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First Anniversary Gift Ideas

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The traditional gift for a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary is gold; when you reach the 60 year mark, you celebrate with diamonds.

But if you have been married for one year, you have a long way to go! The traditional first anniversary gift is something related to paper. It doesn't sound very exciting, does it? You don't want to give your spouse a package of stationary to celebrate the first year of your union. The good news is that you don't have to.

First, many people eschew this tradition and simply choose gifts their partners will like and appreciate. And second, paper can be exciting. We'll show you how.

What you will find:

  1. Would you like paper...
  2. Or plastic?
  3. Find Your Gifts Here:
  4. Oh how time flies when you're in love!
  5. Need more ideas?
  6. Surprise!
  7. More anniversary ideas
  8. It's the thought that counts!
  9. What did you give/receive for your first anniversary?

Would you like paper...

Paper is certainly a treat if it comes in the form of a ticket to your spouse's favorite event. Whether it is the ballet or the Knicks, a pair of tickets is the perfect anniversary gift. Not only are you gifting your spouse with something he/she will enjoy, you are making it an evening that you can enjoy together. Another great "paper" gift is artwork. A fabulous framed print is a thoughtful gift because it enhances the beauty of the home you have built together. Other ideas include a favorite book gift, a memory album or photo book, cigars, or gift certificates. If you are richer in love than money, put your inhibitions aside and write a love letter or poem.

Or plastic?

A modern alternative to paper is, of course, plastic. As you look for romantic, meaningful plastic gifts, you are likely to run into suggestions like the following: kitchen appliances, Tupperware, luggage accessories, or household appliances. These are all practical ideas, but it is usually wise to think beyond practicality for an occasion as significant as the first anniversary. Wouldn't a wife rather have a gift card to a day spa, Victoria's Secret, or her favorite shop than a kitchen appliance? And wouldn't a husband rather have a pair of Fendi sunglasses? You can then exchange gifts while sipping from plastic champagne flutes - perhaps on a picnic?

Find Your Gifts Here:

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Oh how time flies when you're in love!

A traditional alternative to paper is the gift of a clock for a first anniversary. This has usually meant a gorgeous artisan clock, which are always chic, engraved pocket watches, or alarm clocks. Today, though, you can broaden the definition to include smartphones. Could your spouse use a new phone - with a clock feature, of course? You could probably broaden it further to include a laptop or iPod. If money is tight, you can find a wide selection of fun and funky clocks online and in discount stores.

Need more ideas?

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Surprise!

Couples also use paper and plastic as the vehicle for gift delivery, if you will. A plastic container may hold a piece of diamond, gold, silver, platinum, or personalized jewelry; a pair of cheap sunglasses could be a hint about the tropical vacation one spouse has planned. In other words, paper and plastic may be the traditional gift for a first anniversary, but they really do not inhibit your gift giving at all if you are creative.

More anniversary ideas

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It's the thought that counts!

But paper, plastic, and clock gifts do have benefits for a newly married couple. If you have a spouse who is very traditional, just adhering to this custom will have great significance. Paper wasn't chosen as a first anniversary gift arbitrarily. Many couples are starting their careers and families and can't afford extravagant gifts. The first anniversary only requires an extravagance of creativity.

Still at a loss for what to give for your anniversary? You can never go wrong with an anniversary gift basket. Fill it with a bottle of champagne, toasting flutes, gourmet chocolate covered strawberries, and other treats for two!

What did you give/receive for your first anniversary?

  • DeannaDiaz Feb 10, 2012 @ 4:21 pm | delete
    Great ideas that I plan on using soon for a few people I know!
  • Pinkchic18 Sep 1, 2011 @ 7:21 am | delete
    These are wonderful ideas! I like the idea of using plastic sunglasses to deliver the news of a trip... naturally :) Who wouldn't love a cruise or trip for their first anniversary?
  • janices7 Sep 1, 2011 @ 6:14 am | delete
    Love the gift card idea for the "plastic" anniversary gift. Fun lens!
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