As your first anniversary approaches, you’re likely feeling a variety of emotions. On one hand, you may feel a great sense of joy that you’ve found that special someone to share your life with. On the other hand, you may feel nervous about picking the perfect first anniversary gift for your partner. Both are perfectly normal! In fact, it’s not uncommon to experience some level of stress when picking the perfect gift. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone!
Some may not see the true importance of giving anniversary gifts, but this article will show you why your initial anniversary gift is so important.
The Importance of the First Anniversary Gift
The first anniversary gift plays such an important role in your relationship because, like the day itself, it sets the precedent for every anniversary to come. Think about it, how often do we remember the firsts? Pretty often, right? The first date, your first kiss, the first time your partner made you laugh. We remember firsts because they hold such significance, and those memories stay with us.
Choosing the right gift sets your marriage off on the right foot while choosing the wrong option has the potential to be a memorable occasion for all the wrong reasons. Because your first anniversary gift plays such a significant role, you’ll want to choose a present that your spouse will happily remember for every subsequent anniversary.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive gift, but it does need to serve as a physical symbol of your love. After all, relationship milestones are important as they bring you and your partner closer together. By giving a great first anniversary gift, you have you have the opportunity to make a positive, everlasting impression on your partner.
First anniversary gifts are symbolic
The right anniversary gift can easily be as unique as you two as are as a couple. Traditionally the gift people exchange for on their first anniversary is “paper.” It can be tempting to merely walk into your nearest greeting card store and pick out a cheesy card, but what does that really accomplish? If you’re not saying something unique and heartfelt, you’re not really saying anything at all.
Think outside the box and get creative.
Having the first anniversary gift be paper is a great opportunity.
Giving paper allows you to be a part of a long line of traditional gifts but there is room to come up with an idea rooted firmly in this century and your interests.
Some ideas might be:
- Take a Japanese papermaking class together.
- Get an actual certificate commemorating your marriage day and showing it permanently registered to you.
- Visit your favorite beach and keep the ashes from your paper bonfire in a dated bottle.
Don’t just settle for the same tried and true gifts. After all, your gift should demonstrate just how much your partner means to you. Your anniversary gives you the opportunity to show your partner how good you feel about marrying them. Think of presenting your spouse with a unique first anniversary gift as another way of saying “I love you.” Like marriage itself, pulling off a gift that manages to be simultaneously unforgettable and heartfelt isn’t always easy. Taking the time to think about it can help alleviate some of the pressure you may be feeling.
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