The first year of marriage is a whirlwind of wonderful adjustments, from the sweet novelty of calling your partner your spouse to cherishing the memories of your wedding day. It’s a milestone deserving of a special celebration, and finding the perfect paper anniversary gift is a beautiful way to honor this occasion. After all, setting a thoughtful and loving tone for your anniversary celebrations right from the start is something truly meaningful.
Few anniversaries carry the same significance as the first wedding anniversary. It’s an opportunity to shower your loved one with affection while perhaps revisiting your wedding photo album and reminiscing about the cherished moments that began your married life.
30 Delightful Paper Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him, Her, and Couples
Navigating the world of first anniversary gifts can be exciting but also a little daunting. What exactly do you give to celebrate your paper anniversary?
We’ve curated a selection of exceptional Paper Anniversary Gifts, blending traditional charm with unique and personalized touches. Whether you’re seeking something sweet, fun, or unusual, our guide, enriched with insights from our editorial team, will help you discover the ideal paper gift to express your love.
So, as you approach your first wedding anniversary, congratulations! Let’s explore some wonderful paper anniversary gift ideas together.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Her
When searching for paper anniversary gifts for your wife, these thoughtful selections are sure to impress.
1. Book Lover’s Scented Candle – A Paper-Themed Twist
Sometimes, the most memorable paper anniversary gifts are those that creatively interpret the theme. Consider this book-themed scented candle. While not strictly paper, its literary essence makes it a wonderfully fitting and imaginative paper anniversary present.
“For a wife who adores books, this is a truly thoughtful gift,” notes Zoe Burke, Editor of Hitched and avid book enthusiast. “It’s a clever and unexpected take on the traditional paper anniversary theme. She’ll be touched by your originality and how you’ve embraced the spirit of the paper anniversary in such a unique way.”
Expert Insight: This vegan and eco-friendly candle, crafted from 100% soy wax, offers a generous 40-hour burn time. Once the candle is finished, the jar can be beautifully repurposed for storing makeup brushes, pens, or even as a small plant pot.
2. “Reasons I Love You” Notes – A Heartfelt Paper Anniversary Keepsake
These “Reasons I Love You” cards are undeniably charming paper anniversary gifts. Affordable yet deeply personal, they offer a lasting reminder of your love. For the woman who seems to have everything, this thoughtful paper gift is a perfect choice. One delighted reviewer shared, “I bought this as a first-year anniversary gift for my wife, who is notoriously difficult to buy for, and she absolutely adored it!”
Each card is elegantly presented in a gold envelope, and the keepsake box can be personalized with her name. With space for ten heartfelt reasons, and the option for gift wrapping, these cards also make a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day gift.
Expert Insight: Opt for handwritten cards to add an extra layer of sentimentality. While it may take a little more time, this personal touch elevates this paper anniversary gift into a truly cherished gesture.
3. Personalized Constellation Notebook – A Starry Paper Anniversary Gift
If your wife enjoys writing, journaling, or simply making lists, this exquisite personalized notebook is a beautiful and practical paper anniversary gift. Choose between a hard or soft cover and select lined, plain, or dotted paper for the interior. Personalize the cover with her name and opt for elegant gold foil detailing or a matte finish.
“A notebook is a gift that’s always appreciated, making this a fantastic choice,” says Zoe. “The personalization demonstrates thoughtfulness and effort, showing you chose a paper anniversary gift that is uniquely hers.”
Expert Insight: The notebook features high-quality 85gsm paper, ensuring a smooth writing experience. The paper is also sustainably sourced from certified forests, making it a conscious and eco-friendly paper anniversary choice.
4. First Anniversary Paper Rose – Everlasting Paper Blooms
While traditional flowers are associated with the 4th wedding anniversary, you can beautifully incorporate blooms into your paper anniversary gifts. This romantic paper rose, handcrafted from paper personalized with meaningful words, is a unique and lasting alternative. Customize it with your wedding vows, lyrics from your first dance song, or a cherished poem.
This paper rose has garnered rave five-star reviews, with one customer exclaiming, “I ordered one of these for my wife for our first wedding anniversary. She absolutely loved it! It was exactly as I requested, thank you!”
Expert Insight: This delicate paper rose is best kept in its gift box to protect it from damage. This ensures this beautiful paper anniversary gift remains a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Him
Searching for the perfect paper anniversary gift for your husband? These thoughtful and masculine options are sure to delight.
5. Paper Plane Anniversary Card – A Fun and Symbolic Paper Gift
This isn’t just a card; it’s a paper airplane anniversary card – a playful and symbolic paper anniversary gift. Customize the wings with your design choice, paper and foil colors, and your own personal message. For an extra touch, add a small wooden cube holder to display it on his desk or nightstand.
It’s a fantastic paper anniversary gift idea if you’re looking for something meaningful yet budget-friendly. As one satisfied customer noted, “I recommend this for anyone wanting a little something for a first-year anniversary without breaking the bank.”
Expert Insight: If you’re searching for inspiration for your message, these romantic quotes are a great starting point. Keep your message concise, as this is an A6-sized card.
6. Special Edition Book – A Literary Paper Anniversary Gift
For husbands who are avid readers, books are always cherished paper anniversary gifts. Seek out a special or signed edition of his favorite book. Waterstones offers a beautiful collection of special edition and signed books perfect for a first wedding anniversary.
With a vast selection of genres, including both hardcovers and paperbacks, fiction and non-fiction, you can find a paper anniversary gift that perfectly matches his taste and your budget.
“I always recommend a book as a gift,” says Zoe. “It’s a present that continues to give enjoyment time and time again. Revisiting a beloved book is like reconnecting with an old friend! Consider a special or signed edition of his favorite, or introduce him to a new author who might become a new favorite.”
Expert Insight: If you’re unsure of his current literary preferences, Waterstones’ bestsellers section can provide valuable suggestions for popular and well-received books.
7. Scratch the World Travel Map – An Adventurous Paper Anniversary Gift
For couples who share a love of travel, a scratch-off world map is an ideal paper anniversary gift. Hang it in your home office to track your adventures together. Scratch off the destinations you’ve already explored and start planning your next romantic getaway. It’s sure to inspire your next romantic holiday!
This map boasts over 100 glowing five-star reviews, with one thrilled customer stating, “I cannot recommend this company enough. It arrived carefully packaged in perfect condition and is absolutely beautiful.”
“This is such a fun and interactive paper anniversary gift,” Zoe remarks, “encouraging you and your partner to explore the world together. It’s a visual reminder of your shared journeys and a great way to brainstorm future destinations.”
Expert Insight: You can choose to purchase the map framed or unframed. Its travel-friendly A3 size allows you to roll it up and take it with you on your next adventure, making it a truly portable paper anniversary gift.
8. Personalized Comic Book – A Superhero-Themed Paper Anniversary Gift
Whether he’s a superhero enthusiast or simply your superhero, this personalized comic book is a fun and unique paper anniversary gift that will bring a smile to his face. Upload 19 of your favorite photos (and even write a custom story if you wish) using their easy-to-use template to create your own couples’ comic book.
Alex Somervell, creator of A&J Comics, explains, “Our personalized comic books are not only made of paper but also feature paper airplanes in the cover design and throughout the story.”
He further highlights that this quirky idea is a fantastic paper anniversary gift as it’s a creative way to showcase your wedding photos.
“The best photos couples have are often from their wedding, making the first anniversary the perfect time to display them. We also add special effects to make them look truly incredible.”
Expert Insight: For every comic book created, A&J Comics plants a tree – having already planted over 4,000! Creating this paper anniversary gift requires some time, but the personalized and thoughtful result will deeply impress your husband.
9. Paper Airplane Cufflinks – Stylish and Subtle Paper Anniversary Gift
For a sophisticated twist on paper anniversary gifts, consider these paper airplane cufflinks. They come in a chrome box that can be engraved with his initials or a personal message.
This paper-themed gift is a lasting keepsake he can wear again and again. One reviewer confirmed, “This is such a unique and different gift to give my husband for our first wedding anniversary. Being paper-themed, I wanted something more than just a card that would be put away. These cufflinks are wearable and hold special meaning.”
Hitched Editor Zoe agrees, “This is a brilliant interpretation of the paper gift theme. It’s a practical and stylish gift he can use repeatedly, making it excellent value for money.”
Expert Insight: Rhodium plated for shine and durability, these cufflinks can be gently polished with a soft cloth to maintain their luster. They are elegant enough for work or special occasions without feeling overly novelty.
Unique Paper Anniversary Gifts
If you and your partner appreciate unique presents, or you’re looking for paper anniversary gifts for a couple who loves the unconventional, these unusual ideas are perfect.
10. Custom Wedding Venue Portrait – Artistic Paper Anniversary Keepsake
For truly meaningful paper anniversary gifts that will be treasured for years, this contemporary and beautiful personalized wedding venue portrait is an exceptional choice.
Hand-drawn from a photo of your wedding venue and customized with your background color preference, this artwork becomes a cherished reminder of your most special day, perfect for displaying in your home.
Concerns about delivery time are unfounded, as one customer shared, “Bea did an amazing job transforming a photo of our wedding venue into a beautiful illustration – and the turnaround was incredibly fast!”
Expert Insight: To ensure the best result, provide a clear and crisp photograph. The illustration is an artistic representation and may not be precisely to scale. Please note that the frame is not included, but readily available frames can be found affordably at most stores.
11. Pull-Out Photo Album Box – A Miniature Paper Anniversary Memory Keeper
If grand gestures aren’t your style, but you still want to give a special paper anniversary gift, this charming little photo album is an ideal choice.
Select six of your favorite photos together, add a personalized message, and they’ll be beautifully folded into a small manila or black box with a customized outer sleeve.
“This is perfectly sized to carry in a bag,” says Zoe, “A wonderful little reminder of cherished memories you share with your loved one.”
Reviews highlight its lovely, compact size and excellent quality, making it a delightful paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: Square-shaped photos work best, as they will be cropped to fit. If you have a specific photo order in mind, be sure to indicate your preference when ordering.
12. Inspirational Postcard Set – Uplifting Paper Anniversary Decor
If your partner takes pride in their stylish home office, treat them to these adorable inspirational postcards to brighten their workspace. This set of paper anniversary gifts features uplifting quotes and positive phrases, adding personality to any space. We absolutely love them!
You can present the entire set at once, write sweet messages on the back of each to stagger their gifting, or even create a fun scavenger hunt around your home using the postcards. Get creative!
“Pretty, cute, and perfect for brightening someone’s day,” is how one reviewer described these postcards – a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with.
Expert Insight: This set of postcards is a fun alternative to traditional prints or pictures. Their small size allows them to fit almost anywhere, and you can arrange and rearrange them throughout the year for a fresh look.
13. Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit – A Skill-Based Paper Anniversary Gift
If your partner enjoys learning new skills, this calligraphy kit is a perfect paper anniversary gift. It’s undeniably paper-related and includes everything needed to begin learning at home: a nib, black ink, an A5 notepad, pen holder, slant guides, and practice sheets.
We even offer a guide on how to do modern calligraphy to help them refine their skills. “Calligraphy is a wonderful skill to learn,” Zoe points out. “If your partner is creative or has always been interested in calligraphy, this is a perfect choice. Meghan Markle herself was a calligrapher before her acting career!”
This kit has over 90 glowing reviews, many praising the excellent customer service from the seller.
Expert Insight: Reviewers confirm this kit is ideal for both beginners and those with prior calligraphy experience. “The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making practice a pleasure,” shared one customer.
14. Book Subscription – The Gift of Reading for Your Paper Anniversary
Among the many subscription boxes available, The Beautiful Book Company’s service stands out as a fantastic paper anniversary gift. Your partner will receive a new, expertly chosen book each month, tailored to their literary tastes. Choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, and they’ll even receive a bookmark in their first delivery.
Zoe considers this her personal favorite, saying, “What’s more wonderful than a book subscription? If your partner often wishes they read more, this is the perfect gift. It demonstrates you listen and want to give them a paper-themed anniversary gift they can enjoy for months.”
Reviewers rave about this subscription, with one writing, “I’ve both given and received subscriptions from The Beautiful Book Company and highly recommend them. They send beautifully wrapped books that align with your interests, and they’ve chosen three excellent books for me.”
Expert Insight: While there’s a chance your partner might receive a book they’ve already read, they have the option to exchange it for a new selection.
15. Art Deco Love Letter – A Romantic and Elegant Paper Anniversary Message
“Sometimes, the simplest paper anniversary gifts have the greatest impact, and that’s certainly true for this gift,” says Joanna Magill, Digital Writer at Hitched. This exquisite Art Deco style love letter is thoughtful, romantic, unusual, and perfectly paper-themed.
Compose your personalized 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, so it’s best to plan your message beforehand to avoid errors. These anniversary quotes can inspire your heartfelt message.
Paper Anniversary Gifts for Couples
If you’re looking for paper anniversary gifts for a special couple, these options are sure to bring joy.
16. Anniversary Newspaper – A Unique and Shareable Paper Gift
Fresh off the press, this first wedding anniversary newspaper is truly remarkable. Custom-designed for the couple, it features their favorite photos across eight pages, with the option to include personalized text – perhaps their wedding vows or lyrics from a meaningful song.
This paper anniversary gift is so beautiful it would look stunning as a coffee table book or even framed as wall art.
For couples working or with a background in media, this paper anniversary gift holds extra significance. One reviewer shared, “My husband loved this first wedding anniversary newspaper as he used to work at a local newspaper, giving it a special personal touch. I highly recommend this to anyone. The quality and service are amazing!”
The Occasional Press also creates wedding newspapers and favors if you know anyone getting married.
Expert Insight: This is not a template-based product; each newspaper is custom-designed, ensuring a unique and personalized paper anniversary gift. It arrives beautifully packaged in a box with tissue and twine for a rustic finish.
17. Date Night Cards – The Paper Anniversary Gift That Keeps on Giving
One of our favorite paper anniversary gifts that provides ongoing enjoyment is this box of 52 date night idea cards. With a year’s worth of date ideas, they’re committing to one date idea per week for their second year of marriage! The cards offer a diverse range of ideas, from weekend getaways to breakfast in bed, perfect for keeping the romance alive.
“How perfect is this?” says Joanna. “If the couple you’re buying for always starts date night planning with ‘I don’t mind, you choose,’ they absolutely need this gift! There are so many charming date ideas, and it’s a lovely way to nurture their newlywed spark as they begin their second year of marriage.”
Over 450 reviewers rate this gift 4.8/5, praising the fast delivery and fun concept, making it a highly recommended paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: The cards include a mix of daytime, evening, weekday, and weekend date activities, with both indoor and outdoor, at-home and out-and-about options. While there are no blank cards included, they can always add their own ideas to the box.
18. Framed Family Photo Print – A Personalized Paper Anniversary Display
We adore this unique way of displaying wedding photographs. This gorgeous personalized photo frame allows you to customize the background color, photos, wooden plaque color, and wording. It’s a stunning paper anniversary gift that will look magnificent on any wall.
If you want a paper anniversary gift that is both sentimental and practical, this is it. It will brighten any room and is a wonderful way to showcase cherished memories they’ll want to see every day.
In a rush? One customer shared her positive experience with expedited delivery: “Beautiful item, very pleased with the result. The seller was extremely helpful and quickly dispatched the item when I contacted them, which I greatly appreciated.”
Expert Insight: Larger frames may require a few extra delivery days. A hook is included for wall mounting, but the frame also looks lovely freestanding.
19. Wedding Reading Print – Poetic Paper Anniversary Art
Have a poem, song lyrics, or reading from their wedding day printed as a paper anniversary gift to display in their home. It will be a sweet reminder of their wedding day every time they see it! We love this elegant style from Elinor Rose Studio, simple enough to complement any décor.
It arrives beautifully wrapped in recycled paper, inside a box with twine and a wax seal, enhancing the presentation of this thoughtful paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: A proof is available for review before purchase at no extra cost. We recommend taking advantage of this, as personalized items are non-returnable.
20. Leather Photo Album – A Luxurious Paper Anniversary Photo Keepsake
If the couple has countless photos, why not gather your favorites and present them in this recycled leather photo album? It’s a beautiful way to honor the paper anniversary tradition by filling it with paper photos! You don’t have to limit it to the past year – choose photos from any year of their relationship to celebrate.
Available in two sizes and a variety of colors, you can personalize the bottom right corner with custom text. Now, the fun part is selecting which memories to include in this cherished paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: Each page includes an interleaf to protect photos from damage. It has glowing reviews, with one customer saying it’s a “Beautifully made album, with thick paper and excellent binding. The personalization is very tastefully done, and it arrived in just two days!”
21. Experience Tickets – Create Memories for Your Paper Anniversary
Whether it’s a mini-vacation or theater tickets, experiences are excellent paper anniversary gifts for couples. Gift experiences for couples are always well-received, and ticket confirmations or brochures can be presented as part of your paper-themed gift.
Browse Virgin Experience Days for weekend getaways, afternoon tea, cooking classes, and more! They even have a first-anniversary gift section if you need help narrowing down the choices. We recommend the three-course dinner with Champagne – a perfect celebratory experience!
Expert Insight: Virgin Experience Days offers numerous locations, ensuring you’ll find a suitable activity near the couple. Vouchers are valid for twelve months, but we doubt they’ll wait long to book a date night once they see the options.
22. Our Story Timeline Print – A Chronological Paper Anniversary Gift
This simple yet heartfelt print celebrates significant moments in a couple’s journey, like getting engaged, buying a home, career milestones, and memorable holidays. Choose from various icons to illustrate their story, and if you can’t find the perfect icon, the team can create one for you.
“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 customized an icon to better fit 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’s absolutely perfect. The print quality is outstanding. The seller was wonderful, kind, and patient. Thank you for a gorgeous gift that I know will be treasured for a long time.”
Available in A5, A4, and A3 sizes, you can select the perfect fit for any room, making it a versatile paper anniversary gift.
Expert Insight: For faster processing, expedited delivery is available for an additional fee – ideal if you’ve waited until the last minute to find your paper anniversary gift.
23. First Dance Papercut – Musical Paper Anniversary Art
Imagine a paper snowflake, but with a personal touch. This intricate papercut is personalized with the couple’s names, wedding date, and lyrics from their first dance song. We recommend opting for the black glass frame to protect this delicate paper creation and enhance its display as a lasting paper anniversary gift.
Reviewers love this product. One happy customer commented that it’s, “A lovely product, perfect as a first wedding anniversary keepsake. It arrived pristine, as expected, and delivery was very quick.”
Expert Insight: Double-check the lyric spelling before submitting your order, as changes cannot be made once processing begins for this personalized paper anniversary gift.
The Significance of Paper Anniversary Gifts
Traditionally, paper anniversary gifts are given to celebrate the first wedding anniversary. Paper symbolizes the blank slate of a new marriage, representing the unfolding chapters you will write together.
The versatility of paper allows for a wide range of paper anniversary gifts, from literal interpretations to more creative and symbolic expressions.
Alex Somervell of A&J Comics suggests that a good first wedding anniversary gift should “primarily be made of paper, and ideally commemorate the first year as a married couple, perhaps incorporating memories through photos or a short story.”
Books, prints, and origami are just a few of our favorite paper anniversary gift ideas that beautifully embody this tradition.
While clocks are the modern first anniversary gift, embracing the traditional paper theme offers a uniquely sentimental and creative way to celebrate your first year of marriage. These paper anniversary gifts are not just items; they are tokens of love, memories, and the exciting journey ahead.
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