8 Perfect Paper Gifts for Your First Anniversary

I’ve always gotten a kick out of the traditional anniversary gift guidelines.  Instead of feeling constrained by the categories, my husband and I have approached them like a game.  Why just buy your sweetie a dozen roses when you can instead present her with a set of cotton earrings on your second anniversary or gift him a pair of excellent woolen socks on your seventh?

According to tradition, of course, paper is the name of the game on your first wedding anniversary.  Luckily, there are a ton of fun ideas out there.  And I know this because I spent a good hour this morning collecting on them on Pinterest while drinking my morning coffee. Hey, it’s not wasting time, it’s market research.

So, without further ado, here they are!

8 perfect paper gifts for your first anniversary:

For the Music Lover: A Metallic Sound Wave Print of your first dance song

Not only are these just cool to look at (I seriously love metallic), but the special meaning behind the abstract design is hard to beat.  You can choose any song you like, but for an anniversary gift, the song from your first dance might be a sweet idea.

For the spouse with a bold sense of style:  paper jewelry

You might be surprised to discover that paper jewelry is not nearly as delicate as it sounds.  In fact, there are a ton of bold, creative, and fun designs out there that are perfect for the spouse with a strong sense of style.  This Grey Paper Necklace by Alice Kresse and this Signature Cuff Bracelet by Diana Ferguson are two of my current favorites.

For the lover of art: A custom anniversary certificate from Ink with Intent

Lately, I’ve been working with a ton of clients to create custom Anniversary Certificates featuring illustrations that are significant to the couple.  Just last week, I finished this colorful design of Kyoto (where the couple spent a lot of time traveling together) and this minimalist illustration of Venice (where the couple was married).  Both certificates contained the couple’s vows, which I thought was a super romantic way to celebrate their wedding a year after the fact.

For the introvert: A set of books that made you who you are

After being married for a year, you might feel like you already know all there is to know about your spouse.  But sharing the books that helped to shape you into the person you are today will give your sweetheart a whole new perspective.

For the DIY-er: A home state photo collage

If you have some basic photoshop or illustrator skills (or even if you’re just really handy with a pair of scissors!) you could whip up this state silhouette photo collage in no time.

For the spouse with serious wanderlust: A personalized Pushpin World Map

If you’ve been jet-setting since you met with plans for much more, why not track your travels with this customized push pin map?

For the traditionalist: Colorful custom stationary

Because who doesn’t need more hot pink paper in their life.  And this cactus washing tape?  I’ll take 12.

For the romantic: Custom watercolor brush calligraphy vow set

Watercolor calligraphy has to be one of the prettiest things on the planet. What a wonderful way to capture your vows!

I’ve compiled a bunch more ideas over on pinterest, so pop on over if you’re still in search of that perfect gift idea.