First Year Anniversary Gift Ideas - Unique Gifter

First Year Anniversary Gift Ideas

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Welcome to the first in a series on anniversary gift ideas, so I’ll be starting at the most logical spot, first year anniversary gift ideas. These are great for men, women, or to give to a couple on their first anniversary. 

We survived our first year as newlyweds! I love the idea of picking traditional anniversary gifts each year - the first year is paper. I'm going to get my husband something inspired by this amazing list of ideas. I might even send it to him so he knows what to get his wife! Pin this, it's very helpful!

What Should I Buy for a First Year Anniversary Gift?

In the United States and North America, the traditional first year anniversary gifts are based on paper. In the U.K. they are based on cotton and the modern suggestion is a clock.

If you’d rather send floral, the traditional first anniversary flower is the carnation. And for those who want some bling the gemstone is mother of pearl.  That ought to get you a fair list of things.

I ended up having two wedding receptions, one on each side of the country and my spouse has made it a tradition to give me the anniversary flower on the anniversary of the second reception. Isn’t that sweet?

We also have anniversary gift ideas for other milestone years.

The Best Paper First Year Anniversary Gift Ideas for Your Partner or a Couple

Blind date with a book gift

Books

If you have been hanging around here for a long time, you may remember that my spouse knocked this one out of the park for me, with the purchase of a very old book.  I received a copy of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations which was published while he was still alive.  Is there a seminal figure in your spouse’s field?  (Hint: Newton’s books are VERY expensive.)  See what you can find for very old books, or signed copies, or even a childhood favourite.

The Date Night Cookbook: Romantic Recipes & Easy Ideas to Inspire from Dawn till Dusk

Romantic Dinners Cookbook

Keep the romantic alive well into their second year of marriage by gifting a couple a romantic cookbook for their first anniversary. You could also pair it with a grocery store gift card or a bottle of wine.

Personalized map print

Personalized Map Print

Personalize this map with their wedding location for a decorative keepsake that will look great hung up in their home. You can give it on its own, or frame the art print for a thoughtful gift idea.

Humans of New York

Coffee Table Book

Humans of New York is a fascinating look into the lives of the people all around us every day (more so if you live in New York).

Funny paper 1st anniversary card

Clever Anniversary Card

This funny anniversary card is perfect for a light-hearted couple to show you’re thinking of them on this special day. It even comes personalized with the date so it doubles as a romantic keepsake too.

A year of dates first paper anniverary gift

A Year of Dates

Made of paper, this gift keeps with the 1st anniversary tradition in a unique way. The box is filled with 52 sealed date night cards; one for every week of the next year. You could give it to a couple as a gift, but since it’s sealed it would also be fun for your spouse too.

If you’re wondering, yes the cards are gender neutral so every couple will feel included.

Romantic Traditional 1st Anniversary Gifts

Personalized photo book

Custom Photo Book

It’s your first anniversary.  Have you made those photo albums you intended to make?  You could get around to that and present it to your surprised spouse!

Framed Newspaper Print

This downloadable file is ready to be customized with whatever headings, text, and photos you’d like. This would be a great thoughtful first anniversary gift for a happy couple or to make for your spouse. Once you’re happy with your creation print and frame it for a personalized display piece.

Alderac Entertainment Group Love Letter Boxed Edition

Love Letter

Okay, we are partially teasing with the Love Letter game. You could do that, of course, but what we really mean is that you should take some time and write a love letter from your heart, for your spouse.  It is the lowest cost and most heartfelt idea out there.

Write a love letter to your love.  Alternatively, make a jar of lovely notes, including things that you love about your spouse!

Golden State Art, Pack of 100 Mix Pre-Cut 5x7 Picture Mat for 4x6 Photo with White Core Bevel Cut Mattes Sets. Includes 100 High Premier Acid Free Bevel Cut Matts & 100 Backing Board & 100 Clear Bags

Photo Frame with Paper Matting

Use paper matting as an excuse to gift a photo for this milestone anniversary. Nicely framed wedding pictures are an exceptional gift choice; especially if you want a joint gift to the happy couple. 

SICOHOME Scrapbook,Vintage Heart Scrapbook Ablum with Scrapbook Supplies for Csrapbooking, Wedding Guestbook,Adults and Teens

Scrapbook

Put together a story of anything related to your relationship!  It could be a photo album of your relationship, a bunch of tickets and pamphlets from concerts or trips you’ve taken together, or half journal, half photos.  It’s up to you.

Heart shaped plantable paper with seeds inside

Plantable Paper

Write a lovely note, or some thoughts about growing together as a couple, and then plant them to see what blossoms!

The Couples Bucket List Book: 101 Unique Date Night Ideas and Activities for Couples ( 2-in-1 Photo Album) (The Couples Books)

Date Idea Book

After the honeymoon phase is over married couples might be looking for unique ways to keep the romance going. This book of date ideas is a fun way to give them some inspiration; grab it for a couple’s first anniversary or give it to your spouse as a pseudo gift for yourself. 

Wedding Dress Sketch

This is a pretty way to keep the memory of the bride’s wedding dress.

Novel Box® Made in USA Jewelry Gift Box in Pink Kraft with Removable Cotton Pad 3.5X3.5X0.9 (Pack of 15) + NB Cleaning Cloth

Jewelry in a Paper Box

Use the paper boxes jewelry comes in as an excuse to buy your spouse something shiny for your first wedding anniversary. 

Stationary as 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas

Custom Calendar

You can get one printed that is full of photos of the two of you.  Another idea is to pick up a desk calendar or wall calender and go through it, writing in important dates and reminders of when you went on that trip, or a fun, or memorable time that you  had together. Tips about when to start looking for gifts, or ideas of things you might want could be fun to add as well!

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (5' x 8.25') Ruled/Lined, Black, 240 Pages

Moleskine

The moleskine is a classic.  The notebook of legendary writers, and everyone else as well. One of the best practical first year anniversary gifts out there.

Personalized Professional Name Flat Cards, 4.25 x 5.5 or 5x7 Notecards with Envelopes, Note Cards for Men Business Cards, Simplicity Flat

Custom Stationary

Pick out some custom stationary, embossed or monogrammed with your spouse’s name.  There are a multitude of styles available, so you can find something to fit their tastes. This is a great first anniversary gift for a couple, especially if you get them some stationary that has both their names on it together.

Bliss Collections Perpetual Calendar, Important Dates to Remember, Gold Sprial Monthly and Daily Wall Hanging Organizer for Important Dates, Anniversaries and Special Days, 5'x10' (12 Sheets)

Paper Calendar

Calendars come in all sorts of entertaining and hobby-inspired forms.  From desk calendars to wall calendars and motor bikes to, um, cat humour, there are a multitude of choices.  Although paper is only the traditional gift for the first anniversary, you can always start a tradition of giving a new calendar at every anniversary!

Re:Marks Personalized Designer Address Stamp

Return Address Stamp

It’s not quite paper on its own, but it goes with your paper products. A custom stamp is one of the most unique first year anniversary gifts I can think of.

Avery Clean Edge Printable Business Cards with Sure Feed Technology, 2' x 3.5', White, 200 Blank Cards for Inkjet Printers (08871)

Business Cards

It’s a unique gift, but why not? This could be a really thoughtful first anniversary gift for a spouse that is starting their own business, needs a business card upgrade, or hasn’t updated their cards with their new married name. 

Post-it Pop-up Note Dispenser, Cat design, 3x3 in, 1 Dispenser/Pack (CAT-330) , White

Cute Post It Notes

Post it notes are always handy, and they’re a practical gift idea to add into a first anniversary gift. You can pair them with a cute and fun post it note holder too! 

Travel and Activity Related Paper Gifts for a First Anniversary

Personalized Wine Labels

Custom Wine Labels

Whether you make your own wine or not, spring for some custom labels.  No one will forget which bottle you brought to the dinner party!

Clever Fox Wine Journal for Wine Tasting – Guided Wine Diary & Log Book with Tasting Instructions, Aroma Wheel, Food Pairing & Glass Guide – 132 Entries, Hardcover, A5 Size (Black)

Wine Journal

Keep notes on which wines you love and which ones you want to skip from now on by using a gorgeous little wine journal. This gift idea would also pair well with a bottle of wine to get the recording started. Super cute for a wine loving couple to enjoy on their first anniversary. 

Luckies of London Scratch Off World Map Original Travel Size | Mini Travel Map To Track Travels | Scratch Art & World Map Wall Art For Office Decor | Travel Journal Alternative | Travel Gifts | Small

Travel Map

Keep track of all the places you’ve gone and the places you’ll go with a travel map. They even come in scratch-off now!

Personalised Scratch Off Fake Airplane Ticket - 6 Cards

Plane Ticket

Take off on a new adventure, with the gift of plane tickets.  The world is your oyster with this gift.  You could go on a quick weekend jaunt to relatives or a theme park, or take off on a round-the-world trip. Now that everything is digital you’ll have to print off the ticket information to really make this a “paper” themed gift. 

Off the Beaten Path: A Travel Guide to More Than 1000 Scenic and Interesting Places Still Uncrowded and Inviting

Travel Guide

Travel guides dovetail oh-so-nicely with plane tickets, but they are also good for planning weekends away or complimenting trips that you already have planned.  You can even get a city guide for your very own city, to search out weekend adventures on your home turf.

Maps

Map Book for Road Trips

I love this gift idea for an adventurous couple! They can use this book to help plan road trips to do together. Anything road trip related would make fun first year anniversary gift ideas for a couple who loves adventure.

New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada

36 Hours USA & Canada Book

This fun book is part of a series called “36 hours” which are road trips in various regions, predominantly in Canada and the United States.  They are a great inspiration for new adventures as a couple.

Couple's Planner and Journal

Couples Planning Journal

Instead of letting your calendar control you, you control your calendar. This journal can help plan all aspects of the days and weeks during the next year ahead. It even has prompts! Set out on the second year of your marriage and make it remarkable, together.

Culturenik World Map Antique Vintage Old Style Decorative Educational Poster Print, 16x20 Unframed

Antique Map

I have some gorgeous antique maps at home, and highly recommend them as a gift for the map-inclined.

FramePro Travel Shadow Box Top Loading Display Case Frame with Slot on Top for Tickets, Customizable DIY Sweet Gift, Movie Sporting Events Concert Stubs Drink Beer Caps Memory Box, Black 8x10

Ticket Stub Holder

Hold on to the memories that you create together by picking up a holder for all of your ticket stubs.  Naturally this gift is even better if you include a gift of tickets to something wonderful, here is a list of tickets for inspiration.

Fun Paper Gift Ideas for Your Spouse or a Couple

MEIN SCHATZ Money Tree Gift Card Holder with 10 Clips & LED Lighted Tips - White Money Tree Gift Holder for Cash - Ideal Present for Wedding, Birthday, Easter & Christmas - Photo & Gift Card Tree

Lottery Tickets

Give your spouse or a couple a lottery tree filled with scratchies as a fun first anniverary gift. It will give new meaning to “for richer or poorer”!

Customizable event tickets

Event Tickets

There are a myriad of different tickets that you can get, we brainstormed some a bit back.  To bring it all together, purchase a frame to put the tickets in, after you have used them!

Real Simple

Magazine Subscription

Magazines for women who hunt, magazines for model airplane aficionados, work out buffs and woodworking, they all exist!

KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer (White) Compatible w/ iOS & Android, NFC & Bluetooth Devices, 2x3

Wireless Photo Printer

It’s not made of paper but it does print it! This handy printer can wirelessly print out your favorite photos right from your phone.

Paper Jewelry: 55 Projects for Reusing Paper

Paper Jewelry

DIY a gift, or purchase some jewelry that is made out of paper.  A great number of necklaces and bracelets are made out of magazines by women in developing countries.  Supporting their livelihoods while buying your spouse something to wear is a win-win.

Wilton 300 Count Polka Dots Standard Baking Cups

Cupcake Liners

There are so many completely adorable cupcake liners out there in the world.  You can go the extra mile and put some cupcakes in them to celebrate, too.

TableTopics Original - 10th Anniversary Edition: Questions to Start Great Conversations, The Best Way to Spark a New Conversation & Create New Memories with Friends & Family, Or Meeting Someone New

Table Topics Cards

Table topics are fun conversation starting cards, centered around a theme.  There’s the original deck, a couples deck and many more.

Ticket to Ride Board Game - A Cross-Country Train Adventure for Friends and Family! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 30-60 Minute Playtime, Made by Days of Wonder

Board Game

Most of these are made out of paper or paperboard.  If your household is like mine, specifically gifting your spouse their favourite game piece, whether it’s the top hat, or the red plastic pegs, will make the gift extra special.

Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Guitar Classics Volume 2: Classic Rock to Modern Rock (Easy Guitar TAB) (Rolling Stones Classic Guitar)

Guitar Music

Any sheet music would be good for a musician, really. Yes, you can get some stuff online, but there’s nothing better than having an actual paper copy. 

Brybelly 12 Decks of Playing Cards|Poker Wide Size (6 Red/6 Blue)|Plastic Coated Cards for Poker, Blackjack| Regular Index

Playing Cards

Playing cards are a great addition to a first anniversary gift basket or just a fun gift on their own.

The Fisherman's Journal (Outdoor Journals)

Fishing Journal

Buy on Amazon

How else are you going to record how big the fish was?

INOVART Puzzle-It 63-Piece Blank Puzzle, 12 Puzzles Per Package, 8-1/2' x 11', White

Custom Puzzle

These are so cool! Make your own custom puzzle for a fun and unique gift idea.

Genuine Leather Legends Journal - Hand made in the USA, Saddle

Hunting Journal

If your spouse likes to hunt give a paper hunting journal for your first anniversary. You can always pair it with other hunting themed gifts too. 

DYMO LW Library Book Spine Labels for LabelWriter Label Printers, White, 1' x 1.5', 1 Roll of 750

Book Labels

For the book collector! Give these on their own, or with a book. 

WALT DISNEY'S MICKEY MOUSE VOL 1 &2 BOX SET

Collector Comic Book

If your spouse is the nerdy type, a collectible comic book is a great paper anniversary gift idea. 

Kid Clock Design Your Own Clock Kit

Make Your Own Paper Clock Kit

This one bridges a few different gifting traditions! It would be fun for you and your spouse to make together. 

Avant Grub Baking Pan Chef Grade 8x4in 1Lb Paper Loaf Pans 10 Pk. Elegant Disposable Bakeable Kraft Pan Supplies for Baking Bread, Small Meatloaf, Bundt Cake, Sweets, Kraft Paper - With Lids.

Paper Loaf Trays

Buy on Amazon

You can put anything in these paper loaf trays. What a nice way to give some homemade bread to a couple that’s been married for one year?

More Unique First Year Anniversary Gift Ideas:

Ya Otta Pinata T-Rex

Pinata

Buy on Amazon

Pinatas are a great way to celebrate any occasion! And since they’re made of paper, what better excuse to have one than a first anniversary celebration?

Displays2go Holiday Party Favor Gift Box Place Card Holder with Green Ribbon, Set of 8 (PCHRGL1G)

Place Card Set

Buy on Amazon

You can get a pack of paper place cards, and then also include some place card holders. This would be a fun gift to give a couple who likes to entertain. 

No products found.

Letterpress Coasters

No products found.

These are super pretty! They’re made of pressboard, which is close enough to paper to make a great traditional gift. 

Ikea 701.034.10 Regolit Pendant Lamp Shade, White

Paper Lamp Shade

Change up your decor with a paper lamp shade and have a visible reminder of your first anniversary, for several years to come.

Oriental Furniture 6 ft. Tall Window Pane Shoji Screen - Natural - 6 Panels

Shoji Screen

It’s made of paper, so why not! Super cool idea for a room divider or home decorating for someone who likes Japanese-style decor.

Happy 1st Paper Anniversary Printed Toilet Paper Gag Gift, Funny Novelty Wedding Anniversary Present for Him or Her

Toilet Paper

We all need toilet paper!  Pick up some comedic toilet paper, perhaps this golf themed toilet paper.  You may have seen a lot of creative wrapping using toilet paper rolls on Pinterest.

You can stick something inside of the toilet paper roll.  Simply cut out some cardboard or boxboard that is the same size at the end of the toilet paper roll, to keep your actual gift inside.  You can then wrap the whole roll up, or cover the cardboard in wrapping paper and tie it with a bow.  Lots of things will fit inside, including that love letter, or tickets.

This is a fantastic first year anniversary gift idea for a man!

Household Essentials 3-Piece Hat Box Set with Faux Leather Lids, Floral Pattern

Hat Box

Buy on Amazon

They probably don’t want any paper hats, but a hat box made of paper is a pretty fun gift idea.

Little-Trees Black Ice Little Tree Air Freshener- 24 Pack

Car Air Freshener

These would be fun as a themed gift or part of a first anniversary gift basket. 

The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition

Paper Bag Princess Book

This is a super cute first anniversary gift idea for a couple. They probably remember it from their own childhood! It would be even better if the couple was expecting so it could be both a wedding anniversary gift and something they can share with the baby. 

Hooshing Deer Head Wall Decor Trophy Sculpture DIY 3D Puzzle Beige, Wall Decoration for Living Room Office Home

Cardboard Deer Head

Faux animal racks are all the rage these days, and this one happens to be made from cardboard! It’s also a puzzle, so it’s DIY project (maybe for the couple to do together) and decorative piece in one.

Everyday PLNT-10-FBA Round Paper Lantern (10 Pack), 10', White

Paper Lantern

Not just for wedding decor, lanterns are fun on balconies, in backyards, or to decorate basements.  Add a touch of whimsy, or perhaps opt for a fancy meal under the soft glow of a lantern. These would also make great decorations for a first anniversary party. 

Alqpopg Newspaper Printed Baseball Cap Unisex Retro Trucker Hat Street Graffiti Caps Cotton Adjustable Hip Hop Hats (White)

Newspaper Print Clothes

There are some cute (and some ridiculous) newsprint clothes available, which is a slight bending of the rules, but definitely on the paper theme!

Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration for paper themed first anniversary gifts for a couple! If you’re still stumped for ideas, you can never go wrong with a thoughtful note or card.

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