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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You completed your first trip around the sun! Your 1st wedding anniversary is here! It’s incredible to think that a year ago, you were saying “I do” and embarking on your journey together as a married couple. Now, you’re celebrating the very first chapter in your shared life, and what better way to mark this special occasion than with a thoughtful 1st wedding anniversary gift?
Whether you're looking for a classic touch or something unique, finding the perfect gift for your partner is the ideal way to commemorate this beautiful milestone.
This first year of marriage has brought so many changes – from calling each other husband and wife to settling into married life. Naturally, you want to make your 1st wedding anniversary gifts extra special. So, what should you give?
The traditional paper wedding anniversary gifts are rich with meaning, and they represent new beginnings, just like your marriage. Paper is symbolic of fresh starts, blank slates, and the journey ahead – making it the perfect theme for your first wedding anniversary gifts.
But paper isn’t just symbolic of new beginnings; it’s also about communication. Whether through letters, notes, or even artwork, paper has always been a powerful medium for expressing thoughts and emotions. This makes it a fitting tribute to the importance of communication in a marriage, which is essential for sustaining love and understanding.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to document the memories of your 1st year of marriage – memories you’ve created together and the anticipation of more to come.
While paper may seem simple, it holds deep romantic meaning. There are so many creative gifts for 1st wedding anniversary that you can choose from – tickets to a show, a favourite book, or even a framed photo of the two of you.
Or, for something more personal, why not suggest writing a heartfelt letters to each other, sharing your favourite moments from the past year as your paper wedding anniversary gifts? This can become one of the most meaningful first year anniversary gifts
Your 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift: Symbolism
Each anniversary comes with its own set of symbols, and the 1st wedding anniversary gift is no different. Here’s what the items for the first year represents:
- Clocks: The modern wedding anniversary gift, symbolising the time you’ve spent together and the time you’ll share in the future.
- Gold: Both the traditional material and colour for this milestone, symbolising strength, warmth, and the enduring beauty of your relationship.
- Carnations: The traditional flower for this anniversary, representing love and admiration.
30 Sweet, Fun & Unusual First Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
So, what’s the perfect first wedding anniversary gift for your partner? From the traditional paper wedding anniversary gifts to modern ideas like clocks, we’ve rounded up the best options. Whether you're looking for unique 1st wedding anniversary gifts, creative gifts for husband for 1st wedding anniversary, or personalised presents, we’ve got plenty of suggestions to help you celebrate your first year of marriage in style.
As you approach your first year anniversary, congratulations are in order – and we’re here to help you find the ideal 1st wedding anniversary gift that will make this milestone one to remember. If you are short on time, we've rounded up a few of our favourite items for you to have a quick look at:
- Inspirational 'Just Because' Paper Postcard Set – The Inspired Stories, £7.50
- Personalised Our Story Timeline Print – Etsy, from £8.95
- Coastline Wooden & Acrylic Clock – Betsy Benn, £60
1st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas 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.
1. 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 part of your 1st wedding anniversary gift. 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 for something budget friendly – one customer commented: "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.
2. 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 as their 1st wedding anniversary gift. Waterstones has a beautiful collection of special edition and signed books that would make a lovely first wedding anniversary gift.
"I would always recommend a book as a gift," says Zoe Burke, editor of Hitched.co.uk. "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.
3. 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. You scratch off all the places you’ve already visited together, then make plans for the countries that 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."
- 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 that can be engraved with their initials or even a cute message.
This is a 1st wedding anniversary 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."
- 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.
Paper Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Wives
When it comes to choosing first wedding anniversary gifts for her, you can't go wrong with these picks. Our ideas all all real crowd-pleasers, so we think your other half will be delighted with everything from the personal candle to the notebook for their 1st wedding anniversary gift.
6. 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 not paper, but it's themed around books, which are made of paper, so it actually does count as a 1st wedding anniversary gift.
"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.
7. 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 budget-freindly first wedding anniversary present idea, but offer special reminders to your other half that they can keep forever. If you want a gift for someone who seemingly has it all, this could be perfect. 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 '10 reasons' to include and you can have the box gift wrapped.
- 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.
8. Personalised Constellation Notebook – Papier
If your partner loves to write (or make lists), this beautiful notebook is a gorgeous idea for your 1st wedding anniversary gift. 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.
9. First Wedding Anniversary Paper Rose – Etsy
Flowers are ideal if your partner is a sucker for blooms, this is a perfect 1st 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.
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. 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 a good price in many home goods 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."
- 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!
- 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 for your 1st wedding anniversary gift. 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.
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 – 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. This gorgeous Art Deco style love letter ticks all the boxes for a first wedding anniversary present; it is thoughtful, romantic, unusual and made from paper. Compose your very own love letter to your partner onto the scalloped edged, textured paper, and pop it inside an elegant navy envelope, which is finished with gold or rose gold.
- Expert take: The paper can cater for around 450 characters. We recommend figuring out what you want to say beforehand so you don't make a mistake. You could even try using a famous wedding anniversary quote or poem.
1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Couples
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.
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!"
- 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 these 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.
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 1st 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.
- 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 of the cover with text of your choice.
- 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 when it comes to 1st wedding anniversary gift ideas 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 loads 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 12 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 – Designed By Leanne
This simple yet heartfelt print celebrates memorable occasions in a couple's relationship; when they went on their first holiday, first date, adopted a puppy – even when they met.
Someone who bought this for their partner said, "Leanne did a beautiful job telling our love story! She was quick to respond and made sure we were happy with her design before she sent us the final file."
- Expert take: You can order jut the digital file to print this yourself, or have it printed in a range of sizes… or both if you think you might want a larger or smaller version in the future.
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 – such a thoughtful 1st wedding anniversary gift.
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 being clock-themed 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.
One reviewer says: "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 – Etsy
This playful clock is perfect for someone who enjoys a glass of vino and has a brilliant sense of humour. With a chich slate design, it can be personalised with up to 255 characters. Why not give it with a gift of a bottle of their favourite wine too, for a truly personal touch?
- Expert take: The unique texture and colour variations in the slate give each clock a distinct and timeless appearance – it feels like a really personal and luxe idea for a 1st wedding anniversary gift.
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. One 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 1st Wedding Anniversary Traditional Gift?
The 1st wedding anniversary traditional gift is paper, and it carries deep symbolism that marks the first year of your marriage. Paper wedding anniversary gifts aren’t just simple; they represent the new beginning of your shared journey. Think of it as the first page of a book, waiting to be filled with stories, memories and experiences as you continue your life together.
Paper is also symbolic of communication, which is at the heart of a successful marriage. It's how we express our emotions, thoughts, and affection – through love letters, cards, and even works of art. So while paper may seem like a modest gift idea, it holds a world of meaning and is full of romantic potential. There are countless gifts for your 1st wedding anniversary that can be both meaningful and thoughtful. Whether it’s a set of love letters or a beautiful print, there’s something for everyone.
While paper anniversary gifts may seem simple, they carry profound emotional value. The beauty of a 1st wedding anniversary gift crafted from paper lies in its ability to capture your first year of marriage in a tangible form. Consider giving tickets to a show, a favourite book or a framed photograph of the two of you.
If you want something more personal, why not write a heartfelt letter detailing your favourite moments from the past year? This can be one of the most meaningful paper wedding anniversary gifts – something your partner will cherish forever. Paper gifts, after all, symbolise the blank page of your marriage, ready to be filled with future chapters together.
When it comes to first anniversary presents, the possibilities are endless. You can choose a more literal paper gift, such as books or prints, or even get creative with something unique, like learning origami together, which adds a playful touch to this special day.
Modern Ideas: What Gift for 1st Wedding Anniversary?
As you celebrate your first wedding anniversary, there’s a modern twist to the traditional paper gift. The modern 1st wedding anniversary gift is a clock, symbolising the time you've spent together and the future that lies ahead. A wedding anniversary gift like a watch, wall clock, or even a piece of jewellery can be a beautiful, functional representation of this milestone.
"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.
