Mixtape
I know, what year is it? Yet the mixtape is something that has stood the test of time. Whether it takes the form of a playlist, a CD, or an actual cassette this gift is a must at some point in your relationship. The old school aspect of choosing songs that remind you of your significant other is something that is so intimate and fun to do! I can think of no better way to express your love on the day of your anniversary than playing tracks that you can both swoon over.
Use Your Craft
If you are an artist, an anniversary gift is a chance to showcase your talent! It can be in the form of writing, music, or illustrations to flood your significant other with. They'll love that not only are you practicing your craft but you're using it in a way to showcase your feelings for them. My significant other says that one of the most thoughtful anniversary gifts I gave him was a poem I wrote about us and that only pushes me to practice my craft even more! This is one of the best homemade anniversary gifts you can give!
Dinner
For those of us who are masters of cooking, here is your chance to put those skills to use! Not only does it cost less than a fancy dinner out, you can add personal touches to your own anniversary dinner. They'll love that you made their favorite entree or set the mood with candles everywhere. It takes an incredible amount of effort to prepare a dinner for your significant other so be prepared for all the work. Remember to have them clean the dishes if you make the dinner!
Dessert
On the other hand, maybe your talents are in baking sweet treats. You can use an anniversary to try out a new recipe or indulge in all your favorite cakes! This also works incredibly well if you are celebrating your first anniversary and want to keep things lowkey. Desserts are a simple gift you can get done in no time. You can never go wrong with baking for an anniversary gift and you can do it all in the comfort of your home. No more store bought dry cupcakes for you two! They'll love these homemade anniversary gifts!
See Also
Make That Card
Break out that construction paper you kept all these years and make them an anniversary card. Cut out some hearts, make it multiple layers, and use those Crayola markers you haven't looked at since grade school. Whether you're on a budget or you just want something a little more heartfelt, there is nothing sincerer than making a homemade card and writing out your feelings. They will love it even if it is a little lopsided!
For & From
I always like to include a “for” and “from” page…just so there’s no confusion! (Tee hee.)
Blank Pages
I also included 2 blank pages for a personalized note with mention of the year and occasion. That keeps things crystal clear for when our brains inevitably get foggy. #sadbuttrue
A to Z!
Then, there’s a page for each letter of the alphabet, from A…
…to Z…
…and in between!
Tips For Making Your Own:
Tip #1: Print in High Quality on Cardstock
Be sure to print using your printer’s highest quality photo settings, that way your colors will be more vibrant and the lines more crisp. I also recommend using white cardstock to help the mini-book stand the test of time (with all those page flips).
Tip #2: Write a Rough Draft
So, before I filled out my A to Z mini-cards, I actually wrote out the letters A to Z down the side of a piece of paper, and I drafted out the text for each letter. I jumped around as new ideas came to me…I made edits and changes. This set me up for success when writing out my affirmations on the mini pages themselves for the “final draft.” I didn’t need to reprint even one page!
Tip #3: Be Specific & Write with Voice
As you write, challenge yourself to be specific in your affirmations; that way, they will hold even more weight with your recipient. Also, don’t hold back from allowing your natural writer’s voice to shine through. This is the perfect opportunity to be personal and lighthearted.
Here’s a potential example for the letter “T.” (Or “C” depending on how you think of it.)
“Top Chef: Thank you for making such yummy hot breakfasts on the weekends.”
Now, here’s take 2 with added details and voice.
“Top Chef: You know the way to my heart with your southwestern omelets on Saturday mornings. Mmm good!”
Did you catch that specificity? And the more conversational tone? These slight adjustments can make a world of difference as your recipient reads through the mini-book for the first time, experiencing their “attack-hug” to the max!
Tip #4: How to Deal with that Pesky Letter “X”
Feel free to “bend” the rules a little bit when it comes to tricky letters…like “X” for example. You might do what I did and choose a word that almost start with the letter “X.” Such as:
• eXcitable
• eXuberant
• eXpressive
• eXpert
• eXtraordinary
• eXplorer
• eXpedient
• fleXible
UPDATE: Tip #5: How to Deal with that Pesky Letter “Q”
I actually am adding this one in since several have reported struggles with this letter, and it’s true – – it’s not easy. I actually used “Quick” for mine, as in “Quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness.” Here are some other “Q” words to get you started:
• Quick to _______
• Quick witted
• Quirky
• Quiet
• Quite _______
• Questioning (can be a great quality1)
• Quality
• eloQuent
• eQuable (calm; not easily angered)
• inQuisitive
• uniQue
Tip #6: Assembly & Binding
Cut and hole-punch each mini-card, then carefully place them in order with any additional dedication or personalized pages where you want them. Then you can *bind the book together using a binder ring like I did or even some twine or ribbon. I have become so obsessed with mini-books, that I just keep a collection of binder rings in my craft storage at all times. For realz.
Tip #7: Consider Adding Divider Pages
If you want to fatten up your mini-book even more, you can add divider pages in between each of your cardstock pages using pretty scrapbook paper. Or your divider pages might include photos of your recipient or the two of you together.
Bottom line: you are going to make someone’s day, week, month, year with this gift!
Grab the Printable
If you have a loved one who would appreciate a barrage of love in the form of a “What I Love About You From A to Z” mini-book, there are two different ways for you to get your hands on this printable.
eBook with 11 Printables:
More Mini-Book Goodness
To Close
So, friends, before I sign off, I just want to give you some food for thought. Whether it’s with a “What I Love About You from A to Z” gift or a surprise note on the kitchen counter, ask yourself:
How can I share specific affirmations to lavish love upon the people in my life?
Let that sink in.
Then, go forth and lavish away! Not only will your loved ones be blessed, but you’ll experience the overwhelming joy that comes from leading a life of giving.
*Full Disclosure:
More Inspiration
LaurenGreetings, friend! I’m Lauren – girl-mom, theatre geek, Jesus-follower, & pun-lover. And I’m thrilled to welcome you to my cozy corner of the internet, The Thinking Closet. Here, my passions for creative projects & soul-rest come together to inspire you to believe in your enough-ness so you can life the life for which you were made. Won’t you grab a yummy drink and stay a while?
Can I order the actual printed cards to be mailed to me
I'm sorry, I don't provide that service. But hopefully you can find access to a printer to do that yourself. Best of luck!
What's a word for y for a mom?
Y: youthful, young, yours… You can also do other adjectives that END in Y… like funny, happy, dreamy, etc.
You are such an inspiration! Thank you!
Aw, thanks, Mama!
I am in the middle of making one and can’t think of U or V words!!! HELP!
just purchased the little book! It is so cute and perfect for Christmas:) I think my boyfriend will really love it!
Thank you Lauren and lots of love from Germany!
I'm so happy to hear that! You are so welcome, Irene. Sending love back!
This is brilliant and definitely on my “to-do” list. Thanks for sharing Lauren.
Lauren,
I absolutely love this! It is my one year anniversary with my boyfriend soon and I know he would appreciate this. Quick question…for those of us with TERRIBLE handwriting, is there a way to type it out on the printable document, or just go with he loves me even if my handwriting is awful? Thanks again!
Unfortunately, the document isn't set up for you to be able to type within it…but you could type out your responses on a separate paper and glue them in? Or perhaps commission a friend with handwriting you enjoy to write out your text? Or better yet, I like your suggestion! He loves you even if your handwriting is “awful.” Which I'm sure it's not! Hope that helps!
Lauren,
Is it $1 for all 26 pages?
Thank you
Candy
You've got it!
WoW! That gift is so amazing and very unique. It actually shows that you took your time to create it for your spouse and I know mine will love it. Now I can't wait for the day to come.Thank you so so much!!!!!
I LOVE this! I'm a homeschooler of a kindergartener (and a 6th-grader), so of course this made me think of my kiddos! My hubby and I are going to make each of them one of these for Valentine's Day. We think it's a great way to affirm who God made them to be! Thanks so much for sharing/offering this!
This is such a thoughtful gift, Lauren! I really love how it teaches us to be thankful and appreciative towards the ones we love. It's so easy to take one another for granted, and a simple reminder of the character qualities that made us fall in love in the first place can make a big difference. I can't wait to fill mine out for Joseph! 🙂
Love this! But you knew I'd say that, right? And thanks for the help in thinking up words with the letter ‘x'…I was trying to think of something having to do with xylophones and x-rays and it was just not working. 😉 Have a great weekend! Pinning and sharing this! 🙂
Wow Lauren .. you've done it again! What a fabulous idea, especially right before Valentines Day when we want to express our love to our Spouse in a new and unique way! I'm actually working on ‘my alphabet list' now and hope to surprise Dad with one of these babies! Great inspiration!
Lauren you are so sweet! I know Mark must have been blown away by this thoughtful gift. There are several people that I know would love this gift and I'm so excited that it's small enough to mail. Sending you hugs and thanks so much for the idea! Coco
Oh Lauren! You have done it again! What a fabulous idea! I am going to make one of these for sure. I love that it is such a simple design but really great for those boys who don't do ‘faff'! haha! I think I may have to take your advice and cheat a little on the ‘X' though…and maybe the ‘Q' but I will have to see how creative I can get! Super fun Lauren, as ever! Thank you so much for sharing lovely 😀
I just thought of something for X…
“XOXO I love your hugs and kisses!”
Ha ha. That's so clever! “eXcellently done!”
Your honeymoon is approaching and you aren’t sure what to get your hubby… Expressing your love in the form of a gift can be tricky. The best (and fortunately most affordable) way to show your partner how much you care about him/her is by taking the time to think of and create a homemade anniversary gift. While some people like to stick with more traditional gifts for the first wedding anniversary, these anniversary gifts are perfect for every year after. Take the time to show your love with these creative DIY anniversary gifts.
One~ Admiration Reminders
To remind your honey how much love you feel for him/her, scatter the house with a bunch of nicely decorated notes. On each note, write something you love about him/her. To make it even more personal, write each note on the back of a different photograph you had printed. You can print pictures at any Walgreens or CVS.
Two~ Sweet Puns
Puns are a great way to make people laugh, especially for partners with somewhat cheesy and witty humor. Pair a sweet treat with a funny pun. You could make his or her favorite dessert with a nicely decorated note that says you think he or she is the "sweetest", or make a collection of his/her favorite candies with a note that says you "love him/her to pieces".
Three~ Love Every Day
Some of the best creative gifts come from adding a twist on everyday objects. Buy a 7-day pillbox and in each slot, place a few pieces of candy and a small note with something you love about your partner. This gift symbolizes that although today is your special day, you love him/her every day of the week. If the pillbox is large enough, you can also exchange the candies for small personal gifts that mean something to the both of you.
Four~ 52 Reasons I Choose You
Five~ Boudoir Shoot
Boudoir shoots aren’t for everyone, but if you didn’t do one for your wedding, you should consider whether you want a boudoir shoot now. Keep in mind that although typically women in these shoots pose in lingerie or undergarments, you can choose to do your shoot in your/his favorite jersey or an oversized shirt/sweater. If you choose to do a boudoir shoot, get your album printed by professionals who know the importance of top quality printing. Create a BrideBox Boudoir Album that you can customize and design to make look exactly the way you want it.
Six~ His and Her Mugs
If you want to opt for a practical and reusable anniversary present, consider making his and her coffee mugs with something personal and relevant written on each mug. This can be anything from a personal joke to general tasks you hold around the house to your nicknames for one another. This present is especially great for coffee and tea lovers.
Seven~ Indoor Outdoor Adventures
There are all sorts of ways to bring fun outdoor activities into the comfort of your own home. If you are nature-lovers living in a city, summer outdoors lovers in a cold winter or just plain busy with work, bring the fun to your home with an indoor picnic. Surprise your hubby with an indoor picnic. Lay out a blanket in your living room with wine and candles and collect or buy flower petals and leaves to spread around you. Bring your favorite picnic snacks (cheese, crackers, fruit, etc). If you are big on camping, you alternatively set up a tent in your living room with an electric camp light and use Christmas lights do create the illusion of stars (or buy glow-in-the-dark stars and stick them along the tent walls). If you choose to do the indoor camping surprise, prepare s’mores ahead of time (since you can’t light a real fire inside) and put them on a plate covered in tinfoil in the tent.
Eight~ Morning Message
Start the day off right with a morning surprise… sneak into his/her car in the morning before work and in the driver’s seat leave a joke book to get him/her through the work day, a favorite snack and a love letter. If you struggle writing a sweet love letter, instead write an anniversary note with a romantic quote.
Nine~ Pre-Planned Dates
To keep the romance going all year, create 12 creative and romantic date itinerary/ideas for the two of you. Put each date in one folder, seal it shut, and mark it with a month. Start the first date on your anniversary and continue going through these activities, one day a month until your next anniversary. This thoughtful gift is long lasting and incredibly romantic. For inspiration on date ideas, check out our date night ideas to keep the spark going.
Ten~ The Fight Jar
For this sweet gift, you will need to buy a jar and some notepaper. Create a bunch of little notes with memories you have together—whether they’re romantic Valentine’s Day nights or rough things you’ve gotten through together—and with things that you love about him/her. You can also include some printed photos. Fill the jar with these sentiments and decorate it. On the outside of the jar, write a note that explains that for every fight you have or any day that he/she is feeling sad, he/she can pluck one note out as a reminder of the love you share.
Eleven~ Photo Jar
While this gift also includes a jar, the idea is much different. You will need a Mason jar, vegetable oil, your favorite photography (or 3) of you and your hubby and a dried flower (optional). You should get your photograph printed on real photo paper, which you can do at a CVS or Walgreens. Put the photo inside of the mason jar with the picture facing out. Then fill the jar with vegetable oil and the dried flower. Close the lid tightly. You have now created a photo capsule with a vintage look that will last you a long time. You can use this gift as decoration in the kitchen, living room or bedroom.
Twelve~ Special Gift Basket
Thirteen~ Dinner Surprise
Go for a classic wedding anniversary present with a dinner surprise. Make your love’s favorite dinner meal along with a special chocolate covered fruit dessert. Decorate the table with flower pedals or cut out hearts, a candle or two, and a love letter. Pick a romantic play list with your favorite classical, oldies or acoustic music to have playing in the background.
Fourteen~ Massage Treat
Surprise your sweetheart with a gift he/she is bound to enjoy… a romantic massage! Create a calm ambiance in your bedroom with relaxing music, candlelight and massage oil. Give him a thorough massage (look up tips online if you need to) and don’t skimp out on digging into those back muscles… it will be especially relaxing if the massage actually undoes some knots! If you’re unsure about music choice, check out these classic anniversary songs.
Fifteen~ A Photo Album
There’s nothing more romantic than reliving your most intimate days together… create a photo album with pictures of adventures you have gone on, your favorite pictures of your partner and of course, pictures from your wedding. This gift is great for preserving memories forever in high quality. You can customize the album to be as simple or artsy as you would like. Get started with your photographer-quality photo album here.
Celebrating your anniversary is an important part of your relationship because it symbolizes taking time to celebrate yourselves and each other. Romantic surprises and dates are a great way to keep the spark going and remind your hubby how much you love him every single day. Pick your favorite homemade present and put in all you can to show the effort and time you are willing to and want to put in just to see a smile on his face.
15 of the Best Homemade Anniversary Gifts
Finding the perfect gift can be tricky but it's an important part of a relationship. Take the time to show your love with these DIY anniversary gifts.
BrideBox Wedding Albums