45th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas that are Unique and Heartfelt
If your 45th wedding anniversary is approaching, you deserve a huge congratulations! Being married for 45 years is no easy feat. Doing online research and using technology to read a virtual gift guide shouldn’t be overlooked either! 45 years ago you probably could’ve just cracked open a Sears catalog and mail-ordered your anniversary gift.
We applaud you for your commitment, both to your spouse and finding them the perfect anniversary gift to celebrate 45 years of matrimony.
If you’re shopping for your friends or parents anniversary, then make sure you let them know how incredible you think their accomplishment is – they deserve it!
Regardless of who is on the hunt for the anniversary present, this gift guide is packed with modern and traditional anniversary gifts that are sure to bring a smile to the happy couple’s faces.
What Are the Traditional & Modern Gifts?
Speaking of gifts, what are the traditional and modern 45th wedding anniversary gifts anyway? The answer is as simple as one word: sapphire. Traditional gift? Sapphire. Modern gift? Sapphire. Gem? Sapphire. Flower? Something blue…oh wait, what’s blue? A sapphire.
There’s basically no way you’re getting out of a sapphire-theme, sapphire-colored, sapphire-inspired gift. Or, you could, you know, just give them a sapphire…
What’s with the sapphire obsession, you may ask? For starters, this gem is often used as a symbol of longevity, especially with its deep blue color. This makes it a very fitting gift for a marriage that has lasted nearly five decades. Additionally, sapphires are symbolic of prosperity, peace, and beauty – all traits we would wish upon a marriage of 45 years.
As you may have guessed, a lot of these gifts have to do with sapphires. But don’t let that dissuade you! We thought outside the box and rounded up a lovely selection suitable for every spouse, parent, family member, or friend.
45th Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her
1. Sapphire Earrings
When it comes to anniversary presents for her, you typically can’t go wrong with jewelry, so we’ll start there.
These sapphire and diamond earrings from Blue Nile are absolutely breathtaking. Deep blue sapphire ovals are encircled by brilliant diamonds for a dainty but dazzling appearance.
We also adore these sapphire earrings that feature simple sapphire spheres attached to an elegant silver dangle. She’ll love the versatile, timeless style of these drop earrings.
2. Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
by Etsy: ChristianMint
We know plenty of ladies who would swoon over a tennis bracelet, and this blue sapphire stunner would probably make their year. Delicate sapphire cushions surround this feminine bracelet, set in your choice of silver, gold, or rose gold-hued rhodium or vermeil. Choose your size for a tailored fit.
3. Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
by Blue Nile
If your spouse is a necklace type of lady, she’ll appreciate this sentimental sapphire necklace. The cool blue pendant reflects the depths of your love while the diamond border offers the perfect touch of sparkle. It’s very elegant but also works incredibly well as an everyday accessory, making it the perfect wedding anniversary gift.
4. Sapphire Eternity Ring
by Blue Nile
We can’t move on from sapphire jewelry gift ideas without mentioning an eternity ring!
Eternity rings are growing in popularity as anniversary gifts, and we can see why. These stunning bands feature a continuous line of identically cut gemstones to represent the unending love your partner has for you. Swoon!
This incredible sapphire eternity ring from Blue Nile features an alternating pattern of round-cut sapphires and diamonds, set in a white gold band. This eternity ring, like your marriage, will stand the test of time and remind you every day of the love you have for your spouse.
5. Candle
by Saks: Baobab
Yes, we’ve found a sapphire-inspired candle! The sapphire pearls candle from Baobab includes a gorgeous hand-blown glass vase with delicate blue and white inlays. The huge candle has four wicks made of Egyptian cotton. When lit, its fresh and inspiring aroma carries notes of seaweed and myrtle that invoke the shores of the Mediterranean. This impressive candle has a burn time of 150 hours.
6. Flowers
by Bouqs
A bouquet of flowers, the standard anniversary offering. Bouqs has plenty of breathtaking blooms, some with hints of blue. Regardless of whether your flower arrangement features blue flora or not, she’ll adore any of their exquisite arrangements.
7. Glass Vase
by Nordstrom: LSA
Hand-blown glass in a distinctive form makes for a vase just as unique as she is. Its deep cobalt color would look striking with a vibrant bouquet of flowers. It also serves as an interesting art piece when displayed sans flowers. It’s perfect for the woman who loves fresh flowers in her home.
Just don’t make the mistake of gifting it empty!
8. Sunglasses
by Nordstrom: Tory Burch
Fashionable and functional? We love to see it! These square sunglasses give off vintage vibes perfect for creating a statement look. Their attractive tortoise coloring is understated but quite distinctive.
Style aside, they offer the best protection possible with their 100% UV-coated lenses that are even prescription compatible.
9. Blue Leather Tote Bag
by Leatherology
This bright blue bag is a stunner! It’s brilliant and bold, and did we mention big? This leather tote has space to hold all her necessities and more. Its comfortable strap, functional interior, and removable leather wristlet will be greatly appreciated.
We also love that it’s available for personalization, should you want to add a sentimental touch. If your wife has accumulated more than enough jewelry over the years, this is an excellent alternative gift for the sapphire wedding anniversary.
45th Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him
10. Watch
by Saks: Ferragamo
A gifts for him section wouldn’t be complete without a watch, the accessory of choice for most men.
We love this handsome watch that exudes sophistication without being too flashy. Crafted from gold and stainless steel, the durable band has a charming pattern. But it’s the rich sapphire quartz face that really makes it stand out. Of course, he’ll want to know the details – rest assured it’s water-resistant, has a chrono-movement, and is intricately Swiss-made.
11. Raw Sapphire Bracelet
by Etsy: DESERTDUSTMEN
Guys can appreciate a sapphire gem too. Jewelry isn’t just for ladies, after all.
This simple, natural bracelet is made from raw sapphires with a hue so blue they almost appear black. Silver spacers contrast pleasantly with their rich color. It is minimalistic with lovely bohemian vibes for the laid-back guy who enjoys sporting a bracelet now and again.
12. Gin Cufflinks
by Etsy: Glassoholics
“Eye-catching” is the adjective that comes to mind when we gaze upon these vibrant cerulean cufflinks. Each is made from a recycled Bombay Sapphire glass bottle, perfect for the gin connoisseur. They’re fitted on a silver plated bezel and post that complements the matte tumbled glass very well. From day job to date night, your spouse will love wearing these “sleeve buttons” – they’re quite the conversation piece.
13. Silicone Ring
by Enso Rings
If your husband sways more towards practical jewelry rather than pretty, he will likely appreciate this silicone ring as a sapphire anniversary gift. It’s durable, comfortable, and well-suited to all types of lifestyles. It comes in an astonishing number of colors (of course, sapphire is one of them). Select your width and size, then present him with a ring he’ll never want to take off!
14. Sundial
Ideal for his home or office desk, this sundial is a wonderful representation of how your marriage has stood the test of time. Its sleek gold edging sets off the sapphire-colored face. Modern yet timeless, it is a gift that will never go out of style.
To set it apart from standard sundials, the face is inscribed with a lovely anniversary message.
15. Fountain Pen
by Waterman
A staple in every man’s pocket, we believe this fountain pen will quickly become his new favorite. From its sleek design to its smooth writing, this is one practical gift he will love to use time and again.
You can choose from a ballpoint, rollerball, or traditional fountain pen tip, then customize the pen with gold or silver trim. It’s made and assembled in France and delivered in a very fitting sapphire blue box.
16. Sterling Silver Tie Clip with Blue Sapphire
by Etsy: SilverSculptor
Tie clips and tie bars are essential if your guy likes to have a neat and sophisticated appearance. We love how this minimalistic tie bar, outfitted with a blue sapphire, will effortlessly match nearly every color and pattern. Its silver finish can be left shiny or matte, and it can be personalized with a sentimental engraving.
17. Silk Tie
by Saks: Charvet
He just might need a new tie to go with that tie pin. Might we suggest this sapphire silk tie (that even sounds luxurious)? Opulent silk printed with a two-tone jacquard pattern won’t look out of place in either the ballroom or the boardroom. Every time you help him put on and straighten this tie, he’ll fondly recall your forty-five years of love and laughter.
45th Anniversary Gifts For Either
18. Luggage Set
by Samsonite
Women and men alike will appreciate this durable luggage set. Its strong yet sleek sapphire exterior means it can not only hold up to rough handling, but it will stand out at baggage claim, too!
The set comes with three pieces of luggage, including a standard carry-on. Each one has easy-roll wheels and a helpful handlebar. Take on the world with your life partner by your side (and one of these luggage bags)!
19. Office Chair
by West Elm
Looking for a 45th anniversary gift idea that is more useful than blue flowers or precious stones?
A mid-century modern swivel chair is both comfortable and classy for the home office. Though, we hope you and your spouse spend most of your time enjoying each other instead of working these days. After forty-five years, you deserve it!
This chair has smooth-glide wheels, plush padding, and durable woven fabric in a rich sapphire blue hue, or your choice of 30+ other colors and fabrics.
20. Bombay Sapphire Gin
by Target
Bombay Sapphire seems like an obvious drink of choice for this marriage milestone. It’s a classic favorite and comes in a distinctive Caribbean blue bottle. Whether you’re saying cheers to forty-five years or fortifying yourself for another few decades together, this boozy beverage is a fitting anniversary gift.
21. Custom House Portrait
by Minted
How adorable is this custom house portrait? What a wonderful way to commemorate the life you both have created together.
Simply upload a photo of your house, be it current or your first family home, and the independent artists at Minted will create a custom line drawing. Printed in a color of your choosing (hint, hint: sapphire) and framed with your choice of materials, this is such a sweet and sentimental gift that should be hung in a place of honor in your home.
22. Now & Then Art Print
by Etsy: PicturePerfectByJG
Oh my goodness, this gift nearly had us in tears!
Perfect for the couple who has everything, treat them to a walk down memory lane courtesy of this now & then print. A smaller current photo is inset into a large photo from the couple’s wedding ceremony. It can be printed on canvas in a variety of sizes and in color or black and white.
It’s a truly unique piece of art that is bound to bring tears of joy upon its unveiling.
23. Soap Dispenser
by Etsy: LookingSharpCactus
After 45 years some couples don’t want or need anything fancy. Maybe they just want something practical.
Despite its practicality, this pick is perfect as one of our 45th anniversary gifts. A classic Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle is outfitted with a silver soap dispenser pump. It would look fantastic in a home bar or man cave!
24. Custom Cutting Board
by Etsy: BlueRidgeMountainCo
We’re deviating a little bit from the sapphire theme a little bit, but what can you do? Blue might simply be not for you!
Nevertheless, this cutting board is gorgeous. Choose your wood with stunning selections like maple or cherry; then it will be crafted and smoothed into a charming board. Add a personalization below the delightful 45th wedding anniversary design, and this cutting board just may be too pretty for use!
25. Sapphire Blue Notebook
by Moleskine
This budget-friendly gift is so great, you might as well purchase two, one for each of you!
This signature soft yet durable Moleskine notebook has been outfitted with a sapphire blue cover. Inside, the thick and luxurious lined pages offer ample space for keeping notes, writing down appointments, or even doodling.
Simple yet so well-designed, you’ll enjoy writing each other love letters in this notebook for years to come.
Love As Deep as the Depths of the Ocean
We’re utterly impressed with the commitment 45 years of marriage takes. This anniversary is no minute milestone, and as such, it warrants a gift equally as impressive.
We hope our gift guide has led you to a wonderful choice, be it for your wife, husband, parents, or friends! Remember, you can’t go wrong with anything sapphire, whose rich blue color represents love as enduring and deep as your marriage.