1st Anniversary: Modern and Traditional Anniversary Gifts

By: Jaclyn Holtzman, Editor, AllFreeDIYWeddings.com

Can you believe it? It's been a year. An entire 365 days that you've been legally wed to the love of your life. That calls for quite a celebration. Sure, a night out is fun, but a themed night out with a special gift to go with it will make your significant other truly feel special. The first wedding anniversary traditionally consists of paper gifts, though the modern guide adds on clocks and plastic. Whether you're siding with the traditional anniversary gifts or feel that the time motif is more appropriate, we've got clever ideas that will make your spouse smile and wonder how they got so lucky. We're helping you think outside of the box with DIY anniversary gifts for him and her, as well as presents that can be purchased. Pair the two for a truly meaningful anniversary present.

While you're at it, take a look back at your wedding album, pull out your guestbook, and watch your wedding video to remember the start of the beginning. This is the year to start making traditions, so if you want to do something special on each anniversary, like picking a meaningful destination or partaking in an activity together, this is the perfect time to do it. Enjoy each other and remind one another why you fell in love. This is truly an occasion to celebrate, and anniversary gift ideas like these will make it extra special.

1st Anniversary: Modern and Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Anniversary Gifts: Paper Anniversary Ideas

Modern Anniversary Gifts: Clocks Anniversary Ideas

Modern Anniversary Gifts: Plastic Anniversary Ideas

Traditional Anniversary Gifts: Paper Anniversary Ideas

If you're more of a traditional gal, you've probably got your eye set on some papercraft projects to give your dear husband on your first anniversary. We totally understand; there's something beautiful about the delicacy and fragility of paper gifts. The only issue with paper gifts is that often they can end up looking cheap or careless. We've gathered here for you a bunch of paper gift ideas you can give the love of your life that both look thoughtful and utilize the "paper" rule in a clever way.

For more amazing gift ideas like this one, take a look at our 5th Anniversary Gift Guide!

Modern Anniversary Gifts: Clocks Anniversary Ideas

If you're more into the modern views of anniversary gifts, you've probably got your eye on something clock-related for your love. While creative and innovative, it can be difficult to find unique gifts that utilize clocks. We have a few ideas here for you, both of DIY projects that you can make yourself, and for store bought gifts to show your love to your husband. While time is quickly passing for the two of you, your clock will tick until your final breaths, and you'll live long, happy lives together. Your first anniversary gift should reflect that.

DIY Clocks Anniversary Ideas:

Store Bought Clocks Anniversary Ideas:

Workout watch
Designer Wristwatch
Vintage Pocketwatch
Participating in a timed event together (marathon, obstacle course, etc.)

Plastic Anniversary Ideas

Plastic anniversary gifts are gifts you almost exclusively have to buy, which is a bummer for the DIY wife out there. However, you can take those creative skills of yours and really stretch your imagination with plastic! What is it that your husband's been dying for, but hasn't gotten around to getting or can't justify getting? There's a good chance there's a plastic version of that somewhere out there. Alternatively, a ton of materials are made with plastic that you would have never guessed, and you're still sticking with your theme that way! Check out some of these ideas:

Laptop
Yoga Mat + Gym Membership for both of you
Gift card
Personalized credit card with a photo of you two
Passport with a trip abroad

If you're searching for even more anniversary gift ideas, be sure to check out this guide to Modern and Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year!

What are you doing for your spouse for your 1st anniversary?

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1st Anniversary: Modern and Traditional Anniversary Gifts

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Cheryl C

Dec 21, 2016

My husband got me an anniversary sundial (a sun clock that uses the sun to tell time) for our first anniversary. It sits on the window sill and makes rainbows in the room when the sun shines, and it has a custom date line on it that the time shadow follows on our anniversary day every year. I love it...and I think it is one of the best gifts I have ever received, certainly one of the most thoughtful. He did good that year!