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The Paper Anniversary
1st Anniversary Gifts
The first anniversary is traditionally paper — a nod to the still-fresh chapter you're writing together. Mark year one with a romantic bouquet, a bottle of bubbly or a personalised keepsake that says you'd sign up for the next fifty.
- Traditional gift
- Paper
- Anniversary flower
- Carnation
- Delivery
- Same-day on selected gifts before 4pm
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Flowers Wrapped in Paper
Paper is the first-anniversary material, so start there: roses in every colour, wrapped in natural craft paper and tied, ready to give.
Carnations, the First-Anniversary Flower
The carnation is the traditional flower for year one. Choose a white cluster, a red and white bouquet, or an arrangement in a box or vase.
Bubbly for the First Toast
Something to open on the night: Moet, Veuve Clicquot, Pongracz and prosecco, some paired with roses or chocolates.
Keepsakes With Your Photo On
Wooden crates printed with a favourite photo of the two of you and your own message, holding wine or bubbly.
Who's Giving?
Whoever the gift is from, here is where to start.
For your wife
Roses wrapped in craft paper, or carnations for the year’s own flower.
See paper-wrapped flowers →For your husband
A bottle of bubbly for the first toast, or a crate printed with your photo.
See bubbly →From family and friends
Carnations delivered on the day are a warm way to mark year one for the couple.
See carnations →Browse the full 1st Anniversary Gifts range
Same-day delivery available on selected gifts ordered before 4pm, with nationwide delivery across South Africa.
Why Paper for the First Anniversary?
Tradition marks year one with paper — a fitting nod to a marriage that's still fresh, still being written. The symbolism is lovely: paper starts out fragile, but it's where you set down the story you'll spend the next fifty years filling in. It's the perfect cue for a gift that's sentimental rather than showy, and one that quietly says you'd sign up all over again.
Thoughtful First-Year Gift Ideas
The classic move is to pair a heartfelt anniversary card with something a little more lasting. A personalised photo frame holding a favourite snap from the wedding turns a paper milestone into a keepsake she or he will actually display. A personalised photo notebook works the same magic — pages full of the year you've just shared.
If you'd rather lead with romance, a fresh bouquet and a bottle of bubbly keep things classic and celebratory. Whether your partner is sentimental or simply loves a good toast, there's a first-anniversary gift here that fits — all delivered nationwide across South Africa, with same-day options before 4pm.
Paper Anniversary Questions
What is the traditional gift for a 1 year anniversary?
Paper. The traditional American list gives paper for the first anniversary, and the traditional British list gives cotton or paper. A heartfelt letter, a photo keepsake or flowers wrapped in craft paper all carry the theme.
What is the flower for the first anniversary?
The carnation is the first-anniversary flower. See our carnations above, from a white cluster to a red and white bouquet.
What do you buy for your 1st wedding anniversary?
Something personal for the two of you: a bouquet wrapped in craft paper, a bottle of bubbly to toast year one, or a keepsake printed with a favourite photo of you both.
What are some good anniversary gifts in South Africa?
Flowers, bubbly and personalised gifts are the easy wins, and a wine or gourmet crate works well too. We deliver nationwide, with same-day delivery on selected gifts ordered before 4pm.