Preface Preface

• The first year of marriage tends to fly by in a flash, but your first anniversary offers a chance to reminisce about the day you married the love of your life. When it comes to one-year anniversary ideas, tradition calls for gifts inspired by paper or clocks, but there are non-traditional gift ideas that help you get even more creative. Toast your love with this gift inspiration:

Mark the occasion in writing Mark the occasion in writing

•  Texting something saucy is fun, but when is the last time you put pen to paper and wrote your Mr. or Mrs. a heartfelt note? Jot down something sentimental in a card for your love...and seal it with a kiss.

Give a photo gift Give a photo gift

• Look to photo prints (hey, they're paper!) as one-year anniversary ideas you can present in myriad ways. Print a few sweet photos and frame them, create a flip-through photo book or calendar for your love, or supersize a favorite snap on a canvas. 

Map your future travels Map your future travels

• Make new memories in a brand new place to kick off year two. Find a map that catches your eye, and then gift it as a conversation starter, so you can mark destinations you want to experience together. 

Gift a good book Gift a good book

• Books are one-year anniversary ideas that take the paper concept to a personalized place. Scout a good book for your spouse and start a book - just the two of you. Even sexier, you can take turns reading the book to each in bed. Don't worry if you get sidetracked!

Frame special mementos Frame special mementos

•  Take the menu from your wedding, your written-out vows, or some other important memento, and float it in a pretty frame. Or frame a collection of ephemera - like the song lyrics from your first song, photobooth strips, or the floorplan to your home.

Set a new alarm Set a new alarm

• Clocks and timekeepers are considered traditional one-year anniversary ideas. Take it one step further and choose a modern desk clock or stylish watch with an alarm. Then set the alarm to go off later with a note that you have a special date night in (don't be late!).

Break the rules Break the rules

• Opt for one-year anniversary ideas that take a twist on traditional. Look for gifts that represent a promise to love and grow even stronger in the next year, like a potted tree or a houseplant.

Plan a shared experience Plan a shared experience

• A cooking class, dance lesson, or camping trip can be an ultra-romantic way to bond.