by Tony Connor

Created on: November 13, 2008

The first year of marriage has many challenges establishing a home together, sorting out finances, planning for the future to name but a few. It is also a time to really enjoy each other's company and get to know each other. Each of you has to make sacrifices and the first anniversary is a time to reaffirm your love for each other and to show how much you appreciate your partner.

The traditional symbol for the first anniversary is paper and the modern symbol is clocks. At first glance, these do not seem to give much inspiration, but with a little imagination, there are actually many, many options.

The most obvious gift associated with paper is cash. Cash is not a very romantic gift for a wedding anniversary on its own. However, if you put the cash into something they like it can make it much more fun. If he is into golf, you could get him a new golf bag with cash or gift certificates hidden in the side pockets. Similarly, an avid gardener will not say no to a set of garden tools with a nice surprise inside. Gift certificates are great if they are related to their interest (e.g. golf) or are for something you can't wrap (a spa-certificate always goes down well), but stay away from regular gift cards for a local store or fast food restaurant!

A poem or love letter really does show your love and fits in nicely with the paper theme. If you are not an expert writer there are services available that will write things for you. It is always a good idea to include a small, thoughtful gift with the love letter just in case!

Books are an obvious choice. Do not just get them the latest paperback bestseller but get something they will cherish. Perhaps a whole set of books on one particular thing - car mechanics for example. Another option is to get a first edition of a book you know they like - this will have a special meaning for them and could actually go up in value.

If you spouse is into technical stuff or photography a good printer will be really well received (especially by the man another toy tot play with!). Another option is a photo book with, perhaps, pictures of your first year together or of your honeymoon.

Tickets to an event are always a good idea. Go and see a concert or a show. You go to dinner first and surprise them with the tickets by having a waiter deliver them, or just present them in a nice, thoughtful card.

Both of you should celebrate the first anniversary so something you can do together is always a good idea - perhaps plane tickets for a surprise vacation at the beach, or even a cabin in the woods.

It is harder to get creative with the clock symbol. Quality watches are always appreciated especially dress watches for her (even better when diamonds are involved!). You could also get something like a grandfather clock together to further establish your home.

All it takes is a little imagination and your first anniversary will be a great success.

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