Having a hard time finding some really amazing first anniversary gifts for gay couples? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! It can be a bit tricky to find paper-related gifts (the traditional theme of the 1st anniversary) that are unique and impressive.
Sure, you could give them a journal or beautiful planner, but we’ve come up with some even better options. A first anniversary is quite a big deal, after all, so you want to make it super special for the happy couple! Read on to see them!
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What are you supposed to give couples for their 1st Anniversary
As you may know (or maybe not!), each anniversary has a traditional and modern theme, plus an official flower and even a gemstone. Let’s see what’s on the list for the 1st Anniversary!
Following the traditional ways, the gifts for the first anniversary should be made out of paper. The roots of this tradition are not known exactly, but some theories suggest that the first year is still fragile, and should be cared for properly.
Clocks are the more modern 1st anniversary theme, while carnations are the official flower, while gold or yellow are the special colors associated with it. As far as gemstones go, gold jewelry is the traditional, even though it’s not technically a gem. However, both Peridot and Pearl are considered alternatives.
With all this in mind, you will be able to choose both traditional, and non-traditional first anniversary gifts for your friends, and maybe give them a gift they are not expecting!
Related: 17 Amazing Anniversary Gifts for Gay & Lesbian Couples for Years 1-9
First Anniversary Gifts For Gay Couples
From super affordable yet sweet gifts to give your friends to beautiful ideas to give each other, we tried to give you a good range of options.
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
1. Paper Folding Stool
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This is one of those gifts that perfectly combine the tradition with the modern world. These types of stools are great accessories to have around the house, they are stylish, and if the couple really likes modern things, then you should totally go for it.
There are numerous stores where you can find one of these paper folding stools, and there are definitely many designs to choose from. We love the one pictured here from Amazon, though!
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2. Origami Crane
This beautiful Origami crane is definitely one of the most unique and stunning ways to give paper as a first anniversary gift. Buy it as is or add personalization. The rainbow pattern is created specifically for LGBTQ couples, and it even comes with a 5 yen piece (which is basically the equivalent of a nickel in the US).
3. Letter Board
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A letter board is one of the things not a lot of people buy for themselves, but it can be an amazing idea to keep around. The couple can leave cute messages for each other, and it may just be something they’ll use a lot!
While this one pictured here doesn’t fit the paper, clock, or carnation theme, it does come in many colors, including yellow and gold. We love the rainbow one, though!
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4. Photo Printer
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If your friends take a lot of pictures, then a photo printer can be the thing they need. This way, they will be able to print their favorites to put in their photo albums or hang on their walls, and keep them as a memory for the years to come.
Before you say, “hey, that doesn’t fit ANY of the 1st anniversary themes,” just think about it. What are photos printed on? 😀 There are plenty of options that fit all budgets, but we like this one by Canon.
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5. Their Wedding Vows
This can be considered a personal gift, but it can be beautiful. What you need to do, is either ask them for the vows or watch a recording to get them. The next step will be to have them printed, framed, and offer them as gifts for their first anniversary. This is also a wonderful gift for couples to give each other!
Again, your options are limitless. You can print the vows at home and buy just a frame or get really fancy! I love this option from Etsy because you can include their wedding photo, too.
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A set of personalized luggage tags can be the best present for that couple who likes to travel all the time. It will help them keep an eye on their bags in the most beautiful way possible.
I love this set from Amazon because you can personalize it. Plus, it comes with a matching passport holder, too.
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7. A Beautiful Bouquet Carnation Soaps
While you can certainly gift your favorite couple a bouquet of real carnations, these beautiful soaps are another amazing option. The petals are actually bath melts! Not only are they gorgeous, but they’re useful, too! They come in three sizes.
8. Personalized Clock
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Since clocks are the modern 1st anniversary symbol/theme, give the happy couple a personalized one that they’ll cherish forever! Amazon has tons of great options, including photo clocks.
Personally, I love this one, though. It’s personalized with their last name and has a wonderful quote about time spent with family. I also love the rustic farmhouse feel, that’s super popular right now!
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9. Cuckoo Clock
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Speaking of clocks, if you want to give the couple (or each other) something that they can pass down through generations, a cuckoo clock is an amazing choice. They come in all sorts of styles now, including more modern options that aren’t quite so “rustic” looking. Personally, though, I adore the over-the-top options! They’re just more genuine to me.
I love this one from Amazon! It has all the pizazz of a traditional cuckoo clock, but the coloring is a bit more subtle than the “wow, that’s rustic” style of some of the others. Whatever you choose, just make sure it comes with a Black Forest Clock Association certificate of authenticity.
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10. Pearl jewelry
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This one is more along the lines of something that couples would give each other, since it’s a bit pricier. Plus, you really need to know the recipients tastes when it comes to jewelry.
While you can go with anything from pins to earrings, I really love this cultured black pearl pendant. It’s a little more unique than a regular white pearl, in my opinion.
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I hope you found exactly what you’re looking for with these first anniversary gifts for gay couples! If nothing jumped out at you, though, take a look at all of our other gift ideas! Maybe they’d like some hers and hers bathrobes, or one of these outstanding last-minute anniversary gifts for LGBTQ couples.
Whatever you choose, they’ll love it because it came from your heart. It truly is the thought that counts the most!
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Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own blog.
Last update on 2026-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
