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Paper anniversary gift ideas for your first wedding anniversary
Looking for paper anniversary gift ideas? The paper anniversary is your first wedding anniversary. One year after “I do”, tradition says you give something made of paper: a relationship that’s still new, with lots of pages left to write.
Here’s what it means, what the next anniversaries are called and 12 paper gift ideas that are much more than a card: with your story, for him or for her and plans to celebrate.
What is the paper anniversary?
It’s celebrated when you reach your first year of marriage. Paper represents a relationship that has just begun: still delicate, but with every page ahead of it. That’s why the traditional gift is something made of paper.
Each anniversary has its own material, and the stronger it is, the more years it stands for. According to the most common tradition (it varies by country), these are the main ones:
- 1 year: paper
- 2 years: cotton
- 5 years: wood
- 10 years: tin
- 15 years: crystal
- 20 years: china
- 25 years: silver
- 50 years: gold
- 60 years: diamond
Paper gifts for your first anniversary
Paper has much more potential than it seems. Especially when your story is written on it.
our favourite
1. Your first year of marriage, in a book
Few periods have as many messages as the wedding year: the planning, the nerves, the photos from the reception, the honeymoon voice notes and the first months living together. It’s all in your chat.
With a personalised message book you turn it into a printed book, with photos, chapters by date and voice notes and videos as QR codes. It’s literally your story on paper, which is exactly what the paper anniversary is about.
You can start the book from the day you met or from when you began planning the wedding. Read our customers’ reviews on Trustpilot.
Twelve letters, one for each month
A letter about each month of your first year of marriage: what happened, what you felt, what you learned. In twelve numbered envelopes.
Your vows, framed
If you wrote your own vows, print them with the date and place of the wedding. If not, the lyrics of your first-dance song.
More paper gift ideas
Paper also means tickets, passes and photos. There’s room for plans and memories here.
Tickets for a getaway
Train or plane tickets for an anniversary trip, printed and tucked into an envelope. Paper, with a plan included.
Your wedding photo album
Lots of couples still haven’t printed their wedding photos a year later. This is the moment to make the album.
Tickets for a concert or a show
By the artist that played at your wedding or a musical you want to see together. Paper tickets, kept as a souvenir.
Paper anniversary gifts for him or for her
If you’d rather each give a gift, these ideas keep the tradition.
A bouquet of paper flowers
Handmade paper flowers that never wilt. A nod to the tradition that lasts for years.
A special edition of their favourite book
An illustrated or collector’s edition, with your dedication on the first page.
A map of your wedding venue
A print with the map of the church, registry office or venue where you married, with the date and coordinates.
Ways to celebrate your paper anniversary
Your first anniversary is also a good excuse to relive something from the big day.
Go back to your wedding venue
A walk, a meal or just a photo in the same spot, one year later.
Recreate the wedding menu
Cook or order the dishes served at your wedding and toast with the same wine.
A letter for your silver anniversary
Each of you writes a letter to open on your 25th wedding anniversary. Keep it with the book.
Ideas that always work
- Something paper with your story, not a generic card.
- A specific memory of your wedding day.
- A plan for two, with a date.
- A handwritten letter, which is the best kind of paper.
What to avoid
- Gifts for the house: you had plenty with the wedding list.
- Forgetting the date: put it in the calendar now.
- Leaving a personalised gift to the last day: it needs a few days. If you’re short on time, the digital version arrives instantly.
Keep reading
- Original anniversary gift: 10 ideas
- Golden wedding anniversary gifts
- Gift ideas for boyfriend: 14 original gifts
- Gift ideas for girlfriend: 14 original gifts
- Personalised gift ideas: 12 unique gifts
Frequently asked questions
What is the paper anniversary?
It’s the name given to the first wedding anniversary. Paper symbolises a relationship that has just begun, with lots of pages still to write.
When is the paper anniversary?
On your first year of marriage, on the same date as the wedding.
What do you give for a paper anniversary?
Something made of paper: a book of your story, letters, printed photos, tickets for a getaway or a concert.
What are the next wedding anniversaries called?
According to the most common tradition: 2 years, cotton; 5, wood; 10, tin; 15, crystal; 20, china; 25, silver; 50, gold; and 60, diamond.
Your first year is already written. Now it just needs to be on paper.
