The initial anniversary of a couple is significant. With your one and only, it’s a first-of-its-kind celebration that also establishes the tone for future anniversaries. Choosing the ideal first anniversary present will make the celebration a special one. What therefore ought to you give them? Jessica Sloane, a wedding and event planner, was consulted for her opinion.
She counsels, “Lean into the personal and meaningful.” Sloane advises picking something like a photo album or a personalised product whether you’re looking for a first anniversary gift for your partner or shopping for a particular pair in your life. Finding a memento of the wedding ceremony is a wonderful way to make the first anniversary feel memorable.
Do not worry if you lack inspiration. We looked into a range of useful and sentimental first-anniversary presents, from chic home décor items to jewellery and one-of-a-kind mementos of love that make the best keepsakes. Even some of our favourite products were put to the test in our lab, where we evaluated everything from the gift box to the quality of the materials utilised.
We adore the Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map Poster for something extra-sweet. Choose the Dipinto Ad Arte Ceramic Address Plaque or the Wreath Love Co. Personalized Wooden Clock if you wish to fill your home with signs of your love. You can’t go wrong if you pick one of the thoughtful presents listed below.
Custom Star Map Poster for Finch and Cotter
Calling all astronomers and lovers of the night sky! On this unique poster, the night sky as seen from a particular location on a specific date is beautifully captured. You can include the couple’s names, the location and date of their wedding, and perhaps a sentimental statement like “Written in the stars” or “Forever began here” beneath.
The design, which comes in three sizes, impressed our tester, Alyssa Kingham. (You may buy the 16×20 size framed for an extra $32) Because of the print’s size, she says, “it will be the centre of attention in any area I hang it in.” Kingham was somewhat let down by the frame but agreed that the print quality was excellent. For the price, she complains, “I wish it had a glass front instead of plastic.” However, this piece’s personalised element more than makes up for any shortcomings.
“This pattern has captured my heart. The star map’s hue is quite accurate to the green shade I selected online, and the text is printed with clarity. It’s incredible to see a photo of the night sky on the day of my wedding because it makes me miss dancing under the stars on that memorable evening.” — Production Manager at Journey Print Shop Custom Map Print Alyssa Kingham
Has your relationship travelled far? With this lovely item, you may commemorate all the destinations you’ve travelled to together. The pattern is a mountain range created from the city and country maps you’ve travelled to. Include your choice of caption above the illustration, followed by your names and the day you met. The piece of art is framed in a lovely custom frame and printed on painted white wood.
Editor Jesa Calaor used the design to honour a few places she and her fiancé both love. According to Calaor, “I personalised it with three spots that are very important to us.” I adore the thorough terrain maps that are included for each peak. Calaor said that the item is made of high-quality materials and would make a wonderful heirloom gift “His print of a map on wood is precisely what I expected it to be. It’s quite well-made, and the print is sharp and detailed (no striping or uneven printing here). This map will be a gift for my boyfriend, who I know will value its high calibre and thoughtful design.” — Editor Jesa Calaor
Unusual Goods Create a Reel Viewer of Your Own
Make them a reel viewer they’ll never want to set down if they only have eyes for you. Seven of their favourite photos of the two of you are stored on each reel so they can easily travel down memory lane whenever the mood strikes. Don’t worry if you can’t pick only seven images. Extra reels can always be ordered. This thoughtful and reasonably priced gift is certain to make them smile, whether you include pictures of your wedding night, your first trip together, or special memories of moving into your first home together.
Minted Inman, Olivia Kanaley Custom Photo Art: “One Perfect Year”
In a couple’s life together, the first year of marriage is a memorable occasion, and this print from the limited-edition Minted + Brides collection will help them remember it. From the romantic beach trip you had in February to the backyard barbeque you hosted in June, pick 12 of your favourite photos from the entire year. (If you don’t want to stick with a monthly theme, you can also customise the text that appears beneath the photographs.) With the help of a collage of old-fashioned photo prints, Minted will produce a unique work of art. To accommodate any aesthetic, the firm provides a dozen different frame types in six sizes.
For this collage, candid photos work very nicely. When selecting your photos, try to include a variety of couple shots, locations (like your favourite hotel or a popular tourist destination), and something unexpected. Think of including pictures of significant anniversaries like getting a pet, a house, or opening a business.
Timeless Love Personalization Mall Individual Hour Glass
Personalized with the couple’s names and wedding date, this hourglass bears the heartfelt message, “Our love is timeless.” It’s a lovely decoration that will serve as a constant reminder to them that time spent with a loved one is never wasted.
Even though an hourglass might seem like a quite traditional anniversary gift, tester Araziel Jackson thought the design and appearance of this one felt contemporary. She also enjoyed the way the white sand in the hourglass made a contrast to the transparent glass: “There seemed to be pieces of shine dispersed throughout the sand.”
“Giving this goods is made easy by the satin line box. To give something away, simply wrap it in a bow and attach a gift tag.” — Associate Social Media Editor Araziel Jackson
Unusual Goods The Customized Wedding Journal
A memento journal is the ideal method to commemorate the event and think about all the future anniversaries. With a black, silk moire binding and pages made of high-quality paper, this one is built to last. It is ideal for preserving the memories you create with your significant other. Every section has a place for you to insert your favourite images as well as writing prompts to help you remember the memorable moments from each year.
Metallurgical Foundry Anniversary Gift for a sundial
A sundial is a wonderful way to commemorate the first wedding anniversary and the enduring nature of true love. This stunning replica is hand crafted from solid brass and painted outside in white lacquer to endure the elements. This ornament is a wonderful reminder that your love will last a lifetime, whether you keep it inside or outside.
Tester Avery Stone was astounded by the sundial’s weight and heft, especially given its diminutive size. She especially admired the decorations and gold lettering. Although the typeface is more conventional, she says, “I believe it would make a great accent piece for a table if that’s your thing.” It needs to be put together, and if you want to show it outside, you’ll need to buy a plinth.
sundial test illustration
“The sundial’s weight caught me off guard. If I decided to put it on my balcony, the bronze material feels sturdy and like it could resist the elements. It can fit on a table indoors and is also tiny enough to do so.” — Associate Commerce Editorial Director Avery Stone
Pictorial Poetry Individualized Wedding Photograph
There is no requirement for modesty. Together, you look terrific, and you both realise it. This hand-drawn, bespoke portrait is one of a kind and can feature your pets. Just give yourself more time for delivery; the artist will use your photographs to generate a “proof” that you can review before it is finished and mailed.
Unusual Goods Print “Mates for Life”
This lodge-style print, appropriately titled “Mates for Life” (we like the pun), is ideal for those who adore animals. The sketches of many animals with lifelong partners are listed along with their scientific and colloquial names. Regardless of who receives it, they will find it hilarious.
Wooden clock from Wreath Love Co.
Modern presents on the first anniversary include clocks. They serve as a considerate reminder of the years you’ve spent together as well as the minutes and hours more to come. This minimalist, elegant wooden wall clock is engraved with your names and the design of your choice.
Erika Reals, a writer, examined the clock and observed that it had a premium overall design and feel. She also liked the website’s extensive selection of fonts, styles, and customizable options. According to Reals, “They also accept unique designs that you can submit to them via PDF or JPG file.” It’s ideal for branding opportunities, including logos for weddings.
Erika checking the time
“This clock seems to be of high quality; it doesn’t appear to have been rushed or constructed in a low-quality manner at all. Additionally, it has a reasonable size, making it suitable for any room in the house. If you use the customization features to create a genuinely unique, personalised gift, such as by sending in your own logo or design for engraving, I believe it will be more worthwhile.” — Associate Fashion Editor Erika Reals
Unusual Goods Times of New York Individual Front Page Puzzle
For couples who enjoy doing the Sunday crossword together, this front-page puzzle makes the ideal anniversary gift. They’ll unveil the front page as it appeared on their wedding day once they’ve solved this mystery. They’ll take pleasure in putting it together and recalling the personally noteworthy things that happened on the day they exchanged vows.
Photobook from the Artifact Uprising Color Series
A new custom should be started on the first anniversary. The first volume of a photo book series that the couple plans to continue adding to each year is this album. To customise the book, choose from three sizes, ten gorgeous cover colours, and three foil tones. Remember to select the first photo carefully as well—the striking cut-out cover will highlight it.
Photo Art: Minted Heart Snapshot Mix
This lovely poster creates a heart-shaped collage from thirty of your most breathtaking images. Six different canvas sizes, 12 different frame materials, and glass or plastic archival fronts are all available. This work of art is a lovely way to express, “I still do.”
According to tester Alyssa Kingham, “the images themselves are high-resolution and do not display any bleeding of colour or hazy edges.” Whether purchasing the print for oneself or someone, I would go with an unframed option. Kingham believed that the frame’s superior quality was not worth the additional cost, but the print itself was a good investment.
heart-shaped test photograph
“This print is of excellent quality! I’m impressed with how much of each photograph I can see despite some overlap caused by the heart-shaped layout of the photos.” — Production Manager Alyssa Kingham
Letterpress Vows Art Print from Minted
Did your partner (and everyone else) cry during your vows because they were so heartfelt? To demonstrate that you still mean every word, have them turned into a touching work of art. To make a piece that is ideal for them, pick from a huge selection of sizes, colour schemes, and frames.
Tester Kate Donovan remarks, “The print was smaller than I thought, but the size was great.” “I appreciate that it can either hang on the wall or sit properly on a surface. It’s basic without being stark.” She gave it a personal touch by adding her brother and sister-in-vows, law’s saying they were moved by the print’s meaning. Donovan believes it’s a subtly profound approach to display and recall those significant words in your home.
printed tested minted vows
“The print’s quality really stood out to me; it seems high end and expertly crafted. I adore the design, and the letterpress lettering gives it a little bit of a handmade feel. I believe the recipient will truly treasure this present.” — Senior Commerce Editor Nellianna, Kate Donovan Folded Wall Clock
Having trouble deciding between the conventional (paper) and contemporary (clocks) first anniversary presents? Make a statement with this original origami wall clock. The clock appears fragile, yet it is actually more sturdy than it appears because it is made of premium FSC certified paper. This contemporary item will add some visual appeal to any wall in your home, whether you get it in a subtle tone like white or soft grey or a more vivid pink, yellow, orange, or blue hue.
Tester Kate Donovan was pleasantly delighted because she wasn’t sure what to anticipate from a paper-made clock. It is undoubtedly a novel anniversary present, but in a thoroughly contemporary sense, she adds, it goes with either a paper or clock theme. The clock should be treated carefully while giving it as a present and hanging it, according to Donovan, as it is quite brittle and prone to tearing.
folding clock
“The fact that this clock is totally constructed out of folded paper is such a unique idea! The soothing blue colour and minimalist style are both appealing to me. When I initially opened it, it seemed a little fragile, but after it was up on the wall, it really packed a graphic punch “Letters to My Love, Senior Commerce Editor, Kate Donovan
We all enjoy receiving love letters, but we also understand how challenging it can be to write one. When there is so much to love about someone, where do you even begin? For precisely that reason, this set of 12 time-capsule letters includes prompts.
Take one out, and whenever inspiration strikes, start writing. Then, on your anniversary, gift your beloved all 12 of them. They will have enough sweet notes if they open one each month to last till the next year.
Custom Couple Silhouette by Zavyanne8
This work of art would make a lovely and passionate anniversary present. A floating paper cutout featuring the silhouette of two people in a love embrace is placed in front of a background that has been hand-painted to resemble a galaxy. A sequence of banners hang over them with the wonderful phrase, “Love begins in a moment, expands through time, and lasts an eternity.” The cutout also features the names of the couple and the day of their anniversary.
Address Plaque in Ceramic by Dipinto Ad Arte
Make your house your own with this lovely blue and white porcelain address plaque since “home is where the heart is.” These plaques are hand-painted and baked in a kiln so they can withstand the weather and keep their colour year after year. Additionally, you may have them personalised with your names or any other details you like. This plaque will now be a welcome sight following both brief and extended absences.
Custom Couple and Dog Print by Copper and Toad
Puppy love is the best, isn’t it? Here is a work of art to honour their relationship with furry companions. This adorable print features a couple sitting on a bench with their dogs by their sides. Their names and a sweet little heart are engraved on the bench’s back as a personalised touch. Poems of love
This small book gathers the best love poetry from traditional poets, ancient sages, and contemporary writers. It’s the ideal present to show your significant other how you feel.
Necklace with a pillar bar by Oak & Luna
Your lover will have a piece of you to carry around when they wear this striking pillar necklace. You can choose a gold bar that matches the colour scheme connected with the first anniversary and have the sides engraved with your names and/or wedding date. Depending on what kind of appearance your loved one like, the necklace is available in both tough and delicate types.
Sunburst earrings in gold vermeil by Marcia Vidal
For the sunlight in your life, get these stunning art deco earrings. They are made of premium materials with a magnificent sunburst design—sterling silver with a 24K gold coating. The gravitational pull of these beauties will draw compliments of every description into the orbit of your sweetheart day and night.
