A YEAR OF FIRSTS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Written By: Bec  |  Last Updated: 02.11.2023
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Think of the big moments in your life. The first time you did something you're proud of. Your first date, your first kiss. Does reminiscing bring a smile to your face?

Big moments like these result in beautiful memories. Which is why they should be celebrated! And this activity helps your best friend and her soon-to-be husband (or wife) do just that.

Fun and thoughtful; 'a year of firsts' will not only make amazing moments in their first year of marriage even better, but will also encourage the happy couple to look back on (and perhaps forward to) other exciting times!

Learn how to create this wonderful gift via the step-by-step instructions outlined below.

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The 'Year of Firsts' Gift Idea (Quick Overview)

The 'year of firsts' works by putting together a selection of wines, each labelled with a specific 'first' or 'milestone' (such as 'first Christmas together', 'first date as a married couple', 'first fight'). The idea is that whenever a 'first' is experienced, the couple then enjoy the associated wine together. Creating a celebration of important moments, and making each 'first' even more special! If the happy couple don't enjoy wine, simply swap it out for something they can indulge in (different gourmet chocolates, champagne, beer, cider).

Check out our favourite 'year of firsts' ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★

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How to Create a 'Year of Firsts' Gift

​YOU WILL NEED:
A box or basket, gifts for the couple, labels and pens.

​PREPARATION:
Start by brainstorming a list of 'firsts' that your best friend and her beau would enjoy celebrating. These could be anything from 'first night as a married couple' to 'first house together'.

​Write each experience onto it's own label or gift tag.

Now, source some goodies! Every time a new 'first' is experienced within the marriage, the couple gets to open one of these gifts. So make it something special.

If they love to indulge in a drink or two, wine bottles from different regions are a fantastic option. Chocoholics? Perhaps a variety of luxe chocolates is in order. If you base the gifts on their likes/personalities, you can't go wrong.

Handy Tip:
Tailor these special occasions and gifts to the couple themselves. For example, if you know they're planning on adopting a puppy, 'first pet' would be an experience to celebrate. The more thought you put into it, the more memorable and enjoyable the overall gift will be.
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MARRIAGE MILESTONES TO CELEBRATE:

• First anniversary
• First big adventure
• First big purchase
• First breakfast in bed
• First Christmas
• First concert
• First date as a married couple
• First day as husband and wife
• First dinner party
• First fight

• First holiday
• First house
• First movie night
• First new year
• First night as a married couple​
• First pet
• First road trip
• First surprise
• First Valentine's Day
• Just because

'YEAR OF FIRSTS' GIFT IDEAS
Often, it's a selection of wine that makes up the 'year of firsts' gift. But really, it can be anything the happy couple would enjoy! Here are some ideas:
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• Beer or cider:  a selection of beer and/or cider from local breweries 
  
• Chocolates: a selection of gourmet chocolates from around the world
• Date nights: so that they can celebrate each milestone with a special date, provide them with vouchers (e.g. to local cafes or restaurants), experiences (such as a cooking class), or even suggestions (enjoy a picnic with a view)
• Wine: a selection of bottles from their favourite wineries (or wines from the local region)

Related: Bachelorette Gift Basket Ideas

Click here to view ↑ these ↑ marriage milestone tags by 'Simply Mega Designs'

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Bring it All Together

Attach the gift tags or labels to your chosen gifts (as pictured below). Neatly display these goodies in a basket or beautiful wooden box - ready to gift to the bride at her shower or bachelorette.

Click here to view ↑ these ↑ marriage milestone wine labels by 'The Sunshine Garden'

​Alternative Ways to Create Your 'Year of Firsts' Gift

A YEAR OF DATES
Rather than gifting 'a year of firsts', treat the beautiful couple to a year of quality time together! Vouchers to restaurants, cooking classes, mini getaways, scavenger hunts, or even maps to secret picnic locations; get them out of their comfort zone and creating incredible memories with a variety of fun adventures put together especially for them!​

Related:The Date Jar Game

↑ Click here to view/download this 'Date Ideas' printable pack! ↑

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​BRIDE-TO-BE/WEDDING MILESTONES
Planning a wedding is exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. Help your bestie document their road to marriage with a fun 'wedding planning milestone' gift.

To make, simply swap out the 'first experiences' on your labels to experiences the couple may have whilst organising their big day. 'Said YES to the dress', 'Sent invitations', 'Booked a venue' and 'Bought suits', for example. Whether big or small, these special moments all combine to create one amazing day, and they deserve to be documented, and celebrated, too!

Click here to view ↑ these ↑ bride-to-be milestone cards by 'Ellie Marie Designs Designs'

Articles Related to this Gift Idea

PERSONALISED PARTY IDEAS:

From accessories to drinks, this article outlines the many ways you can add an unexpected yet much appreciated touch to your best friend's day - making her feel special and loved whilst simultaneously guaranteeing that it's an event she will never forget!

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​GIFT BASKET IDEAS:

With a little thought, gift baskets can make the best gifts. And whether they're geared towards the bride, the couple, or the bridal party as a whole, the fact that they've been put together by family and friends will mean the world to your girl!  

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The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The perfect bridal shower or bachelorette gift; 'a year of firsts' makes special days and big events that much more memorable. And you never know, these mini celebrations could become a tradition for your besties. Because marking the good times in life is the best way to bring smiles, laughter and happiness to your day. And who doesn't love that?!

As always, I’d love to hear your ideas/real life experiences – so please share your pictures and/or tips to myself and the rest of the For Every Hen community via the comments section below (or social media).

Cheers to creating the gift that keeps on giving!

Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
​(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
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​P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THIS IDEA FOR CELEBRATING NEW MILESTONES - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)