Thinking Ahead…

We know that a large percentage of our Head Over Heels blog readers are recently married couples. You keep checking back or you are continuing to get our weekly blast of the past week’s blogs.

But we also know that as your wedding day gets closer you might be starting to think about gifts and anniversaries.

Recently, Tara Lee from Groovy Groomsmen Gifts shared some First Wedding Anniversary gifts.

The traditional gift is paper and the modern gift is a clock. Here are some of Tara’s ideas that cover both of these and then some!

First anniversaries are always special. That’s one whole year of being committed to someone and making the relationship work. It’s no surprise there’s a lot of pressure on choosing the perfect anniversary gift or even just what to do when the day comes.

There are so many ideas to explore, and your choice depends entirely on your budget, schedule, and preferences. Whether you want something wild and extravagant or chill and simple, check out these 10 things you may want to consider.

Photo Album

It’s a no-frills way to put all the memories you have made for the past year in a single place. Maybe you saved the ticket of the first movie date you had or admission passes from your little excursion at the amusement park, and these all have room in a photo album.

Much like a scrapbook, a photo album gives you a lot of freedom to be as creative as you want to. You can write captions on the photos, put stickers on the side, or add sentimental little things on the page.

Wristwatch

On top of being a handy accessory, a wristwatch symbolizes the passage of time. The first year of any relationship is often regarded as the most challenging. The fact that you’re already on your way to your first anniversary is a testament to how far you’ve come. A watch is more of a suitable gift for the men, but ladies also know how to appreciate a fine piece of metal.

Mug Set

If you’re deeply in love with a person, you don’t dread early mornings because you’re greeted with a smile that’s especially for you. What would be more amazing is if you had a “his and hers” mug set to enjoy your piping-hot coffee together. Yes, it’s a simple gift but a quirky one at that, especially if the mugs have fun graphics or anecdotes printed on them.

Vinyl Records

This one is for the old soul. Vinyl records are for couples who aren’t just music enthusiasts but are nostalgic of the beauty of the past. What’s also cool is that even newer records have vinyl versions.

If you and your partner bond over music, chances are you have a special song that you frequently listen to. Ditch Spotify Premium, and look for a vinyl of that song. The downside is that it’s particularly hard to find vinyl because they’re often part of personal collections, which also makes them expensive.

Jewelry

On the luxury side of things, a stunning piece of jewelry is a safe bet for a first-anniversary present. Some women would grin in delight if presented with a diamond necklace.

A gold ring or a stainless steel bracelet is good enough for the classy gentleman. Obviously, jewelry isn’t cheap. You will have to shell out major cash for this one, but if the person (and the relationship) is worth the spend, then by all means, run to the nearest jewelry store for those rocks.

Painting

A painting of you and your partner is a great way to immortalize the year you just had. Browse through your photos, choose one that feels special to you, and commission an artist to paint the scene on canvas. Apart from being a gift, the painting can be framed and hung on the wall as a decoration. Every time you see it, you’ll remember that it was an anniversary present.

Spa Day

You’ve hurdled the one-year mark as a couple. You deserve to be pampered with a trip to the spa after having worked hard to make your relationship work. Yes, there have been times that you wanted to give up, but you stuck through it, and so did your partner. Give it to yourselves to relax and cap the day with a glass of bubbly.

Surprise Dinner

A candlelight dinner for two is a classic way to celebrate one’s first anniversary. If you want to make this your gift, you can opt to prepare the dinner yourself. Having your anniversary dinner at home can be as just special as having it in a fancy restaurant. Find some recipes online, spruce up your dining table with some flowers and candles, and dress to impress.

Poetry

Instead of making a speech, why not recite an original poem instead? If you want to leave a lasting impact on your partner, this is the way to go. Granted, not everyone has a penchant for poetry, but making an effort to string words into verses will not come unnoticed.

Read some of Shakespeare’s sonnets for inspiration. Just take this line from “Sonnet 18,” which is arguably one of his most recognizable: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”

Handwritten Letter

Handwritten letters have become far too rare especially with the rise of social media. Proclamations of love are squeezed into 280 characters to fit a tweet. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, the feeling of receiving a written note is truly incomparable. If done right, anniversary letters can move your partner to tears, making them feel seen and loved.

Cover photo by Oziel Gomez