Affordable 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas

Chances are you need some great 1st anniversary gift ideas for your spouse. Since this is such a special event, you don't want just any present. You might even decide to focus your search on paper or clocks because these are the suggested gifts for first anniversaries from the traditional and modern lists, respectively. Even if you don't have much money to spend (a common problem for newlyweds), there are some great gift ideas available. Here are few to consider.

Fun Paper Ideas

When you think of paper as a gift theme, you might not feel very inspired at first but thanks to the Internet you can purchase all types of unusual and fun paper-related gifts. If he has a sense of humor, you could purchase a few rolls of 1st anniversary toilet paper. The tissue has the special message written right on it. Another idea is to create a personalized game sheet. You can make a Lovopoly game and personalize it with your favorite locations and even your pictures. Both of these gifts cost less than $20. That makes them fairly affordable for 1st anniversary gift ideas.

Gifts for Certain Hobbies

If you know your significant other well, you know he or she probably has some favorite hobbies. For example, maybe they love to read. You can purchase them a book by their favorite author or dig up some potential favorites for next to nothing at a used bookstore or library book sale. Remember books are made from paper. If your spouse loves a certain magazine, get him or her a subscription. Most cost less than $30 for one year. What if he or she has a hobby that doesn't involve paper? Buy a gift certificate. Gift certificates are more thoughtful than you might think, especially if you're purchasing one from a favorite store or for a fun activity.

Anniversary Clocks

Another great gift idea, especially if your 1st anniversary gift ideas have focused on keepsakes, is a mantle clock. You can find lovely anniversary clocks (named for their popularity as an anniversary gift) that can be engraved. While most of these clocks are brass or gold, you can find more modern looking variations at many stores. The clock is a both a symbol of the timelessness of your relationship and a reminder to cherish each minute you have together.

Something Romantic

If you want to do something sweet but affordable for your new husband or wife here are great 1st anniversary gift ideas. Find an old love letter you wrote to him or her during your dating period. Find a couple of photos from then as well. Have the photos scanned and copied. Now purchase a frame and create a collage using the letter as the centerpiece and the photos as decorations. You could do something similar if your first date was to a concert or a movie and she or he still has the stubs. Framing is a great way to preserve that special part of your relationship.

Do-It-Yourself

Some newlywed couples are so broke they don't have the money to make most 1st anniversary gift ideas a reality. In that case, you can give something that won't cost anything but your time. What's one or two things your loved one loves or wants but that you're not too crazy about? Maybe she likes a back massage or maybe he wants an hour to watch television without interruptions. Maybe she wants him to do the dishes and he wants her to pump the gas. No matter what you choose, you can create coupons the other person can redeem in order to get these special favors as their anniversary gifts.

More traditional 1st wedding anniversary gifts here!