30 Fun, Sweet & Unusual First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Celebrate your first year of marriage with a thoughtful and traditional paper gift or a modern clock - we've picked out 30 inspiring first wedding anniversary gift ideas...
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Your first year of marriage is so exciting – getting used to referring to your partner as your husband or wife, and reminiscing about the best day of your life.
Naturally, it is only fitting that you want to celebrate with the perfect first wedding anniversary gift. You have to set the bar high for your future wedding anniversaries, after all!
In our view, few milestones are as meaningful as a first wedding anniversary. It's a chance to spoil the one you love while flicking through the wedding photo album to relive the moments that you will forever hold dear.
30 Sweet, Fun & Unusual First Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
But what exactly do you give for your first anniversary gift?
We’ve found the best first wedding anniversary presents on the market for both the traditional paper theme and the modern alternative of clocks, with lots of unusual ideas and personalised gift inspiration so you can find something special, as well as expert input from our editorial team.
So, if you’re about to celebrate your first wedding anniversary, congratulations - and read on!
- First Wedding Anniversary Gifts for a Wife
- First Wedding Anniversary Gifts for a Husband
- Unusual First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Couples First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Modern First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
First Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Your Wife
When it comes to choosing first wedding anniversary gifts for her, you can't go wrong with these picks.
1. Book Lover Candle – Bookishly
Sometimes the best gift ideas come when you think outside the box - like this scented candle. Yes, it's made of wax and a jar rather than paper, but it's themed around books, which are made of paper, so it actually does count!
"If your partner is a book lover, they'll really appreciate this gift," says Zoe Burke, Editor of Hitched (and self-confessed book lover!). "It's a really clever twist on the traditional paper anniversary gift, and your partner will be so impressed at how you've thought outside of the box - we'll let you take all the credit for it."
Expert Take: It has a 40 hour burn time and is both vegan and eco-friendly having been made from 100% soy wax. The candle won't last forever, but when the wax is used up you can repurpose the jar as storage for brushes, pencils, for a plant and more.
2. Reasons I Love You Notes – Martha Brook
How cute are these Reasons I Love You Cards? They won’t break the bank as they're a cheap first wedding anniversary present idea, but will be special reminders to your other half which they can keep forever. If you're after a gift for someone who seemingly has it all, this could be just the ticket. One review stated: "I bought this as a first year anniversary gift for my hard to shop for wife and she loved it!"
Each card comes in a gold envelope, and the box can be personalised with your partner’s name. There are ten reasons to include and you can have the box gift wrapped. These would also make a romantic valentine's day gift too.
Expert Take: You can choose to have the cards printed or handwritten - we would recommend writing them yourself as although this may take a little longer, it's a really thoughtful gesture and adds a sentimental touch.
3. Personalised Constellation Notebook – Papier
If your partner loves to write (or make lists), this beautiful notebook is a gorgeous idea. It comes with a hard or soft cover and has lined, plain or dotted paper inside. The front can be personalised with their name and you pick whether you have gold foil detailing or keep the look matte.
"You can never have too many notebooks, which is what makes this such a great gift," says Zoe. "The personalised feature will show you've put time and thought into picking a present that is unique to your partner."
Expert Take: The inner pages are made from 85gsm paper which means it'll be lovely to write on. The paper is also sourced from certified forests so is created consciously.
4. First Wedding Anniversary Paper Rose – Etsy
Flowers are traditionally a 4th wedding anniversary gift, but if you know your partner is a sucker for blooms, you can still incorporate them into your first wedding anniversary gift. This romantic rose is made from paper that has been personalised with meaningful words of your choice. This could be your wedding vows, lyrics to your first dance song or a special poem.
This product has dozens of glowing five star reviews, with one reading, "I ordered one of these for my wife for our first wedding anniversary. She absolutely loved it! It was everything I asked for so thank you!"
Expert Take: The paper rose is delicate so we recommend storing it in the gift box it comes in to avoid any damage.
First Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Husbands
Are you looking for a sweet first wedding anniversary gift for him that you know he'll love? These products give you plenty to choose from.
5. Paper Plane First Wedding Anniversary Card – Mock Up Designs
This isn’t just any card – this is a paper plane first anniversary card. Featuring your choice of design on the wings, your choice of paper and foil colour and your own personalisation, it really is a special addition to any other gift you choose to buy. You can even add a little wooden cube holder, so your loved one will be able to display the card on their desk or bedside table.
It's a brilliant first wedding anniversary gift idea if you are looking to save money - one customer commented that, "I recommend this to anyone who wants to get a little something for a first year anniversary without having to buy a present."
Expert Take: If you're struggling on what to write in a first wedding anniversary card, these romantic quotes are bound to give you inspiration - make sure you pick a short one as this is an A6 card.
6. A Special Edition Book – Waterstones
Literature-lovers will always take pleasure receiving books as gifts, so seek out a special or signed edition of your loved one’s favourite read. Waterstones have a beautiful collection of special edition and signed books that would make a lovely first wedding anniversary gift.
There are tons of books to choose from, including hard and paperbacks, plus fiction and non-fiction so you can pick something that suits their taste as well as your budget.
"I would always recommend a book as a gift," says Zoe. "It's a gift that keeps on giving as you can read it time and time again - I find it's like catching up with an old friend! If your partner has a favourite book, look for a special or signed edition of that, or treat them to something that will become a new favourite."
Expert Take: If you aren't sure on your partner's favourite book, they have a best-sellers section which can advise you on what to go for.
7. Personalised Scratch The World Travel Map – Maps International
If you and your partner love to travel, there's no first wedding anniversary gift more perfect than a scratch the world travel map which you can hang up in your office. You scratch off all the places you’ve already visited together, then make plans for the countries which are next on your list. It may well give you inspiration for your next romantic holiday!
It has over 100 glowing five-star reviews, with one happy customer saying, "I cannot recommend this company enough. It arrived packaged with care in perfect condition and it was absolutely beautiful."
"This is such a fun gift idea," says Zoe, "as it encourages you and your partner to get out and explore more! You can keep track of everywhere you visit and use it to help you to decide where to go next."
Expert Take: You can buy the map framed for an additional fee or you can keep it un-framed - it'll look amazing when hung up no matter what you go for. It is a travel-friendly A3 size so can be rolled up and taken on your next trip.
8. Personalised First Anniversary Comic Book – A&J Comics
Whether your partner can't get enough of superheroes, or they are your superhero, this personalised comic book is a fun first wedding anniversary gift that'll make them smile. Upload 19 pictures (you can write a story if you like too!) and use their easy template to create your very own couples comic.
Alex Somervell, creator behind A&J Comics, says, "The personalised comic books are not only made out of paper, but they have paper aeroplanes as part of cover design and throughout."
He also notes that this quirky idea makes a great first wedding anniversary gift as it gives you an opportunity to display your wedding photos.
"Typically, the best photos couples have together are usually from their wedding, so the first wedding anniversary is the perfect moment to showcase them. They also look incredible after we work our magic on the special effects."
Expert Take: For every comic created, A&J Comics will plant a tree - they've planted over 4,000! This first wedding anniversary gift will take a little time to put together, but your partner will be seriously impressed with the thought that has gone into it.
9. Personalised Paper Plane Cufflinks – Penelopetom
For an alternative take on first wedding anniversary gift ideas, these paper plane cufflinks are brilliant. They come in a chrome box which can be engraved with their initials or a personal message.
This gift is a keepsake that can be worn time and time again - and one reviewer confirms this saying, "This is such a different and unique gift to give my husband on our first wedding anniversary. With it being paper, I didn't want to give him something that would just get hidden away. The cufflinks mean he can wear them and they have a special meaning."
Hitched Editor Zoe agrees: "This is a great take on the paper gift theme, and it's something your partner can use time and time again making it really brilliant value for money."
Expert Take: As they are rhodium plated, polish them gently with a soft cloth to keep them looking shiny. They are smart enough to wear to work or a special occasion, without feeling gimmicky.
Unusual First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
If you and your partner love gifting each other unique presents, or you're buying for a couple who loves something different, these unusual first wedding anniversary gift ideas are perfect for you.
10. Custom Wedding Venue Portrait – Etsy
If you're looking for meaningful first wedding anniversary gifts that your partner will love forever, this beautiful and contemporary personalised wedding venue portrait could be just the ticket.
Hand-drawn from a photo of your wedding venue and with a colour of your choice as the background, it will be a special reminder of the best day of your lives which you can hang in your home for years to come.
If you're worried that this gift may take a while to arrive, you needn't be. "Bea has done a wonderful job of turning a photo of our wedding venue into an illustration - and the turnaround time was amazing!" explains one customer.
Expert Take: As the seller is drawing from a photograph, ensure you choose a crisp and clear image. The illustration is an artistic representation so it won't be drawn exactly to scale and the frame is not included, though frames can be bought for pennies in most convenience stores.
11. Personalised Pull-Out Paper Photo Album – Sophia Victoria Joy
If you’re not one for huge gestures, but still want to treat your other half to one of our special first wedding anniversary gifts, this cute little photo album would be a perfect choice.
Choose six snaps of your favourite memories together along with a personalised message, and they’ll be folded together into a little manila or black box with a personalised outer sleeve.
"This is the perfect size for popping in a bag and taking on the go," says Zoe, "It's an ideal little reminder of the memories you have with your other half."
Reviews of this product state that it's lovely and small and brilliant quality, too.
Expert Take: This works best for square sized images as that is how they will be cropped. If you would like your photos in a specific order, remember to specify that.
12. Inspirational 'Just Because' Paper Postcard Set – The Inspired Stories
If your partner’s (very Instagrammable) home office is their pride and joy, treat them to these adorable, inspirational postcards to stick up on the wall. The set of paper anniversary gifts comes with a mix of uplifting quotes and feel-good phrases that will add character to any space. We love them!
You could give them to your partner all at once, or write sweet messages on the back of each one and stagger them, or be extra creative and use them to create a scavenger hunt in your home. Fun!
"Pretty, cute and perfect to boost someone's day," is how one reviewer described this product - and we couldn't agree more.
Expert Take: This gift is a fun alternative to a classic print or picture. As they are small in size, they can fit into almost any space and you can mix and match them throughout the year.
13. Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit – Etsy
Does your partner enjoy learning new skills? This calligraphy kit could be the perfect first wedding anniversary gift as it's definitely paper-related and it contains everything they will need to get started at home - a nib, black ink, an A5 notepad, penholder, slant guides and practise sheets.
We have a guide on how to do modern calligraphy if they want to sharpen up their skills. "Calligraphy is such a great skill to learn," says Zoe. "If you know your partner is creative or has always been interested in calligraphy, this is such a perfect pick. Meghan Markle used to be a calligrapher before she broke into acting!"
This product has over 90 glowing reviews, many of which praise the excellent customer service from the seller.
Expert Take: Reviews also state that this kit is ideal for beginners and for those who have tried calligraphy before. "The instructions that come with this set are clear and very easy to follow which makes practising a pleasure to do", says one customer.
14. Reading Subscription – The Beautiful Book Company
Of all the subscription boxes out there, we particularly like the service offered by The Beautiful Book Company. Your partner will receive a new book to read each month, handpicked just for them by literary experts. Choose between a three, six or 12 month subscription and they'll even receive a bookmark in the first parcel.
Zoe thinks this might be her favourite gift of all, saying, "What could be more wonderful than a book subscription? If your partner is always saying they wish that they read more, this is the gift for them - it shows you've listened and that you want to give them a paper themed anniversary gift they can enjoy for months to come."
Reviewers rave about this subscription, with one writing, "I've been a receiver and a giver of a subscription from The Beautiful Book Company and can highly recommend them. They send you beautifully wrapped books according to your interests and they picked three great books for me."
Expert Take: As your partner won't know what books are coming there is the chance that they might have read it before - if this happens, they have the option to swap the book for something new.
15. Personalised Luxury Art Deco Love Letter – Posh Totty Designs Creates
"Sometimes the simplest of gifts can have the biggest impact and I think that is certainly the case for this present," says Joanna Magill, Digital Writer at Hitched. This gorgeous Art Deco style love letter ticks all the boxes for a first wedding anniversary present in that it is thoughtful, romantic, unusual and is made from paper.
Compose your very own love letter to your partner onto scalloped edged, textured paper, and pop it inside an elegant navy envelope that is finished with gold or rose gold.
Expert Take: The paper can cater for around 450 characters and we recommend figuring out what it is you want to say beforehand so you don't make a mistake. These anniversary quotes will give you some inspiration.
Couples First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
If you're buying a first wedding anniversary gift for a couple close to you, these options are guaranteed to put a smile on their face.
16. First Paper Wedding Anniversary Newspaper – The Occasional Press
Hot off the press, this first wedding anniversary newspaper is amazing. Designed especially for the couple, the newspaper includes their favourite photos over eight pages and the option to include text inside - maybe their wedding vows or lyrics to a meaningful song.
We think this gift is so pretty it would look amazing as a coffee table book or even framed.
If the couple work or used to work in the media, this could make this gift even more special, as this reviewer explains: "My husband loved this first wedding anniversary paper as he used to work at a local newspaper so it had an extra special meaning. I would highly recommend this to anyone. The quality and service is amazing!"
The Occasional Press also do wedding newspapers and favours if you know anyone getting married.
Expert Take: This is not a templated product and is designed especially for you so each newspaper will be completely unique. It is delivered in a box with tissue and twine for a rustic finishing touch.
17. Date Night First Anniversary Cards – This Paper Book
One of our favourite first wedding anniversary gifts that’ll just keep on giving is this box of 52 date night idea cards. With that many cards, they're committing to one date idea a week for the rest of the year, but when the ideas are as good as they are, that won’t be a struggle! The cards vary from trips away through to making breakfast in bed. We think they’re perfect for keeping the romance alive.
"How perfect is this?" says Joanna. "If the couple you're buying for's date nights always start with 'I don't mind, you choose', then they need this gift! There are so many cute date ideas and it's the most lovely way to keep that newlywed spark alive as they start their second year of marriage."
Over 450 reviewers rate this gift a 4.8/5, raving about the speed of delivery and the fun idea.
Expert Take: Included is a mixture of activities for daytime, evening, weekend or weekday dates and a variety of ideas to include both indoor and outdoor activities - as well as at home and going out ideas too. There are no blank cards, but if they think of any more ideas they could always make a note and pop them in themselves.
18. Personalised Framed Family Photo Print – Sophia Victoria Joy
We adore this unique way of displaying wedding photographs. With this gorgeous personalised photo frame, you can choose the background colour, photos and wooden plaque colour and words. It’ll look glorious on the wall in the couple's home.
If you want your first wedding anniversary gift to be practical as well as sentimental, this is the gift for you. It'll liven up any wall and is a brilliant way to have memories that the couple will want to be reminded of at all times on show.
In a hurry? This customer had an excellent experience when she needed the item delivered quickly: "Beautiful item, very pleased with the end result. The seller was extremely helpful when contacted to ask if they could dispatch a little quicker than they initially advised which I was very grateful for."
Expert Take: If you opt for a larger frame these will take a few more days to be delivered. A hook is included on the back for hanging but this frame also looks great freestanding.
19. Personalised Wedding Reading Print – Elinor Rose Studio
Have one of the poems, songs or readings from your wedding day printed to hang in the couple's home as a first wedding anniversary gift – it will be a lovely reminder of their wedding day every time they walk past it! We adore this elegant style from Elinor Rose Studio as it is simple enough to fit into any interior theme.
It will arrive beautifully wrapped in recycled paper, inside a box with twine and a wax seal.
Expert Take: For no additional fee, you can see a proof before purchasing. We think this is worth taking the time to do as no returns are accepted on this personalised item.
20. Coloured Leather Photo Album – Be Golden
If the couple have far too many photos just to choose just a few, why not collect your favourites and display them in this recycled leather photo album? You don't have to use shots from the past year - pick a year of their relationship to celebrate and have fun deciding on the best photos to include.
You can choose from two sizes and many colours, and personalise the bottom right-hand corner with text of your choice. Now to whittle down all those memories…
Expert Take: Each page has an interleaf to stop your photos from getting damaged. It has shining reviews, with one customer saying it's a, "Beautifully made album, with thick paper and excellent binding. The personalisation is very tastefully done and it arrived in just two days!"
21. Tickets for a Special Experience – Virgin Experiences
Whether it’s for a mini-break or a night at the theatre, tickets are a great idea when it comes to first wedding anniversary gifts for couples. Gift experiences for couples always work so well too, if you're looking for a paper anniversary gift for a couple, or you want to buy something you can both do together (and why not!).
Browse Virgin Experience Days where you could book a weekend away, afternoon tea, cooking classes and more! They even have a first-anniversary gift section if the choice is a bit overwhelming. We’d be choosing the three-course dinner with Champagne, we think…
Expert Take: There are tons of locations to choose from on Virgin Experience Days so you're bound to find an activity that is fitting near the couple. There is a twelve month expiry date on these vouchers but we don't think it'll take long for them to book a date night in when they see the options.
22. Personalised Our Story Timeline Print – Etsy
This simple yet heartfelt print celebrates memorable moments in a couple's relationship, such as getting engaged, buying a home, career highlights and special holidays. There are lots of different icons to choose from to help you tell their story and if you can't find the relevant icon, the team can sort that for you.
"I was so excited to get this made for my first anniversary with my husband and they went above and beyond to make it special. They even changed one of the icons for me to better suit the description which was a wonderful surprise when I saw the proof!" one reviewer said.
Someone who bought this as a gift for a couple in their family added, "Wow! I bought this for my brother and sister in law's first wedding anniversary and it is absolutely perfect. The quality of the print is out of this world. The seller was wonderful and was kind and patient too. Thank you for a gorgeous gift which I know will be treasured for a long time."
Available in A5, A4 and A3, you can pick the perfect size to fit in any room.
Expert Take: If you want faster processing, you can speed up the delivery for an additional fee - ideal if you've left it a little last minute to get your first wedding anniversary gift.
23. Personalised First Dance Papercut – The Portland Co
Think paper snowflake, but with a difference. This papercut is personalised with the couple's names, wedding date and the lyrics to their first dance song. It can then be finished with a gorgeous black and glass frame which we would recommend so that the delicate paper creation doesn't get damaged.
Reviewers love the product and one happy customer said it's, "A lovely product, perfect for a first wedding anniversary keepsake. It came pristine, as expected and delivery was very quick."
Expert Take: Ensure you check the spelling of the lyrics carefully before submitting as changes can't be made once the order is placed.
Modern First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
If a traditional first anniversary wedding gift isn't for you, the modern alternative to paper anniversary gifts is clocks. They’re said to represent that precious newlywed time you've just experienced. Here are just a few of our favourite wedding anniversary clock-related gifts.
24. Personalised Couples Clock – Etsy
How gorgeous is this wooden clock? Etched with your names and a special message, it'll be the perfect reminder of your big day every time you go to check the time. It's a simple design that will still make a gorgeous statement when placed on the wall. This would also make a lovely 5th wedding anniversary gift, as it's made from wood!
Reviews highlight that the wood is good quality and the inscription is clean and beautifully finished. One customer explained they'd bought it as a gift for a couple and said, "It's a very lovely clock personalised with my friend and her husband's name and wedding date. Super fast delivery and beautifully packaged."
Expert Take: This clock comes with a silent ticking mechanism but batteries are not included.
25. Nixie Tube Clock Anniversary Gift – Etsy
This gorgeous Nixie tube clock may look vintage, but it features some clever contemporary tech. It's equipped with a motion sensor that makes it turn on when someone is near, which greatly prolongs the life of the tubes (although you can turn off this feature if you prefer).
We bet your partner won't have seen a clock quite like this one before so they'll be very impressed. "This is the perfect gift if your partner likes gadgets, vintage-inspired décor and creative ideas," says Joanna.
Expert Take: One spare tube is included. This clock gives off a warm glow so it doubles up as a night light too!
26. Personalised Slate Mr & Mrs Clock – Perfect Personalised Gifts
This stylish clock is perfect for your first wedding anniversary gift because it is personalised with your name and wedding date. The slate can be flecked with speckles of fool gold which gives a gorgeous shine to the clock face. You can also have Mr & Mr and Mrs & Mrs.
It has over 250 reviews giving a 4.8/5 rating with one saying, "It was delivered very quickly and the slate is beautiful."
Expert Take: As this clock is made from natural slate, the engraving will not be uniform and will vary with each clock. This gives each piece a unique look.
27. Wedding Venue Wall Clock – Adam Regester Design
This wooden wall clock is another wonderful option for a first wedding anniversary gift. It ticks the box of a clock-themed gift and it features a stunning etching of your wedding venue. The background sky area can be painted one of 16 colours to match their interior décor, making a completely unique gift.
"This is simply beautiful," says Zoe. "What a wonderful way to pay tribute to your wedding - it would also make a lovely wedding gift too."
One reviewer adds, "These items are just fabulous - Adam Register is such a fantastic artist and produces something that's a truly memorable gift. I have purchased several and recipients have been beyond grateful for such a special gift."
Expert Take: Its neutral style means it'll fit into any room in their home that they choose. The battery is not included.
28. Coastline Wooden & Acrylic Clock – Betsy Benn
Love the sea? You can have your favourite coastline painted across this unique clock in matte acrylics. You can also add a line of engraved text such as place names or dates to the base layer. If you got married at a beach wedding venue - this one's for you!
Reviewers are so pleased with this product and one states it's, "A beautiful, unusual and stylish gift."
Expert Take: The clock base comes in cherry or cedar. Take some time picking which part of the coastline to be featured for the best look.
29. Wine O'Clock Personalised Wall Clock – Oli & Zo
This playful clock is perfect for someone who enjoys a glass of vino and has a brilliant sense of humour. With a modern design, it can be personalised with a name of up to 15 characters. As it is made from glass it can easily be wiped clean - ideal when placed on a kitchen wall.
Why not give it with a gift of a bottle of their favourite wine too, for a truly personal touch?
Someone who bought this for their parents-in-law said, "I love it! And my in-laws will too."
Expert Take: Gift wrapping is available which will save you a job. Be mindful of the height of the clock as some reviews stated that it was smaller than expected.
30. Origami Wall Clock – Etsy
A clock made from paper? This has to be the ultimate first wedding anniversary gift. It also happens to be very chic and the design is minimalistic enough to fit with most home interior styles. Choose from a number of vibrant colours, including yellow, orange and pastel pink.
The attention to detail with this gift is second to none, as many reviews say that a personalised note was included in the packaging, wishing them a happy anniversary.
A happy customer gave it five stats and commented saying, "This clock is beautiful and amazing. It is a perfect gift for someone celebrating a first anniversary. I love it!"
Expert Take: The clock comes fully assembled so there is no need for any tricky origami folding.
What is the Traditional Gift for a First Wedding Anniversary?
Traditionally, gifts crafted from paper are given to celebrate a first wedding anniversary. Paper anniversary gifts symbolise the blank page your new marriage gives you in which you can write future chapters of your life together.
There is lots of scope for first anniversary presents and you can go as literal or as out of the box as you want.
Alex Somervell, creator behind A&J Comics, says that a good first wedding anniversary gift should "first of all be made out of paper, but it should also ideally be something that commemorates the first year as a married couple, maybe including some memories in the form of photos or a sentence or two to remember a fun story."
Ideas such as books, prints and origami are a few of our favourites.
What is the Modern Gift for a First Wedding Anniversary?
As the clock hits one year of you being married to the love of your life, it is only fitting that the gift of a clock is given to celebrate.
"This modern alternative to the traditional gift of paper is a practical idea that can be represented by a watch, wall clock or a piece of jewellery - we've seen a growing interest in wedding watches, and if you didn't jump on this trend for your wedding, then giving one as a modern gift for your first anniversary is the perfect way to participate in the trend," explains Zoe.
Just remember: however amazing the gift is for your first wedding anniversary, you’ll have to out-do it for your second! Luckily we also have a selection of gift ideas for your second wedding anniversary
