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!
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
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!
- SPACE SAVER: With this sturdy, foldable paper stool, you can have more chairs or side tables at home when you're entertaining guests, dining or need more seats for the office. It folds for easy storage and is easy to transport.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: The eco friendly paper stool is made of polished Kraft paper, which gives it a long lifespan and it can hold up to 660 lbs (300kg). The honeycomb structure adds strength while making it light and easy to handle.
- DELIVERY: One folding paper stool in red along with a felt cushion. Size folded: 16.5 x 7 x 1.11 inches. Size unfolded: 16.5 x 14.2 inches.
- INTEGRATED MAGNETS: At each end there are 3 strong magnets that will keep the seat unfolded and ready to use. It also comes with small ribbons to tie the folding ottoman in place.
- CREATIVE DESIGN: The unique paper chair takes modern decor to the extreme and is yet easy on the eye. The beautiful and minimalistic design beautifully decorates any home and is a wonderful gift for friends and family.
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
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!
- 💖 EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, HANDMADE FELT LETTER BOARDS. With warm oak frames & soft, robust evergreen colored felt, these boards are built with love, to last. The perfect complement to your decor, your craft space, classroom, restaurant, announcement, reveal...
- 💖 THE ORIGINAL ONLINE LETTER BOARD EDITOR: Felt Like Sharing Online Tool FREE with your purchase today! (Editor Tool tailored to Felt Like Sharing Product Specs). Try & See what your sign board will SOON look like in hand! The Editor Tool alerts you if our included letter set supports your message, ie: Are there enough characters to write: XOXOXOXO…!? And Don’t forget to buy an extra Pinky Promise, Bronze or Pastel letter set to really make your board unique..!
- 💖 NEVER AT A LOSS... More Letters than ever! 300-piece Character Set (White) lets you speak at length! Be more bold, proud, clever, or more sappy than ever. When you're done, collect all those 3/4" white words-to-be in the handy drawstring pouch for safekeeping. Go Get Lettering Now!
- 💖 EVERY-OCCASION GIFT (Your friends & family will LOVE the packaging!) Gift them & hang your own felt board with pride with attached sawtooth hanger. Share on Social: Letter Set includes the “hashtag” and “at” symbols! #FeltLikeSharing @FeltLetterBoards
- 💖 AMERICAN OWNED, AMERICAN SUPPORT. Pam, Ryan & Co. We own it, and we run it right. You Have Our Word: Your Satisfaction is Our #1 Priority. With Our Exclusive 100% Word-For-Word Promise, Your Purchase Today Has Zero Risk.
4. Photo Printer
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.
- With Canon’s dye sublimation printing process the CP1300 produces outstanding 4x6” in less than a minute at a crystal clear 300x300 dpi resolution.
- The CP1300 features wi-fi connectivity for printing from a computer or mobile device, plus prints directly with Apple’s AirPrint, PicBridge, Canon PRINT.
- Customizing your images is fun and simple with the CP1300’s selection of borders, effects, and dimensions. With easy editing tools, such as portrait optimization, red eye correction, and the smooth skin feature, enhancing and editing your photos is a pleasure.
- You can print various sizes, including 2.1 x 2.1" labels, 2.1 x 3.4" cards, 3.5 x 4.7" L size, and 4 x 6" postcards.
- Print up to 216 4x6” color photos easily with 2 packs of pre-cut paper stock included in the bundle
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.
Your print comes beautifully framed and ready to hang in a barnwood frame with a glass front and hanging hardware attached. Print design measures 11”x14”. Choice of classic or simple frame.
6. Luggage Tags
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.
- PERSONALIZED PASSPORT COVER & LUGGAGE TAG SET FOR WOMEN AND MEN - Click on the ‘Customize Now’ button to add your name, initials, or favorite travel quote for a truly personal touch!
- 🎁 GREAT HONEYMOON GIFT - Perfect for any traveler men, women or couples. Free laser engraving - NO EXTRA COST.
- ✂️ MATERIAL - Passport covers and Luggage Tags are made from scratch-resistant faux leather with a beautiful quality engraving that makes travel more fun. We wanted to create a passport holder and tag that would last you for a lifetime. This richly textured, synthetic material is water-resistant, easy to clean and durable enough for the rigors of daily use. The high-quality workmanship of each leatherette piece is sure to impress every recipient with its elegant individuality.
- 📏 PASSPORT SIZE - 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" and holds any standard US or EU size passport - TAG SIZE: 4 1/4" X 2 3/4".
- 💰 FAST SHIPPING + 100% SATISFACTION - We ship orders in 2 Business Day and offer Hassle-Free Returns! No Questions Asked refund policy.
7. A Beautiful Bouquet Carnations
While flowers may not be a gift that lasts forever, they’re still beautiful! I love receiving a stunning bouquet to brighten up my home, even if just for a little while. Fifty flowers has some amazing carnations, but this bouquet is my favorite! I just love the vintage look of it, don’t you?
The mix pack includes a range of dusty, muted colors, from elegant champagne and peach to warm terracottas and pinks.
8. Personalized Clock
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!
- The clock measures 18" in diameter.
- 3/4” thick.
- Made of one solid piece of MDF and the wood grain is printed on the face.
9. Cuckoo Clock
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.
- Made in Germany / Warranty: 2 years
- 100% authentic black forest cuckoo clock
- included: certificate of authenticity by the black forest clock association
- Premium cuckoo clock by Hekas
- Height/Width: 13/11 inch
10. Pearl jewelry
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.
- Streamlined pendant is made of 925 sterling silver with 18k gold plated, whose silver part is not oxidized easily, remaining radiant, matching a free 18 inches cable chain.
- VIKI LYNN Tahitian pearl necklace is the ultimate jewelry for women, also as Christmas gifts, Mothers day gifts for mom , Birthday gifts for women, Wedding anniversary gifts for wife or simply, "Just Because", ensuring a smile on your loved one's face.
- Attention pleases: Most Tahitian pearls that are identified as “black” are actually charcoal grey, silver, or dark green. All pearls are imported from Tahiti, each Tahitian pearl necklace has official certification.
- To ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer you a 30 Days Money Back Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty for any quality problem. Purchase from VIKI LYNN, where ultimate craftsmanship and satisfaction are always guaranteed.
- Pearls are a chemical and an organic gem that require specialized care. They deteriorate in contact with chemicals like household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics, and any hair care product of all kinds. A good rule of thumb is that your pearls are "The Last Thing You Put On", when dressing, and "The First Thing You Take Off", when you get home. The surface of a pearl is soft and can be easily damaged, store it inside a well made jewelry box for safe keeping.
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!
What are some of your favorite first anniversary gifts for gay couples? Share below!
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
