A couple's first wedding anniversary signifies a milestone, celebrating a coming of age of sorts. Getting through the first year is sometimes said to be toughest as spouses learn to adjust with each other's habits and find out traits not revealed during courtship.

To match this achievement, anniversary gifts must be well-thought out and celebrate union. They don't have to be overpriced as uniqueness is cherished more than cost. If there's a couple whose anniversary is around the corner and you're lacking for gift ideas, try out some of these ideas.

Paper is ideally what should be gifted to couples for their first anniversary. You can choose to give any other item but we'll stick with paper products.

A portrait: Get a portrait made for the happy couple. A pencil or graphite sketch is a great idea but if you have a large budget, an oil or watercolor painting is the best. Make sure you approach an artist who's skilled in portraiture whether you want it rendered in pop art, impressionism or any of the other art styles.

Theater tickets: Tickets to a play, musical show or a movie are always appreciated. Find out the couple's taste in entertainment and book tickets well in advance for premier seats. Don't book for the day of the anniversary in case they plan a celebration. A day or two after the festivities is a better idea.

Books: Book-loving couples are easy to shop for because you know they'll appreciate works by their favorite authors. If can afford to, purchase special editions containing extras of interviews, previously unprinted sections and so on.

Magazine subscription: Some magazines make better gifts because they're expensive to buy. A subscription to a loved mag will make a thoughtful gift and removes the hassle of making a purchase every month. High-end magazines also offer great freebie gifts along with subscriptions.

Papier mache: Professionally crafted papier mache products are amazingly finished and you won't even be able to tell they're made of paper. There's everything from figurines and boxes to bowls and mirrors. Just step into a gift store that sells hand-made products and you should find them or go online.

Monogrammed stationery: Email may have replaced the use of paper for communication but stationery is still a traditional paper gift. Get some custom designed by having the couples initials monogrammed and make a set.

Photo notepads: Get a modern take on a conventional photo album with a photo notepad. They're smaller, more charming and less formal. They also have the same capacity for photo storage as an ordinary album. You can personalize it by having the couple's names inscribed on the cover.

Personalized calendar: Companies that make personalized gifts may be able to create a custom calendar for a wedding anniversary. Instead of the usual landscape sceneries, use the couple's photos to create a beautiful spread.

A collage: Create a beautiful collage of the couple's wedding day. It's personal, appreciated and memorable. If you're all thumbs, you can get one made at an anniversary gift store or a studio.

Vacation tickets: For the ultimate in first anniversary gifts, present two plane tickets to a holiday destination. The couple can use the time to enjoy a second honeymoon. Even if it's just for the weekend, it's a thoughtful gesture and one that never fails to delight.