The 20 Best One-Year Anniversary Gifts for Him

The first anniversary is an exciting milestone worthy of a remarkable gift, whether it's been a year since your first date, your wedding, or the day you met.

Traditionally, paper represents the classic gift for a one-year anniversary. It represents a blank slate to write your own love story as you grow together. This can be interpreted as a couple's cookbook, a hand-drawn portrait, or a print of the stars on the day you first met. Modern interpretations include a clock to represent eternal love, the color gold as a signature color, and orange blossom or pansies as customary flowers.

From traditional to modern gifts, we researched practical options and plenty of fun, unique, and customized presents for your guy.

View On L.L.Bean

In line with the modern first-anniversary gift of the clock, the L.L. Bean Moonbeam bedside clock blends tradition with modern conveniences. While this model first debuted in 1952, the updated version sports the same retro look and adds contemporary features like a built-in USB port for charging your phone overnight.

Available in three vintage colors, the Moonbeam comes with an old-school bell tone, a softly flashing light for gentle awakening, a popular snooze function with ten-minute intervals, and the option to use a cord or batteries. While the color selection is limited, this is a great functional gift that he can use every day, and it's a unique and stylish pick that he probably wouldn't buy for himself.

Price at time of publish: $65

View On Etsy

Another twist on the traditional paper gift is this stunning set of framed wedding vows, handmade with a myriad of customizations to choose from, including sizes, lettering colors, and frame colors. The vows, which you send the creator with the name of the partner who uttered them, are actually printed onto wood that resembles paper. Both framed sets of vows come with a hanging system built onto the backs of them along with instructions on how to hang them.

Price at time of publish: $122 for 14x20

Uncommon Goods Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit

View On Uncommon Goods

Mix these tins of flavorful dried herbs and seasoning with a bit of olive oil and your choice of dipping breads to enjoy the tastes of France, Italy, Spain, and other delights of the taste buds with your partner. Included are air-dried tomatoes, various spices, basic, sesame seeds, and more. There are several bread and oil pairings recommended on the bottom of the kit’s lid, or you can always make up your own as you go.

Price at time of publish: $42

4.2

Courtesy of Coyuchi

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A plush choice for your man, the Coyuchi Unisex Airweight Organic Robe is aptly named for its feel being even lighter than the company’s best-selling towels—and every bit as absorbent. Crafted with 100% organic cotton and boasting multiple environmental and fair trade certifications, this comfy robe is an ideal guy’s anniversary gift for the conscious man.

Rated as one of the best robes we tested, we determined that its organic cotton fabric is soft, dries quickly, and is the perfect length for next level lounging.

Price at time of publish: $148

R.O.C.K.S Whiskey Chilling Stones Gift Set

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Never let ice cubes water his whiskey down again when you replace them with these premium granite sipping rocks. These six natural stones mimic the look and feel of the original rocks used by the Scots to enjoy chilled whiskey without diluted ice distorting the flavor.

The set comes with six high quality natural granite whiskey sipping rocks, two crystal whiskey glasses, a storage tray, a hardwood presentation tray, and an instruction manual —all nestled in a stylish gift box.

Price at time of publish: $50

View On Sharperimage.com

For the gent who loves fire but, alas, has no fireplace, the Tabletop Fireplace from Sharper Image makes a nice substitute. Perfect for indoors, this centerpiece comes in black, copper, or stainless steel, and runs without causing smoke to form or soot to collect. No chimney or specific type of ventilation system is required.

The fuel container can hold enough bio-ethanol fuel to burn for two to three hours. (Please be sure to consult the folks at Sharper Image about which type to purchase. Their website says customers should buy the Sharper Image fuel and no other kind for safety reasons.)

Price at time of publish: $200

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Make sure he’s cozy while he watches the game or his favorite movie, and toss this ultra-soft faux fur down alternative throw over him. With a masculine fair isle design and berber reverse, this throw is conveniently machine washable and filled with cushy down alternative. We love that it’s not too hot or too light, keeps them feeling snuggled all winter, and the fabric is both resilient and breathable.

Price at time of publish: $35

View On Uncommon Goods

For the guy who likes to cook large meals but only has two hands, there’s a handy Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer from Uncommon Goods. Help him out with this innovative cooking tool with built-in reminders anytime he’s ready to fire up the stove. It’s supposed to be especially helpful for folks who have arthritis, hands that shake due to Parkinson’s, or otherwise have trouble grasping tools. It only needs to be set up in a pan with your simmering sauce and have its timer set —then just leave it to do its work!

Price at time of publish: $25 for Battery Powered

Monos

View On Monos.com

Any hiker, camper, runner, or otherwise thirsty fella will love this Monos Kiyo UVC Bottle. Its technology purifies drinking water instantly, anywhere. Users can easily fill their bottle from any safe water source, twist on the lid, then swipe across the cap to activate purification. Fresh, clean water is ready in minutes, with allegedly 99.99 percent of bacteria eliminated.

Available in six subtle colors, the Monos Kiyo UVC bottle works with pretty much any backpack, bike, or workout ensemble. Great for the eco-friendly, active gent, this innovative water bottle comes with rechargeable batteries and double wall vacuum insulation that keeps water cold for up to twenty-four hours and hot for up to twelve hours.

Price at time of publish: $80

Gaming Guru Monthly Board Game Subscription Box

View On Cratejoy.com

Elevate your Couple’s Game Night with a monthly subscription box to keep things interesting. Select games yourself or let the folks at UnboxBoardom choose for you and get a new game in the mail each month. Games are appropriate for ages eight and up, and offer themes like Plague, where players must face a disease spreading across the world, Lyngk, a serious strategy game, and Prowler’s Passage, which involves learning the ins and outs of a city’s shady, underground realm.

Price at time of publish: $33 for 3 Months

The 14 Best Board Games for Your Next Game Night

Saatva

View On Saatva

Gift your sweetie an indulgent set of certified organic cotton sheets that get softer every time you wash them. With your purchase of Saatva’s 300-thread count sateen sheets you’ll get free shipping, 45 day free returns, and a 1-year limited warranty. Their sheet sets include a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. They’re also machine washable, available in numerous sizes, and naturally hypoallergenic to boot.

Price at time of publish: $215

Avocado

View On Avocadogreenmattress.com

For the man who has trouble getting comfortable, try the Avocado natural latex mattress topper. With a choice of six sizes and the option for either a plush or firm feel, this plush topper assures he’ll be snoozing away in no time.

Avocado uses latex from their own tree farms, and organic wool and cotton from their own farms as well, meaning they keep all processes sustainable along the way. They’re Fair Trade certified too, among numerous other certifications, and their mattress topper is not only divinely comfy but it’s also breathable and moisture-wicking for the hot sleeper.

Price at time of publish: $549

View On Wonderffle.com

This Wonderffle stuffed waffle iron made Oprah's favorite things list this year, and we think there's a good reason. It makes 2-inch thick Belgian waffles stuffed full of whatever you love the most. It’s also easy to clean and can be used on several surfaces. Best of all, however, is the way it’s designed, the toppings are completely enclosed inside the waffle, so you can take your creations to-go.

Price at time of publish: $49

Sur la Table Interactive Online Cooking Classes

View On Sur La Table

Get cooking together with Sur la Table’s online cooking classes taught by experienced chefs over password-protected zoom sessions. Classes are between 90 and 120 minutes long, starting at $29 each, with each class providing a shopping list for each dish you’ll make as well as instructions so you’re ready to get started with the group when the time comes.

Price at time of publish: $89

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Let him lounge in luxury when you give him a pair of these super soft UGG slippers. From the chic logo and smooth suede upper to the cushy UGG insole and easy slip-on/off design, these are sure to become his favorite slippers for a long time to come. Available in 15 sizes for pre-order, these cozy gems will be on hand shortly for prompt delivery to your sweetheart’s doorstep. Standard shipping is always free.

Price at time of publish: $150

Misette Colorblock Brushstroke Multicolor Hand-Painted Candles

View On Misettetable.com

A set of Colorblock Brushstroke Multicolor Hand-Painted Candles in bold colors including gold (with gold pulling in the traditional 1st-anniversary color) creates an exquisite table for any meal that can use a little extra sparkle. Definitely never a boring gift, these candles come in a set of two, promise 11 hours of burn time, and are crafted with drip-free paraffin wax. Hand-painted in Brooklyn, New York, each candle is approximately 12 inches long.

Price at time of publish: $60

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Commemorate your wedding day on your first anniversary and every year after with this gorgeous personalized journal from Uncommon Goods. The custom pages include prompts for reflection on your relationship, with spaces for photos and mementos. Each year, you and your partner can get together again to look back on the glorious day, while also looking ahead to the amazing years to come together.

Price at time of publish: $130

Mejuri

View On Mejuri.com

Honor the classic gold color of the anniversary with a new piece of jewelry to make him feel special. We love this simple ring option from Mejuri that can be stacked with others from his own collection. The millimeter band comes in a variety of sizes and is made from 14k solid gold that's suitable for everyday use. You can engrave up to 25 characters so be sure to choose something special, like your wedding date or initials, that he'll cherish forever.

Price at time of publish: $300

The Newlywed Table: A Cookbook to Start Your Life Together

Amazon

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While you may not consider yourself newlyweds anymore, you can surely act like them. Playing off the paper theme, a couple's cookbook is a great gift for a husband or boyfriend that loves to cook or needs some direction in the kitchen. The Newlywed Table features 100 recipes to cook and enjoy together for every taste and palette.

Price at time of publish: $30

Paco Rabanne

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A nice cologne is a great present for him on any anniversary, but we love that this pick incorporates gold as well, making it perfect for your one-year. 1 Million by Paco Rabanne features notes of amber, leather, and tangerine for a spicy and bright fragrance to wear daily. It comes in a gorgeous component that resembles a gold bar, which will look sleek and stylish on his nightstand or vanity.

Price at time of publish: $83

When it comes to the meanings of each anniversary, think outside the box. Paper can mean anything from a sweet handwritten poem to a plane ticket to a new destination. Clocks can mean a new watch, or a print honoring the time of your wedding. The color gold can be a new gold ring or necklace, or a new baseball hat in the metallic color. While some men may not appreciate getting flowers, a thoughtful bouquet of pansies or orange blossoms celebrates the occasion in a modern, inexpensive way. As you can see, there's endless interpretations of the anniversary meanings that fit within any budget. When in doubt, just spend time with your partner. Maybe visit a local spot with "paper" or "gold" in the name for a fun outing and challenge.

Regarding the traditional gift of paper and the modern gift of the clock, Elisabeth Jones-Hennessy, Founder & CEO of GiftMeChic, who has a strong background in gift curation say says, “For him in particular, I love the idea of combining the two. First and foremost, handwrite a beautiful note card made of paper. I personally feel that expressing your sentiments of love in writing actually means more than the gift, and a card is something he’ll hopefully keep forever." Customization, such as monogrammed gifts or engravings with your special dates on a present can go a long way.

Jones-Hennessy recommends choosing something with meaning that applies to both of you and strongly advises against household items, like appliances. ”Appliances are as un-romantic as a gift can be," she says. The only exception is if your partner asked specifically or hinted at receiving an appliance as a gift. "Appliances are typically shared household items, so that kind of purchase should come from the shared budget of the household," she adds. A great option that leads to hours of quality time and feeds into both of your interests is the gaming guru subscription from Cratejoy.

While practicality is great, anniversaries are for drawing attention to your love. Celebrate the romantic love that drew you together and continues to pull you toward one another over time. Show your special guy that he still holds that same place in your heart now as he did the day you decided to commit to each other. Choose a gift that highlights these things, like these custom wedding vow signs.

KJ Callihan writes for The Spruce, comes with years of writing product-based articles, and loves shopping for the perfect gifts for her family and friends. For this gift guide, we also interviewed gift expert Elisabeth Jones-Hennessy, Founder and CEO of GiftMeChic, who has worked as a buyer for brands like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as gift curator for her own company.