15 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your First Year Together

Your first wedding anniversary—what a milestone. It’s a moment to look back on your first year and dream up new memories that celebrate your love and commitment.

Finding meaningful ways to celebrate your first anniversary can make this milestone feel personal and unforgettable. Whether you’re after something simple or a little extra, there are plenty of ways to mark this important day.

1) Plan a romantic weekend getaway to a cozy bed and breakfast

Try spending your anniversary at a charming bed and breakfast. These spots usually have a warm, relaxed vibe that makes it easy to unwind.

Enjoy candlelit dinners and friendly hosts who really make you feel welcome. Some places even offer little perks like breakfast in bed.

Pick a spot near nature or in a town you both love. It’s a peaceful escape that’s just for the two of you. Get more inspiration for romantic getaways or find a couples bed and breakfast.

2) Recreate your honeymoon dinner with homemade dishes

Try cooking the dishes you loved on your honeymoon. Making them together brings back those happy memories.

Dress up your table and light a few candles. It’s surprising how much that can change the mood.

Look up easy recipes that match your honeymoon cuisine. Cooking at home lets you linger over the meal and laugh together.

Need more ideas? Romantic dinner ideas for anniversaries can help.

3) Book a sunset hot air balloon ride

A sunset hot air balloon ride is pure magic. You get quiet time together, floating above beautiful landscapes.

The sky shifts colors as the sun dips down, and you just take it all in. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to celebrate.

Maybe bring home a keepsake—like etched champagne glasses or a little souvenir from the flight. Want more details? Here’s a sunset hot air balloon experience.

4) Host a personalized wine tasting at home

Set up a wine tasting just for the two of you. Pick wines that mean something to you, or maybe from places you want to visit.

Add some snacks that pair well with your picks. Dim the lights, put on some music, and just enjoy.

It’s a laid-back way to make your anniversary feel special. You can find tips for hosting a wine tasting at home if you want to go all out.

5) Create a memory book with photos and mementos

Gather your favorite photos, ticket stubs, and little keepsakes from the past year. Arrange them in a book that tells your story.

It’s a fun way to relive the best moments. Years from now, you’ll love flipping through it.

Need a nudge to get started? This anniversary photo book ideas guide has some great suggestions.

6) Take a cooking class together featuring a new cuisine

A cooking class is a chance to try something totally new. Pick a cuisine you’ve never made—Thai, Italian, sushi, whatever sounds good.

Cooking together is hands-on and gives you something to laugh about. At the end, you get to eat your creation.

You’ll remember the experience every time you cook that dish again. Look for classes nearby or try a virtual one. Here are more wedding anniversary cooking class ideas.

7) Renew your vows in an intimate ceremony

Mark your first anniversary by renewing your vows in a small, meaningful ceremony. You don’t need a big crowd—just a spot that matters to you both.

Keep it simple and heartfelt. This kind of moment feels personal and stays with you.

You can find vow renewal ideas online, or browse intimate vow renewal ceremony ideas for inspiration.

8) Go on a scenic hike and picnic outdoors

Pick a trail with pretty views or a quiet spot in the woods. Hiking gives you time to talk and just be together, away from everything else.

Pack a simple picnic for when you reach a good spot. A little fresh air and sunshine can make the day feel extra special.

Want more tips? Check out ideas for lasting memories on scenic hikes and picnics.

9) Arrange a surprise spa day for your partner

Surprise your partner with a relaxing spa day. Book a massage, facial, or just set up an at-home spa.

Candles, soft music, and fluffy robes make it feel extra cozy. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care.

A spa day is a sweet, quiet way to mark your anniversary. Here are more spa date ideas for couples.

10) Write and exchange heartfelt love letters

Sit down and write love letters to each other. Tell them what you love about your first year together, or what you hope for the future.

Exchanging letters turns a simple moment into something lasting. You’ll want to keep these notes forever.

If you’re not sure what to write, think about favorite memories or what you’ve learned about each other.

11) Try an adventurous activity like zip-lining or sailing

Ready for a little adventure? Try zip-lining or sailing for your anniversary.

Zip-lining lets you fly through the trees together—safely, of course. Sailing gives you calm moments on the water.

Both options break the routine and make for great memories. You can probably find something exciting near you, whatever your comfort level.

12) Decorate the home with candles and fairy lights for a date night

Turn your living room into a cozy hideaway with candles and fairy lights. Candlelight adds a soft, romantic glow.

Fairy lights bring a little magic, and you can drape them just about anywhere. It doesn’t have to be fancy to feel special.

Want more ways to set the scene? Check out ideas for decorating with fairy lights and candles.

13) Volunteer together at a local charity

Spend your anniversary volunteering together. Pick a cause—animal shelter, food bank, community center—whatever means something to you both.

Helping others together strengthens your bond and gives your special day extra meaning. Plus, it’s a memory you’ll both feel good about.

Looking for ways to get started? Here are some volunteering together ideas.

14) Create custom engraved jewelry as keepsakes

Give each other custom engraved jewelry—rings, necklaces, or bracelets with your wedding date, initials, or a short message.

These pieces become little reminders of your first year together. You’ll probably find yourself reaching for them every day.

If you want more inspiration, check out personalized wedding gift ideas.

15) Plan a themed movie marathon of your relationship milestones

Pick movies that bring back special moments in your relationship. Maybe these are films you watched on your first date, or just stories that feel a lot like your own.

Set up a cozy space with snacks and blankets. Toss in some fairy lights if you’re feeling extra.

Watch each movie together. Pause now and then to talk about why it matters to you or just laugh at old memories.