First Anniversary Gifts for Long Distance Couples

You've made it through your first year together despite the distance—that's worth celebrating! Your first anniversary is a special milestone that deserves a thoughtful gift showing how much this year has meant to you and your excitement for the years ahead.

Traditionally, the first anniversary gift is paper, symbolizing the blank pages of your story yet to be written. This guide features creative paper gift ideas perfect for long-distance relationships, plus modern alternatives that celebrate your unique journey together.

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Traditional Paper Anniversary Gifts (LDR Style)

Handwritten Paper Gifts

• 9. 365 Love Notes: Write a note for every day of the coming year. They can open one each day. Materials: $15-$40 Buy Supplies
• 10. "Open When" Letter Set: Collection of letters for different occasions throughout year two. Materials: $10-$30
• 11. Handwritten Recipe Book: Write out recipes for meals you've shared or want to cook together. Materials: $15-$40
• 12. Journal of First Year Memories: Handwritten account of your favorite moments from the past year. Materials: $20-$50
• 13. Love Coupons: Paper coupons redeemable for virtual dates, future visit activities, or romantic gestures. Materials: $5-$20
• 14. Handwritten Poem or Lyrics: Original poetry or your song's lyrics beautifully written and framed. Materials: $15-$40

Modern First Anniversary Gifts

The modern first anniversary gift is a clock, symbolizing the time you've spent together and will continue to share.

Gifts That Celebrate Your Long-Distance Journey

Experience Gifts for Your Anniversary

• 25. Anniversary Visit: The ultimate gift—book flights to spend your anniversary together in person. Price range: $300-$2000+
• 26. Future Trip Planning: Book a romantic getaway for later in the year with printed itinerary as the anniversary gift. Price range: $500-$3000+
• 27. Virtual Anniversary Date: Plan elaborate virtual celebration with same meal delivered to both, gifts to open together, activity kits. Price range: $100-$300
• 28. Online Couples Experience: Virtual cooking class, wine tasting, painting session, or escape room for your anniversary. Price range: $40-$200
• 29. Weekend Getaway Package: Book hotel or Airbnb for when you're next together with romantic add-ons. Price range: $300-$1000+
• 30. Subscription for Year Two: Monthly subscription you'll enjoy together—date night boxes, wine club, book club. Price range: $30-$80/month

Creative DIY First Anniversary Gifts

Time Capsule for Year One

Fill a box with mementos from your first year: photos, ticket stubs, screenshots of conversations, small meaningful objects. Include letters predicting where you'll be on your 5th or 10th anniversary. Materials: $20-$50

Scrapbook of Your First Year

Hand-decorated scrapbook with photos, tickets, pressed flowers, and written memories from each month of year one. Materials: $30-$80

Video Montage

Compile video clips from your first year with music and captions celebrating milestones. Software: Free-$30

52 Date Ideas Jar

Fill jar with 52 date ideas (virtual and in-person) for the year ahead. One per week. Materials: $10-$25

Custom Board Game

Design a board game based on your relationship with inside jokes and memories. Materials: $25-$60

First Anniversary Gift Ideas by Their Style

For the Romantic

• Love letter collection in beautiful binding
• Custom star map of your special date
• Engraved locket with your photos
• Pressed flowers from your first bouquet in frame
• Commissioned painting of you together

For the Practical

• Quality leather planner for year two
• Engraved watch or tech gadget
• Travel accessories for visiting each other
• Upgrade to something they need
• Subscription service they'll use regularly

For the Sentimental

• Photo album of first year together
• Scrapbook you made by hand
• Jar of love notes and memories
• Framed collection of ticket stubs and mementos
• Video montage of your journey

For the Adventurous

• Tickets to experience together
• Scratch-off map to track adventures
• GoPro or camera for documenting travels
• Bucket list journal for couples
• Adventure fund in decorated jar

Budget-Friendly First Anniversary Gifts

Under $50 but still meaningful:

• Handwritten love letters collection: $10-$25
• DIY photo collage or scrapbook page: $15-$35
• Custom photo calendar: $15-$40
• Personalized bookmark with anniversary date: $10-$25
• Printed and framed favorite photo: $20-$45
• Book of love quotes with personal notes: $15-$30
• Custom playlist on CD with decorated case: $10-$25
• Paper flowers with notes attached: $15-$35

Luxury First Anniversary Gifts

If you want to splurge on this milestone:

• Designer watch: $500-$5000+
• Fine jewelry from luxury brand: $500-$10000+
• Luxury weekend getaway: $1000-$5000+
• Professional couples photoshoot: $500-$2000+
• Commissioned portrait painting: $500-$3000+
• Custom-made furniture piece: $800-$5000+
• Investment in your future together: Savings bond, etc.

How to Celebrate Your First Anniversary Long Distance

Virtual Anniversary Celebration Ideas

• Dress up for fancy video date
• Order same meal delivery and eat together
• Watch your first movie together again
• Look through photos from your first year
• Read old messages and laugh at your early conversations
• Toast to year two with matching drinks
• Exchange gifts on video call
• Recreate your first date virtually

Make It Extra Special

• Send flowers or gift basket to arrive anniversary morning
• Arrange surprise food delivery during your video date
• Create matching Spotify playlists for the day
• Write social media posts celebrating your year
• Video message for them to wake up to
• Plan the entire day with scheduled surprises

Anniversary Gift Etiquette

Shipping Timeline

Order at least 2 weeks before your anniversary, especially for personalized items. Use tracked shipping to ensure timely arrival.

Gift Exchange Expectations

Discuss gift budgets beforehand to avoid awkwardness. Some couples agree on a spending limit, others prefer surprises. Communicate what works for you.

Include a Card or Letter

Even the most expensive gift should include heartfelt words. Write about what the first year meant to you and your hopes for the future.

Respect the Traditional Gift

Many couples enjoy following the traditional anniversary gift guide. Paper for year one offers so many creative possibilities—embrace it!

What Not to Give

• Nothing: Even a card matters for this milestone
• Generic last-minute gifts: Shows lack of thought for important day
• Overly practical items only: Anniversary deserves romance
• Gifts that create pressure: Too-serious jewelry or moving-in items unless you've discussed
• Recycled or regifted items: This is your first anniversary!

Final Thoughts

Your first anniversary in a long-distance relationship is especially meaningful. You've navigated time zones, missed physical presence, and proven that your connection transcends geography. You've shown up for each other through screens and across miles. That deserves celebration.

Whether you choose a traditional paper gift that documents your journey, a modern timepiece symbolizing your time together, or an experience that brings you closer, the most important element is acknowledging what you've built together this year.

Your first year was about building a foundation. Your anniversary gift should celebrate that foundation and look forward to all the years you'll continue to build upon it—together, whether near or far.

Here's to one year down and forever to go.

More anniversary ideas: LDR anniversary gifts for all years | Just because gifts | Subscription gift ideas