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Speaking as someone who has recently got married, I can honestly say that everyone was so generous in their wedding gifts that I wouldn't expect (and don't see the need for) anyone to get us a first anniversary gift. Perhaps a few cards might be nice, as a way of marking the day as being a special one in the calendar but gifts seem more appropriate for weightier anniversaries such as the tenth, twenty-fifth or fiftieth. Of course, for my wife and I the first anniversary will be very special and we plan to mark it by having a weekend city break abroad.

There are people who do, however, like to get a gift for loved ones who are marking their first anniversary. What then are the best gifts to get in such circumstances? The traditional approach is to give them something made of paper. With this in mind, how about a book or a book taken or, staying on that theme, a nice bookmark. Of course money and cheques (checks) are also made of paper, so may be an option where you're not sure what the couple would like. There are endless other possibilities offered by the paper theme. For example, how about tickets to a comedy show or play or to a sporting event? A more quirky present could involve a portrait of the couple. If you're not a gifted artist then you could find an artist who would be able to do a portrait of the couple.

The other thing that's become associated with first anniversaries is clocks. You could get them a nice carriage clock, or a clock for the wall, or an alarm clock. There's a great variety of types of clocks available and the prices involved vary greatly so cater for most people's budgets.

Of course, there's no reason to adhere to these paper and clock conventions. You might want to think about the couple's hobbies and, in particular, think about interests and hobbies that both partners share. In a way it's nicer, I think, if someone provides a less traditional gift that shows that they have thought about what the person will like.

To conclude, then, the chances are that the couple will be absolutely delighted if you send a nice card to mark the occasion. However, if you want to provide a gift, then you can either go the traditional route and get something that's paper or clock related (shame that you can't get paper clocks!) or else think about what interests and hobbies the couple share. Another option, of course, would be to ask the couple but that might ruin the surprise!

Learn more about this author, Simon Wright.
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