4 Powerful and Incredibly Symbolic 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas for Couples

In the US the traditional 1st anniversary gifts are made out of paper.  Which at first might seem like a cheap gift, however, there are plenty of opportunities to create or buy thoughtful gifts out of paper.

Why paper?

It’s a generational thing that we have the Victorians to thank for.  

Paper as a 1st anniversary gift has been carried on since somewhere between 1837-1901 the history and tradition is long. This is why it’s such a nice tradition to continue – especially since it symbolically represents a long period and don’t we all want to see everybody enjoying a long and happy marriage?

But the thing is, nobody knows why we give paper as a 1st anniversary gift – unfortunately, the reasons why this all started in the first place are now long gone. If you think about it, it is kind of romantic in itself.  

But just in case you can’t see the romance that is inspired by the 1st anniversary gift of paper here are some thoughts about why paper is an ideal and very romantic gift.

1. Paper represents the turning of a new page, a blank page, full of new opportunities.  
2. In the last year of your marriage, you will have settled down into married life, enjoyed a honeymoon and all of the seasons and holidays together for the first time as husband and life.  
3. So now as you enter into the second year of your marriage, you can turn over a new page in your story and begin to build on your marriage, lay down roots and grow into something strong and beautiful.  
4. A paper as a gift also symbolizes that the future is yours to write and it also represents the coming together of two separate entities in the interweaving of the fibers on the page.  
5. It reminds us of the fragile nature of our first year of marriage and the potential to strengthen, and it’s also eternal, it can last forever.  

So when you are dismissing the idea of a paper gift for a gift don’t forget the symbolic value that paper brings, and you’ll probably feel much more inspired to choose a paper item as your 1st anniversary gift.  

Typical paper anniversary gifts

The classic type of gift that you might choose to celebrate the 1st anniversary is stationary, and there are lots of options particularly today to pick 1st anniversary gifts that are personalized.  

Gifts such as: 

1. Journal

A journal is a beautiful gift because it gives you the option to write down your goals plans and experiences either to store away your memories of your first year of marriage or to capture new memories in your second year of marriage.  

If you plan to give a journal as your 1st anniversary gift, it’s probably useful to write a little note and place it in the first page to explain why you chose this gift as a first-anniversary gift. 

2. Tree to plant

Paper comes from wood right? And wood comes from trees.  The seed of a tree that a new couple can plant in their new home and watch grow could be one of the most romantic 1st anniversary gifts you could give.  Just be sure that the couple has the space to plant a tree before buying this first-anniversary gift. 

3. Paper photo frame

Photos are always great for keeping memories.  Placing a photo of the couple as they are on their first wedding anniversary into a paper finished photo frame is the perfect 1st anniversary gift.  It’s a beautiful keepsake that captures the couple as they are at the time of their paper anniversary and there are plenty of opportunities for paper frames to suit all tastes.   

4. Love letter

For the husband and wife celebrating their 1st anniversary, a well thought out love letter could be the perfect gift.  

It can be framed and hung in their bedroom so that they can reflect upon it for eternity.  

But also, even if you are a friend or family member, you might like to send an appreciation letter, highlighting how much you are rooting for them, and what their marriage means to you so that they might keep that on their wall to serve as a reminder of how beautiful their marriage is.

This type of gift is so meaningful, yet so frequently overlooked.

Paper is probably one of the most beautiful 1st anniversary gift that you could give a couple, the symbolic meaning, modest persona and resilience that paper represents is powerful and will without question leave its mark on the special couple’s memories for years to come.  Especially since gifts like those we’ve suggested above will probably still be prominent in the couples life even when they celebrate their diamond wedding.

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