First wedding anniversary gift ideas for wife

You've gone on your honeymoon, moved in together and spent your first holidays as a married couple, but now it's time to celebrate your first wedding anniversary. Whether you're gifting your partner or looking for something special for your coupled-up friends (especially if you missed out on their wedding registry), there are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind when celebrating this milestone.

The first year of marriage is one of the most meaningful for the happy couple as it represents the year of "paper symbolizing the blank page your new marriage gives you," said event planner and creative director Jessica Sloane.

As you transition from newlyweds to a more established, long-term partnership, experts weigh in on the best gifts to give your spouse after the first 365 days.

What does the first wedding anniversary represent?

While modern couples tend to cohabitate before marriage, the first anniversary sets the tone for future anniversaries. Paper is traditionally gifted for the first wedding anniversary because it symbolizes new beginnings. More modern couples, however, tend to commemorate the occasion with a clock "to mark the time you've spent together," shared Sloane.

When it comes to anniversary gifting, Sloane recommends highlighting the special day with a photo book or a personalized object. "For couples who wrote their own vows or had a meaningful reading during their ceremony, consider getting that framed," she added.

But you don't have to cling to traditional gifts! Couples can also reminisce with something more personal or splurge on a vacation.

"I’m a firm believer that [anything goes] as long as the gift is thoughtful, and therefore impactful," shared Jamie Kutchman Wynne, gift expert and founder of Marigold & Grey.

Kutchman Wynne noted that while most loved ones don't keep up with a couple's wedding anniversary after the ceremony and reception, giving them a unique gift to toast their first year together is a thoughtful move if the couple didn't have a wedding registry in the first place.

"They’re choosing gifts that most pertain to the couple and what they might enjoy versus being confined to gifting based on the number of years together."

Why is paper the first wedding anniversary?

Aside from tradition, paper is very symbolic and a major milestone in your relationship. "Paper is a fitting start because the material is delicate, just like the early stages of your marriage. It’s also symbolic — blank pages are a reminder of this new chapter of your life as a married duo," said executive editor and wedding expert at The Knot, Lauren Kay.

There are many ways to celebrate this traditional anniversary with paper-related items. Kay recommended gifting stationery, concert tickets, a book, a printed photo from your honeymoon or a heartfelt art object.

Whether traditional gifts are more your style or you prefer something unique, here are some shopper-approved items to say "I love you" without a speech.

First anniversary gifts for her

Rarton Custom 3D Photo Lamp

Nothing says "I love you" quite like a personalized photo lamp. The lamp can be personalized with a picture of you, which comes with a 3D plate and an engraving on the base. Be forewarned, this custom photo gift might make your spouse cry as soon as she sees it.

Heart Arrows Laser Engraved Wood Keepsake Box

This keepsake box can be used to keep all her dainty jewelry and accessories intact. It can be customized with a sweet message, a significant date or her initials. It's a simple yet heartwarming gift that she will cherish for years.

Two Become One Wedding Personalized Books

Keep the memories alive with this personalized book set. The package comes with two books for each one of you and can be customized with photos, names and personality types. This is a great way to show your love for your partner while reminding them how you met.

Oakdene Designs Personalised Pop Out Photo Album

This small box comes with big surprises. She won't expect it's a pop-out photo album before opening it. Personalize it with your favorite memories and special moments.

"This photo book is perfect! It’s so cute and well made and unique, and it shipped so quickly!" one shopper said about its quality.

Questions for Couples Journal

Create meaningful conversations and build a connection with your partner through this journal. The book encompasses fun questions and topics for an insightful discussion with your spouse. Trust us, she will appreciate this thoughtful gift and the colorful graphics inside the pages.

"We’re a couple in our sixties, so this isn’t only for newlyweds, it's for ALL-weds. Highly recommend and a lot of the questions could be used to strengthen friendship and family relationships too," shared one verified reviewer.

Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Adult Apron

If she's the type that loves collecting kitchen tools and preparing fancy meals, gift your wife this personalized apron. She won't have to worry about occasional milk spills or stains any longer!

Mark & Graham Vegan Leather Cosmetics Case

For the wife that leaves her makeup around, give her a chic cosmetic case to keep all her beauty essentials. With a timeless design, interior compartment and durable material, this makes the perfect makeup bag for the spouse that can't leave home without her skin care and lipstick collection.

Spitfiregirl I F**king Love You Heart Dish

If she doesn't get it by now, she will certainly know when you gift her this ceramic dish. The expressive phrase and heart-shaped mini plate make the perfect combo to keep her favorite jewelry in sight.

Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set

Elevate her hosting skills with this efficient charcuterie board set. You can personalize the board with your names and add even your wedding date. Aside from solving any small counter space issues, it also comes with initialed specialty knives, slates, markets and a wine opener.

Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit

This TikTok hidden gem is an artistic gift for the cultured, creative wife. All you need to do is dip your hands together or surprise her with a sculpture of your hand holding her engagement ring. This will bring back sweet memories to your wifey and maybe even make her shed a tear or two.

Giftagirl Gift Boxed Mugs & Glasses

For the woman that goes from coffee to wine o'clock, she will appreciate the pun on the board. This sarcastic yet useful gift is a great anniversary gift to keep the kitchen a bit more organized.

Fortune & Frame Flowered Vines Fortune Locket

She'll feel super fortunate to have you when you give her this thoughtful necklace. Personalize it with a message or place an old fortune cookie paper she has saved.

Custom Engraved Single Bottle Wood Wine

Toast with some chardonnay or pinot noir for your anniversary, but make it extra special. This wooden wine box can be personalized with an engraving and her favorite bottle. You can also customize the piece with your own design for a more sentimental vibe.

FromYouFlowers Luxury Dozen Preserved Sweetheart Roses

For the sweet woman with a passion for petals, this luxury floral arrangement will add a pop of color to her night table. The box features different pink tones and the roses are preserved, which are meant to last for up to two years, according to the brand.

10K Yellow Gold Infinity Name Necklace

Love her to infinity with this delicate gold necklace. This timeless piece comes with two custom inscriptions and is a personalized accessory that she will cherish for life. The necklace is made with 10K yellow gold and a beautiful chain.

First anniversary gifts for him

Inspired Decor Co. Our Vows Custom Framed Wedding Print on Canvas

If you kept your vows, print them on a canvas for a unique anniversary gift. With over 38,000 sales, this will become the main art piece of your home.

"I thought what better way than to put our vows to art for our home to always remind each other just how deep and big we love one another," said one satisfied and happy customer.

Personalized Gift Glass Art

If you share a special song with your spouse, remind him of the lyrics with this artistic gift. Add a special photo and personalize it with your wedding song or favorite album. This is one item that he will keep close to his desk.

Uncommon Goods Forever Together Photo Coasters

These fun marble coasters can be used for your glasses or as decor. The set can be personalized with your wedding photos or any other special memory. These will bring some nostalgia to your spouse while he relives all the fun times.

PuzzlesPrint Custom Puzzles

For those stay-at-home nights, engage your man in a fun puzzle game. He will enjoy finding each piece to connect your smile and the memorable past. All you need is some wine and start connecting the tiny images.

Uncommon Goods The Anniversary Journal

Commemorate your first year with this anniversary journal from Uncommon Goods. Place your favorite memories in this journal with custom photos of your ceremony or honeymoon. The journal also features additional pages to record romantic memories and aspirations.

Personalization Mall To My Husband Engraved Sandalwood Watch

As a traditional anniversary gift, the watch will not only tell time but also a special note. Every time he takes it off, he will read your custom message on the back. The watch is made of sandalwood and comes with engraving options for your sweetheart.

Personalization Mall Love Letter Personalized Weighted Blankets

Cover him with a sweet letter that he can read every night before bedtime. The weighted blanket has 10 lines to fill them with a meaningful message and is made with 70 percent glass beads. It's a gift that will bring him straight to bed after the show.

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand

For the husband that loves to stand by the grill, this exclusive steak brand will elevate his meals. Personalize it with his initials and make him feel special every time he cooks. Who knows? Maybe he will start his own steakhouse business.

Mark & Graham Outdoor Wine Bar Set

Cool down the Chardonnay in this wine bar set from Mark & Graham. You can personalize the ice bucket and wine glasses with his initials — a perfect combo for casual entertainment. Also, avoid spill accidents with the low center gravity of the glasses.

Paper Wedding Anniversary Celebration Chocolate Oreo

For the man with a sweet tooth, give him something crunchy to bite. Pack a box of Oreos with special personalization of your first year with your names.

Home Wet Bar Oakmont Personalized Globe Decanter Set

Is your spouse into liquor? Update his home bar with this glamorous decanter set featuring a set of glasses. The item is definitely a conversation starter when guests start looking at the globe.

Keepster Books

Keep the butterflies alive with this sweet memento. This personalized book lets you turn your phone's texts into pages. You can create folders through the Keepster's app and save emojis to create a one-of-a-kind timeline of your private and loving conversations.

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