You’ve almost shared one orbit around the sun as a couple and you have no idea what makes for a good anniversary gift. No problem. We’ve got some unique, first anniversary gifts that are sure to be very well-received!
What is the traditional first anniversary gift? Paper! Sounds lame, but it definitely doesn’t have to be! Read on for a great selection of gift ideas that are in line with the traditional paper theme, including a custom star map, personal timeline and custom comic book.
UNIQUE PAPER ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
CUSTOM STAR MAPS
Create a star map that shows the stars exactly as they were on a specific date. Opt for your wedding date, the day you met or any other day you desire that has special meaning to you and your partner.
Twinkle In Time will create a custom 18”x 24” design for $60. Add-on a frame for $70.
LuxeArtPrints on Etsy offers a digital download of a custom star map. A 16”x 20” is $20; you're on the hook for your own frame.
CUSTOM SOLAR SYSTEM MAP
Celebrate your anniversary with a customized and framed solar system art print that depicts how the solar system appeared on any day you choose.
Space and Time Coordinates offered a framed 12” x 18” product for $80 and a lower-cost digital download option.
GetYourNerdOn (best Etsy shop name ever) has a simple custom star map that’s $35 for an 11” x 14” unframed print.
CUSTOM STREET MAP PRINT
Commemorate any special place on earth that you choose. The location of your first date, where you got engaged, your favorite spot to vacation or your current address.
Mapify.com allows you to customize a map poster for any location with the option to add a heart icon and “romantic” font.
This Mountain Shaped Map from WorldVibeStudio features multiple locations printed together. Other shapes available!
CUSTOM SONG PRINT
There are many creative ways to showcase any tune from your wedding ceremony, first dance or “your” song.
YinxYangPrints offers a unique vinyl record art print featuring your song’s lyrics for only $12 for a digital download.
Print a song sheet for your wall like this one from Nellyscustomart. An 11” x 14” canvas is $91.
CUSTOM TIMELINE PRINT
Tell your story in a custom timeline print that features icons and dates that represent milestones in your journey together.
$20 will get you an unframed 8" x 10" of this custom timeline print from LolaandElvis.
This colorful love timeline is available from PuffPaperCo as a custom digital download or print.
PATENT PRINTS
Reproductions of patent posters are an affordable and awesome way to showcase your passion and its conceptualization.
This set of Xbox patent prints from FineArtUSA was available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Build your own version of this Lego brick patent print that is sold by CatkumaPatentPress. You get nine color options.
SCIENCE POSTERS
If you're a scientist, reason and logic is your driving force, but these science-inspired posters help you express some emotion in a language you can relate to.
Serotonin influences happiness and this science poster from PeardropPrints showcases its molecular compound.
Say "I Love You" or the custom message of your choosing on a binary code poster available from PicturingScience.
CUSTOM COMIC STRIP
This is definitely one of the most personalized and unique first anniversary ideas. Your love story can be recreated in comic form with you and your partner as the stars of your love story. BAM.
YourComicStory is an online company that will print you a custom, four-page comic book for $500.
MakeMeAComic will create you a 10-panel, custom comic strip print or canvas that represents your love story.
RECIPE BOOKS
For the couple that enjoys preparing and enjoying a great meal together, you can give the gift of a custom recipe book featuring some of your favorite dishes. Or, there's always the option of gifting a tried and true cookbook for your library.
RoyalWoodArt will customize the cover of this multi-page, custom cookbook that you fill with your favorite recipes.
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook features a multitude of dishes scaled down to portions for a pair to share.
ROMANTIC GAMES
They say the couple that plays together, stays together! Here are a couple of gift-able games designed just for two to enjoy.
The Marital Bliss Card Game costs $15 and challenges couples to complete secret tasks with fun rewards.
The Couples Bucket List contains 100 different date night and activity ideas for you and your partner.
UNIQUE ANNIVERSARY CARDS
It's not a great gift without a complementary card featuring the perfect sentiment! Here are some of our top picks.
This IS the Star Wars anniversary card you are looking for from Poshandprep ($5 with envelope).
This Han and Leia card was available for $5 as a digital download from EnjoyPrintable, a now-closed Etsy shop.
Ironman “I love you 3000” card from PopDogShop ($3.55 with envelope)
ABitofImagination, a now-closed Etsy shop, has this Deadpool-inspired “You’re my kind of crazy” card ($5 with envelope).
Another gem from ABitofImagination (a now-closed Etsy shop), this Zelda-inspired card is perfect for gamers ($5 with envelope).
For your favorite button pusher, opt for this anniversary card for gamers from shop GlitchYeti ($4 with envelope).
There you have it. Some unique first anniversary gift and card ideas for you from small businesses, entrepreneurs and Etsy shops that could use your business now more than ever. We hope you celebrate your first, big anniversary milestone by shopping small.