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Home / Wedding Anniversaries – Names and Gifts by Year / 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts (Paper Anniversary)

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts (Paper Anniversary)


1st wedding anniversary also known as the Paper anniversary

Traditional, Modern and Symbolic 1 Year Anniversary Gifts

Below is a list of both traditional and modern gift materials, as well as classic flower and gemstone symbols, which mark a couple’s 1st wedding anniversary in countries around the world…


Traditional Gift – UK Cotton & Paper
Traditional Gift – US Paper
Traditional Gift – AustraliaPaper
Traditional Gifts – CanadaPaper
Traditional Gift – Spain Paper
Traditional Gift – Germany Paper
Traditional Gift – France Cotton
Traditional Gift – Italy Paper
Flower Gift Flower GiftsCarnations
Gemstone Gift Mother Of Pearl
Modern Gift Modern Anniversary GiftsClock

Discover the 1st year anniversary

  • About 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • How to Celebrate Your 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • Common Questions About the 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
  • 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her
  • 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for In-laws
  • 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Couples

About 1st Wedding Anniversaries

The 1st wedding anniversary is a major milestone and cause for celebration. After one year of marriage, you have navigated the ups and downs of your first year as a married couple and have hopefully settled into a comfortable rhythm of wedded bliss. Traditionally known as the paper anniversary, the 1st anniversary is a time to express your love and devotion to your spouse.

Paper gifts are symbolic of how fragile and blank your marriage was at the beginning, like a blank sheet of paper. But over the first year, you have started writing your story together and the paper has become a cherished love letter or photo album filled with memories.

The 1st wedding anniversary is all about togetherness, intimacy and connection. Focus on romance, sentiment and quality time together. And don’t forget to pop the cork on a bottle of champagne to toast to the first of many happy years to come! Wishing you both a very happy 1st anniversary!

Sea glass anniversary birds

SEA GLASS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY [Etsy]

A wonderful handmade artwork displaying two birds in love and a heart shaped balloon, all made with sea glass and pebbles. The sea glass and pebbles are collected by the artists from the beautiful Mediterranean beaches in Southern Spain.

The perfect frame for an Anniversary gift.

Buy this gift

How to Celebrate a 1st Anniversary

Your 1st wedding anniversary is a monumental milestone to celebrate. The first of life’s chapters creates cherished memories you will look back on fondly for years to come.

After 12 months of marriage, you understand your spouse’s interests and passions on a deeper level. Combine a romantic getaway to an exotic destination with an activity you both enjoy. For example, visit a cultured pearl farm by the sea and take a diving course to search for your own precious gems.

Closer to home, modern gift ideas include concert or theater tickets followed by a candlelit dinner overlooking a body of water. Capture the flickering candlelight reflecting off the rippling waters in stunning photos for your wedding album.

Making memories together doing things you both love will strengthen your connection and set the tone for more decades of adventures to come. Your 1st anniversary is a time to celebrate how far you’ve come as a couple and look ahead to the bright future that lies before you.

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.”

Quoted by: Alfred Lord Tennyson

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and the Couple

For your 1st wedding anniversary, choose gifts you both can enjoy together. After all, your first year of marriage was all about meshing your lives and bonding as a couple. Some sentimental paper gift ideas for the two of you include:

  • Photo album or scrapbook: Work together to create a scrapbook highlighting moments from your wedding and first year of marriage. Share the experience of choosing and arranging photos and adding captions while reminiscing about your favorite memories.
  • Puzzle books: Crossword, Sudoku or other puzzle books provide an activity you can do together. Curl up on your anniversary, pour some drinks and work through the puzzles as a team. Not only fun but also a perfect metaphor for how you come together to solve any challenges life presents.
  • Tickets: Buy tickets to an upcoming show, play, concert or sporting event you’ll attend together. Frame the tickets or put them in your wedding album as a reminder of the quality time you make for just the two of you.
  • Loveseat: For a bigger gift, a loveseat is ideal for cozying up together to read, watch movies or just chat and reconnect. Leave little love notes or treats tucked between the cushions as an added surprise.
  • Custom stationary: Personalized stationery for writing letters and notes to each other. Start a tradition of writing heartfelt love letters on your anniversary each year. Seal them with wax for an extra special romantic touch.
  • Bath & body set: A basket filled with luxurious bath products, plush towels, bubble bath and bath salts provides everything needed for a relaxing couples bath on your anniversary. Light some candles, pour a glass of wine and unwind together.

The perfect 1st wedding anniversary gifts celebrate intimacy, romance and togetherness. Choosing paper gifts you can share in creating or experience together will make your first anniversary one you’ll always remember.

Common Questions About the 1st Wedding Anniversary

Q: What is the 1st wedding anniversary called?
A: The 1st wedding anniversary is known as the Paper Anniversary.

Q: What is the 1st wedding anniversary gemstone?
A: The 1st wedding anniversary gemstone is Mother of Pearl, an iridescent substance that forms on the inner layer of shells.

Q: What is the 1st wedding anniversary symbol?
A: The 1st wedding anniversary is symbolised by paper anniversary.

Q: What is the 1st wedding anniversary colour?
A: The colour synonymous with the 1st wedding anniversary is Yellow.

Q: What are the traditional and modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary?
A: The traditional gift for the 1st wedding anniversary is paper, and the modern gift is a clock.

Q: What is the 1st year anniversary flower?
A: The classic flower for 1st wedding anniversary celebrations is the Carnation. Carnations are used to symbolize affection.

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him

What should I buy my husband on our 1st wedding anniversary?

For your 1st wedding anniversary, stick with the traditional paper gift. A heartfelt love letter or poem expressing your feelings for your husband is a sentimental gift he will cherish for years to come. You could also create a photo album or scrapbook highlighting memories from your first year of marriage. Other paper gift ideas include:

  • Tickets to his favorite sports team or a concert he’s been wanting to see. Frame the tickets for display.
  • A book by his favorite author. You can include a handwritten note about what he means to you inside the cover.
  • A map showing the location of a special spot where you shared a memorable experience in the past year. Note the significance of that place in your relationship.
  • Stationery or a journal for writing letters or notes to each other. Continue the tradition of writing letters on your anniversary for an ongoing, romantic keepsake.
  • Crossword or Sudoku books for quiet moments together. Curl up and work through the puzzles as a team.

A paper gift personalized with a heartfelt message or inside jokes you share will make your 1st anniversary one he’ll never forget. Focusing on intimacy and connection will set the right tone for your next year of marriage and beyond.

A first year gift for him can be romantic yet simple. Here are some ideas to get you started…

Cross Century II Ferrari Ballpoint Pen [Amazon]
Buy him the Cross Century II Ferrari Ballpoint Pen for this years anniversary gift
Engineered for smooth and effortless writing, the Century II uses patented roller ball technology. The ball glides seamlessly across paper with no skipping. Refills easily with standard Cross ballpoint refills. The pen includes a lifetime mechanical guarantee for lasting performance. Completing the gift is sleek Ferrari-yellow lacquer gift box with black accents. Make an impression with the Cross Century II Ferrari Pen - the perfect gift for Ferrari fans, executives, gearheads, and writers alike.
Buy this gift
1st Anniversary 1 Year Down Forever to Go T-Shirt [Amazon]
Buy him or her this fun T-shirt for their 1st wedding anniversary gift
This lightweight cotton tee comes in several colors with the anniversary phrase printed in white. The comfy crew neck and short sleeve cut flatters both men and women. Give your loved one the gift of celebration and laughter with this unique 1st anniversary t-shirt! It's sure to be worn for years to come as you continue your journey together. For the happy couple who wants to make light of the occasion while creating new memories. A perfect first anniversary gift!
Buy this gift

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her

What should I buy my wife on our 1st wedding anniversary?

For your paper anniversary, a sentimental gift from the heart is always a good choice for your wife. Consider writing her a love letter telling her what this first year of marriage has meant to you. Seal it in a decorative envelope for her to open on your anniversary.

Some other thoughtful paper gift ideas include:

  • A scrapbook or photo album of memories from your wedding and first year together. Include captions describing what you cherish most about your new life as a married couple.
  • A star named after her. You can name a star through official star registry services and they will provide a paper certificate commemorating it.
  • Spa set with stationary for writing love notes. Include scented paper, pens, sealing wax and a seal with your monogram or wedding date.
  • A book of love poems. Choose a leather-bound volume and include a dedication page at the front handwritten by you.
  • Maps from your honeymoon or other travels in the past year. Frame them or save them in a decorative folder or album. Highlight meaningful spots on the maps to revisit together.
  • Love coupons she can redeem for a back massage, her favorite treat, movie night with you or whatever else she would enjoy. Make the coupons from decorative paper.
Peacock made of sea glass in a wooden frame

Sea Glass Peacock [Etsy]

A wonderful framed unique design of a colourful peacock made with genuine sea glass. The message reads “Sometimes all you need is a splash of colour”. The sea glass is collected by the artist from the beautiful Mediterranean beaches in Southern Spain.

This makes for a lovely and unique anniversary gift to give to your loved one.

Buy this gift

A gift personal to your wife and relationship will make your 1st anniversary unforgettable. Focus on pampering and expressing your undying love and devotion. With love and laughter, here’s to many more joyous years together!

Below are some ideas for gifts that your wife may appreciate and cherish….

First Anniversary Gift Paper Gift Map [Amazon]
Buy her or him the First Anniversary Gift Paper Gift Map
This sentimental artwork features a stylized map highlighting important milestones and memories from your first year of marriage. Customize with your wedding location, ceremony site, honeymoon destination, places you visited, moved to, or hold a special meaning to your relationship. The map is printed on high-quality art paper in black and white for a classic, elegant look suitable for framing. Space is provided to include your anniversary date and names.
Buy it now
Personalized Star Map [Amazon]
Buy her or him this personalized star map for this anniversary gift
A truly special way to remember a special moment in your life or gift for a l♥ved ones, this star map is a special personalized anniversary gift for the couples wedding date!
Buy it now

To mark this special day, plant some flowers in your garden or in a planter (the traditional 1st wedding anniversary flower is the carnation). Or maybe put together a framed print of another treasured moment together. Check out some of our other gift suggestions below…

1st Anniversary Gifts for In-laws

Choosing a 1st wedding anniversary gift for your daughter and son-in-law or your parents-in-law doesn’t have to be challenging. Traditionally, the 1st anniversary is the paper anniversary, so there are many thoughtful yet affordable paper gifts that your in-laws would surely appreciate.

For your daughter and new son-in-law, consider:

  • A scrapbook or photo album highlighting moments from their wedding day and first year of marriage. Include spaces for them to add memories from years to come.
  • Love note stationery. Give them decorative paper, pens and sealing wax to write love letters to each other for their anniversary each year.
  • A story or poem about their relationship personalized with details only you know as her parent. Read it aloud to them over a special dinner or cocktails.
  • Maps from their honeymoon or travels together in the past year. Have the maps framed so they can display them as art in their home as a reminder of their adventures.

For your parents-in-law, thoughtful paper gifts could be:

  • A framed family tree or timeline showing the growth of their family over the years. Include names and photos of their children, grandchildren and other special family events.
  • A book of crossword or Sudoku puzzles for them to do together. Include a handwritten dedication celebrating their years of love and teamwork.
  • Gift certificates to see a play or musical and then go out for a nice dinner. Give them an experience they can enjoy and share in together.
  • A photo album or framed photos of the two of them from their wedding and over the years. Let them know you cherish them and the loving relationship they’ve built.

Any of these sentimental paper gifts would be a meaningful way to honor your in-laws 1st wedding anniversary and forge an even stronger bond. Wishing them many more happy years together!

Happy 1st Paper Anniversary Printed Toilet Paper Gag Gift [Amazon]
Buy him or her this funny Happy 1st Paper Anniversary Printed Toilet Paper Gag Gift
Add some humor to your first anniversary celebration with the Happy 1st Paper Anniversary Printed Toilet Paper gag gift! This novelty toilet paper is printed with romantic anniversary messages like "Happy 1st Anniversary" Poke fun at the traditional paper gift theme with toilet paper that looks like wrapping paper. Each two-ply printed sheet is perforated for easy tearing. Give your spouse a good laugh and surprise them with this unique funny paper anniversary gift. Makes the perfect humorous addition to accompany your heartfelt first anniversary card and gift.
Buy it now
Personalized First Dance Song Paper Anniversary Gift [Amazon]
Buy them or each other the Personalized First Dance Song Paper Anniversary Gift for this years present
This item is foil printing on heavyweight paper and makes the perfect gift for 1st anniversary or any occasion
Buy it now

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Couple

Buying something for friends or your daughter and son in-law that got married last year? Here are some gift ideas to help you get some inspiration for something that you can buy for both of them:

Couples Scrapbook Album [Amazon]
Buy them Couples Scrapbook Album for this 1st years anniversary gift
The couple's scrapbook, anniversary ideas, story of us scrapbook, couples journal, photo album for couples and a memory journal
Buy it now
Amazon Gift Card For Him
Buy him an Amazon gift card for this years anniversary gift
Gift Cards are the perfect way to give them exactly what they're hoping for - even if you don't know what it is
Buy it now

Travel & Experience Gifts

Who doesn’t enjoy getting away, even just a weekend away for a romantic night in a quaint hotel? Or a hot air balloon ride that you can enjoy together?

Still looking for some more travel and experience inspiration? Here are some additional ideas…

  • Location visit (romantic and passionate)
  • Tickets (concert, sports event, museum, musical, etc.)
  • Short romantic hotel stay
  • Restaurant (candlelit dinner for two)
  • Glamping break for two
  • Spa day for two

Something Different & Unique

  • Learn a new craft or take a course involving a shared interest.
  • Enjoy a surprise holiday getaway.
  • Initiate a traditional celebration (theatre, adventure day).
  • Arrange an animal experience day (falconry, zoo, horse riding).

A little history of anniversary gifts

So why were certain materials chosen as presents to symbolise specific anniversaries? To a certain extent, the reasons and meaning are clouded in mystery.

However, it is generally believed that increasingly durable gifts were chosen for successive years to represent the progressive strengthening of the marriage relationship. As the years go by, gifts increase in strength and value – from paper to diamond.

In whatever way you decide to celebrate your 1st wedding anniversary with your partner, make sure it is accompanied by oodles of romance and love.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our 1st Anniversary UK Gift Ideas.

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Next Anniversaries

2nd wedding anniversary
3rd wedding anniversary
4th wedding anniversary
5th wedding anniversary
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About The Author

Justin Aldridge

This page has been written by Justin Aldridge. Justin is passionate about helping couples to make their anniversary as special as possible. Justin enjoys being creative and coming up with different and inspiring ideas for couples to celebrate their anniversary in style each year.

Comments

  1. Rebecca B. says

    02/10/2016 at 9:56 pm

    An anniversary sundial is a good idea, a clock that uses the sun. There is one that you can find online that sits on the windowsill and makes rainbows in the room when the sun shines, and you can have it made with an anniversary line that the sun will follow on the special day. We love ours!

    Reply
  2. Ellie Jay says

    02/03/2017 at 12:58 am

    Great tips! I have one to add to your article. My sister-in-law received a sketch of her wedding dress created by a Dreamlines artist. It was so impressive that my husband gave me one on our wedding day. It was the most detailed, pretty and just perfect gift. I can’t say enough nice things about this company and gift idea.

    Reply
  3. Alex says

    28/06/2022 at 5:40 pm

    Awesome list! I’d also add getting a personalized comic book as a great ‘paper wedding anniversary’. I got one for my partner and he loved it 🙂

    Reply
  4. Yes No Wheel says

    19/02/2023 at 9:44 am

    I love the ideas in this post! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

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