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You are here: Home / Wedding Anniversaries – Names and Gifts by Year / 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts – Paper Anniversary

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts – Paper Anniversary

Congratulations on your 1st wedding anniversary also known as the Paper

Traditional, Modern and Symbolic 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 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

Page Index

  • About 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • How to Celebrate Your 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • Common Questions About the 1st Wedding Anniversary
  • 1st Anniversary Gifts for Him
  • 1st Anniversary Gifts for Her
  • 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him & Her

About 1st Wedding Anniversaries

Congratulations on your 1 year wedding anniversary. You might very well be thinking to yourself, where did that time go? It only seemed like yesterday you were making a commitment to spend the rest of your life with the one you love.

In many countries (including the UK and US) the 1st wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Paper Anniversary. One gift idea, sure to be cherished, would be a love letter or poem written on quality paper.

A new trend is for partners to give each other adult colouring books, certainly unusual although perhaps a little too out of the (paper) box for some people.

How to Celebrate a 1st Anniversary

This is, in many ways, the most significant wedding anniversary you will celebrate – the first of anything invariably provides an indelible snapshot of wonderful memories for your photo album.

After 12 months together as a married couple, you will know your partner, and their interests, much better. So how about combining a romantic holiday together, in an exotic setting, with an excursion and associated activity that accommodates your shared tastes and preferences.

Perhaps visit a cultured pearl farm by the sea and a take a skin-diving course together so you can later search for your own precious gemstones.

Closer to home, modern-day gifts for him or her could be a concert ticket or a night at the theatre, followed by a candlelit dinner near a river or lake. Clinking Champagne glasses as the flickering flames reflect off the glistening waters – with oysters as a sumptuous aperitif, of course.

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.” Quoted by: Alfred Lord Tennyson

The Awakening Bouquet - From You Flowers
Buy her or the couple the awakening bouquet for this years anniversary gift
A brilliant assortment created with Spring in mind. This stunning, fresh from the fields mix includes Spring daisies, purple carnations and pretty pink tulips. It's the perfect choice for impressing a friend or family member, flowers may change in seasons
Buy it now

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

Clocks are also an excellent gift with modern connotations but traditional appeal. Whether it is an antique clock, a novelty timepiece or an alarm set, the tick-tocking sound will start marking off the wonderful times in your new marital relationship – helping to register the many great memories since you exchanged your vows.

Gold is – perhaps surprisingly – a typical precious metal for those celebrating their 1st wedding anniversary. Pearls are the traditional jewellery: a smooth, lustrous gemstone representative of the first 12 months of your married lives together.

The classic pansy is a relatively small and fragile flower, which marks 1st wedding anniversary celebrations in perfect fashion. Like a pansy, the beginning of a marriage can prove to be quite delicate.

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? Buying the first anniversary gift is a very important decision. It’s important to start things as they mean to go on. Be creative, thoughful and look for something unique and meaningful. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it has to show that some thought went into it.

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

Seiko Men's Essential TT White Dial Watch [Amazon]
Buy him the Seiko Men's Essential TT White Dial Watch for this years anniversary gift
Seiko Men's Essential TT White Dial Watch. This handsome timepiece is designed with a two-tone stainless steel case and bracelet, 12 Hour Time and Day-Date Calender
Buy it now
Cross Century II Ferrari Ballpoint Pen [Amazon]
Buy him the Cross Century II Ferrari Ballpoint Pen for this years anniversary gift
The pen features a perforated clip modeled after the nose and cockpit of a Formula 1 racecar and includes a premium Scuderia Ferrari gift box
Buy it now
Personalized Pocket Metal Money Clip Wallet [Amazon]
Buy him the Personalized Pocket Metal Money Clip Wallet for this anniversary gift
Aluminum wallet outer case, tough and does not deform. 304 stainless steel money clip is used to hold cash and bills. On three sides of wallet outer case, elastic band can hold 12 cards
Buy it now
Magnetic Pickup Tool with LED Lights [Amazon]
Buy him the RAK Magnetic Pickup Tool with LED Lights for this anniversary gift
RAK Magnetic Pickup Tool Telescoping Flashlight. Great for automotive repairs, HVAC, boating, camping, fishing, and for anyone's toolbox!
Buy it now

We have a selection of anniversary gifts to suit all budgets and interests. Check out some further gift ideas below:

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
Cute 1st anniversary shirt for couples, husband gift from wife or wife to husband funny T-shirt gift
Buy it now
Ultimate Grill Kit [Amazon]
Buy him the ultimate grill Kit for this anniversary gift
All in One BBQ Accessories Set - A complete grilling tool kit of high quality stainless steel construction has everything you need to complement your dishes and make grilling easier
Buy it now
The Greatest Baseball Stories Ever Told [Amazon]
Buy him or her the Greatest Baseball Stories Ever Told this is a perfect anniversary gift for a Baseball fan
"Every once in a while, a book publisher comes up with a great concept for a series of books that deserve more than superficial recognition. Such a series is "The Greatest Baseball Stories Ever Told"
Buy it now
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
Fun and romantic gift for your 1st wedding anniversary gift. It reads "Happy 1st Paper Anniversary"
Buy it now

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her

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

Gift ideas for your wife to celebrate your first year together can follow the traditional paper theme, or be more modern – such as a cool clock, a chic watch or some elegant pearl jewellery. The first anniversary is one of the anniversaries that is least searched for online, showing that perhaps it isn’t given the importance that it should be.

Take your time and choose something thoughtful for your partner, she’s going to appreciate the time you put into selecting her gift as much as the gift itself. This is an important milestone reflecting things to come.

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

Kate Spade New York Women's Disco Pansy Thin Cuff Bracelet [Amazon]
Buy her this Kate Spade New York Women's Disco Pansy Thin Cuff Bracelet for this years anniversary gift
Pretty petals to add to your everyday accessory collection, this Kate Spade New York bracelet will bloom with everything from casual looks to night-out options
Buy it now
White Pearl Bracelet [Amazon]
Buy her a pearl bracelet or necklace for this years anniversary gift
The pearls are handpicked and real pearls with thick and iridescent nacre with each bracelet affixed with the highest quality 14K gold clasp perfect for a 1st anniversary gift
Buy it now
First Anniversary Gift Paper Gift Map [Amazon]
Buy her or him the First Anniversary Gift Paper Gift Map
This digital print is customized to ''heart'' your special day. Choose any location worldwide to feature on your personalized heart map gift
Buy it now
TAG Heuer Women's Aquaracer Diamond-Accented Watch [Amazon]
Buy her the TAG Heuer Women's Aquaracer Diamond-Accented Watch for this years anniversary gift
Two-tone watch featuring mother-of-pearl dial with diamond markers, luminous hands and date window at three o'clock position
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…

Romantic Message Compact Mirror [Amazon]
Buy her the Romantic Message Compact Mirror for this years anniversary gift
Quality travel mirror crafted with the lettering “To My Queen, I loved you then. I love you still. Always have. Always will”. It will bring back amazing memories when she uses it every time
Buy it now
Piggy Amundson Mug by Lowell Herrero [Amazon]
Buy her the Piggy Amundson Mug by Lowell Herrero for this years anniversary gift
Delightful art by Lowell Herero decorates the Lang Newman "Piggy" Amundson Coffee mug. Featuring a curious cat peeking out of a colorful bed of Pansies
Buy it now
My Husband Knows Everything | Wife Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
Buy her this funny t-shirt for this years anniversary gift
"I Don't Need Google, my Husband Knows Everything" funny smooth women's v-neck triblend t-shirt
Buy it now
1st Anniversary 1 Down and Forever To Go Key Chain Gift [Amazon]
Buy her this 1st Anniversary 1 Down and Forever To Go Key Chain Gift
"1 down" and a heart around the year, 2020, on the penny and "Forever to go" on the back aluminum piece
Buy it now

1st Anniversary Gifts for In-laws

Selecting an anniversary gift for your daughter and son in-law or father and mother in-law need not be as difficult as you think. You’re in the right place for help, we have some great gift ideas to guide you to some unique and practical gifts for your in-laws.

The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition [Amazon]
Buy them The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition for this years anniversary gift, once you scratch it must be completed
50 exiting, Creative Dates : With challenges ranging from baking an apple pie blindfolded to painting on a unique canvas, boring date nights are a thing of the past. Until you scratch it off, your adventure is a mystery!
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
Personalized Carved Family Tree [Amazon]
Buy the couple this Personalized Carved Family Tree for their anniversary gift
They will hang this personalized artwork immediately, unique stretched canvas wall art will make sure your anniversary gift makes a powerful, romantic gesture that will be enjoyed by them
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

1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him & Her

Buying something for friends or your children that got married last year? Here are some gift ideas to help you get some insipiration for something that you can buy for both of them:

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
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
Auto Trunk Organizers and Storage [Amazon]
Buy this Drive Auto Trunk Organizers and Storage for an anniversary gift, very handy at anytime
This truck organizer makes car organization easy with enough room to hold grocery items, jumper cables & more
Buy it now
Personalized Cutting Board [Amazon]
Buy them this personalized cutting board for their anniversary gift
This design is great for anniversaries, with an option to deliver the cutting board in a gift box and display stand
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 ballon ride that you can enjoy together?

Experience & Adventure Days For Him, Her & Couples Gifts
Buy the celebrating couple an adventure experience day, maybe a sailing trip with lunch or a hot air balloon ride, we have a great selection for this years anniversary gift
Shop unique gifts for couples to find an incredible experience that they'll remember for years to come. Whether they prefer adventure or relaxation, choose from hundreds of experience gift ideas for couples in cities all across the US!
Buy it now

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.

Related blog posts

  • Celebrating your 1st or 2nd wedding anniversary in 2022?
  • Which Flowers for Anniversary Gifts?
  • Why are anniversary gifts assigned a material, metal or gemstone?
  • The Best European Destinations to Consider for an Upcoming Anniversary
  • Romantic Ideas to Celebrate Your Wedding Anniversary in Style
  • Longest marriages in history!
  • How To Celebrate A Gay Wedding Anniversary
  • Creative Ideas for Wedding Anniversary Gifts
  • Planning Your Wedding Anniversary

Next Anniversaries

2nd wedding anniversary
3rd 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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