25 Creative 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For Parents or Each Other
Being married for nearly half a century is a huge accomplishment! To celebrate forty years of marriage, why not get an amazing gift that will really wow your partner?
The traditional gift theme for 40th anniversary gifts is ruby. However, you don’t have to go out and purchase a giant rosy gem (of course, go for it if you want to!). There are plenty of ruby-colored and themed gifts that would make amazing anniversary gifts.
Or you can choose something unrelated to ruby anniversary gifts entirely, and opt for a special item that nails your spouse’s interest and personality instead!
Whether you’re looking for traditional, out-of-the-box, or an awesome blend of both, these 40th anniversary gifts are sure to make the occasion a happy one!
What Are the Traditional & Modern Gifts?
If you’ve been together for four decades, you’re probably well aware that each anniversary has a modern and traditional gift. The traditional gifts usually have some wise take on what each marriage milestone should mean for the couple. Modern gifts similarly have meanings behind them but tend to be a bit more practical and often more affordable. Not that your partner isn’t worth it, but not everyone has thousands of dollars to drop on a ruby that likely costs $225,000 per carat!
The traditional fortieth anniversary gift of ruby symbolizes loyal devotion, as well as passion and romance. To represent these ideas, you could give your partner ruby jewelry or something with a ruby-colored hue.
The modern fortieth anniversary gift is gladiolus. These brightly colored flowers represent beauty, strength, generosity, and loyalty. There are lots of gladioli-themed gift options, or you could simply present a striking gladioli bouquet studded with ruby red roses! Then you have all your bases covered.
Looking for some traditional and modern anniversary gift ideas, as well as some options that are a little more unique? Right this way!
40th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her
1. Ruby Earrings
by Blue Nile
While a ruby ring may be classic, we are swooning over how modern and chic these ruby tower earrings are! Delicate little drops featuring rubies of increasing size are crafted from 14k white gold and sparkling diamonds. These earrings are the perfect 40th anniversary gift idea if you want to show her your love and devotion in a big way.
2. Ceramic Necklace
by Etsy: CurryWilkPottery
Thinking about going the more modern route? This demure and subtle necklace beautifully displays the golden outline of gladiolus imprinted on a petite ceramic disk. Each flower is drawn by hand in real 22k gold, making each necklace one-of-a-kind – just like your spouse!
3. Ruby Necklace
by Blue Nile
Despite their jaw-dropping per-carat range, rubies don’t have to be out of reach as a 40th wedding anniversary gift – this dainty ruby necklace is proof of that!
A round ruby gem is framed by a floral design, created from micro pavé diamonds and 14k yellow gold. It certainly gives off vintage vibes and is a dazzling way to combine both the old and the new themes, rubies and flowers.
4. Ruby Perfume
by Michael Kors
Red is the color of romance, which is appropriate for the occasion! Michael Kors Sexy Ruby perfume has punch notes of apricot and raspberry alongside sensual scents of jasmine, rose, and vanilla, and is topped off with musky hints of amber and cashmere. Talk about keeping the passion alive after forty years!
5. Gladiolus Flowers Painting
by Etsy: MichelleMospens
For the woman who has everything, this pretty painting just may be the perfect gift! Three lovely little gladiolus stalks are painted in cheery hues of pink and yellow. The watercolor paints on the textural paper give this floral painting a whimsical and bohemian feel.
You can choose from a variety of sizes so she can have a gorgeous stand-alone piece or use it as a sentimental addition to her gallery wall.
6. Ceramic Candle
This sensuous ruby ceramic jar candle would be a lovely addition to a night of celebrating forty years of marriage. The rosy art-deco jar is filled with palm wax infused with orange, goji berry, and mango fragrances.
Place it on the edge of a tub filled with bubbles and rose petals, and you’ve instantly created the perfect ambiance for an anniversary celebration just for two.
7. Handbag
by Gucci
If it’s called a handbag and not a purse, you know it’s fancy! Which this striking ruby red bag totally is. She can make a statement by adding this luxury leather bag to any outfit. The medium tote size is perfect for carrying all her essentials. This handbag says “I love you”, and we’re sure she will say “I love IT!” in return.
8. Flowers
by Bouqs
You can’t go wrong with flowers. Whether they’re an add-on in addition to the gift or they are the whole shebang, a bouquet by Bouqs is a must. We personally recommend the “Always” or “Flamenco” bunches of red roses, or the ruby and pink-hued “Romantique” arrangement.
40th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him
9. Sundial
by Etsy: TheMetalFoundry
Here’s to forty years and forty more. This sundial is a wonderful way to show him you believe your marriage will stand the test of time.
Each tabletop sundial is expertly crafted from solid brass and then painted with ruby red paint on the face. It can be customized to include your wedding date and the current year as well as the phrase “Happy Anniversary, 40 Wonderful Years Together, Ruby Wedding Anniversary”.
10. Watch
by No products found.
Oh, baby, this watch is a stunner. Your guy will certainly get a lot of comments on this ruby red Michael Kors watch, and he can lovingly reply that it was an anniversary present from his adoring wife. Made of stainless steel with a mineral crystal face and a quartz movement, this tamale-colored watch is hot, hot, hot.
11. Cufflinks (Splurge!)
After forty years, you probably have permission to splurge a little bit on one another. 18k yellow gold ruby rose cufflinks by Dolce & Gabbana certainly qualify as an extravagant wedding anniversary gift. The delicate green leaves offset the intricate golden-tipped red rose petals perfectly.
Alternatively, you could opt for a handsome but more affordable pair, such as these sleek ruby and silver cufflinks. They’re modern, attractive, and work well with any shirt.
12. Silk Necktie
by Saks: Charvet
Speaking of shirts, every guy needs a necktie. How about adding this rich ruby silk tie to his collection? The deep red color is gorgeous and the 100% silk construction is soft and elegant. He will look like a million bucks on your 40th wedding anniversary dinner date!
13. Fountain Pen
by Parker
He can use this for all those love letters he should be writing! A fountain pen is a timeless gift and we love the beauty and durability of this one by Parker. The red lacquer and gold trim give the exterior a polished look while the medium nib and quality ink inside make for a supremely smooth writing experience. It includes a fancy box, so all you need is wrapping paper!
14. Red Leather Journal
by Leatherology
Full-grain leather in a cheery red color is sure to make writing notes, letters, or his feelings a happy experience. The ruby hue will remind him of your enduring love each time he cracks open the cover. Inside he’ll find 130 perforated and ruled pages, excellent for keeping track of his honey-do lists!
15. Versace Cologne
by Saks: Versace
We love this cologne, from the alluring bottle right down to the sultry scent within. It is said to symbolize the dignity of love with notes of Chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, patchouli, and vetiver. Flame by Versace is captivating, passionate, and confident in its aroma, and is sure to be a scent he’ll love!
40th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Either
16. Custom Photo Art
by Minted
After forty years together, it is probably safe to say that you have a lot of photos. Customize those cherished memories into a custom print of the number forty made from your collaged images! You can select your favorite moments from the course of your marriage to have beautifully printed and framed in an artwork size of your choosing.
17. Custom Anniversary Poster
by Etsy: DarmellaGraphics
We love how authentic and crafty this personalized poster is. It is the perfect homage to your love and displays the result of that love in a really fun way!
Add your kids, your pets, trips you have gone on, and all sorts of stats. You can even select your size, color scheme, and background. This is such a sentimental 40th wedding anniversary gift!
18. NYT Custom Anniversary Book
The New York Times does a lot of custom books and they’re always breathtaking. This customized anniversary book contains every NYT front page from the moment you said “I do” until your most recently celebrated anniversary.
Gaze back on the moments that occurred over your forty years together and recall all the history you lived together. There are sure to be many happy times, with maybe a few sad times, but in all, these were the events that made you grow closer and stronger in love.
19. Red Wine & Wine Glasses
by HomeWetBar
You know we couldn’t pass up a wonderful red wine for the ruby anniversary. Champagne is overrated, anyway.
Choose your favorite crimson bottle, pop the top, and get your anniversary celebration started! This set of four personalized goblets is a must-have accessory when the vino is flowing. Crafted from lead-free glass and etched with your name and wedding year, they’re a sweet way to cheers to forty years!
20. Red Velvet Chair
by Wayfair: Etta Avenue
Add a splash of color to your home with this delightful velvet chair in the color of love itself! It’s glamorous, luxurious, and did we mention red velvet?
The golden flared legs add the perfect touch of sparkle while its contemporary, mid-century modern form allows it to complement a variety of home designs. How lovely would two of these look side by side in front of a modern fireplace? Perfect for cozying up in the evening and enjoying each other’s company.
21. Cashmere Throw Blanket
Speaking of cozy, why not cuddle up under this luxe cashmere throw?
Make an evening at home on the couch just a bit more special by enveloping yourselves in this exquisitely soft blanket, made of cashmere sourced directly from Inner Mongolia. This large throw is roomy enough for two, and we think you’ll love the flirty fringe outline!
22. Silicone Rings
by Enso
Silicone rings have become all the rage. If you’re wanting to go the jewelry route, but need something a little more durable and also less expensive than a ruby, a silicone ring is just the ticket!
Of course, you can get it made in any color or pattern of ruby hues that you desire. These rings are so comfortable and stylish that you both will never want to take them off!
23. Dutch Oven
by Le Creuset
Ready to heat things up? In the kitchen, I mean.
Ignite your passions with a rosy red Dutch Oven and cook up a few aphrodisiacs, like oysters, braised lamb, or chocolate Brigadeiros! Forty years of marriage can result in cooking the same dishes over and over. It’s time to spice things up, and this must-have cooking accessory will surely help.
24. Ruby Rug
by West Elm
We love the exquisite detail of this West Elm rug. Much like your marriage, it is multi-faceted and complex, but also brilliantly beautiful. Deep blues pair with ruby tones and are offset by a neutral cream color. With multiple size options to choose from, it would make a lovely addition to any room in your home.
25. Cutting Board or Butcher Block
A cutting board is a fantastic gift, but if one of you always does the cooking, the board alone can feel a little blasé.
The trick is to choose a knock-out cutting block and pair it with a fun cooking lesson, either virtually or in person! You two will have a blast learning something new together, while merrily chopping away on your personalized and engraved anniversary cutting board or customized imprinted butcher block.
Cheers to Forty Years
There is a ruby-themed gift out there for your loved one, no matter their taste, personality, or style! From traditional gemstone items to modern floral presents, we’re positive you can find the perfect gift to celebrate forty years of wedded bliss.
You’ve spent nearly half a century together – now’s not the time to let your grand gestures of love fall to the wayside. Show him or her how much you still care with a touch of fiery ruby red flare!
Megan Moore
Megan’s wedding experience began over a decade ago when planning her dream ceremony. Since then, three kids have been added to the mix. Megan wholeheartedly embraces all things baby, childhood, and family. When she isn’t writing or chasing little ones you can find her running, hiking, or reading.
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