by: 
A co-worker recently asked me if I could write a blog post about what to do for 1st wedding anniversaries. His is quickly approaching and he needs some ideas. First anniversaries are definitely important! Most couples are naturally challenged throughout that first year~ getting used to being accountable to each other, their quirks, habits, the fact that they consistently leave their dirty socks next to the hamper (sorry, I digress).
Traditionally, PAPER is the first anniversary gift. Recall my post on romancing your mate. Before you buy, make, or design a gift, make sure you have their likes, desires, and passions in mind. Then the gift is really about that person...
Let's move on to Romantic Gestures and Fun paper gifting ideas:
1. A Paper theme: Literally, leave a paper trail for your mate all throughout the day. Start with a note in the morning. Just as the smile is beginning to fade, they find the paper surprise you tucked into their lunch bag (i.e. paperback, miniature photo album, another note, card). At the end of the day, ask that they pick up the mail~ only to discover something tucked in there as well. Next, imagine them approaching the front door to find a sign/poster on it, alluding to something inside... Upon entering the house, they stumble upon a trail of little wrapped gifts, "love" words on pieces of paper or even something elaborate like~ hand-made origima origami designs (use a kids kit for easy learning). The final gift is left up to your imagination and could easily include any of the following:
2. Tickets: You can buy tickets to just about anything: events of all kinds, movies, plays, weekend getaways...Here in Minnesota, you can buy tickets to board a river cruise on the gorgeous St. Croix River or take a dinner train tour. If river cruises are less than exciting, look into other activities i.e. sailing, bungee jumping, canoeing....
3. Gift Certificates: day of pampering, massage, bookstores...
4. Take out an ad in the local newspaper! Proclaim your love to all who will read it. That would really make a fun keepsake!
5. The Ultimate Love Letter!
6. The Real Deal Gift: Offer a drawing, picture, or subscription to a much coveted item of theirs and then later~ present the real deal gift. For instance, give them a subscription to a classic car magazine only to take them out to the garage and watch their mouths drop when they see the real corvette sitting in the garage. (OK, an extreme example but I trust you understand the point). The gifts can be as simple or as extravagant as you like. A simpler example would be a picture of an exotic bird. The real deal gift would be the actual bird (one that you can buy from a local pet store) or simply, a beautiful birdhouse already set up in the backyard.
Let's give my co-worker some more ideas... Thoughts?
