41 Thoughtful First Anniversary Gifts Your Partner Will Love

Are you looking for first anniversary gifts to mark that first trip around the sun as a couple? Traditional paper gifts for a first anniversary represent the delicate beginning stages of a relationship, but there’s no reason why you can’t go for the gold (or silver or platinum) if you choose.

Officially, this is the paper or clock anniversary gift year if you're going by wedding anniversary gifts by year, but there is so much more to give. As noted by Time, the idea of assigning materials to specific anniversaries dates back to 18th-century Germany and was popularized in the Victorian era before being expanded in the 20th century. From gifts, getaways and experiences to small tokens of affection, this list is designed to offer up a few first anniversary gift ideas to celebrate that all-important first year together.

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• Best First Anniversary Gifts
• First Anniversary Gifts for Your Wife
• First Anniversary Gifts for Your Husband
• Unique First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
• Traditional First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
• First Anniversary Paper Gifts
• Modern First Anniversary Gifts
• Cute First Anniversary Gifts
• Romantic First Anniversary Gifts

Best First Anniversary Gifts

1. Hands-on Cooking Classes

Skip the restaurant and learn how to prepare pasta, sushi, ramen and much more. Join gourmet chefs in local venues for hands-on learning and ask all the questions you want to expand your cooking skills together. Browse for fun, interactive cooking classes near you, with options in cities around the world, including Tampa, Denver and San Diego.

Make something truly special for your anniversary meal as you learn to cook like a chef. If you're unsure which class they'll want to take, get them a Classpop! gift card so they can choose!

2. A Piece of Art

If you’re just starting out in a new house or apartment, you may not have budgeted much in the decorating department. A first anniversary is the perfect time to pick up a new piece of art or other home décor item to spruce up your place and remember the date.

For a fun twist, gift your partner the opportunity to let their creativity (and the wine) flow by painting their very own work of art in a fun paint and sip near you! Not only will they walk away with an artwork they'll treasure but you'll get to share a unique evening of tipsy fun together.

3. Food Tours

Check out the local cuisine and learn a little history in the process by booking a food tour in your hometown or somewhere they've always wanted to visit. Food tours in New Orleans, Miami or New York City make excellent first anniversary gifts, but there’s bound to be one close to home you'll love as well. 

4. Bottle of Wine

For an especially thoughtful first anniversary gift, look for a bottle of red wine made in their birth year. If they're not a fan of red, don't worry, choose a mutual favorite or go with something new to both of you.

First Anniversary Gifts for Your Wife

5. Bouquet of Flowers

There’s nothing more romantic and timeless than a good old-fashioned bouquet of flowers. Along with a specific gift, each anniversary year also has a flower. The first wedding anniversary flower is the carnation. A big bouquet of carnations is sure to delight your partner.

6. Keepsake Box

A personalized keepsake or jewelry box makes a beautiful and thoughtful first anniversary gift she’ll use every day. The World of Memories Keepsake Box is made of beautiful stained wood and can be customized with a personal message for your loved one.

7. Coasters

Wrap up a set of custom photo coasters to display on your coffee table. Wedding photos and honeymoon selfies will bring a smile to her face every time she takes a sip and make this a super cute anniversary gift.

First Anniversary Gifts for Your Husband

8. Woodworking Classes

Learn a new skill together while also creating with a local woodworking class. Create custom wooden furniture for your home and enjoy the mindfulness that comes from working with your hands. This unique and artistic anniversary gift idea will blow your partner away! 

9. Personalized Leather Watch Bands

Help them finally ditch that boring Apple Watch band and upgrade them to the Mirage Leather Apple Watch Band. This is a functional and fashionable first anniversary gift for your husband. Choose an engraving of initials, dates or a short, sweet message.

10. Pocket Knife

An engraved pocket knife from Wood Present Studio makes a great first anniversary gift for the husband who hunts, camps or just cuts open Amazon boxes. Personalize the wooden handle with a name or date. They’ll think of you and the love you give every time they use this gift.

Unique First Wedding Anniversary Gifts

11. Plant a Garden

Nurture your green thumbs by planting a rose garden, raised vegetable beds or by realising even your most simple herb garden ideas. If you’re not ready to tackle a whole plot, buy a few plants to spruce up your deck, kitchen window or living room coffee table. Better yet, why not plant a tree in commemoration of your first anniversary?

12. Virtual Wine Tastings

If your sweetie is a vino lover, you’ll get brownie points for booking virtual wine tastings as a first anniversary gift. There's a variety of classes to choose from, including Spanish reds and tapas , cheese and wine pairings or reds from around the world. In addition to tasting, you’ll learn about wine regions, growing practices, differences in varietals and other wine cultural insights.

13. Online Mixology Classes

Book online mixology classes for a unique first anniversary gift. Talented bartenders will teach them the art of shaking, mixing and stirring. Soon they'll be creating the best cocktails in town, from classics like mojitos and mimosas to their own unique concoctions. Their new skills will be a hit with your friends at your next party.

14. Make Pottery Together

With this truly special first anniversary gift idea, you and your loved one will create something useful and beautiful together by taking a fun pottery class. Learn all the basics, from the best types of clay to wheel throwing. You'll both be hooked in no time.

Browse pottery classes near you, with options all around the country, including San Francisco and San Diego if you're on the West Coast. This is an interactive first wedding anniversary gift your partner won't soon forget.

Traditional First Wedding Anniversary Gifts

15. Box of Gourmet Chocolates

Chocolate is a first anniversary gift that can’t go wrong. Whether you choose a small box of gourmet truffles or a large selection of dark, white and milk chocolate, you’ll both enjoy this gift. Pair with a bottle of wine or plate of cheese and fruit for a romantic date night treat. Some first wedding anniversary gifts are classics for a reason.

16. Custom Stationery

Visit the local stationery store and pick out the fun set of your partner's dreams. Consider their favorite colors and writing utensils and find something for them that they might normally resist the temptation of. You can even choose sets that can be engraved with a monogram or name for an especially thoughtful touch. 

17. Personalized Address Labels

If you haven’t finished all those thank-you notes yet, personalized address labels will come in handy as paper gifts for first anniversaries. Pick a theme, design or color that suits you both.

18. Push-Pin Travel Map

The KR Maps Push Pin Map allows you to mark places you’ve been or would like to go together. Use a different colored pin for each category. It makes a beautiful statement or conversation piece on a living room wall.

First Anniversary Paper Gifts

19. Love Letter

In keeping with the tradition of the first anniversary gift being paper, why not write an old-fashioned love letter? It’s a simple gesture your significant other will appreciate and probably keep forever. Reflect on the triumphs of your first year of marriage and the aspirations you hold for your future together.

20. Date-Night Coupon Book

For another paper first anniversary paper gift, get creative and come up with all sorts of activities, destinations or experiences for each other to “cash in” whenever they choose. Examples include “I’ll make dinner,” or “Foot massage,” and even “I’ll take out the trash.”

21. Books

Couples who read together stay together. It’s a fact. If your sweetheart's favorite author just came out with a new hardcover, pick it up and put a bow on it for a classic first anniversary gift.

Modern First Anniversary Gifts

22. Sundial

Take the clock theme all the way back to its origins with a sundial first anniversary gift. The Metal Foundry First Anniversary Sundial makes an elegant addition to a desk or shelf. Though if you're using it to tell the time, a sundial will also make a nice accent in a garden. 

23. Online Cooking Classes

Led by top-rated chefs, interactive online cooking classes make fun and thoughtful first anniversary gifts for foodie couples who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. The only thing you need is an internet connection and some basic ingredients.

You and your partner will spend quality time in the comfort of your own kitchen learning about Italian, Thai, French and other delicious international cuisines. You can even learn how to master the grill or make homemade bread with this first wedding anniversary gift for foodies. Get inspired with our list of the best Zoom cooking classes!

24. Wooden Clock

If you're looking for a modern twist on tradition, a great first anniversary gift idea is a customized wooden clock. The Wreath Love Co. Clock is a simple and elegant addition to any wall. Personalize with your names, initials or a date for a 1 year anniversary gift you’ll use every day.

25. Take a Trip

Maybe you went somewhere fabulous for your honeymoon, but why not go somewhere else as a first anniversary gift? Take a road trip to the beach, the mountains or a nearby city you’ve always wanted to visit.

26. Sleeping Bag

If you and your partner are into camping (or maybe you’re more the glamping type), the Sleepingo XL Double Sleeping Bag is a unique first anniversary gift. It’s roomy, comfortable and has zippers on both sides so you can each control your own level of “zipped-up-ness.”

27. Hammock

Put that backyard or deck to use with a hammock for two. Whether it’s tied between two trees or hanging on a stand, it’s the perfect place to snuggle on a lazy day or stargaze on a clear night.  

28. Fitness Smartwatch

The Fitbit Sense is the perfect first anniversary gift for fitness fanatics. It monitors stress levels, heart health and much more to make a modern anniversary gift anyone would love to receive. 

Cute First Anniversary Gifts

29. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes

Start the day with a trip to your local botanical gardens for inspiration. Then surprise your partner with an afternoon spent trying your hand as florists. Bond over your first anniversary gift with fun virtual flower arranging classes. Explore the floral world while creating wreaths, small bouquets, centerpieces and floral crowns. 

30. Art Classes

Share your love of the arts from home by signing up for online painting classes, online photography classes or online drawing classes. Whatever their preferred medium, this is a great way to explore new interests and rekindle the creative flame. Choose a statement wall in your home to hang your new masterpieces.

31. Dance Classes

Taking a dance class together is a great way to learn basic dance principles or master advanced steps. Sweep your partner off their feet and get in the groove with a dance class led by a professional local instructor. 

If you’d rather dance in the comfort of your own home, try interactive online dance classes. Whether it’s swing, salsa or the waltz, you’re sure to bring a little more romance into your life with this first anniversary gift.

32. Game Night

Gather a collection of favorite card or board games like Monopoly, Scrabble or Checkers for a cute first anniversary gift. Each year, add to the collection. Once you and your partner have everything you need, host a weekly game night with your family and friends.

Take the fun to the next level with virtual game nights or virtual scavenger hunts and show your competitive side.

33. Mugs

Show off your couple-hood at the next tailgate party, beach day or backyard picnic with this fun first anniversary gift. The Yeti Personalized Rambler can be customized with names, monograms or initials. Your partner will never lose track of their cup again.

34. Luggage Set

For travelers, a good set of luggage makes a practical first anniversary gift. Pick out something in bright colors so they can easily find it at baggage claim. To take this first wedding anniversary gift to new heights, hide plane tickets inside and take a trip with their new bags to celebrate your marital milestone.

35. Pet Portrait

Include your four-legged friend in your first anniversary celebration. The On the Edge Creations Custom Pet Portrait creates a super cute pet portrait from a photo of your choice. 

36. Digital Photo Frame

Enjoy all of those wedding and honeymoon photos displayed on a digital photo frame. Digital frames allow you to upload photos from memory cards as well as social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Choose one with speakers to create your own nostalgic soundtrack.

37. Plan a Picnic

Your first wedding anniversary gift doesn't have to be a material thing. Prepare a special lunch or order takeout from a restaurant and spend the day at the local park. Don’t stress over the details. Beach towels make great picnic blankets. Find a shady tree and read, listen to music or just sit and enjoy each other’s company.

Romantic First Anniversary Gifts

38. Gold Necklace

Rather than a specific gemstone, the first anniversary is typically associated with gold. Surprise her with a tasteful gold chain and pendant. For a special touch, have it engraved with her name, wedding date or a special word (“Love” comes to mind).

39. Theater Night

A first anniversary is a celebration worth splurging on and theater tickets fit the bill perfectly. Get dressed up and enjoy the time together. Live concerts and other performances are just as special when shared together.

Need a little extra drama in your life? Try in-person or online acting classes together and become the stars of your own show!

40. Book of Poetry

Pick up a book of love poems for a really romantic first anniversary gift. Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Wordsworth or Keats are just a few to consider for this romantic first anniversary gift. Light a candle, open a bottle of wine and pick a favorite passage for a romantic evening they'll cherish.

41. Matching Robes

Snuggle up together in fluffy matching robes. Choose a fun color or go with crisp white and an elegant monogram. If you really want to personalize a piece of clothing or fabric, take a sewing class and create a custom monogram or throw pillow pattern designed specifically for your partner. 

Whether you go for romantic and extravagant, cute and sweet or unique and adventurous, the most important thing about a first anniversary is sharing it together. These first anniversary gift suggestions offer something for everyone but remember to take cues from your own unique and mutual interests to pick out the perfect gift.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!