5 First Anniversary Gift Ideas For Your Paper Anniversary
Many people know that each wedding anniversary has a traditional gift associated with it, and some may even know some of the big ones (25 years is silver, 50 years is gold). But did you know that the traditional gift for your first anniversary is paper?
A piece of paper can be a blank slate for your future together, and signifies all the possibility that lies before you. The small fibers that come together to make the paper strong and whole symbolize the strength of your relationship as it grows and matures, and the bonds you formed as a couple during your first married year.
Paper is surprisingly versatile when it comes to gifting, and lends itself well to first anniversary gifts for your partner that are full of love and meaning. Here are five excellent ideas to commemorate your Paper Anniversary and first year together. These are also great gift ideas for a friend, family member, or loved one who will be celebrating their first year of marriage.
1. Date commemoration artwork
The first day, the yes day, the best day. Turn the dates of the day you met or your first date, the day you got engaged, and your wedding day into a piece of unique artwork. Add some flair by including the city or GPS coordinates of those locations too, and the story of your love can be kept for generations.
2. A love letter
The tradition of writing letters to your loved ones goes back to when paper was first invented, and even before that. Writing a love letter to your partner reflecting on the past year is an amazing first anniversary gift idea that is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Tell them about the things you’ve learned, the best parts of the year, all the ways you fell even more in love with them, or your hopes for the future. You could write an individual letter to surprise your partner, or arrange to write letters to each other and exchange them on your anniversary. Written out in beautiful calligraphy, they could be framed to display in your home, or kept private in a memory box for your eyes only. Either way a letter is a perfect keepsake to treasure as the years pass.
3. Your vows
Your vows are of course some of the most special words you’ll ever speak to your partner. If you chose to write your own, they encompass all of the details that you love about each other, that make your relationship special. They are a promise for the future. If you chose to use traditional vows, they’re steeped in tradition from all who spoke those words before you. Turn your vows into a beautiful piece of artwork that you can display in your home for years to come as a daily reminder of your love for each other. They can be done in a flowing, traditional calligraphy script, or bounce across the page in a playful, modern style. Flourishes, florals, or other embellishments can be used to capture the feel of your wedding and your relationship.
4. A poem
A poem or verse is another meaningful gift that can be put on paper. Commemorate something that was part of your wedding ceremony, or choose something that has become a favorite during your first year together. Display it framed in your home and you're bound to receive compliments from guests.
5. House portrait or venue portrait
If you bought a home during your first year together, a house portrait is a perfect way to commemorate the next step in your life together. Likewise a portrait of your wedding venue can help you remember the day and appreciate just how far you've come.
Bonus idea: A beautifully decorated (paper) envelope can hold a multitude of first anniversary gift ideas. Tickets to a concert, movie, or the theater, (printed on paper of course) a voucher for dinner at a delicious restaurant, or a gift card to a favorite store can all say "I love you" in a special way.
All of these ideas can be used to celebrate a friend or family member's first anniversary, just as easily as your own. When you give an heirloom gift to someone else, you’re letting them know just how special they are to you. If you love these ideas, or have one of your own, I’d be delighted to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch today and let’s chat!