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Unforgettable First Anniversary (2023) Celebration Ideas With Girlfriend

By Michael See
(updated 2023) Anniversaries should be celebrated no matter how long you and your girlfriend have been together.

That said, the first anniversary is particularly special because the first year celebration is always significant.

So, you want to make sure that you celebrate it in the best way possible.

The good news: we have several most romantic ways to achieve that. Here are 7 first anniversary celebration ideas and recommendations! Check here for the best gifts to give her on the 1st anniversary.

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Recreate Your First Date

Recreating the magic of your first date is one of the most romantic ways to celebrate your first anniversary with your girlfriend. Visit the places where you were during your first date. To make the experience better, dress like you were dressed that day, walk along the same streets, and order the same dishes.

Pretend to be strangers who just bumped into each other at some festival or in the street. If you and your girlfriend live together, then it is recommended that you get to the location of your first date solo rather than going together.


Celebrate With Paper Gifts

First anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with paper gifts. There are lots of options here. Grab a pen and paper and write a romantic letter to your girlfriend and ask her to do the same for you. Exchange the letters to get a feel of what she thinks about you.

Share all the little things you have loved about over the past year. You could also make a bouquet of paper flowers or send her a paper invitation for the perfect date night. Celebrating your first anniversary with paper is particularly a fun idea for creative or crafty couples.


Have a Romantic Dinner

If you are a couple that loves to dine in style, then having a romantic dinner is a great way to celebrate your first anniversary. Make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant early to ensure you get a good table.

Choose a restaurant that has a romantic ambiance, candle-lights, and live soft music. Such an atmosphere is perfect for a first year anniversary dinner with your girlfriend. Consider giving her a bouquet of her favorite flowers to add to the romantic atmosphere. You could even have a single stem placed in advance at the table for her. Consider gold-dipped roses for something more lasting.


Catch The Sunset

Celebrate your first anniversary with your girlfriend by arranging a picnic and catching a romantic, beautiful sunset. This idea is perfect especially if the anniversary date falls during the warmer months.

The choice of location is entirely up to you. Ideally, you want to have a picnic in a place where you can enjoy the sunset in silence. It should be a calm and relaxing place. You could head to a local park if you want an outdoor experience. Alternatively, you could simply choose your rooftop as a picnic spot if you want to celebrate the anniversary at home.


Get Her a Befitting Gift

There are lots of options when it comes to first anniversary gifts for her. It’s a good idea to establish what truly catches your girlfriend’s fancy before you select a gift. Popular gift categories include electronic gadgets, clothing, wristwatches, flowers, and artwork.

Jewelry is of course one of the best first-anniversary gift options. If you want to choose this option, first find out what she loves (size, shape, color). Handmade jewelry is an excellent choice. In this category, you have plenty of options. You can choose from a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or ring.


Plan an Anniversary Photoshoot

An anniversary photoshoot is an excellent way to mark the first year of your relationship with a permanent memento. If you have done photoshoots in the past, then it would be a good idea to reach out to the photographer that you have used before because a sense of familiarity will help you both feel and look relaxed in front of the camera.

Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to take a few photos of you in a spot that is special to you both. It’s a great way to document your journey as a couple.


Go On A Trip

If your budget permits, consider celebrating your first anniversary by going on a trip. Surprise her with tickets for a short vacation. You could decide to go on a road trip to destinations your girlfriend has never visited. Plan your trip, book a hotel, and buy tickets in advance.

Alternatively, you could take a trip spontaneously to make things more exciting. The choice of destination or direction depends entirely on you and your girlfriend. If it is a road trip, consider choosing a route that goes through wineries, city landmarks, wildlife sanctuaries, or picturesque landscapes.


In A Nutshell

A year together as a couple is a great milestone and it should certainly be celebrated. There are lots of celebration ideas available. Before you make a decision, consider what you both like.

In this way, you can narrow down your choices and come up with ideas that will make your first anniversary memorable.


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