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50 Paper Anniversary Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your First Year of Marriage

One year down. Forever to go.

By , Kim Duong NA and
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Courtesy Image | Khadija Horton

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So you're celebrating a year of marriage, congrats!! I hope you've got a bottle of bubbly ready because that is a *big* deal!! And since giving your partner an on-theme anniversary gift is a great way to celebrate, I'm here to ensure that you don't stress over finding the perfect present. Tradition says the first anniversary gift is (drumroll...) paper-themed—and we've got a ton of cute gift recs for ya below that fit the theme perfectly.

The good news? The paper gift theme is really up to your interpretation. You can go with a print of the lyrics to your wedding song to make your partner feel all mushy. Or a custom book expressing how much you love them if you want to be even more romantic. But! If the traditional first-anniversary paper gift theme doesn't suit your vibe, you should know there are alternative modern first-anniversary gift theme options, too! The modern themes for a one-year anniversary are clocks, gold, and two flowers: orange blossoms or pansies. We put a couple options for those on this list, too, just in case they fit your S.O. better.

Our top picks for the best paper anniversary gift ideas in 2023:

  • Minimal Photo Strip Diary

    this personalized diary

    Papier Minimal Photo Strip Diary

    £20 at Papier
    Read more
  • Engravable Multi Heart Paper Clip Bracelet

    this gold personalized bracelet

    BabyGold Engravable Multi Heart Paper Clip Bracelet

    Read more
  • The Anniversary Journal

    an anniversary book

    UncommonGoods The Anniversary Journal

    Read more
  • Restore 1

    this modern alarm clock

    Hatch Restore 1

    Read more
  • Late Fees at the Library Candle

    this paper scented candle

    Literie Late Fees at the Library Candle

    Read more

The trick to giving the perfect gift is making it personal, and the gift ideas below will guide you as you pick something out. But, just in case you're totally out of luck, another gift idea: a paper gift card to their favorite store. Trust, it totally counts!!

this personalized diary

Papier Minimal Photo Strip Diary

Minimal Photo Strip Diary
this personalized diary

Papier Minimal Photo Strip Diary

Now 20% Off
£20 at Papier

If your S.O. refuses to start the day without checking/updating their planner, help them stay up to date with this adorable diary that features a photo strip that can be personalized to showcase your fave memories together.

this gold personalized bracelet

BabyGold Engravable Multi Heart Paper Clip Bracelet

Engravable Multi Heart Paper Clip Bracelet
this gold personalized bracelet

BabyGold Engravable Multi Heart Paper Clip Bracelet

Who doesn't love a new piece of jewelry, right? The on-theme gold gift can be personalized to include two hearts, one for you and one for your S.O., or three hearts if you have a baby (or fur baby!) you want to add.

an anniversary book

UncommonGoods The Anniversary Journal

The Anniversary Journal
an anniversary book

UncommonGoods The Anniversary Journal

Credit: Uncommon Goods

Keep track of memories from each year together in this journal. Don't worry if you can't think of anything to write together because there are prompts to guide you.

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this modern alarm clock

Hatch Restore 1

Restore 1
this modern alarm clock

Hatch Restore 1

If you want to go for the clock theme, do yourself (and your spouse) a favor by getting this modern alarm clock that will completely transform your time spent in bed (get your head out of the gutter). With soothing sleep sounds and a gentle sunrise alarm, it makes other alarm clocks look antiquated.

this paper scented candle

Literie Late Fees at the Library Candle

Late Fees at the Library Candle
this paper scented candle

Literie Late Fees at the Library Candle

If you're a book lover, then you know books hold a certain je ne sais quoi. If your spouse is an avid page turner, they'll surely love this paper and linen scented candle.

this adorbs orange blossom pj set

BedHead Pajamas Classic Long Organic Cotton Pajama Set

Classic Long Organic Cotton Pajama Set
this adorbs orange blossom pj set

BedHead Pajamas Classic Long Organic Cotton Pajama Set

Personally, if I got this orange blossom PJ set for a first anniversary gift, I would fall in love with my partner all over again. Do with that information what you will.

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this personalized wedding print

TheModishHome Wedding Song Print

Wedding Song Print
this personalized wedding print

TheModishHome Wedding Song Print

Every couple remembers their wedding song, so why not make it a memory you can keep in your home for years to come?

these cards for future game nights

Actually Curious The Original Curiosity Edition!

The Original Curiosity Edition!
these cards for future game nights

Actually Curious The Original Curiosity Edition!

Sure, you've been married for one year, but there's nothing wrong with getting to know your partner even more. With a focus on connection and good convo, this edition explores questions of background, values, and views on important issues.

this monthly book subscription

Cratejoy Books & More Subscription

Books & More Subscription
this monthly book subscription

Cratejoy Books & More Subscription

The paper theme was practically made for book lovers. Gift your novel-obsessed spouse with months of brand-new books to add to their growing collection with this subscription gift.

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this 1000-piece puzzle

Le Puzz Match Made in Heaven

Match Made in Heaven
this 1000-piece puzzle

Le Puzz Match Made in Heaven

With one year down and many more to go, you two will have plenty of time to finish this vibrant 1000-piece puzzle with a very fitting name.

these positive pocket-sized journals

BestSelf Partner Appreciation Notes

Partner Appreciation Notes
these positive pocket-sized journals

BestSelf Partner Appreciation Notes

These personal journals will help you and your partner capture the moments you appreciate about each other every day as you go through life together.

this chic cookbook

CB2 'Joy of Cooking' Cookbook, Black Leather Edition

'Joy of Cooking' Cookbook, Black Leather Edition
this chic cookbook

CB2 'Joy of Cooking' Cookbook, Black Leather Edition

This chic cookbook is perfect if they love cooking as much as they love you. Plus, it's just so pretty, there's simply no way they won't want to find somewhere to display it immediately.

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this paper mache vase

Serax Paper Mache Vessels by Marie Michielssen

Paper Mache Vessels by Marie Michielssen
this paper mache vase

Serax Paper Mache Vessels by Marie Michielssen

Made with recycled paper for an earthy, one-of-a-kind statement, this paper mache vessel is a chic touch of art that both of you can enjoy in your home.

this peony paper bouquet

posieflowers Pink Peony Paper Flower Bouquet

Pink Peony Paper Flower Bouquet
this peony paper bouquet

posieflowers Pink Peony Paper Flower Bouquet

Whether you forgot to save the wedding bouquet or want to give flowers that won't wither in a week, these paper peonies are the perfect way to commemorate your one year anniversary. No watering needed.

this adorable pet portrait

West and Willow Custom Pet Portrait

Custom Pet Portrait
this adorable pet portrait

West and Willow Custom Pet Portrait

If you two love birds are the proud parents of a fur baby, this gift will (selfishly) be perfect for both of you!

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this mindfulness journal

Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal

The Five Minute Journal
this mindfulness journal

Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal

Legend has it that a dose of mindfulness and gratitude a day keeps the doctor away. Trust, this journal is just what the doc ordered for your S.O.

this fun stamp set

Papier Good Day Planner Stamp Set

Good Day Planner Stamp Set
this fun stamp set

Papier Good Day Planner Stamp Set

This adorable set will let your S.O. stamp their style any and everywhere so they can personalize as many pages as their heart desires.

this golden apple watch band

Goldenerre Shiny Basketweave Watch Band

Shiny Basketweave Watch Band
this golden apple watch band

Goldenerre Shiny Basketweave Watch Band

If your S.O. wears an Apple Watch almost everyday, do them a favor and upgrade their band to this chic, timeless one designed with high quality stainless steel that'll last just as long as your loving relationship.

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a set of paper incense

Jinen Oedo-Koh Incense

Oedo-Koh Incense
a set of paper incense

Jinen Oedo-Koh Incense

Paper incense aren't a very traditional anniversary gift, but if your spouse doesn't really do ~traditional~, these six high-quality fragrances are sure to be appreciated.

this spicy book

The Adventure Challenge ...In Bed

...In Bed
this spicy book

The Adventure Challenge ...In Bed

Who said anniversary gifts couldn't get spicy? This scratch-off book with 50 intimate adventures and games is a fun way to explore with your partner.

Headshot of Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor

Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.

Headshot of Katherine J Igoe
Katherine J Igoe
Contributor

Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.

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