Your first wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion. It marks a year of marriage, a time to reflect on your wedding day and the beautiful journey you’ve embarked on together. Celebrating this milestone with a thoughtful first wedding anniversary gift is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation, setting the tone for anniversaries to come.
Few anniversaries hold the same significance as the first. It’s a perfect opportunity to spoil your spouse, reminisce over your wedding photos, and cherish the memories you’ve created in your first year as a married couple.
Discovering Unique Paper Anniversary Gift Ideas
Choosing the right first anniversary gift can feel a bit daunting. What gift perfectly captures the essence of this special year?
We’ve curated a selection of the best paper anniversary gifts, embracing the traditional theme with creativity and flair. From sweet and sentimental to fun and unique, our ideas include personalized treasures and expert insights to help you find that perfect something special.
Whether you’re searching for Paper Anniversary Gift Ideas for him, paper anniversary gift ideas for her, or a special paper anniversary gift for couples, read on to discover inspiring options that go beyond the ordinary.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Her
When searching for paper anniversary gifts for wife, these ideas are sure to delight and impress.
1. Personalized “Reasons I Love You” Notes
A set of personalized “Reasons I Love You” notes, a thoughtful paper anniversary gift idea for expressing affection.
These Reasons I Love You Cards are a heartfelt and affordable paper anniversary gift idea. These cards offer a lasting keepsake filled with your personal expressions of love. For the woman who seems to have everything, this thoughtful gift is truly invaluable. One reviewer raves, “I bought this as a first year anniversary gift for my hard to shop for wife and she loved it!”
Each set features cards nestled in a beautiful gold envelope, and the box itself can be personalized with her name. You can include ten heartfelt reasons why you love her, making it a deeply personal and romantic gesture. Consider this for a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift as well!
Expert Insight: Opt for handwritten notes to add an extra layer of intimacy and sentimentality, making this paper anniversary gift even more special.
2. Book-Themed Scented Candle
A book-themed scented candle, a creative paper anniversary gift idea for book lovers.
For a unique twist on paper anniversary gift ideas, consider this Book Lover Candle. While not literally paper, its bookish theme cleverly aligns with the traditional paper anniversary.
Zoe Burke, Editor of Hitched and a self-proclaimed book enthusiast, recommends this gift: “If your partner is a book lover, they’ll really appreciate this gift. It’s a really clever twist on the traditional paper anniversary gift, and your partner will be so impressed at how you’ve thought outside of the box.”
Expert Insight: This vegan and eco-friendly candle, made from 100% soy wax, offers a 40-hour burn time. Once the candle is finished, the jar can be repurposed for storage or as a plant pot, extending the life of this thoughtful paper anniversary gift.
3. Personalized Constellation Notebook
A personalized constellation notebook, a beautiful and practical paper anniversary gift idea.
If she enjoys writing, journaling, or simply making lists, this Personalized Constellation Notebook is a beautiful and practical paper anniversary gift. Available with hard or soft covers and a choice of lined, plain, or dotted paper, it caters to her individual preferences. Personalize the cover with her name and choose between gold foil detailing or a matte finish for a bespoke touch.
“You can never have too many notebooks, which is what makes this such a great gift,” says Zoe. “The personalized feature will show you’ve put time and thought into picking a present that is unique to your partner.”
Expert Insight: The notebook features high-quality 85gsm paper from certified forests, ensuring a smooth writing experience and environmentally conscious sourcing, making it a thoughtful and elegant paper anniversary gift.
4. First Wedding Anniversary Paper Rose
A delicate paper rose, a romantic and enduring paper anniversary gift idea.
While flowers are traditionally associated with the 4th wedding anniversary, this First Wedding Anniversary Paper Rose offers a paper-themed floral tribute for your first anniversary. This romantic rose is crafted from paper personalized with meaningful words – your wedding vows, lyrics from your first dance song, or a cherished poem.
This gift has garnered rave reviews, with one customer sharing, “I ordered one of these for my wife for our first wedding anniversary. She absolutely loved it! It was everything I asked for so thank you!”
Expert Insight: This delicate paper rose is best kept in its gift box to protect it. Its enduring beauty makes it a symbolic and lasting paper anniversary gift.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Him
Looking for paper anniversary gifts for husband that he’ll truly appreciate? These options offer a range of styles and interests.
5. Paper Plane Anniversary Card
A paper plane anniversary card, a unique and playful paper anniversary gift idea.
This isn’t just a card; it’s a Paper Plane First Wedding Anniversary Card, a unique and memorable way to express your anniversary wishes. Customize the wings with your design choice, paper and foil colors, and personalize it with your own message. For a small extra cost, include a wooden cube holder so he can proudly display this special card on his desk or nightstand.
This card is a fantastic paper anniversary gift idea if you’re looking for something thoughtful yet budget-friendly. One satisfied customer commented, “I recommend this to anyone who wants to get a little something for a first year anniversary without having to buy a present.”
Expert Insight: If you’re seeking inspiration for what to write inside, explore these romantic quotes. Keep your message concise as this is an A6 sized card, perfect for a sweet and impactful paper anniversary gift.
6. Special Edition Book
A special edition book, a classic and thoughtful paper anniversary gift idea for book lovers.
For the literature enthusiast, a Special Edition Book is always a cherished gift. Waterstones offers a curated collection of special and signed editions that make wonderful paper anniversary gifts.
With a wide selection spanning genres, authors, and formats (hardback and paperback), you can find a book that perfectly matches his taste and your budget.
“I would always recommend a book as a gift,” says Zoe. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving as you can read it time and time again. If your partner has a favorite book, look for a special or signed edition of that, or treat them to something that will become a new favorite.”
Expert Insight: If you’re unsure of his favorite book, Waterstones’ bestsellers section can guide you in selecting a popular and engaging title, making it a safe and appreciated paper anniversary gift.
7. Scratch the World Travel Map
A scratch-off world travel map, an adventurous paper anniversary gift idea for travel enthusiasts.
For couples who share a love of travel, a Scratch The World Travel Map is an ideal paper anniversary gift. Hang it in your home and scratch off the destinations you’ve explored together, igniting plans for future adventures and romantic holidays.
This map has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, with one delighted customer stating, “I cannot recommend this company enough. It arrived packaged with care in perfect condition and it was absolutely beautiful.”
“This is such a fun gift idea,” says Zoe, “as it encourages you and your partner to get out and explore more! You can keep track of everywhere you visit and use it to help you to decide where to go next.”
Expert Insight: Choose to have the map framed for an elevated presentation, or keep it unframed. Its A3 size is travel-friendly, allowing you to roll it up and bring it along on your journeys, making it a visually appealing and interactive paper anniversary gift.
8. Personalized Comic Book
A personalized comic book, a fun and unique paper anniversary gift idea for comic fans.
Whether he’s a superhero aficionado or simply your personal hero, this Personalized First Anniversary Comic Book is a playful and heartwarming paper anniversary gift. Upload 19 photos (and even a story if you wish) and use the easy template to create a custom comic book starring the two of you.
Alex Somervell, creator of A&J Comics, explains, “The personalised comic books are not only made out of paper, but they have paper aeroplanes as part of cover design and throughout.”
He also highlights that this quirky gift is perfect for showcasing your wedding photos on your first anniversary.
“Typically, the best photos couples have together are usually from their wedding, so the first wedding anniversary is the perfect moment to showcase them. They also look incredible after we work our magic on the special effects.”
Expert Insight: A&J Comics plants a tree for every comic book created, contributing to reforestation efforts with over 4,000 trees planted to date. Creating this paper anniversary gift requires a bit of time, but the personalized result is sure to impress and delight.
9. Paper Plane Cufflinks
Paper plane cufflinks, a stylish and subtle paper anniversary gift idea for him.
For a sophisticated and subtle take on paper anniversary gift ideas, consider these Paper Plane Cufflinks. These cufflinks come in a chrome box that can be engraved with his initials or a personal message, adding a touch of personalization.
This keepsake is a practical gift that he can wear repeatedly. One reviewer confirms, “This is such a different and unique gift to give my husband on our first wedding anniversary. With it being paper, I didn’t want to give him something that would just get hidden away. The cufflinks mean he can wear them and they have a special meaning.”
Hitched Editor Zoe agrees, “This is a great take on the paper gift theme, and it’s something your partner can use time and time again making it really brilliant value for money.”
Expert Insight: Rhodium plated for durability, these cufflinks can be polished gently with a soft cloth to maintain their shine. They are versatile enough for both work and special occasions, offering a refined and meaningful paper anniversary gift.
Unique Paper Anniversary Gifts
For couples who appreciate unconventional presents, or if you’re searching for unique paper anniversary gifts for a couple, these ideas offer something different.
10. Custom Wedding Venue Portrait
A custom wedding venue portrait, a personalized and artistic paper anniversary gift idea.
For a truly meaningful paper anniversary gift that will be cherished for years, a Personalized Wedding Venue Portrait is an exquisite choice.
Hand-drawn from a photograph of your wedding venue with your chosen background color, this portrait serves as a lasting reminder of your special day, beautifully displayed in your home.
Worried about delivery time? One satisfied customer assures, “Bea has done a wonderful job of turning a photo of our wedding venue into an illustration – and the turnaround time was amazing!”
Expert Insight: Provide a clear, high-resolution photograph of your venue for the artist to work from. The illustration is an artistic interpretation and may not be perfectly to scale. Note that the frame is not included, allowing you to choose a frame that complements your home décor for this personalized paper anniversary gift.
11. Pull-Out Photo Album Token Gift
A pull-out photo album, a charming and compact paper anniversary gift idea filled with memories.
If grand gestures aren’t your style, but you still want a special paper anniversary gift, this Personalized Pull-Out Paper Photo Album is a charming and intimate option.
Select six cherished photos and a personalized message, and they’ll be artfully folded into a small manila or black box with a personalized outer sleeve.
“This is the perfect size for popping in a bag and taking on the go,” says Zoe, “It’s an ideal little reminder of the memories you have with your other half.”
Reviews praise its small size and high quality, making it a delightful and portable paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: Square-cropped images work best for this album. If you have a specific photo order in mind, be sure to indicate your preference when ordering this sweet and sentimental paper anniversary gift.
12. Inspirational Postcard Set
Inspirational postcards, a cheerful and uplifting paper anniversary gift idea for home décor.
For a partner who takes pride in their home office décor, these Inspirational ‘Just Because’ Paper Postcards are a delightful paper anniversary gift. This set of postcards features uplifting quotes and feel-good phrases to brighten any workspace.
Gift the entire set at once, or write personal messages on the back of each card and present them gradually. For an added element of fun, use them to create a scavenger hunt around your home!
“Pretty, cute and perfect to boost someone’s day,” is how one reviewer described this product – a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with for this cheerful paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: These postcards offer a fun alternative to traditional prints or pictures. Their compact size allows for versatile placement, and you can rearrange them throughout the year to refresh your décor, making them a flexible and inspiring paper anniversary gift.
13. Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit
A calligraphy starter kit, a unique and engaging paper anniversary gift idea for creative partners.
If your partner enjoys learning new skills, this Calligraphy Kit is a perfect paper anniversary gift. It includes everything needed to begin practicing calligraphy at home: a nib, black ink, an A5 notepad, penholder, slant guides, and practice sheets.
Our guide on how to do modern calligraphy can further enhance their learning journey. “Calligraphy is such a great skill to learn,” says Zoe. “If you know your partner is creative or has always been interested in calligraphy, this is such a perfect pick. Meghan Markle used to be a calligrapher before she broke into acting!”
This kit has received glowing reviews, with many praising the exceptional customer service.
Expert Insight: Reviews highlight that this kit is suitable for both beginners and those with prior calligraphy experience. “The instructions that come with this set are clear and very easy to follow which makes practising a pleasure to do,” says one satisfied customer, confirming its accessibility as a paper anniversary gift.
14. Reading Subscription Box
A book subscription box, a recurring paper anniversary gift idea that keeps on giving.
Among the many subscription boxes available, The Beautiful Book Company offers a particularly appealing service for a paper anniversary gift. Your partner will receive a new, handpicked book each month, tailored to their literary tastes by experts. Choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, and the first delivery even includes a bookmark.
Zoe considers this one of the best gifts: “What could be more wonderful than a book subscription? If your partner is always saying they wish that they read more, this is the gift for them – it shows you’ve listened and that you want to give them a paper themed anniversary gift they can enjoy for months to come.”
Reviewers rave about this subscription, with one writing, “I’ve been a receiver and a giver of a subscription from The Beautiful Book Company and can highly recommend them. They send you beautifully wrapped books according to your interests and they picked three great books for me.”
Expert Insight: While there’s a chance your partner may have already read a book selected for them, The Beautiful Book Company offers a swap option to ensure they always receive something new and enjoyable, making this a consistently delightful paper anniversary gift.
15. Art Deco Love Letter
An Art Deco style love letter, a romantic and elegant paper anniversary gift idea.
“Sometimes the simplest of gifts can have the biggest impact, and I think that is certainly the case for this present,” says Joanna Magill, Digital Writer at Hitched. This gorgeous Art Deco style love letter perfectly embodies a thoughtful, romantic, and unique paper anniversary gift.
Compose your own love letter to your partner on scalloped-edged, textured paper, and it will be placed in an elegant navy envelope finished with gold or rose gold detailing.
Expert Insight: The paper accommodates approximately 450 characters. Draft your message beforehand to ensure it fits perfectly. For inspiration, explore these anniversary quotes to craft a truly heartfelt paper anniversary gift.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Couples
If you’re searching for paper anniversary gifts for couples close to you, these options are sure to bring joy.
16. Anniversary Newspaper
An anniversary newspaper, a personalized and memorable paper anniversary gift idea for couples.
Hot off the press, this First Paper Wedding Anniversary Newspaper is a truly remarkable paper anniversary gift. Custom-designed for the couple, it features their favorite photos across eight pages, with the option to include personalized text, such as their wedding vows or meaningful song lyrics.
This gift is visually stunning and would make a beautiful coffee table book or framed keepsake.
For couples working or with a background in media, this gift holds extra significance, as one reviewer shared, “My husband loved this first wedding anniversary paper as he used to work at a local newspaper so it had an extra special meaning. I would highly recommend this to anyone. The quality and service is amazing!”
The Occasional Press also creates wedding newspapers and favors, perfect if you know anyone getting married.
Expert Insight: Each newspaper is uniquely designed, ensuring a completely personalized paper anniversary gift. It arrives beautifully packaged in a box with tissue and twine for a rustic finishing touch.
17. Date Night Cards
Date night cards, a fun and interactive paper anniversary gift idea for couples to enjoy together.
One of the most enduring paper anniversary gifts is this box of 52 Date Night Idea Cards. With a year’s worth of date ideas, it encourages weekly quality time, keeping the spark alive with suggestions ranging from weekend getaways to breakfast in bed.
“How perfect is this?” says Joanna. “If the couple you’re buying for’s date nights always start with ‘I don’t mind, you choose’, then they need this gift! There are so many cute date ideas and it’s the most lovely way to keep that newlywed spark alive as they start their second year of marriage.”
Over 450 reviewers rate this gift 4.8/5, praising the prompt delivery and fun concept.
Expert Insight: The cards offer a variety of date ideas for daytime, evening, weekends, and weekdays, including indoor and outdoor activities, as well as at-home and out-on-the-town options. While no blank cards are included, the couple can always add their own date night ideas to this engaging paper anniversary gift.
18. Framed Family Photo Print
A personalized framed photo print, a sentimental and decorative paper anniversary gift idea for couples.
This Personalized Framed Family Photo Print provides a unique and beautiful way to display wedding photographs. Customize the background color, photos, and wooden plaque color and text to create a stunning wall art piece for their home.
Combining practicality with sentimentality, this paper anniversary gift brightens any wall and serves as a constant reminder of cherished memories.
For those needing a quick delivery, one customer shared, “Beautiful item, very pleased with the end result. The seller was extremely helpful when contacted to ask if they could dispatch a little quicker than they initially advised which I was very grateful for.”
Expert Insight: Larger frames may require slightly longer delivery times. Each frame includes a hook for wall mounting and can also be displayed freestanding, offering versatility in displaying this personalized paper anniversary gift.
19. Wedding Reading Print
A personalized wedding reading print, an elegant and meaningful paper anniversary gift idea featuring wedding vows or readings.
Capture a special poem, song, or reading from their wedding day with this Personalized Wedding Reading Print. This elegant print from Elinor Rose Studio is a timeless paper anniversary gift that complements any home décor.
It arrives beautifully wrapped in recycled paper, inside a box with twine and a wax seal, adding to the thoughtful presentation.
Expert Insight: A proof is available for review before purchase at no extra cost, which is recommended as personalized items are non-returnable. This ensures complete satisfaction with this sentimental paper anniversary gift.
20. Leather Photo Album
A leather photo album, a luxurious paper anniversary gift idea to store cherished memories.
For couples with an abundance of photos, this Recycled Leather Photo Album is a sophisticated paper anniversary gift. Curate your favorite photos from their first year of marriage, or even an earlier year of their relationship, to fill this beautiful album.
Choose from two sizes and various colors, and personalize the bottom right corner with custom text.
Expert Insight: Each page includes an interleaf to protect photos from damage. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with one customer describing it as a “Beautifully made album, with thick paper and excellent binding. The personalisation is very tastefully done and it arrived in just two days!” making it a high-quality and stylish paper anniversary gift.
21. Experience Day Tickets
Experience day tickets, a memorable and experiential paper anniversary gift idea for couples.
Consider experience day tickets for a mini-break, a theater night, or another memorable outing as a fantastic paper anniversary gift for couples. Gift experiences for couples are always well-received and create lasting memories.
Browse Virgin Experience Days for weekend getaways, afternoon tea, cooking classes, and more. Their first-anniversary gift section simplifies the selection process. The three-course dinner with Champagne is a particularly celebratory choice.
Expert Insight: Virgin Experience Days offers a wide range of locations, ensuring you’ll find an activity near the couple. Vouchers are valid for twelve months, giving them ample time to plan their date night experience as their paper anniversary gift.
22. Our Story Timeline Print
A personalized timeline print, a visual and sentimental paper anniversary gift idea showcasing their relationship milestones.
This simple yet heartfelt print is a beautiful paper anniversary gift that celebrates key moments in a couple’s relationship – engagement, buying a home, career milestones, and special holidays. Choose from various icons to illustrate their unique story, and the team can create custom icons if needed.
“I was so excited to get this made for my first anniversary with my husband and they went above and beyond to make it special. They even changed one of the icons for me to better suit the description which was a wonderful surprise when I saw the proof!” shared one reviewer.
Another customer who gifted it to a couple added, “Wow! I bought this for my brother and sister in law’s first wedding anniversary and it is absolutely perfect. The quality of the print is out of this world. The seller was wonderful and was kind and patient too. Thank you for a gorgeous gift which I know will be treasured for a long time.”
Available in A5, A4, and A3 sizes, it fits seamlessly into any room.
Expert Insight: Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, ideal for last-minute paper anniversary gift purchases.
23. First Dance Papercut
A personalized first dance papercut, an artistic and romantic paper anniversary gift idea capturing their special song.
Imagine a paper snowflake, but personalized. This Personalized First Dance Papercut is customized with the couple’s names, wedding date, and lyrics from their first dance song. Opt for the black glass frame to protect this delicate paper artwork.
Reviewers adore this product, with one happy customer stating it’s, “A lovely product, perfect for a first wedding anniversary keepsake. It came pristine, as expected and delivery was very quick.”
Expert Insight: Double-check the lyric spelling before submitting your order, as changes are not possible after placement. This ensures a perfect and personalized paper anniversary gift.
Why Paper for a First Anniversary?
Traditionally, paper anniversary gifts are given to celebrate the first year of marriage. Paper symbolizes the blank slate of your new life together, ready to be filled with shared experiences and future chapters.
The versatility of paper allows for a wide range of paper anniversary presents, from literal interpretations to more creative and out-of-the-box ideas.
Alex Somervell from A&J Comics suggests that an ideal first wedding anniversary gift should “first of all be made out of paper, but it should also ideally be something that commemorates the first year as a married couple, maybe including some memories in the form of photos or a sentence or two to remember a fun story.”
Books, prints, personalized stationery, and origami all make wonderful and symbolic paper anniversary gifts.
Beyond Paper: Modern First Anniversary Gift Ideas
While paper is the traditional theme, clocks are the modern alternative for first anniversary gifts. Clocks represent the precious time spent together as newlyweds.
“This modern alternative to the traditional gift of paper is a practical idea that can be represented by a watch, wall clock or a piece of jewellery,” explains Zoe. “We’ve seen a growing interest in wedding watches, and if you didn’t jump on this trend for your wedding, then giving one as a modern gift for your first anniversary is the perfect way to participate in the trend.”
Remember, no matter which gift you choose for your first anniversary, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart and reflects your love and appreciation for your partner as you celebrate your first year of marriage and look forward to many more.
And as you plan for the future, don’t forget to explore ideas for your second wedding anniversary gifts to continue the tradition of thoughtful giving!
