The 30 Best First Anniversary Gifts for Your Partner—Editor-Tested and Approved

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 The 30 Best First Anniversary Gifts of 2024

Brides / Amelia Manley

A couple's first anniversary is a big deal. It's the original celebration of its kind and sets the tone for all of the (many) anniversaries to come. That's why you need to find the perfect first-anniversary gift, which will help make it a truly memorable occasion. So, what should you get your one-and-only?

We asked wedding and event planner Jessica Sloane to weigh in. "Lean into the personal and meaningful," she advises. Whether you're searching for a first-anniversary gift for your partner or shopping for a special couple in your life, Sloane recommends choosing something like a photo book or a personalized object. "It's great to find something representative of the wedding day to help make the first anniversary feel special." When in doubt, turn to traditional first anniversary themes like paper to represent your delicate yet strong bond. Modern anniversary themes, like a timepiece or a clock, are said to represent the passage of time and your long journey ahead.

If you're at a loss for ideas, don't stress! We researched a variety of practical and sentimental first-anniversary gifts, from stylish home décor pieces to jewelry and unique tokens of affection. We even tested several of the top-rated products for ourselves. We made our final selection based on the quality of materials, customization options, thoughtfulness, packaging, and overall value.

Mejuri Large Diamond Necklace

Mejuri Large Diamond Necklace

Mejuri

This 14k solid gold and diamond solitaire necklace is an elegant anniversary gift that's perfect for both everyday wear and for special occasions. It features a brilliant-cut, conflict-free natural diamond and an adjustable chain (choose from yellow or white gold). We love it layered with other delicate necklaces or on its own as a subtle statement piece.

If your partner (or the couple you’re shopping for) loves a great cup of espresso, they'll definitely be delighted by the Barista Touch Espresso maker from Breville. With an easy-to-use touchscreen menu, they can instantly make their favorite coffee drinks—lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and more—as well as up to eight personalized beverages that can be programmed ahead of time. For the best-tasting cup of joe you can imagine, the machine also includes a built-in burr grinder that automatically adds the right amount of coffee from fresh beans. It can brew one or two cups at a time, so it’s the ideal first-anniversary gift for a pair of coffee-lovers.

This nuanced unisex blend from Tom Ford is a great gift for anyone who loves earthy and woody scents. With top notes of rare oud wood, rosewood, cardamom, and Chinese pepper, this eau de parfum comes in a chic smoked-gray bottle that will dress up any vanity or dresser. The fragrance comes as a spray in three different sizes, the smallest of which is perfect for travel.

Shinola The Runwell Automatic 45mm Watch

Shinola The Runwell Automatic 45mm watch

Shinola

The first and most iconic of Shinola's automatic watch designs, this timepiece features a sub-second dial, open caseback, and removable tan leather band. The Swiss automatic movement technology controls the hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar—and it's all set against an illuminated midnight blue dial. Bonus: the watch comes packaged in a handsome wooden box so it's ready for gifting.

Available in two sizes, this gas-powered oven takes the homemade pizza experience to the next level. It fits well on a counter, but it’s also portable enough to bring on the go. In addition to pizza, the oven can be used to cook fish, steak, marinated veggies, and more. It heats to a temperature of 950 degrees in just 25 minutes—that means you can whip up a perfectly crispy pizza in about 60 seconds. We're sold!

Mr Porter Transparent Speaker

Mr Porter Transparent Speaker

Mr Porter

This transparent speaker from Mr Porter is a gift that will truly wow any audiophile. Made entirely of aluminum and tempered glass, the bluetooth-enabled design is built to provide rich sounds that can be adjusted to suit the listener and it can also connect to virtual assistants like Alexa. The speaker is petite, measuring just 13 x 16.9 inches, but it packs a big punch. As impressive, of course, is its sleek and unexpected minimalist design.

Urban Stems Double the Snow Peony

Urban Stems Double the Snow Peony

Urban Stems

You can't go wrong with the classic anniversary gift of a bouquet of fresh flowers. This monochromatic peony assortment from Urban Stems is especially striking—order 10, 20, or 30 stems and add a vase if you wish. Delivered as buds, they'll bloom into lush flowers after a couple of days (so you'll be able to enjoy them for even longer). The come in a secure box complete with care instructions and a personalized card

This ultra-quiet percussive massage gun from Theragun is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for anyone with muscle pain and tension, it has five speeds that can be easily controlled via Bluetooth by the Theragun app. It also comes with five separate attachments for targeting different pressure points. The Elite model is compact enough for travel and has a secure, ergonomic grip, so it’s comfortable to use. It also can run for up to 120 minutes on a charge, so there's plenty of time for a thorough massage.

Schoolhouse Teig Lamp

Schoolhouse Teig Lamp

Schoolhouse

This small but mighty table lamp comes in nine vibrant colors, including industrial yellow and a poppy fuchsia pink azalea. The retro design is inspired by vintage Braun electronics and gives the lamp a whimsical appeal. It features a steel base, glass shade, and a brass dimmer switch for different lighting needs.

La Musa French Exit Loungewear Set

La Musa French Exit Loungewear Set

Verishop

This two-piece loungewear set is a marriage of art and function. London-based artist Raine Storey created the flowing design that's printed on the front and back and the buttons are made from real shells. We also love the asymmetrical hemline, cuffed, flowy sleeves, red piping, and dramatic tie waist. The roomy shorts have an elastic waist and a loose, comfortable fit. 

Diamond Nexus 3.72 Carat Round Cut Tennis Bracelet

Diamond Nexus 3.72 Carat Round Cut Tennis Bracelet

Diamond Nexus

This classic tennis bracelet is a first-anniversary gift that's fit for the occasion—and something she'll wear for years to come. It can be displayed as a single standalone piece or can be stacked with other coordinating bracelets. This design features 64 round-cut accent stones—depending on your budget, choose from lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, or a diamond simulants. We also like that it has a fold-over clasp to keep it secure.

Flamingo Estate The Chef's Kiss Gift Set

Flamingo Estate The Chef's Kiss Gift Set

Flamingo Estate

This wonderful trio of treats will delight your favorite foodie or home chef. The bundle includes extra-virgin olive oil made with organic olives hand-picked on family-owned farms in California, smoked salsa matcha, and bio-intensive native wildflower honey, all packaged in a beautiful box. In addition to quality ingredients, a purchase from Flamingo Estate also includes a donation to the nonprofit, Farmer’s Footprint, so it’s a first anniversary gift that gives back, too.

Journey Print Shop Custom Map Print

Journey Print Shop Custom Map Print

Etsy

Celebrate all of the places you've been together with this sweet print that's made from maps of favorite cities and countries you've visited together. Add the caption of your choice above the illustration, as well as your names and significant date below.

Our tester selected several three special locations she shared with her fiancé. She loved how each mountain on the print featured a detailed terrain map of each area and appreciated that entire thing was crafted from high-quality materials (making it an excellent heirloom gift). In addition to being well-made, the print itself was very clear and detailed (no striping or uneven printing).

Journey Print Shop Custom Map Print

Brides / Vicky Wasik

Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map Poster

Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map Poster

Etsy

Calling all star-gazers and starry-eyed lovers! This custom poster features an image of the night sky as it appeared on a certain date from a specific location. Underneath, add the place and date, names, and even a sweet personalized phrase. The print is available in three different sizes and framing options.

Our tester was especially impressed with the imagery and the design, observing that the print quality was excellent and that the graphic text was clear and well-designed. She felt that the hyper-personalized aspect makes this piece perfect for a special celebration like an anniversary.

Finch and Cotter Custom Star Map Poster

Brides / Vicky Wasik

Minted Custom Photo Art

Minted One Perfect Year Custom Photo Art

Minted

The first year of marriage is a special time in a couple's life together. This print, which is part of the exclusive Minted + Brides collection, can help commemorate it in a fun and whimsical way. Choose 12 favorite snapshots from throughout the year, from the romantic beach trip you took in February to the backyard barbecue you hosted in June. Minted will create a custom piece of art using a collage of vintage-style photo prints.

If you don't want to go with the monthly theme, it's also possible to personalize the text under the photos with different custom text. Candid shots work especially well for this collage—when choosing your images, look for a range of couple photos, environments (a favorite hotel or landmark you visited), and something unexpected. Consider adding images representing important milestones like adopting a pet, buying a house, or starting a business.

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

Uncommon Goods

For couples who love to do the Sunday crossword or read the news together, this newspaper puzzle is a spot-on anniversary gift. When they complete this puzzle, they’ll reveal the front page of the New York Times as it appeared on their wedding day. They’ll enjoy assembling it and remembering the personally newsworthy events that transpired on the day they said, “I do.”

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Books

Artifact Uprising

The first anniversary is a great time to start a new tradition—and get all those photos organized! This album is volume one of a photo book series that the couple will be eager to add to every year. Choose from three sizes, ten cover colors, and three foil shades to make the book your own. And don’t forget to choose the first photo wisely—the bold cut-out cover showcases it.

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Minted

This charming print arranges thirty of your most awe-inspiring photos into a fun heart-shaped collage. Available in six size options, and 12 different frame materials, it's a more out-of-the-box take on the traditional photo album.

Based on our test, we found that the photos themselves are high-resolution and don't show any bleeding of color or blurry edges. The finished framed piece also felt high-quality and durable. We loved how the photos were laid out in a graphic way—the heart-shaped arrangement means that some overlap, but it's still possible to see each individual picture well.

Minted Letterpress Vows Art Print

Minted Letterpress Vows Art Print

Minted

Were your vows so good they made your partner (and everyone else) tear up? Have them made into a piece of art to show your spouse that you still mean every word. Choose from a wide variety of sizes, color themes, and frames to create a piece that is just right for them.

We loved that this print was minimal in design (without being too stark) and that it can either hang on the wall or sit squarely on a surface. Our tester personalized it with her brother and sister-in-law's vows and gifted it to them for their first anniversary. It was a successful present—the couple said that they were touched by the sentiment behind the print and felt that it was a meaningful way to display their vows in their home.

Nellianna Origami Wall Clock

Nellianna Origami Wall Clock in Pastel Blue

Etsy

Can’t choose between the traditional (paper) and modern (clocks) first anniversary gifts? Cover both bases with this unique origami wall clock. The clock looks delicate, but it’s made of high-quality FSC-certified paper, so it’s more durable than it seems. Whether you choose muted tone like soft grey or a more vibrant hue, this modern piece will add visual interest to any wall in your home. 

We didn't know what to expect from a clock crafted out of paper, but we were pleasantly surprised. We love that it's a unique anniversary gift, but one that fits with either the paper or clock theme in a thoroughly modern way. We especially liked the minimalist look and feel, as well as the pastel blue color (choose from six different colors). It seemed a little flimsy when we first opened it, but once it was on the wall it really packed a graphic punch.

A.M. Thorne Moonstone + Salt + Pepper Diamond Studs

A simple twist on a classic pair of studs, these earrings are designed in 14K yellow gold and pair rainbow or white moonstone with rose cut salt and pepper diamond. Both classy and ethereal, they’ll look just as good with a black evening gown as they will with a cable-knit sweater.

Etsy Newspaper Printable 1st Anniversary Gift

This cute anniversary poster features a worn, vintage look that mimics an old newspaper. Simply add your names, anniversary date, and a sweet message with a photo from your wedding day. Frame it, and you’ll have a new extra-personal addition to your gallery wall.

Ygdigital Digital Alarm Clock

Ygdigital Digital Alarm Clock

Amazon

Sometimes, the best kind of clock is one that’s simple—and one that allows you to snooze. This alarm clock includes a large LED display and three levels of brightness so you can see the time without squinting, plus two USB ports so you can keep your phone, AirPods, and other devices charged.

Etsy Personalized Comic Book

Capture how you met in a personalized comic book—it's a creative and unexpected play on the paper theme. This designer provides a template that allows you to upload your favorite photos and write your story (there’s even a dedication page at the front). Choose from a standard comic with space for 19 images, a longer version with 38 images, or a hardback comic with 49 images.

The Series 9 Apple Watch is a must-have for anyone who loves to keep up with the latest Apple products. It comes in a choice of case colors (red, pink, midnight, starlight, and silver) in aluminum or stainless steel. This is a great pick for the spouse who loves monitoring any health metrics and tracking their fitness goals. New features include an always-on retina display and a double-tap gesture to perform certain functions. Like previous models, the Series 9 can track steps, heart rate, blood oxygen level, temperature changes, and more.

Lime & Lou Custom Canvas

Lime & Lou Music Memories Custom Canvas

Lime & Lou

Turn your wedding song into a bold piece of wall decor with this custom canvas from Lime & Lou. It's a thoughtful gift that highlights your special day in a graphic way, and is an especially fun gift for a vinyl lover. Customize everything including the song, the memory (such as "our first dance"), your names or a date, and the center color of the record.

Papier Recipe Journal

If your partner loves to cook, they'll adore this custom recipe journal. It features sections for every meal of the day—including 25 recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, there's space for note ratings, dietary requirements, hints, and tips for each recipe. Make it special by customizing the title, selecting from eight different colors, and adding their name.

Minted Watercolor Venue Portrait

Framed Minted Watercolor Venue Portrait

Minted

It's been one full year since your big day, and this custom watercolor portrait from the Minted + Brides Collection is the perfect way to commemorate it. All you need to do is upload a wedding photo and customize the text for a keepsake you'll both cherish for many anniversaries to come.

Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Box

Oakdene Designs Personalized Pop Out Photo Box

Etsy

How adorable is this little personalized photo box from Etsy? Fill the fold-out design with up to 22 photos—choose from wedding pictures, snapshots from a special vacation (your honeymoon, perhaps?), or a combo of all your favorite memories together from over the years. Then, customize the cover for a special touch.

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait

West & Willow

Did you add a new furry member to the family this year? Opt for this adorable custom print that puts your pet on display. Choose from a variety of background colors, sizes, and frames to match your decor aesthetic, then upload a photo of your pet and customize it with their name.

What to Look for in a First Anniversary Gift

  • The Traditional Gift: Paper: The delicate (yet strong) properties of paper make it the perfect symbol for the first year of marriage and an ideal first anniversary gift. Consider personalized art prints, custom stationery, or a sweet album with your favorite photos. And don't be afraid to get creative! So many things are made from paper—consider books, prints, card games, and photos.
  • The Modern Gift: Timepieces: The modern first anniversary gift is a timepieces, so think about watches, bedside alarms, and wall clocks. With so many memories to share, the first year of marriage goes quickly! Commemorate the passage of time and the beginning of a long journey together with a special timepiece for a first anniversary gift. This can range from personalized watches and fitness trackers to modern wall pieces or vintage-style standing clocks.
FAQ
  • How should we celebrate our first anniversary?

    You might want to go out for a fancy dinner or choose to cook a romantic meal at home. If you're both foodies, you might want to have a personal recipe journal that you'll add special favorites to for years to come. It's also a great idea to plan a getaway together, even if it's just for a few days—something as simple as breakfast in bed or a hike through nature can also make the day feel special.

    Event planner Apryl Roberts says her favorite way to celebrate an anniversary is to take a quick trip. “The first year of marriage can often be challenging due to all the new adjustments of married life,” she advises. “A trip helps to reflect and rekindle passion." Bonus: It’ll provide a lot of photos for you to use in future anniversary gifts to come.

  • What is a good anniversary gift?

    When it comes to choosing an anniversary present, the more personal and unique the gift, the better. It shows that you've gone the extra mile and are commemorating a moment that's special to the two of you. It's also important to think about your partner's hobbies and interests, as well as any special items they've been coveting.

  • What are some experiential gift ideas?

    If you want to ditch the anniversary themes and go with an experiential gift, Roberts suggests things like a couples’ spa date, a private chef-hosted dinner, or a wine or beer pairing excursion. For something totally unexpected and engaging, create a scavenger hunt that connects to different local restaurants, bars, and outdoor venues.

Why Trust Brides

Mckenzie Eggers loves anniversary celebrations and is an expert in gifts for every type and year. She sees anniversaries as important opportunities for partners to pause and recognize how grateful they are for one another.

Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has over eight years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She’s an artsy type, so she loves thinking of creative ways to put a spin on anniversary themes. There’s so much you can do with paper!

For this story, the Brides team tested several of the top products and extensively researched the gift market. We considered materials, quality, ease of use, aesthetics, value, and packaging in our assessment. We also consulted with wedding and event experts, including:

  • Jessica Sloane, a Nashville-based wedding and event planner. She is also known for her styling expertise, design skills, and collaborative client-planner relationship.
  • Apryl Roberts, the founder of Memorable Events, a Virginia-based event and production company.
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