), this lodge-style print is perfect for animal lovers. It includes sketches of various animals that mate for life, each one labeled with its scientific and common names. No matter who the recipient is, they'll get a hoot out of it.

Price at time of publish: $30+

Wreath Love Co Personalized Wooden Clock

Etsy

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What We Like

High quality materials
Personalization options

What We Don't Like

Only one type of wood to choose from

Clocks are a modern gift for the first anniversary. They're a thoughtful symbol meant to celebrate the time you've shared and the minutes and hours you'll spend together in the coming years. This wooden hanging wall clock is elegant, minimalist, and engraved with your names and your chosen design.

Writer Erika Reals tested the clock and found the overall look and feel high quality. She also appreciated the wide variety of styles and fonts and even more personalized options on the website. "They also accept custom designs you can submit to them via PDF or JPG file," says Reals. "It's perfect for branded opportunities, including wedding-specific logos."

Price at time of publish: $89

"This clock seems like it's good quality—it doesn't feel like it was cheaply made or rushed at all. It's also a decent size, so it would be good for any room in the house. I think it's definitely more worth it if you take advantage of the customizable abilities (like submitting your own logo/design for them to engrave) for a truly personal, one-of-a-kind gift." —Erika Reals, Associate Fashion Editor

Uncommon Goods

This front-page puzzle is the perfect anniversary gift for couples who love to do the Sunday crossword together. When they complete this puzzle, they’ll reveal the front page as it appeared on their wedding day. They’ll enjoy assembling it and remembering the personally newsworthy events that transpired on the day they said, “I do.”

Price at time of publish: $55

Artifact Uprising

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The first anniversary is the perfect time to start a new tradition. This album is volume one of a photo book series the couple will be eager to add to every year. Choose from three sizes, ten stunning cover colors, and three foil shades to make the book your own. And don’t forget to choose the first photo wisely—the bold cut-out cover showcases it.

Price at time of publish: $19

What We Like

The ability to personalize
The print quality

What We Don't Like

It's a little pricey
The frame quality

This charming print arranges thirty of your most awe-inspiring photos in a romantic, heart-shaped collage. The canvas comes in six size options, 12 frame materials, and your choice of plastic or glass archival fronts. This art piece is a beautiful way to say, "I still do."

"The photos themselves are hi-resolution and do not show any bleeding of color or blurry edges," says tester Alyssa Kingham. "I would buy this print for myself or someone else, but I would choose to buy it unframed." Though Kingham felt that the quality of the frame was not worth the added price, the print itself was a solid buy.

Price at time of publish: $50

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art — Brides / Vicky Wasik

"The quality of this print is great! The photos are laid out in a beautiful way- the heart-shaped arrangement means that some overlap, but I'm happy with how much I can see each picture." —Alyssa Kingham, Production Manager

Minted

What We Do Like

The quality of the print and design
The frame

What We Don't Like

It's a bit of an investment

Were your vows so good they made your partner (and everyone else) tear up? Have them made into a heartwarming piece of art to show your person that you still mean every word. Choose from a wide variety of sizes, color themes, and frames to create a piece that is just right for them.

"The print was smaller than I realized, but the size was perfect," says tester Kate Donovan. "It's minimal without being stark, and I love that it can either hang on the wall or sit squarely on a surface." She personalized it with her brother and sister-in-law's vows and said they were overwhelmed with the sentiment behind the print. "I think it's a subtle yet deeply meaningful way to feature and remember those important words in your home," says Donovan.

Price at time of publish: $218

"I was impressed by the quality of this print—it feels high-end and professionally made. The letterpress script adds a little bit of a handcrafted vibe and I love the design! I think it's a gift that will really be treasured by the recipient." —Kate Donovan, Senior Commerce Editor

Etsy

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What We Like

The modern design
It's lightweight and easy to hang

What We Don't Like

Feels a little flimsy

Can’t choose between the traditional (paper) and modern (clocks) first anniversary gifts? Cover both bases with this unique origami wall clock. The clock looks delicate, but it’s made of high-quality FSC-certified paper, so it’s more durable than it seems. Whether you get it in a muted tone like white or soft grey or a more vibrant pink, yellow, orange, or blue hue, this modern piece will add some visual interest to any wall in your home.

Tester Kate Donovan didn't know what to expect from a clock crafted out of paper, but she was pleasantly surprised. "It's definitely a unique anniversary gift, but one that fits with either a paper or clock theme in a thoroughly modern way," she says. Donovan noted that the clock is a bit fragile and prone to tearing, so should be handled with care when gifting and hanging.

Price at time of publish: $55

"This clock is such a cool concept—it's made entirely out of folded paper! I like the minimalist look and feel, as well as the soft blue color. It seemed a little flimsy when I first opened it, but once it was on the wall it really packed a graphic punch" —Kate Donovan, Senior Commerce Editor

Amazon

We all love getting love letters, but we know that writing them can be difficult. Where on earth do you start when there’s so much you love about someone? This set of 12 time-capsule letters comes with prompts for that very reason.

Take one out and start writing whenever you feel inspired. Then, give all 12 to your darling on your anniversary. If they open one a month, they’ll have enough sweet notes to last until next year.

Price at time of publish: $11

Etsy

This art piece makes a gorgeous and romantic anniversary gift. In front of a hand-painted galaxy background is a floating paper cutout that includes the silhouette of two people in a loving embrace. Above them, a sweet message rests on a series of banners: “Love begins in a moment, grows over time, and lasts an eternity.” The cutout also includes the couple’s names and their anniversary date.

Price at time of publish: $123

Etsy

Home is where the heart is, so make it your own with this gorgeous blue and white porcelain address plaque. These plaques are kiln-fired and hand-painted, so they can stand up to the elements and remain vibrant year after year. You can also have them customized with your names or any other information you’d like to include. From now on, this plaque will be a welcome sight after both long and short trips away.

Price at time of publish: $64

Copper And Toad Customized Couple and Dog Print

Amazon

Isn’t puppy love the best? Here’s a piece of art to celebrate their bond with furry friends. In this sweet print, a couple sits on a bench with their pups beside them. For a custom touch, the back of the bench includes their names and a cute little heart.

Price at time of publish: $27

Amazon

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This pocket-sized book compiles the best romantic poetry with sentiments from classic authors, ancient sages, and modern writers. It's the perfect gift to express your feelings about your significant other.

Price at time of publish: $18

Boulevard Newlywed Anniversary Wine Carrier

Amazon

Surprise wine is the best wine, and this lovely pinewood wine carrier has compartments for three bottles. Each compartment is decorated with an image of two love birds on a branch and instructions to “open on your” first, second, and third anniversaries. The compartments are secured with brass latches, too, in case anyone gets ideas about sneaking a peak to discover what the next year has in store.

Price at time of publish: $36

Amazon

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When wearing this bold pillar necklace, your partner will have a piece of you to carry with them everywhere they go. You can have the sides engraved with your names and/or wedding date, and select a gold bar in keeping with the color theme associated with the first anniversary. The necklace comes in rugged and delicate styles, depending on the look your loved one likes the most.

Price at time of publish: $90

Verishop

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An open-heart watch is the perfect type of watch to gift on your anniversary, symbolic of your love for one another in the name of the design. This handsome timepiece features a yellow gold bracelet and a silver dial for an elegant look and is water resistant up to 50 meters to boot.

Price at time of publish: $550

Uncommon Goods

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This sleek stationery set comes with 52 foil cards that read: “You Matter to Me,” “Just Wanted to Say Hello,” “Thinking of You,” or “I Want You to Know.” Fill one out every week for a year after you get married, dedicating them to your sweetie. At the end of the year, they'll have the perfect anniversary gift to commemorate their time together (and many more days and weeks to come).

Price at time of publish: $30

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A simple twist on a classic pair of studs, these earrings are designed in 14K yellow gold and pair rainbow or white moonstone with rose cut salt and pepper diamond. Both classy and ethereal, they’ll look just as good with a black evening gown as they will with a cable-knit sweater.

Price at time of publish: $610

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This cute anniversary poster features a worn, vintage look that mimics an old newspaper. Simply add your names, anniversary date, and a sweet message with a photo from your wedding day. Frame it, and you’ll have a new addition to the gallery wall.

Price at time of publish: $18

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With a Storyworth subscription, you’ll receive one of several hundred question prompts via email once a week that you’ll respond to. At the end of the year, all your answers, or stories, will be bound into a sleek book with a photo on the front. We suggest titling it “It began with us” and including a photo of the two of you for the cover—it’ll make a sweet keepsake that your spouse can turn to time and time again.

Price at time of publish: $89

Greer Chicago

If your spouses is creative, a special notebook for drawing or journaling is an ideal gift. This one features blank, acid free paper that’s thick enough to use a fountain pen on. At the top of each sheet is a place for a title or number to keep track of your thoughts. It’s all enclosed inside a chic black cover.

Price at time of publish: $10

Nordstrom

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Perfect for everything from grocery runs to dinner parties, this glimmering gold watch will always keep you on time. A sunray dial, mineral crystal face, and mirrored bezel all shine with elegance. The bracelet is 15 millimeters wide and adjustable with removable links.

Price at time of publish: $850

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You definitely have a list of special bars and restaurants—the one where you had your first date, the fancy spot where you celebrated a big birthday, and the local favorite that you frequent all the time. Pick those that are most special to you, and Deanna First will draw matchbook illustrations for each one in a single print that you can frame.

Price at time of publish: $175

Amazon

Sometimes, the best kind of clock is one that’s simple—and one that allows you to snooze. This alarm clock includes a large LED display and three levels of brightness so you can see the time without squinting, plus two USB ports so you can keep your phone and AirPods charged.

Price at time of publish: $17

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Capture how you met in a personalized comic book—it's a creative and unexpected play on the paper theme. This Etsy vendor provides a template that allows you to upload your favorite photos and write your story. There’s even a dedication page for you to fill out. Choose from a standard comic with space for 19 images, a longer version with 38 images, or a hardback comic with 49 images.

Price at time of publish: $30+

If you’re a couple who loves a date night in, a cookbook is a classic gift that you’ll both get use of. With The Essential New York Times Cookbook, you’ll have over 1,000 recipes to whip up in your kitchen together. This updated version includes 120 new recipes, so get your salt and oil ready.

Price at time of publish: $55

Uncommon Goods

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A deck of cards is right on par with the paper theme. This set includes 150 questions from six different categories, ranging from “relationships” to “about you,” that will keep you both talking all night long and strengthen your connection. All you’ll need is a bottle of wine, a cozy blanket, and a couch to pair it with.

Price at time of publish: $25

Fredericks and Mae

View On Fredericksandmae.com

If you're looking for a gift that's both sustainable and festive, go for this confetti that's embedded with wildflower seeds. Take a canister out to the backyard after your anniversary dinner, and let it pop! Over time, blacked-eyed susans, cocksomb, and sesame flowers will begin to grow—a perfect symbol of your blossoming life together.

Price at time of publish: $14

Book of the Month

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A bookworm will love this subscription—it's a paper gift that keeps giving! Every month, they’ll have an average of five books to choose from from a range of categories, including romance, thrillers, and fiction. They’ll always have something new for the bookshelf.

Price at time of publish: $10+

Mahli Himalayan Salt Sunrise Alarm Clock

Urban Outfitters

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No one enjoys waking up to the sound of an aggressively blaring alarm. Wake up to the sunrise instead—at least, one that mimics the real thing. This alarm clock features a Himalayan salt base that emits a warm glow when it’s time for you to wake up. It’s available in black, white, and brass to suit any decor style.

Price at time of publish: $28

Nordstrom

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This stately pair of cufflinks throws vintage flair into a modern silhouette, featuring wind-up movements from early- to mid-twentieth-century watches. Made of gunmetal plate, they’re three-fourths inches in diameter. The distinct design will pop against any dress shirt.

Price at time of publish: $192

Throw it back to your wedding day with a custom sketch print of your venue. It’ll feature your names, the venue name, and your anniversary date. Photos are great, but there’s something special about an illustration. You can order it as a print to stick with the anniversary theme of paper, or as a canvas. It’ll add a sweet touch to your mantle or dresser.

Price at time of publish: $13+

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Treat yourselves to a home renovation. We love this metallic wallpaper to glam up a bathroom—it’s loud and bold enough to command a small space. If you're looking for something more subtle and muted, Anthropologie has plenty of stunning wallpaper designs and prints to choose from.

Price at time of publish: $628

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Not every clock needs to tell the actual time of day. This one shows the time that has elapsed since the day you got married. Three clocks highlight the years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds that have passed. Even better, it can play the song of your first dance.

Price at time of publish: $300

Apple Watch Series 8 with Starlight Sport Band

Amazon

The latest Apple Watch in this sleek band is the perfect gift for the spouse who loves to break a sweat and track their steps. With advanced health sensors and apps, you can take an ECG, measure heart rate, and blood oxygen, track temperature changes for advanced insights into your menstrual cycle, and more.

Price at time of publish: $399

Amazon

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Turn your wedding song into a beautiful piece of wall decor with this custom canvas from Lime & Lou. It's a thoughtful gift that highlights such a special day in your lives as a couple. Customize everything including the song, the memory (such as "our first dance"), your names or a date, and the center color of the record.

Price at time of publish: $75

View On Papier.com

If your partner loves to cook, they'll adore this custom recipe journal. It features sections for every meal of the day—including 25 recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, there's space for note ratings, dietary requirements, hints, and tips for each recipe. Make it special by customizing the title, selecting from eight different colors, and adding their name.

Price at time of publish: $35

Minted

It's been one full year since your big day, and this custom watercolor portrait from the Minted + Brides Collection is the perfect way to commemorate it. All you need to do is upload a wedding photo and customize the text for a keepsake you'll both cherish for many anniversaries to come.

Price at time of publish: $58

Map Your Travels Deluxe Push Pin World Map

Amazon

From your honeymoon to future family vacations, you're taking on the world together as a married couple. Track all of the adventures along the way with this custom push-pin map, which comes with a handmade frame and color-coded pins to track where you've been, where you're doing next, and what destinations are on your bucket list.

Price at time of publish: $179

Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Box

Etsy