1-Year Anniversary Gifts Worthy of the First Marriage Milestone

All our picks are editor-approved.

Photos, from clockwise: Mapiful, GLDN, Personalization Mall, Uncommon Goods

Updated Apr 02, 2025

Can you believe it's already been a year since your wedding day? What can we say, time flies when you're in love. Mark the occasion with a special 1-year anniversary gift for your spouse from our list of traditional, modern and unique ideas. Shopping for a couple celebrating their first year of marriage? There are plenty of ideas that'll work for them, too.

We've taken inspiration from the first wedding anniversary themes and added in some other ideas, including creative, personalized and classic presents. Shop sentimental artwork, anniversary jewelry, fun experiences and more to commemorate the special occasion. One year down, forever to go!

In this article:

Traditional One-Year Anniversary Gifts
Modern One-Year Anniversary Gifts
Unique One-Year Anniversary Gifts

Traditional One-Year Anniversary Gifts

The traditional one-year anniversary gift is paper. Fragile yet substantial, this everyday material represents a new marriage. If you're searching for a symbolic present, here's our guide to finding the perfect paper anniversary gift. Whether you're shopping for your husband, wife or favorite couple, there are many ways to celebrate year one with this first anniversary symbol.

Keepsake Anniversary Book

Keepsake anniversary journal from Uncommon Goods

This classic journal is one of our favorite gift ideas for the first wedding anniversary. It has dedicated pages for every milestone, from now to the 60th, where you can jot down memories from each year together. There are also photo pages and keepsake pockets for adding pictures and mementos. (Psst: A personalized version is available too.)

$95 | Uncommon Goods

Custom Star Map

A custom star map from your wedding day is a romantic gift to give your spouse one year later. You can include a sentimental quote, the date and the coordinates of where you tied the knot. Choose from various designs and sizes, then have it framed for a sentimental one-year anniversary gift for him, her or them.

From $39 | Mapiful

Paper Rose Bouquet

Looking for traditional first anniversary gifts to woo your spouse? Swap fresh blooms for paper flowers to stay on theme. These handmade paper roses can be personalized with your first dance lyrics or your wedding vows. Choose a bouquet of 12, 18 or 24 for a sweet gift that'll never wilt.

From $48 | Etsy

Sentimental Wall Art

Personalized wall art from Uncommon Goods

Celebrate where your love story started with this personalized print. It features intersecting street signs representing you and your spouse, plus two important dates in your relationship, like the year you met and your wedding year. It's printed on luxe matte paper and can be framed for a wall-ready one-year anniversary gift.

From $75 | Uncommon Goods

Adventure Challenge Journal

If you're running out of date night ideas after a year of marriage, we feel you. This book is full of scratch-off activities to do together, from blindfolded baking to painting a masterpiece. It'll help you shake up your weekly ritual and make time for having fun. Short on time? Check out the Mini Dates version for quick, 30-minute ideas.

Get 25% off sitewide with the code THEKNOT25.

$50 | The Adventure Challenge

Paper Clip Earrings

Gold vermeil paperclip drop earring traditional one-year anniversary gift

While they're not technically made of the traditional first anniversary material, these paper clip earrings are a novel one-year anniversary gift idea. The sleek design will appeal to anyone who loves minimalist accessories with a modern twist. Choose from two metallic finishes, 18K gold vermeil or sterling silver, and white or green cubic zirconia stones.

From $60 | Oak and Luna

Anniversary Material Art

Searching for a traditional first-year anniversary gift for your favorite couple? This personalized material art is a thoughtful tribute to the one-year milestone. It features an origami heart with the couple's names, wedding date and a symbolic anniversary quote underneath.

$65 | Uncommon Goods

Custom House Portrait

If you and your spouse recently bought a house, this first anniversary gift is especially fitting. The custom artwork features your new abode, along with your names, address and a short message. Simply upload a photo of the house for reference, and the Etsy seller will use it to create a digital illustration. Add a frame to finish things off.

From $27 | Etsy

Newspaper-Inspired Print

The New York Times front page reprinted and framed for traditional 1st anniversary gift

Here's a unique first anniversary gift for your husband, wife or spouse: a reprint of The New York Times front page from your wedding day. It's a fun way to remember when you said, "I do," plus it doubles as a cool piece of decor. Choose your preferred size, the date and whether you want it framed.

From $60 | New York Times Store

Love Letter in a Bottle

This traditional first anniversary gift idea is all about romance. The custom love letter is printed on lined paper, tied with ribbon and presented in a confetti-filled bottle. You can add your names to the bottle for an extra touch of customization. Sweet, we know.

Use the KNOT15PM code to get 15% off your order.

$35 | Personalization Mall

Sheet Music Art

Still searching for first anniversary gift ideas? Honoring an important moment like your first dance is a fun way to mark the occasion. This custom print features the sheet music from your chosen tune, along with your names and wedding date. Now, your spouse will always remember your special song, although they'd probably never forget it anyway.

From $38 | Etsy

Love Story Mapmaking Class

This online mapmaking class is a traditional one-year anniversary gift and a fun date activity. During the 90-minute class, you and your spouse will learn how to create your own love map. Each geographic feature is inspired by a specific milestone, like your first date, engagement or wedding day. Bonus: You'll be mailed a cartography kit beforehand.

$110 | Uncommon Goods

Personalized Storybook

There are so many ways to say I love you, but there's nothing like seeing those three little words in print. With Wonderbly's Love of My Life book, you can remind your spouse why they're your number one. Each page can be personalized with your own words and illustrations inspired by your relationship. Traditional first-year anniversary gifts don't get more adorable than this.

$45 | Wonderbly

Modern One-Year Anniversary Gifts

The first wedding anniversary also has a modern gifting theme: a clock. Practical yet stylish, a clock is a timeless token of love. Giving your spouse (or a couple) a clock-themed present commemorates the year that has passed, and looks ahead to all the years to come. Here are the best modern one-year anniversary gifts.

Classic Hourglass Timer

This engraved hourglass will be a beautiful addition to the couple's coffee table. It's filled with white sand and can be etched with their names, wedding date and a charming quote. Bonus: You'll save time on gift wrapping as this personalized anniversary gift arrives in a satin-lined box.

Get 15% off sitewide with this code: KNOT15PM.

$60 | Personalization Mall

Apple Watch Band Set

If your spouse never leaves home without their Apple Watch, they probably don't need a new timepiece. Instead, why not upgrade the one they already have? Goldenerre's accessory set includes two stainless steel bands and four cases, perfect for dressing up their smart watch. Choose from several colors and sizes to suit their watch model.

Want to get 15% off your order? Use the KNOT15 code at checkout.

$296 | Goldenerre

Sunrise Alarm Clock

Give your spouse the gift of peaceful mornings with a sunrise alarm clock. This practical first anniversary gift mimics sunlight and gradually illuminates the room to wake you up gently. Now you can leave your phones outside the bedroom and create a more relaxing space.

$170 | Hatch

Metallic Record Clock

Shopping for unique first anniversary gifts for a music fan? This metallic record clock is bound to be a hit. It's made from a recycled LP record with a gold or platinum finish, and can be personalized with up to five song titles. Add your names and wedding date to complete this modern one-year anniversary present.

$108 | Uncommon Goods

Musical Anniversary Clock

If you're going to buy a fancy clock, make it this one. The unique timepiece counts the years, months, days, hours, minutes and seconds since the wedding day. It also automatically plays your chosen song on every anniversary and can be customized with an engraved plaque.

$400 | Etsy

Light-Powered Watch

Fancy watches make excellent gifts for any occasion, especially the first-year wedding anniversary. This elegant timepiece is powered by light (both solar and artificial), so your spouse will never need to replace the battery. We love the brown leather strap and gold accents of this vintage-inspired accessory.

$275 | Citizen

Nautical Tide Clock

We get it, the clock theme can be a tricky one. While you probably already have a regular one that tracks minutes and hours, how about a clock that tracks something else? This tide clock is perfect for anyone who enjoys nautical activities, like sea swimming, surfing and beach walks. It features a lighthouse illustration that changes depending on tidal intervals.

$150 | Uncommon Goods

Personalized Pocket Watch

Modern first anniversary gifts come in all shapes and sizes, like this silver pocket watch. You can have the front engraved with your spouse's monogram, while the back has space for a longer message. Add a romantic quote or reference your wedding vows for a symbolic gift they can carry in their pocket.

Get 25% off sitewide with the code THEKNOT25.

$50 | Personalization Mall

Wooden Wall Clock

You don't have to wait until five years of marriage to give your spouse a wood anniversary gift. This custom clock is made from oak or maple and can be laser-engraved with your names and wedding date. It's a thoughtful first anniversary present that'll add a rustic touch to your home.

From $59 | Etsy

Crystal Studded Watch

If your spouse likes to add sparkle to every ensemble, they'll covet this Swarovski watch. The dial is decorated with pavé crystals and the strap is made from Italian leather. Choose from three colors for a stylish one-year anniversary gift your spouse can wear anywhere.

Use Theknot10 code for 10% off sitewide.

From $330 | Swarovski

Unique One-Year Anniversary Gifts

If the traditional and modern themes aren't your thing, there are other options to inspire you. Yellow and gold are the colors that represent the first year of marriage, while the carnation is the official one-year anniversary flower. Gold (the metal) is also associated with this precious milestone, offering even more gift ideas. If you don't want to include these symbols, we can still help you find a memorable first anniversary gift for your wife, husband or a married couple. Here are our favorite unique present ideas for the first wedding anniversary.

Decorative Travel Map

This personalized world map is one of our favorite gift ideas for the first anniversary. Ideal for travelers, this cool canvas comes with push pins they can use to track their adventures. Add their names and wedding date for a unique gift that'll inspire their wanderlust.

From $159 | Canvas Vows

Crystal Tennis Bracelet

Jewelry is a romantic gift you can always rely on, whether it's your first wedding anniversary or your 20th. This Swarovski tennis bracelet is perfect for formal and casual occasions alike. It's embellished with sparkly crystals and comes in four colors: gold, rose gold, rhodium and pink.

Get 10% off with this code: Theknot10.

$229 | Swarovski

Cute Kissing Mugs

Appeal to your spouse's sentimental side with these cute mugs. They're made from porcelain and resemble two faces sharing a kiss. Choose from two color combos for a sweet one-year anniversary gift that'll make your morning coffee feel more special.

$50 | Uncommon Goods

Gold Carnation Pendant

Combine two themes, the first anniversary flower and metal, with this pretty pendant. The 14K gold necklace features a carnation and comes in three sizes. Your spouse can wear it alone for an understated look or layer it with other pieces in their collection.

From $52 | Made By Mary

Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Bucketlist experience voucher from Tinggly

Marriage is all about trying new things and making memories together. Tinggly's Bucket List Experience will add some excitement to your next anniversary trip, whether it's overseas or within the US. The gift voucher allows you to choose from over 10,000 experiences, from surfing lessons to food tours and everything in between. The only tricky bit is deciding what you'd like to do.

Use the TK code for 10% off all experience gift boxes and getaway gifts.

$259 | Tinggly

Gold-Dipped Rose

Here's another unique gift that incorporates the one-year anniversary metal: a gold-dipped rose. This special keepsake is a real flower preserved in lacquer to symbolize everlasting love. It's one of the most romantic gifts for the first wedding anniversary, especially if you engrave the stem with your spouse's name.

From $100 | The Forever Rose

Digital Photo Frame

First wedding anniversary present ideas can be practical too. If your spouse has spent the last year taking photos, they'll appreciate a digital picture frame. This clever device connects to an app where they can upload all their favorite snapshots and view them on a loop. Tip: Take care of the setup so they can start curating their display right away.

$199 | Amazon

Travel Jewelry Case

Does your spouse love to accessorize? This jewelry case is a great place to stash their treasures, especially if they travel often. It has compartments for rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, so they can organize everything in one place. The case also comes with a polishing cloth and a protective pouch for extra storage.

$68 | GLDN

Smart Indoor Garden

A Click & Grow indoor garden will be a dream come true for anyone short on outdoor space or time. This smart device does all the work, providing plants with optimal light, nutrients and water. It's one of the top first anniversary gift ideas for couples who want to start gardening.

$100 | Click & Grow

Personalized Bottle of Wine

Here's a first anniversary gift idea that works for almost anyone: a personalized bottle of wine. Part souvenir, part celebratory drink, it holds a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and is etched with your names and anniversary details. Pair it with cheese and crackers for a tasty anniversary treat.

$58 | Mano's Wine

Cute Matching Underwear

For a spouse who appreciates cheeky gifts, consider matching couples underwear. MeUndies offers a range of inclusive sizes, underwear styles and pairing options for all couples, so you'll likely find something you both love. You can even subscribe monthly if you're committed to coordinating regularly.

Prices vary | MeUndies

Fresh Flower Delivery

Choosing gifts for the first wedding anniversary doesn't have to be complicated. If your spouse loves fresh flowers, gift them a BloomsyBox bouquet to celebrate the occasion. Romantic roses, cheerful tulips and elegant orchids are just a few of the options available. Want to be extra thoughtful? Get something with carnations to honor the milestone's flower.

Snag 20% off bouquets and subscriptions with this code: BloomsyKnot20.

Prices vary | BloomsyBox

Cozy Bathrobes

If you're celebrating your first anniversary at home with your spouse, you both deserve some pampering. Treat yourselves to these luxurious bathrobes and get ready to relax. They're made from 100% Turkish cotton and are the perfect thing to throw on in the morning. Pair them with silk eye masks so you can snooze in style.

From $109 | Brooklinen

Yellow Butterfly Ornament

Gold isn't the only anniversary color tied to the first wedding anniversary. Take inspiration from the other hue, yellow, with this butterfly ornament. It's made from stained glass and symbolizes happiness, optimism and nurturement, three key components of a successful marriage.

$74 | Uncommon Goods

Naoimh O'Hare contributed to the reporting of this article.