First Anniversary Gifts

It is the first of what will hopefully be many happy years of being together. What is the right gift to get your husband or wife? When you are stuck for ideas, let the commonplace gifts go, put off particular interest gifts until holidays and birthdays, and opt for something traditional. It makes the occasion even more special for both of you and will give you a clear cut way of choosing gifts into the golden years.

Traditionally, the gifts given for the first year of any marriage are supposed to be of the paper variety. The more modern alternative is clocks. Sounds bland, doesn't it? This is where you can personalize the gift to make it meaningful to your spouse. With a little bit of thought, paper turns into possibilities and clocks can capture time. Here are some ideas to get you started on the path to choosing a great gift for your first anniversary.

Traditional

Paper is more than a blank sheet. It is a canvas for expressing how you feel about the other person. The emptiness that once existed is now filled with shared memories and vivid experiences that are all but white space. Paper is also symbolic of strength through unity. While the fibers that make up the paper are fragile by themselves, together they make a sheet of paper strong. Depending on your style and that of your husband or wife, there are several directions to take and these are just some places to start.

Appreciation for the Written Word Books are one of the best gifts to give a person who loves to read. Getting your partner their favorite book or one that you both enjoy and that qualifies as a meaningful point in your relationship together are good options. For those who like books in general, such as someone who is a history buff, can appreciate a book that pertains to their special interests. However, books are not just for reading. They can be based on photography  or art.  Some books that are blank are best. For example, the writer can take advantage of a leather journal.  If you are concerned about creating and not just purchasing a gift for your loved one, consider writing a poem  or love letter  on fine stationery.  Not romantic and can't decide on only a single book? Maybe pick a practical gift, such as a magazine subscription. One example is Gourmet magazine for the connoisseur of fine foods and cooking.

He Screams for Football and She Digs Jazz Sports and music? What do they have to do with paper? The same thing that the opera, a play, a dance performance, a concert, or a trip to Maui have in common. They all require a ticket of some sort. That's right. A paper ticket for going to an event that your spouse enjoys can be a gift that the two of you can celebrate with together. If you like the same things, all the better. On a similar token, a vacation can be another fun option if you both have the time and money. Say you want to pamper her? Get her a gift certificate for a day at a spa. If your man likes to spend his free time playing golf, get him a certificate for green time. Get a gift certificate to dance lessons or any other new activity that will afford you an opportunity to spend some quality time together learning a new thing. Finally, for the romantic, get a ticket to take a ride in a hot air balloon. See more experiental gift ideas or visit Signature Days. For spa packages and spa gift certificates check out SpaGoda and SpaFinder, or simply browse your local phone book for things in your area.

A Visual Feast Visuals can take on so many different forms. Art books and other coffee table books are one place to start. For the artist get him or her some canvases or high quality paper on which to make a masterpiece. For the art lover, their favorite painting or even a print of it would be a thoughtful gift. For a photography lover, choose one of their best shots and enlarge it and frame it. A less expensive option is a poster, perhaps of their favorite movie. Frame it to make the gift last. A very personal and also romantic choice has to do with photos. This can be a photo of the two of your together blown up in a quality frame, perhaps from your wedding day or another special occasion. It could also be an album with photos from the past year(s) together, say from your first vacation or your honeymoon.

Just for Fun Anniversaries don't have to be so serious, especially if you or your spouse are the kind who like to keep things young at heart. Board games are fun for years to come and provide lots of chances to spend time together. Pick your favorite game to spend together, or one of which the other person is just dying to have the special edition. Scrabble is a great one on one battle, but puzzles  are another option that makes you work together. For some artistic fun, consider an origami book. If you enjoy making the game a bit more exciting, consider special adult-themed games  to light up the boudoir.

Get Creative Whether you generally tend to be creative or if you are just short on cash, a gift that comes from your own two hands also come from the heart. It really requires some thought and time, which makes it even more special. Some options include writing a love poem or song. Paintings, drawings, and other art pieces are good. But what if you are creative, just not extremely talented? A simple option is making him or her a coupon. Whether it is good for a massage, a dinner together out or at home, a romantic walk, or even a picnic, it is a genuine, yet wallet-friendly way of showing your affection for the other person and getting a way to spend quality time together.

Affection for Collecting Paper Those who like writing, doing artwork, or staying organized can make use of some quality paper products. That could be a journal, an art book, decorative stationery products, a scrapbook (for saving stubs and tickets from things you do together), or even an organizer (just make sure to personalize it, perhaps with little notes inside, surprises, or dates that you want to have together). Decorations made of papier mâché, such as masks, figurines, ornaments, or flowers, may be an option for someone into interior decorating or collecting. Speaking of collecting, if your spouse likes trading cards or other memorabilia, that is another option to look into. Just be sure to match the paper with the interests and hobbies your spouse enjoys. Finally, if you are into nostalgia and want a way to remember your wedding as a pivotal moment in your relationship, think about getting a newspaper or magazine from the day you were married.

Other Paper Ideas

• Stocks: Buying one single share of stock in a company or specialty that your spouse enjoys is practical and potentially lucrative. You may even choose a company which has special meaning to the two of you. For more information, check out gifts.com. 
• Sheet Music: If your spouse loves music, get him or her their favorite music, or on the other hand, if you are the musician, play for your spouse.
• Road Map: Sounds simple? Make this a gift that both of you will remember by planning out a road trip and giving the map to your spouse. Down the road you will appreciate the time spent together on the road, camping, sightseeing, or simply getting out of town.
• Cookbooks: The ideal gift for the person who loves spending time in the kitchen. Or consider a food or wine guide.
• A paper box has infinite possibilities. Make sure that the box has a keepsake quality to it. Fill it with anything you think will make your husband or wife happy, whether it be gourmet chocolates, wine wine or champagne, or even cigars.
• Get a tree to plant together that will continue to grow with every passing year.
• A picnic with paper plates and cups. Find a romantic place and spend a sunset together.

Modern

Clocks are the modern approach to a first anniversary. Their meaning comes from this famous quote by Henry Van Dyke, "Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity." While you could opt for a watch, which is equally as good, below are some other ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Antique Clock  Antique clocks come in various styles. Choose the one that best fits your spouse's personal tastes or favorite era.	Clock Radio  The image is a Tivoli radio, however, more up-to-date versions may be retro or high-end, including built-in CD players and even alarms.	Cuckoo Clock  The quirky classic that reminds you that time is passing is usually particular to collectors.	Contemporary Clock  The modern genre can range from minimalist to a work of art. For fashionistas, art/design lovers, the avant-garde, this is the perfect clock choice.	Grandfather Clock  Majestic and regal, these large clocks are a major space taker. Consider smaller options if your home is more cozy than spacious.

More Modern Ideas

• Watches: Still a timepiece, but a bit more practical.
• Sundials : A perfect gift for someone who enjoys nature, gardening, or spending time outdoors.
• For someone who is into sports, a heart rate monitor or pedometer with a clock on it might be a practical alternative.
• Mantel clocks  are stately, but smaller than a grandfather clock.