Even couples that have been married a year may feel like newlyweds still. It often takes two or three years to settle into married life. So the first anniversary gift should be an upbeat celebration of their union thus far with anticipation of even greater joys to come.
A traditional first-year gift for married couples is something made of paper, suggesting the transient quality of life and the newness of their marriage. You can find many useful things made of paper, such as a wall plaque, personalized stationery, a calendar, or a scrapbook.
But there's no reason to confine your selection to things made of paper. After all, there are thousands of items to choose from in every price range imaginable. Here are some popular choices for gifts:
1. Household or lawn appliances. Now that the wedding dust has settled and the gifts unwrapped and put to use, the couple may have need of another appliance that they have not yet received, such as a toaster, blender, skillet, juicer, or grinder. If they are responsible for lawn care, they may be able to use a new rake, gardening tools, wheelbarrow, or leaf catcher. Ask their family members or the couple themselves for ideas, or hazard a guess with the stipulation they can always return the gift if it doesn’t fit.
2. Home decorations. Like most new couples, they may be developing a home life with a personality of its own. Notice their décor the next time you visit. Perhaps one of them collects horse insignia or belongs to the Rotary club. Try to think of something they share or an activity that impacts both and offer a gift that reflects that theme.
3. Check out their overall household themes and design. Perhaps they have a country style of home and furniture. Or they may opt for modern designs. Then shop for a clock, wall hanging, picture, or other accent piece that will blend in with the surroundings. You may even want to check the original stores where they registered for wedding gifts, and if the list is still available, find out what they did not receive on the list. If possible, check with the couple first to be sure it wasn’t given them from another source.
4. Make it humorous. Everyone enjoys a laugh to brighten their day, and marriage especially can benefit from a fun approach. Find a joke-type gift at a novelty shop, but make sure it is in good taste. If your group of friends shares a private joke or common interest, center it on that idea. Your newly married friends will enjoy this memento of your longstanding friendship.
5. Don't forget romance. Despite having been married just a year, some couples may lead hectic lives that crowd out romance. Give them a gift certificate to a weekend bed-and-breakfast getaway at a romantic inn. If that's a bit pricey, how about dinner for two at a romantic restaurant, perhaps somewhere they've never been?
While your gift needn't be expensive, it should reflect thoughtfulness about their union and your friendship. Browse catalogs, gift shops, and department stores for the perfect gift that will warm their hearts.
