Is your first wedding anniversary coming up? Congratulations! As you may know, the traditional first wedding anniversary gift theme is “paper”. This theme can be interpreted in different ways, so this post is going to give you ideas for paper anniversary gifts to give on your first wedding anniversary.
Most of these paper anniversary gifts are customizable making them an even more special gift to give in celebration of your first year of marriage. These ideas are also great anniversary ideas for other years as well, so keep on reading!
Why is paper the traditional material for first year anniversary gifts?
Paper is the traditional material for first year anniversary gifts for a few different reasons. On the one hand, paper can be fragile so it represents how marriage can be delicate and requires proper care and attention.
However, paper is also a symbol of strength and of the couple’s bond because it is made up of woven fibers that come together to make a stronger material.
How choose paper anniversary gifts for your spouse
Things to keep in mind when choosing your paper anniversary gift:
- Budget
- Time (DIY gift vs. purchasing an item)
- What you want the gift to represent
To get inspired, look back and think about details of your wedding day that can be incorporated such as your vows, first dance lyrics, location, etc. You can also think look forward and think about goals for your marriage, future wish lists, etc.
11 paper anniversary gifts to celebrate your first year of marriage
Let’s get into the best paper anniversary gifts that your spouse is going to love. This list includes ideas for all budgets, DIY, store-bought items, etc.
1. Custom wedding photo album
These custom wedding photo books on Etsy are one of the best paper anniversary gifts. Not only is it perfect for the paper theme, it is an awesome way to remember your wedding day. These personalized photo books really tell the story of your wedding day. Here’s how ordering a photo book works:
- Pick the specifics of your photo book (Size, matte or glossy cover, etc.)
- Order on Etsy
- Follow detailed instructions provided by the shop to upload your wedding photos
- Receive a PDF proof of the album to approve or request changes
- Get your new wedding photo book in the mail!
2. Custom box of date night idea cards
Another fun paper anniversary gift idea for your first wedding anniversary is a personalized date ideas box. This date ideas box comes with 72 date ideas so you’ll never run out all year. Half of the date night ideas are for staying in date ideas and the other half are ideas to go out so there are plenty of ways to enjoy depending on your mood! And as a cute touch, the box comes personalized with your names.
3. Antique love letter
Another paper anniversary gift your spouse will love is a beautiful antique style lover letter. If you’re working with a tight budget, a really thoughtful gift would be a love letter to tell them how much they mean to you. For a cool antique look, dying the paper with tea will give it that extra something special.
Check out our tutorial on how to make paper look old with tea here.
4. Love coupon book
This printable coupon book is another budget friendly paper anniversary gift. This coupon book is easy to print at home so it makes for a good last minute wedding anniversary gift as well. The coupon book comes with 66 coupons, including six blank ones where you can write in personalized coupons.
5. A scrapbook of your relationship
The next paper anniversary gift idea is making a scrapbook of your relationship. Compiling photos and momentos from your relationship or your wedding day will make for a super thoughtful gift that your spouse will love.
Check out this post for more ideas on what to include in your scrapbook.
6. A painting
Another paper anniversary gift idea is a painting. Whether your try your hand at some watercolors and paint your own image or you buy a painting, this is a great gift to dress up your new home together. For an extra touch, you can get the painting framed so it’s ready to hang on the wall.
7. Custom star map for the day you were married
Another paper anniversary gift idea is a custom star map from the day you were married. This star map is customized to the exact date and location of your wedding to showcase what the night sky looked like on your wedding day. It is a meaningful gift that your spouse will really enjoy.
My husband and I have a star map from the day we met and it is a great addition to the gallery wall in our living room.
8. First dance lyrics artwork
The next paper anniversary gift idea is a customized piece of artwork made up of the lyrics from your first dance. This Etsy shop takes such a special moment and turns it into a beautiful art piece for your wall.
9. Personalized first anniversary comic book
This personalized first year anniversary comic book makes for another unique paper anniversary gift. This Etsy shop will turn your relationship into an epic comic book that will impress your spouse.
10. What I Love About You book
This “What I Love About You” book is another fun and budget-friendly paper anniversary gift idea. The book has fill in the blank prompts to help you tell your spouse how much you care.
11. A handmade anniversary card
Lastly, you can’t have a paper anniversary gift without a card right? Making a card by hand rather than buying one in the store shows you care to put the time and effort into creating a DIY card.