What to buy for a 1st wedding anniversary

Find the perfect paper gift for their first anniversary 

A first wedding anniversary marks an incredible milestone: one year of building a life together, sharing countless little moments, and learning each other’s quirks and comforts. It’s not just about celebrating twelve months on the calendar; it’s about honouring the promise you made on your wedding day and looking forward to all the adventures yet to come.

Traditionally, paper is given to mark the first year of marriage. At first glance, this might seem like a modest choice compared to precious metals and gemstones that follow in later years. But paper is deeply symbolic. It represents a fresh start, the blank pages of the story you’re writing together, and the fragility and strength of a relationship nurtured with care and love.

A paper gift can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, but the best ones always hold personal meaning. Think about your journey as a couple. Where did you meet? What special place holds your fondest memories? What promises have you made that deserve to be immortalised in art?

At Letterfest, we believe that a personalised paper gift is more than just an object; it's a time capsule of your love. Our artists specialise in creating hand-drawn sketches and illustrations that celebrate milestones big and small. Whether it’s a portrait of your wedding venue, your first home, or even your furry family member, each piece is crafted with care to remind you why you fell in love in the first place.

So, how do you choose the perfect paper anniversary gift? Start by considering what makes your relationship unique. Is there a place you always talk about? A holiday that changed everything? A home where you built your dreams? Our custom artwork can turn these memories into a beautiful keepsake, framed and ready to hang as a daily reminder of your story so far.

Paper gifts aren’t limited to art. Handwritten letters, vow books, or even a scrapbook of memories from your first year can make meaningful additions. Pair your artwork with a heartfelt note, telling your partner what this year has meant to you and what you’re looking forward to in the years ahead. It’s these thoughtful details that turn a gift into something truly unforgettable.

The beauty of a paper anniversary gift is that it grows in meaning as the years pass. A sketch of your first home may one day remind you of the tiny kitchen where you cooked your first meals together or the living room where you spent Sunday mornings curled up with coffee and dreams. It becomes a window back to the beginning, a moment frozen in time, brought to life through art.

One of our most beloved gifts is the personalised wedding venue sketch. Couples love seeing the place where they promised forever, drawn by our talented artists with an eye for detail and a heart for romance. It’s a timeless piece that blends tradition with personal storytelling.

Another favourite is our house portrait. Many couples move into their first home around the time of their wedding, and a sketch of that special place is a beautiful way to celebrate not just a building, but the memories and love it holds. For some, it’s a flat they saved for together, or a tiny cottage that felt like a palace because it was theirs.

We also offer couples portraits that can be customised to include little touches that make them extra meaningful, from wedding attire to pets and children. These pieces become part of your family’s legacy, passed down through generations as a reminder of where it all began.

What sets a Letterfest gift apart is the genuine care and craftsmanship behind every piece. Our artists hand-draw each illustration, capturing not just the physical details but the feeling of the moment. No two gifts are ever the same, because no two love stories are the same.

Giving a personalised paper gift isn’t just thoughtful, it's clever. You don’t have to guess whether they’ll like it, because it’s made just for them. It shows that you’ve put time and thought into choosing something that holds meaning. It’s not generic; it’s yours.

When it comes to anniversaries, the best gifts are the ones that say, "I know you. I see you. I love this life we’re building together." A framed sketch, a custom illustration, or even a simple card with a heartfelt message can say all that and more.

We understand that life can get busy and gift shopping can feel like another task on an endless to-do list. That’s why we make it easy. Our website is filled with inspiration and ideas to help you pick a piece that feels just right. Once you’ve chosen, our team gets to work turning your memories into art, carefully packaged and delivered to your door in time for your special day.

Beyond the first year, our personalised gifts continue to mark life’s milestones, anniversaries, new homes, and new additions to the family. Each one is a celebration of where you’ve been and where you’re going.

So as you plan your first anniversary, remember this: it’s not about how much you spend or how grand the gesture. It’s about giving a piece of your heart, wrapped in paper, ready to be cherished for years to come.

Explore our full collection of personalised anniversary gifts here. Whether you’re shopping for your partner, your friends, or a loved-up couple who just moved into their first flat, you’ll find something that speaks to them.

Because a 1st anniversary deserves more than a card. It deserves a gift with its own story.