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Congratulations on your first wedding anniversary! Such a momentous occasion deserves a thoughtful anniversary gift and as this major marriage milestone draws near you may be looking for a romantic gift to commemorate your first year as a married couple. Or maybe you are perfectly content having settled into your blissful routines and a practical gift is the best fit for your spouse. Either way, you’re searching for a special gift to celebrate.
Whether you’re shopping for her, for him, or for a couple of close friends, we’re here to help you discover some great first anniversary gift options.
1st Anniversary Gift Themes
Traditional Gift
Modern Gift
Gemstone Gift
Flower Gift
If you’re here it’s probably because you want to know more about the gift themes for the first wedding anniversary. What are they and what do they symbolize? The practice of giving specific anniversary gifts has a long history and is an excellent way to provide direction to the gifts you give throughout your marriage. Read on to discover the traditional, modern, gemstone and flower gift themes for the first anniversary.
What Is the Traditional 1st Anniversary Gift?

Paper is the traditional gift for the first anniversary. The paper anniversary is probably the most well known anniversary theme and it chronicles the first of many for your marriage. Like paper, if a young marriage is handled with love and care it can last a lifetime.
Also representative of new beginnings, paper is a new page to write the next chapters of your love story. Don’t forget to include a handwritten card with your first anniversary gift!
Featured Paper Anniversary Gifts

- Custom star map personalized with saying, names and date
- Printed on premium paper with archival inks
- Choose fonts and background color (black or white)
- Available in four sizes with framing options
This is how the stars aligned when your life changed forever. Created using professional astronomy software that charts the actual view of the night sky based on the date and location of your wedding, this personalized first anniversary gift is the perfect way to remember that special moment in your life.

- Turn a cherished photo into a custom watercolor portrait
- With option to personalize with name(s), date, quote, etc.
- Printed on museum-quality fine art matte paper
- Available in multiple sizes
Submit a photo to be customized with a unique semi-realistic watercolor style and you will receive a beautiful, personalized keepsake that makes a wonderful first anniversary gift. Plus, the simple and easy ordering process includes a digital design proof so you can be confident you’ll be happy with the final product.

- Personalized with names and date
- Includes 100 push pins
- Available framed or unframed in three sizes
Map your adventures with a push pin travel map of the United States. A personalized push pin world map is also available. This fine art print is printed on high quality paper and includes the option of a recycled wood frame. It’s the perfect first anniversary gift for couples that love to travel almost as much as they love each other.
More Traditional 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas
A popular way to celebrate the first anniversary with paper is to give books or wall art with a personal significance to your spouse. Or you can choose an item made from paper that your spouse can use throughout the year and be reminded of your love. Many popular options can be personalized for a truly unique and memorable anniversary gift.
What Is the Modern 1st Anniversary Gift?

The modern first anniversary gift is clocks which signify your time together as a couple and the many years to come. Give a clock gift that will serve as a reminder of your first year as a married couple and a relationship that will stand the test of time.
Whether you’re shopping for him, for her, or for a couple, you can add extra sentiment to your gift by choosing a personalized clock that will always remind them of the first year as a married couple.
Featured Clock Anniversary Gifts

- Personalized with names and year established
- Hand crafted from carved oak with a traditional cherry stain
- Available in 3 sizes
This elegant wooden clock is a perfect gift if you want to give something personalized for your first anniversary. The Roman numerals and customized names and established date are carved into the surface of the wood, then stained for an absolutely breathtaking result.

- Top quality reproduction of the original 1948 Nelson design
- Features a modern, silent mechanism
- Made from wood with aluminum clock dial & hands
George Nelson was an American industrial designer and one of the founders of American Modernism. The sunburst clock is considered one of the most iconic designs to come out of the mid-century modern movement. With all of the charm of the original, this reproduction is certain to add retro flair to any home.

- Features a modern, simple design
- Hourly tweets with a natural tone
- Perfect sitting on a desk or hanging on the wall
- Includes a light sensor for automatic shut off
- Size: approx. 3.7″ × 4.25″ × 8″
This cuckoo clock is a sweet little anniversary gift and perfect fit for a modern home. The clock does not include a pendulum so it will sit perfectly on a table or desk. Your spouse will be reminded of your love every time they hear the cheerful bird sounding the time.
More Modern 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas
Clocks have always been home decor staples and are available in a wide range of styles. No one knows your loved one’s tastes like you do, so finding the perfect modern first anniversary gift simply requires you to envision what kind of clock is the best fit for their home or office. Luckily, clocks are made from a wide range of materials so you should be able to find one that matches their style.
What Is the 1st Anniversary Gemstone?

The first anniversary gemstone is gold. While technically not a gemstone, gold is a precious metal that represents prosperity and luxury. A gift of gold jewelry is an opulent way to express your love and will be a treasured reminder of the perfect unity of your marriage.
Gold Jewelry Anniversary Gifts
While jewelry is always an excellent anniversary gift, you can also surprise and delight your spouse with a gift of gold jewelry given on any special occasion during your first year of marriage.
What Is the 1st Anniversary Flower?

Carnations are the first anniversary flower. Known for their long-lasting freshness and grown in a wide variety of colors, carnations are popular among florists and should be readily available. Although each color carries a different meaning, carnations generally represent young love and a promise of commitment. Dark red carnations symbolize love and admiration and are the best choice for a first anniversary bouquet.
If carnations are unavailable or out of season, the classic anniversary bouquet of red roses will always be appreciated.
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