I love traditions — creating new ones and following time honored ones. And while not every longstanding family or cultural tradition always make sense to follow, many are still very sweet and relevant.

Take for instance, the practice of giving a particular item according to each anniversary year: paper for the first year, cotton for the second, leather for the third, and so on. I love the idea of playing off of the particular year’s theme in a creative way that honors the tradition itself, but reflects the style of the recipient and the thoughtfulness of the giver, as well.

I came across this beautifully bound book of love poems from Smythson recently, which I think would be an absolutely stunning gift for a first anniversary (paper). It could be paired with another gift or just as easily be given just on its own.

Smythson Love Letters book