16 Perfect 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him, Her, and Them

Even though the traditional gift is paper, these ideas definitely won't fall flat

by Blair Donovan
Updated 08/02/19

Here's to you, happy couple! You've survived your first year of marriage. Through sickness and health, you two have come a long way since you first said your vows. This year most likely flew by (because you were having so much fun, duh), and it's probably completely surreal knowing that you walked down the aisle an entire 365 days ago. Because your 1st anniversary marks such an important milestone in your marriage, you're required to celebrate accordingly. Likewise, the pressure's on to find the best anniversary gift ever that displays your love and gratitude for your life partner. We rounded up 28 gift ideas for him, her, and them that perfectly honor the 1st wedding anniversary.

1st Anniversary Traditions

Each wedding anniversary has customary traditional and modern gifts. For the 1st anniversary, the main tradition is paper. This seems totally outdated, but the threads within paper are meant to symbolize the strength and connection of your relationship. Paper represents both the durability and frailty of your early marriage, and also starting a new blank slate together. For the modern gift, couples traditionally give each other clocks. Don't panic—this gift sounds equally old fashioned, but there are easy ways to update both traditions.

Wedding anniversaries also typically have a traditional color, flower, and gemstone. For the 1st anniversary, gold represents the usual color, orange blossoms or pansies are the customary flowers, and pearls or peridot reflect the 1-year gemstones. Although not a gemstone, gold jewelry and accessories have also been associated with the 1st anniversary. As you progress out of the newlywed stage and move further into your relationship, set the bar high with your first wedding anniversary gift ever for your spouse. You can only celebrate this achievement once, so check out our gift ideas for options that go way beyond the ordinary traditions.

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Custom Star Map Poster

Courtesy of Finch and Cotter

Their love was written in the stars, so fulfill the paper tradition with a custom star map poster. Choose a date and location important to the couple (like their wedding day), and the gift will be personalized with an exact replica of the sky at that time and place. You can also customize the poster further with a short message below the map.

SHOP NOW: $32-42, available at Etsy

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Custom First Anniversary Gift

custom-art

Courtesy of Etsy

Relive the big day with this sweet custom portrait. Choose from a digital-only image which you can print yourself or get an art print. Whatever you choose, be frame it for a real custom gift. Turnaround time for the product can vary depending on the season.

SHOP NOW: starting at $18 at Etsy

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Echo Plus

echo-plus

 Courtesy of Amazon

While not a traditional clock the Echo Plus can tell you the time while you're running out the door, order you an Uber, and play your favorite tunes. If you don't have a smart home device like this at home it is time to jump on the bandwagon.

SHOP NOW: $150; at Amazon

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Simple Agate Stationery

minted-stationery

Courtesy of Minted

Who doesn't love personalized stationery? Hone in on the traditional gift of paper and gift the couple—or your loved one—with a new set that has foil on it. The agate design on these cards gives it a modern feel on an old-fashioned tradition. Who knows, maybe you'll get a handwritten note back?

SHOP NOW: Starting at $65; Minted

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Apple Watch Series 4

apple-watch-4

Courtesy of Amazon

This Apple Watch follows the modern tradition of getting a clock for your 1st anniversary. Besides telling the time you can also take calls, track your steps, answer emails and so much more.

SHOP NOW: $499, available at Amazon

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Tippi Teaspoon Set

Courtesy of Anthropologie

You're probably well-stocked in the kitchenware department after your wedding, but treat her to a spoon set that's just for her. The set of four features stainless steel and decorative decals. So, whether she's scooping up ice cream or a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, this paper gift ensures she'll always eat in style.

SHOP NOW: $32, Anthropologie

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Alex and Ani Charity by Design Paper Crane Bangle

Courtesy of Alex and Ani

Instead of real paper, add to her stackable bracelet collection with a gold paper crane charm. The origami figure symbolizes hope and healing, so she'll have something to treasure during any rocky patches that might arise in your marriage.

SHOP NOW: $38, available at Zappos

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Montblanc Augmented Paper Leather Writing Set

Courtesy of Montblanc

Give paper a high-tech 21st century revamp. This "Augmented Paper" set features a notebook and "StarWalker" pen that instantly converts anything he writes on the paper to digital form, which he can access on his tablet or phone through Bluetooth or USB. For the finishing touch, the pen and notebook come inside a sleek leather case.

SHOP NOW: $680, available at MR PORTER

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American Whiskey, Bourbon, and Rye

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

For the cocktail connoisseur, treat him to a paper gift he'll truly get the most use out of. Featuring notes and reviews on more than 300 whiskey distilleries, this guidebook will turn him into a beverage expert. Pair with his favorite whiskey of choice so he can truly get into the spirit.

SHOP NOW: $16.13, available at Barnes & Noble

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Bulova Men's Diamond Dress Diamond-Accent Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 42mm

Courtesy of Bulova

Meet two customary 1-year anniversary criteria through a gold-tone stainless steel watch. The black face makes this watch totally suave, and the gold strap adds a touch of glitz. The dial even has three diamond accents and a small spot that shows the date. The devil is in the details.

SHOP NOW: $316, available at Macy's

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Personalized Monogram and Name Pocket Watch

Courtesy of Zazzle

If he already has a go-to watch, put a vintage spin on the traditional first anniversary clock gift. Personalize the pocket watch with his first initial and name, and he'll value this treasure for years to come.

SHOP NOW: $36.65, Zazzle

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Frye Logan Slim ID Wallet

Courtesy of Frye

Although it's not a timepiece, this leather wallet is bound to stand the tests of time. Featuring three card slots, a window for his ID, and a cash pocket, this necessity can hold all his essentials. Throw in a small print of one of your wedding photos so you'll always be on his mind (as if you weren't already).

SHOP NOW: $128, available at Bloomingdale's

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Antique Zinc Clock with Organizing Bins

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Help them organize their home (and stay on time!) with a dual clock shelf hanging wall decor. Complete with five file spots and an antique-looking clock, this multifunctional piece will add extra flair to any flat surface in their house.

SHOP NOW: $199, Pottery Barn

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AcuRite Vertical Wireless Color Weather Station with Temperature Alerts

Courtesy of AcuRite

Ditch the analog for a digital clock that covers everything, from the outdoor temperature and humidity to, of course, the time. It also displays the indoor temperature, so they can create alerts for whenever the temperature gets too high or low for their preference. This is the coolest rendition of the clock tradition they'll ever see.

SHOP NOW: $29.99, available at Amazon

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Date Night In

Courtesy of Anthropologie

The couple that cooks together stays together, so fulfill the paper gift with a cookbook specifically for having at-home date nights. This present will help keep their relationship fresh as they work together to whip up new meals (and hopefully they'll invite you over).

SHOP NOW: $27.50, available at Anthropologie

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Moscow Mule Cocktail Kit Gift Set

Courtesy of Broquet

If Happy Hour is their favorite part of the day, treat them to an alcoholic kit they can tackle together. The Moscow Mule set features a cocktail shaker, two double-sided jiggers, ginger syrup, and two copper mugs they can sip their concoctions from. This kit will help transform them into amateur mixologists, so they'll be the all the rage at their next social gathering.

SHOP NOW: $84, available at Amazon

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