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Updated Apr 28, 202630 Paper Wedding Anniversary Presents to Celebrate Your Love Story
These paper gifts are a cut above the rest.
Photos, clockwise from top left: Uncommon Goods, Cratejoy, Brilliant Earth, AlexTypewriters
Paper wedding anniversary presents are traditional for the first anniversary, and they offer so many possibilities. From books to date-night card games, there are numerous ways you can show your love for your partner with this versatile material. Also, paper isn't limited to a couple's first anniversary. Whether you're a few years or a few decades into your relationship, you can gift the following sentimental presents to your S.O. Eager to start shopping and curious why paper is considered a traditional present? Then keep reading to see our top picks and learn more about how paper can symbolize your romantic connection.
In this article: Paper Wedding Anniversary Meaning | The Best Paper Anniversary Gifts
Paper Wedding Anniversary Meaning
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 milestone, but that doesn't mean that paper is any less valuable (or exciting) than its more-expensive counterparts.
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, and just like a new marriage, paper is a blank canvas with so much excitement, promise and potential to be fulfilled. If you're in need of a first anniversary gift, paper is a great way to show that you're ready to embrace the next chapter in your love story.
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The Best Paper Anniversary Gifts
Ready to celebrate your love with paper gifts? We've rounded up the best paper wedding anniversary ideas below, from photo albums filled with precious memories to unique activities you and your partner can do together.
1. Folded Book Art
Photo: Books and timbers
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 "bookagami" for a unique keepsake. You can pick a generic hardback novel or ask the Etsy seller to source a specific book for you.
2. Couple's Experience Gift
Photo: Tinggly
Tinggly's "Fun Together" gift box allows you and your spouse to choose from over 27,800 activities worldwide, from cooking classes and food tours to skiing and spa treatments. Also, 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 (for an additional $10) to nod to the paper anniversary theme.
Use our exclusive code: TK to get a 23% discount on experience gift boxes and getaway gifts.
3. Paper Clip Chain Bracelet With Heart Charm
Photo: Brilliant Earth
Not all of your first anniversary paper gifts have to technically be made of paper. This 14K-gold bracelet has a paper clip chain and a heart-shaped charm that can be engraved with your spouse's initials or with one to three symbols, like a moon or an animal paw. It can be worn alone or stacked with other accessories for a layered look.
4. Book Subscription
Photo: Cratejoy
If you're married to an avid reader, a monthly book subscription should be one of the top paper anniversary gift ideas on your list. Choose to send one or two books to your partner, pick their favorite genres (like romance, suspense or sci-fi) and the subscription length. You can even pick specific titles to have in each book box or let it be a surprise to the both of you. Bonus: This subscription also comes with extras like a novelty pack, which includes snacks, skincare and more. But you can also skip the extras and opt for a third book instead.
Enjoy 20% off the first shipment of any subscription box when you use the code: KNOT20.
5. Personalized Baseball Hall of Fame Book
Photo: Personalization Mall
Here's a paper anniversary present for the sports enthusiast in your life: a book filled with baseball fun facts. In this leather-bound gift, your partner will find 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 initials to the cover for a custom finish.
Ready for a deal? Snag 15% off your entire order with the code: KNOT15PM.
6. Custom Anniversary Star Map
Photo: Birthdate Candles
This custom star map is one of the best anniversary gifts made of paper for a sentimental spouse. First, pick your anniversary event, like your wedding day or first kiss. Then, add your location to generate an image of how the night sky looked on the important day. Your names, anniversary date and location will appear in the final design and you can also select certain visual details, like what kind of frame the print will come in or if you want a black or white background.
Get the best bang for your buck by using: KNOT15 at checkout to receive 15% off sitewide.
7. Phone-Controlled Paper Airplane
Photo: Uncommon Goods
This toy airplane is a unique and funny anniversary gift. While it looks like a classic paper model (the item is made of "crash-proof carbon fiber") , this clever gadget can actually fly on command. Your spouse simply has to fold the airplane using the template provided, attach the Bluetooth-enabled device and download the app before takeoff. Once those tasks are complete, they can make the paper airplane zoom through the air at up to 25 miles per hour.
8. Origami Paper Crane Earrings
Photo: Littlesweethappyness
Unsure of where to buy jewelry gifts? Then you need to browse Etsy. We love these dangling earrings shaped like delicate Japanese paper cranes. This paper jewelry is dipped in resin to give it a beautiful shine and durability, and comes in 13 colors like green and purple.
9. Anniversary Photo Book
Photo: PikPerfect
If you haven't bought your wedding album yet, your paper anniversary is the perfect time to do it. PikPerfect offers tons of options, including a photo book, a layflat album and premium layflat option, so you can relive your nuptials all over again. Choose a photo, linen or vegan leather for the cover, and add your wedding details for a personalized finish.
10. Butterfly Pop-Up Greeting Card
Photo: Uncommon Goods
You could give your spouse an ordinary greeting card…or you could surprise them with this pop-up version on your anniversary. The faux bouquet is made from recycled paper and opens up to reveal a colorful arrangement surrounded by butterflies. Add a message to the matching note card for a sweet paper anniversary gift.
11. Personalized Paper Rose
Photo: The Origami Boutique
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 text, such as your wedding vows or the lyrics to your first dance song. Opt for a trio of faux blooms to create a bouquet that'll last for years to come. (By the way, roses aren't the one-year wedding anniversary flower, but they're still a great choice to represent your love.)
12. Fill-in-the-Blank Love Book
Photo: Knock Knock
You don't always have to splurge to find an awesome paper wedding anniversary present 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.
13. Custom Street Sign Print
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Here's a paper anniversary gift for your wife, husband or spouse that celebrates when your paths crossed for the first time. This print shows two intersecting street signs that can be personalized with your names and two important dates in your relationship (like the year you met and the year you got married). Opt to get it framed for a display-ready finish.
14. Relationship Vouchers
Photo: Personalization Mall
How about a cute gift they can trade for a reward later on? These love coupons are a creative take on the paper anniversary theme. The set includes 12 vouchers they can "cash in" for fun experiences like breakfast in bed or a weekend getaway. Customize the coupon book's cover with your partner's name as a sweet touch.
Take 15% off your entire order by using the exclusive code: KNOT15PM.
15. Custom, Magnetic Bookmark
Photo: Giftshire
This magnetic bookmark isn't made from paper (it's crafted from premium, faux leather), but it'll be placed in a paper-filled book, so we think that counts. Pick from 10 color options, like orange or pink, add your S.O's name and a flower design. You can choose a flower based on your partner's birth month or the month you got married. We love when paper anniversary ideas can double as gifts for other occasions.
Receive an extra 20% off all the items you purchase on Giftshire with the code: GSOFF-KNOT20.
16. Vintage Typewriter
Photo: AlexTypewriters
If you're looking for a luxurious paper wedding anniversary present for someone who loves all things vintage, we have the perfect option for you. Shipped from Poland, this olive-green typewriter from the 1970s is a unique gift that your partner will cherish for years to come. Also, this typewriter isn't just for show. It's in like-new condition, which means it's fully functional, and you'll even receive the original case and user manual. Check out the numerous other typewriters this Etsy seller has in stock to browse more funky color options.
17. Personalized Relationship Storybook
Photo: Uncommon Goods
How adorable is this personalized storybook? Titled "Story of Us," each page is filled with colorful illustrations that resemble you and your spouse. You can choose the cover design and add names and characteristics for both of you so every page feels personal. Expect your partner to be charmed by this playful paper anniversary gift.
18. Custom Newspaper Print
Photo: New York Times Store
This creative paper wedding anniversary gift 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 and stories that happened on your chosen special date. Once you pick a date, select your preferred print size and if you'd like it framed.
19. Sexy Truth or Dare
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Our favorite paper wedding anniversary gifts are a little unexpected. This sensual truth-or-dare game will get your hearts racing. The box contains 50 double-sided 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 date night.
20. Personalized Anniversary Poetry Book
Photo: Wonderbly
In a relationship with someone who loves poems? Thanks to Wonderbly, you can create a poetry anthology for your spouse. The book is filled with well-loved poems from rising-star and famous poets. You can also customize the book by changing the cover, writing a front-page dedication, introduction and conclusion, and adding photos. Don't be surprised if they pull quotes from this romantic paper anniversary gift at every opportunity.
21. Wedding Song Art
Photo: Studiojones1
Throw it back to your first dance song as a married couple with this 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 poster paper or canvas wrap. Pick one of the framed options so the gift is display ready.
22. Pet Portrait Painting Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
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 watercolor 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 prepared.
23. Anniversary Journal
Photo: Uncommon Goods
There's a reason this hard-bound journal is 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. Choose the personalized version if you want an extra touch of customization.
24. Magazine Subscription
Photo: Barnes & Nobles
You can still get your favorite magazines as a subscription when you buy them through Barnes & Noble. Have your partner's favorite magazine shipped to your home or you can pick them up at your local store. We suggest picking up the magazines in store if you and your partner love spending hours browsing all the literature Barnes & Noble has to offer.
25. Cuff Links With Paper Details
Photo: Paper Anniversary Love
Cuff links are a lovely gift for any occasion, and we've found the perfect version for one of your paper gift ideas for the first wedding anniversary. These unique accessories act as wearable wedding vow art since you can add your wedding vows on paper inlaid in sturdy metal. You can also add a matching tie bar for a thoughtful tribute to your "I do" moment.
26. Custom Recipe Book
Photo: Mixbook
For those who have a partner who loves to cook, this recipe book is a must-have. Choose your book type (softcover or album), orientation (landscape, square or portrait), size (small, medium or large) and page count (between 20 and 60 pages). Once you've finished designing the foundation of the book, have fun changing the text and backgrounds and adding your partner's favorite recipes, photos and scanned hand-written notes.
27. Connection Card Deck
Photo: Uncommon Goods
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. There are 199 prompts designed to bring you closer through sharing your stories, dreams and perspectives. It's a really good paper anniversary gift that'll help you stay on the same page.
28. Custom Notecard Set
Photo: Papier
Need more ideas for a paper anniversary present? Gift your love cute and customized stationery. We can't get enough of this notecard set that's accented with an adorable illustration of a dog (you can choose from five breed options) on the front and a blue-and-red checker design on the back. All you have to do is add your partner's name, choose the notecard orientation and pick a card size. Bonus: Plain white envelopes are free and included.
29. Watercolor-Inspired Portrait
Photo: GiftoholicMe
The secret to finding a good paper wedding anniversary present 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 your chosen photo and printed on premium photographic paper. Note: The frame isn't included.
30. Activity Card Bundle
Photo: The Adventure Challenge
Paper wedding anniversary presents can be spicy too. The Adventure Challenge 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 flirty paper gift that'll help you get even closer to each other while having fun.
Save 25% on all products, except subscription boxes, on The Adventure Challenge site when you use the code: THEKNOT25.
Additioning reporting by Alison Meehan.
