Best Ideas for Eco-Friendly Presents for Your First Anniversary

The anniversary gift you give your partner embodies that hope, so putting some thought into that gift makes your future with them a more likely one. If you and your partner are ecologically conscious people, then choosing an eco-friendly gift is also a great way to show that you care about the future of the planet you will be living on.

Traditionally the theme for the first wedding anniversary is paper, which provides many options for eco-friendly gifts. A newer version of this tradition uses clocks or watches as a replacement theme that is designed to be more in line with our modern technological world. These tend to be a little less eco-friendly, but you can still find ways to use them as gifts while helping reduce the strain on the planet.

There are many opportunities for interesting presents with both of these themes, so choose whichever one suits you best. Paper has the advantage of allowing for cheaper presents to suit tighter budgets, but if you want to spend a little more, then an attractive timepiece is a great option for your gift-giving. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly presents that match both of these themes.

Buy tickets for a trip or event that you can share with your partner

Tickets are a great way to utilize the eco-friendly paper theme while giving your partner some memories to cherish. Buy a ticket for an electric train ride to a park or to the country-side where you can share the joy of nature with your partner. Get a ticket to an open-air movie by an independent film-maker. There are many potential ideas for trips and events that can help you appreciate the environment while also strengthening your relationship bond.

Craft or buy a paper origami sculpture

For a more creative present, you can use some recycled paper to make an origami sculpture. Try to pick a theme for the sculpture that you think will resonate with your partner. Maybe they have a favorite animal or childhood pet you could base the sculpture on? Once you have worked out what you want the origami to represent, try to find a guide online that provides the information you need to craft it.

If you feel that you don't have the skill or time to craft the sculpture yourself, then you can try to find something pre-made or made-to-order on various craft and micro-work gig websites.

Write poetry expressing your feelings towards your partner

If you prefer something more personalized and heartfelt, then try writing a poem onto recycled paper. You can also use organic vegetable ink, or ink created from recycled materials. If your calligraphy skills aren't up to the task of writing the poem down without making a mess of it, then look for someone online who will do the work of putting your words onto paper.

Print out and frame any photographs you have of your first year with your partner

Over the first year of your relationship, you have probably taken many photos that have emotional significance for both you and your partner. Try going through your photos, and find any that have special meaning. You can get these printed out onto recycled paper, and put them into a wooden frame for a memorable eco-friendly gift that will remind your partner of the fun times you have had together during the past year.

Buy your partner a beautiful watch that incorporates synthetic diamonds and similar eco-friendly gems.

Diamonds used as decoration and as materials in watches and jewelry are often what is known as 'conflict diamonds'. These are mined by unscrupulous companies in ways that often add to the ongoing conflicts in the regions that the diamonds are mined from. By using synthetic diamonds for watch decorations you avoid adding to the conflicts caused by diamond mining. Since mining also tends to ruin the land that the mining takes place on these synthetic diamonds are a great way to give an attractive diamond watch as a gift without contributing to the destruction of the natural environment.

There are lots of ways to make your first anniversary memorable, while also being ecologically conscious about the gift you give your partner. These are just a few of the many possible ideas. Remember that you are not restricted to the paper and clock themes, and you can also give gifts that merge both of these themes. Maybe you could give a synthetic diamond watch as a present, and wrap it in an origami sculpture to give your partner a fun surprise? Use your imagination, and try to make your anniversary gift something that your partner will cherish.