30 Paper Anniversary Gifts to Celebrate Your Unique Love Story
As the traditional first anniversary gift theme, paper is a versatile material that offers so many possibilities. Paper anniversary gifts aren't limited to the first wedding anniversary, though. Even if you're a few years (or decades) into your marriage, you can gift these sentimental presents to your spouse. From fancy journals and wall art to origami keepsakes and even jewelry, we've rounded up the best paper anniversary presents to inspire you.
Before you buy a paper anniversary gift for your partner, you can learn more about the sentiment behind this particular theme. Find out what paper gifts symbolize below, then shop our list of themed picks for your spouse.
In this article:
Paper Anniversary Gift Meaning
Paper is more than a material that makes up everyday items like books, letters, notepads and bills. As a wedding anniversary symbol, it has a unique and special meaning that relates to love. We'll explore the meaning of paper anniversary gifts below.
What does a paper anniversary gift symbolize?
While paper is a delicate material that can rip easily, it can also be restored with proper care. Paper can be interpreted as a symbol of resilience and flexibility, although that's not all it represents. Just like a new marriage, paper is a blank canvas with so much excitement, promise and potential to be fulfilled. If you and your spouse are in the early stages of married life, a paper anniversary gift can help you embrace the next chapter in your love story.
Which anniversary is associated with paper gifts?
With each year of marriage, traditional anniversary gifts become more elaborate, starting with paper for the first anniversary and continuing up to diamonds for the 60th wedding anniversary. That doesn't mean that paper is any less valuable (or exciting) than its more expensive counterparts, though. Meaningful paper gifts come in all shapes and sizes, like a unique piece of art or a handwritten anniversary card addressed to your special someone.
The Best Paper Anniversary Gifts
Ready to celebrate your love with paper gifts? We've rounded up the best paper anniversary gift ideas below, from photo albums filled with precious memories to unique accessories your spouse can wear.
1. Anniversary Journal
There's a reason this hard-bound journal is the top paper anniversary gift on our list. With pages for every anniversary from the first to the 60th, it's the perfect way to chronicle your marriage. It also has space to add photos and notes, along with keepsake pockets for mementos and ephemera. Choose the personalized version for an extra touch of customization.
2. First Dance Lyrics Art
Throw it back to your first dance as a married couple with this song lyric art. It's modeled off a photo of you and your spouse and created using the words from your chosen song. You'll get to see a proof of the design beforehand; then the finished piece will be printed on high-quality card stock paper. Note: The picture is unframed, so you may want to leave extra time to choose one before exchanging gifts.
3. Custom Wall Art
Here's a paper anniversary gift for your wife or husband that celebrates when your paths crossed for the first time. This print features two intersecting street signs that can be personalized with your names and two important dates in your relationship (like the year you met and got married.) Have it framed for a display-ready finish.
4. Paper Origami Rose
Shopping for a romantic paper wedding anniversary present? Woo your spouse all over again with this paper origami rose. It's handmade from recycled paper and can be personalized with any text, such as your wedding vows or your first dance lyrics. Opt for a trio of "blooms" to create a bouquet that'll last for years to come.
5. Adventure Challenge Bundle
Paper wedding anniversary presents can be spicy too. The Adventure Challenge's date night bundle will help make your relationship a little more spontaneous. The scratch-off cards are divided into three decks: Red Means Go (intimacy and romance), Five Senses (physical stimulation) and Day Trip (visiting new places.) It's a fun and flirty paper gift that'll help you get even closer to each other.
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6. Monthly Book Subscription
If you're married to an avid reader, a monthly book subscription is a clever paper gift idea. Just pick their favorite genres (like romance, suspense or sci-fi) and the subscription length. You can add extras, like candles and coffee, to spoil your partner even more.
7. Custom Star Map
This custom star map is one of the best paper anniversary gifts for a sentimental spouse. It features a constellation of the night sky from the date and location of your nuptials, along with your names, wedding date and a sentimental quote. Add a stylish frame to finish off this unique paper anniversary gift.
8. Vintage Paper Earrings
Anniversary jewelry is always a winning gift idea, but can it be made out of paper? Yes, it can! These statement earrings are crafted out of vintage maps from the 1920s in muted shades of blue, blush and red. Each floral pair is handmade to order and comes packaged in a black tin.
9. Phone-Controlled Paper Airplane
This toy airplane is such a cool paper anniversary gift idea. While it looks like a classic paper model, this clever gadget can actually fly. Your spouse simply has to attach the Bluetooth-enabled device and download the app before takeoff. Then they can make it zoom through the air at 25 miles per hour. Fun, right?
10. Experience Gift Voucher
If you're still searching for gift ideas for the paper wedding anniversary, try Tinggly. Their "Fun Together" gift card allows you and your spouse to choose from over 20,000 activities worldwide, from cooking classes and food tours to skiing and spa treatments. There are also lots of options within the US, so you don't have to travel overseas to use it. Choose a gift box made from eco-friendly paper to nod to the theme.
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11. Personalized Love Letter
Remind your spouse that you're still as smitten as ever with this personalized love letter. Your heartfelt message comes printed on paper that's rolled up, tied with a ribbon and presented in a confetti-filled bottle. You can even add your names to a heart on the outside for a thoughtful touch. We can't think of a sweeter paper anniversary gift for him or her.
12. Sexy Truth or Dare
Sometimes, our favorite paper anniversary present ideas are a little unexpected. This spicy truth-or-dare game will get your hearts racing. The box contains 50 paper card sticks, each printed with a seductive prompt to help you connect intimately. Pair this sexy gift with a bottle of wine for the ultimate anniversary date night.
13. Paper Cuff Links
Cuff links are a lovely gift for any occasion, and we've found the perfect version for your paper wedding anniversary. These unique accessories feature your wedding vows printed on paper inlaid in heavyweight metal. You can also add a matching tie bar for a thoughtful tribute to your "I do" moment.
14. Newspaper-Themed Artwork
This one is for a spouse who's interested in current affairs. It's a reprint of the front page of The New York Times, filled with news headlines, stories and pictures from your wedding day. Choose your preferred size and frame for a creative paper wedding anniversary gift for your partner.
15. Personalized Storybook
How adorable is this personalized storybook? Titled "Better Together," each page is filled with colorful illustrations that resemble you and your spouse. You can choose the cover design, names and characteristics for both of you so every page feels personal. Expect your partner to be charmed by this playful paper anniversary gift.
16. Folded Book Art
When you're married to a bibliophile, a paper anniversary gift will always be one for the books. Have important details like your initials and wedding date folded into the pages of this "bookami" for a unique keepsake. You can choose from a generic hardback novel or ask the Etsy seller to source a specific book for you.
17. Paperclip Bracelet
Okay, so this paper wedding anniversary gift isn't technically made of paper but it is inspired by the theme. This 14K gold bracelet features a paperclip chain and a heart-shaped charm that can be engraved with your spouse's initials. It can be worn alone or stacked with other accessories for a layered look.
18. Printed Photo Book
If you haven't printed your wedding album yet, the paper anniversary is the perfect time to do it. PikPerfect offers tons of options, including digital photo books and lay-flat albums, so you can relive your big day all over again. Choose from two materials for the cover (linen or faux leather) and add your wedding details for a personalized finish.
19. Pop-Up Greeting Card
You could give your spouse an ordinary greeting card… or you could surprise them with this pop-up version on your anniversary. It's made from recycled paper and opens up to reveal a colorful bouquet surrounded by butterflies. Add your message to the matching note card for a sweet paper anniversary gift for her or him.
20. Fill-in-the-Blank Book
You don't always have to splurge to find an awesome paper anniversary gift for your spouse. With this fill-in-the-blank book, you can remind them of everything you love about your life together. Each prompt is designed to highlight how special your relationship is and how well you work as a team. Sweet, we know.
21. Custom Portrait
The secret to finding a good paper anniversary gift is to make it personal. This custom portrait of you and your spouse is a romantic way to showcase your love. The watercolor-style print is created from a photo you provide and printed on premium photographic paper. Note: The frame is not included.
22. Personalized Love Coupons
How about a cute gift they can trade for a reward later on? These personalized love coupons are a creative take on the paper anniversary theme. The set includes 12 customized vouchers they can "cash in" for fun experiences, like breakfast in bed or a weekend getaway. You can also add your own ideas, so feel free to be as silly (or spicy) as you dare.
23. Pet Portrait Painting Class
We love how versatile paper anniversary gifts can be. Instead of giving your spouse a piece of art, how about signing them up for an online painting class? During this two-hour tutorial, they'll learn how to paint a portrait of their beloved pet (who they probably love almost as much as you.) Add paper and paints to your order so they're fully kitted out beforehand.
24. Poetry Anniversary Book
Married to someone who's into literature? Thanks to Wonderbly, you can create a poetry anthology of your spouse's favorite verses. The book is filled with well-loved poems from various themes (including memories, laughter, love and family) and can be personalized with your own front page dedication. Don't be surprised if they quote from this romantic paper anniversary gift at any opportunity.
25. Couples Connection Cards
Sometimes, the best gift you can give your partner is quality time. These connection cards are designed to help long-term couples spark deep conversations and build intimacy in their relationship. Each prompt is designed to bring you closer by sharing your stories, dreams and perspectives. It's a really good paper anniversary gift that will (literally) help you stay on the same page.
26. Paper Mache Vase
We bet you weren't expecting to see a vase on our list of paper wedding anniversary gifts. This decorative vessel is actually made from paper mache and comes in two different sizes. It's perfect for a partner who loves filling their home with earthy color palettes and natural textures. We suggest filling it with dried florals instead of fresh blooms as water may damage the materials.
27. Baseball Book
Here's a paper anniversary present for the sports enthusiast in your life: A leather-bound book filled with baseball trivia. This tome is bursting with stats, biographies and photos from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, so they'll have plenty of trivia to dive into. Add their name or monogram to the cover for a personalized finish.
28. Embroidered Toilet Paper
Need a funny anniversary gift that fits the paper theme? Give this embroidered toilet roll to the joker in your life. The top sheet of the tissue paper is stitched with the message "Happy 1st paper anniversary" in red and silver embroidery thread. Sure, it's pretty silly, but if it makes your spouse laugh that's what counts.
29. A Year of Date Ideas
It's easy to fall into familiar patterns when you're married. Bring some light-hearted fun into your lives with this set of date ideas. The box holds 52 sealed activity cards (one for every week of the year) and five blanks for your own suggestions. It's a thoughtful paper anniversary gift that'll help you make memories in the year ahead.
30. Origami Craft Set
This origami craft set is an inventive take on the paper gifting theme. Perfect for crafters, it comes with everything they'll need to learn the art of paper folding. The box contains 30 sheets of floral-patterned paper (with six different designs) and instructions for three beginner-level origami designs.