1st wedding anniversary gift: ideas and tips

A year ago you said "I do," and now you get to celebrate everything you've built since. Finding the right 1st wedding anniversary gifts is really about capturing that first year, the inside jokes, the tiny victories, the lessons you learned about living life as a team.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need for your paper anniversary: where the tradition comes from, thoughtful first wedding anniversary gifts for him and for her, ideas for the day itself, and answers to the questions couples ask us most. Whether you want something classic, personalised or a little unexpected, there's a fitting idea below.

Celebrating the “paper anniversary”

The 1st wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the paper wedding. Paper represents the first, still-fragile year of marriage, and also the blank pages you're about to fill with your shared history.

The history of the paper wedding

The tradition of the so-called paper wedding dates back to the 19th century and has its origins in Germany. At that time, it was customary for married couples to celebrate each year with a special material that had a special meaning. The first wedding anniversary became known as the paper wedding, as it was then chosen to symbolise the 1st year of marriage. In addition to fragility, the paper also symbolises the flexibility and new beginnings that are associated with the first year. Even back then, it also symbolised the story of your own love, which you are now writing together. It is the beginning of a long journey that you embark on together. Over the years, this custom has spread internationally and is now celebrated by many couples all over the world.

Traditional and original 1st wedding anniversary gift ideas

The 1st wedding anniversary is a perfect opportunity for you to show your appreciation and love for your partner. Traditionally, paper gifts are often given to celebrate a paper wedding. Classic gifts can be handwritten love letters or a personal poem. A photo album showing the experiences and adventures of the first year can also be a nice idea.

Those looking for an original wedding anniversary gift can also opt for a personalised diary. Such gifts can add a modern twist to this tradition. Other interpretations of these traditions can also include books, concert tickets or a voucher for an adventure together. These make a perfect gift for the 1st wedding anniversary. If you want to make a gift for the 1st wedding anniversary yourself, you can also opt for a gift voucher booklet and give lots of small gifts. Whether it's a pampering massage, breakfast in bed or a romantic picnic, you can let your creativity run wild here.

What to do couples actually love for their 1st wedding anniversary

Not sure where to start? It sometimes helps to see what other couples end up picking. Looking at our overall order data, personalised chocolate comes out on top by a wide margin, making up around 10% of all orders for a first wedding anniversary. A printed chocolate bar with a photo from your first year is simple, sweet, and always appreciated. Right behind it are engraved glasses, at close to 7% of orders, a set with your names and wedding date makes a lovely pair for your first toast as a one-year-married couple.

Further down the list, key rings account for roughly 5% of orders, small and personal, and carried every day, while chopping boards sit close behind at nearly 4%, a practical choice for couples who love cooking together, especially with both your names engraved on it. Puzzles and personalised books for adults (such as a photo album or a bucket list book) each make up around 3.5% of orders, and both fit the paper theme beautifully; a puzzle made from your favourite photo even doubles as a cosy activity for the day itself.

1st anniversary gift for him

Every husband is different, so the best gift isn't necessarily the most traditional one, it's the one that feels like him. Maybe he's the one always firing up the grill, or the one who notices every small, thoughtful detail. Start there, and the right idea tends to follow naturally. A few ideas that tend to land well:

For the grill master

Personalised BBQ tongs, an apron with leather trim, or a full BBQ set in a leather cover will get plenty of use all summer long.

For the everyday carry

An engraved card holder or wallet he'll actually use turns something practical into a daily reminder of the two of you.

For the beer or whisky fan

A personalised glass paired with his favourite bottle makes a simple, well-matched gift.

For the gamer

A custom mouse mat with a photo or a private joke only the two of you understand adds a personal touch to his setup.

For the traveller

Personalised flip-flops or a toiletry bag are a practical, thoughtful pick for the next trip you take together.

1st anniversary gift for her

Every wife has her own thing that lights her up, so let that guide you more than any "typical wife gift" list ever could. We have looked into what customers usually buy their wives for the first wedding anniversary together, and here are some of the prefered ideas:

For cosy mornings

A bathrobe with her name embroidered on it makes every morning feel a little more special.

For the handbag essentials

A personalised wallet or keyring means she'll always have your love with her, without even thinking about it.

For the plant lover

Seed bombs are a sweet, original idea, so something new can grow alongside your marriage.

For when you're apart

A cuddly toy printed with your photo is a nice detail for the nights one of you is travelling.

For wine evenings in

A set of personalised wine glasses with a bottle to match sets the scene for a relaxed evening together.

The day itself: Ideas for the 1st wedding anniversary

Now that you have the perfect gift for your partner and the day is getting closer, think about the day itself. But how exactly can you celebrate your 1st wedding anniversary? It's an opportunity to create special memories together, experience beautiful moments and celebrate your love. Here are a few of our suggestions and ideas:

• A romantic picnic on the beach, in the park or a clearing in the forest
• A visit to your favourite restaurant or the place where you first met
• A relaxing day at home with a pampering program
• A bike ride or a hike in the countryside
• A wellness day at the spa to relax

The most important thing is that you have fun doing the activity together and enjoy your time together. Take the opportunity to relax together and strengthen your bond.

But does the gift have to be paper, or paper-themed?

Not at all. Paper is the tradition, not the rule. Plenty of couples take the theme loosely, a journal, a book, or tickets to something you'll experience together, others prefer to go for something more symbolic that also represents paper; it's entirely up to you.