18 Thoughtful 40-Year Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Celebrating 40 years of marriage is a major milestone for any couple. Like all milestone anniversaries, there are a few specific gifts associated with a couple’s 40th wedding anniversary:

• Metal or gemstone: Ruby
• Traditional gift: Ruby
• Modern gift: Ruby
• Color: Ruby red
• Flower: Gladiolas or nasturtiums

As you can see, there’s a reason the 40th anniversary is titled the “ruby anniversary.” Rubies symbolize love, passion, and devotion, and the magnitude of this anniversary means this gemstone is recommended across the board for gift-givers.

Considering the significance of this anniversary, it’s crucial to choose the perfect gift. Whether shopping for your spouse, parents, or a close family friend, you can’t go wrong with these 18 thoughtful 40-year wedding anniversary gift ideas.

1. Antique cut glassware set

Antique-cut glassware is a high-end 40-year wedding anniversary gift that never goes out of style. You can purchase some stunning pieces that will look beautiful displayed in any home.

Consider gifting antique cut glassware featuring ruby elements, whether the glass itself is tinted a shade of ruby red or has ruby gemstones embedded in it.

2. Red love story photo book

Everyone loves a good love story, so why not use this anniversary gift opportunity to showcase your own? Incorporate the ruby red color theme to design a custom photo book that tells the story of your love over the past 40+ years.

Be forewarned: you may have just as much fun putting this gift together as you will seeing the reaction on your partner’s face when they open it. Get some inspiration for couples scrapbook ideas right here.

3. Luxury tennis bracelet

A luxury tennis bracelet makes a perfect 40-year anniversary gift for your wife. Especially since “ruby” is a key element of this 40-year anniversary milestone, incorporating this vibrant gemstone into a timeless jewelry piece like a tennis bracelet will be an incredibly meaningful choice.

4. Engraved locket

A locket is a beautiful way for your partner to keep your love close to their heart (literally). Consider gifting your spouse a customized, engraved locket for your 40th wedding anniversary. You can tuck a small photo inside—maybe from your wedding day—so they’ll always be able to keep the memory with them.

5. Elegant wine gift set

If you and your partner enjoy wine, an elegant wine glass set may be the perfect gift for your 40-year anniversary. Unlike some gifts on a shelf to be admired, you’ll be reminded of your love and commitment to each other every time you use them. Seek out wine glasses that feature ruby coloring or embedded gems to perfectly capture the 40-year theme.

6. Custom red couples watches

Another great wearable gift idea for your 40-year wedding anniversary is a custom ruby red watch. This makes a great 40-year anniversary gift for a husband or a set of red couples watches. That way, you both can keep time and share in this sweet gift together—just as you’ve shared in 40 years of marriage.

7. Red cookware and bakeware set

Does your partner love to cook or bake? Then maybe a ruby red set of cookware or bakeware is the perfect 40-year anniversary gift for them. Look to brands that sell high-end, colored enamel cookware (such as Le Creuset or Staub) for inspiration here.

8. Ruby red planters

Does your partner have a green thumb? Incorporate your wedding anniversary gift symbol into their passion with some ruby red planters they’ll see daily in your home. This is also one of our favorite affordable wedding anniversary gift ideas and can be tailored for any anniversary.

9. Decorative glass sculpture

If you and your partner appreciate art, a glass sculpture may be the perfect anniversary gift idea. Think back on key memories and moments throughout your marriage, and shop for a glass sculpture that represents something meaningful to both of you. Maybe you can integrate a secret ruby into the sculpture as well.

10. Ruby studded photo frame

A photo frame with a significant photo is one of those wedding anniversary gift ideas that never go out of style. To make this gift extra special, present the photo in a ruby-studded photo frame that honors your 40th anniversary.

11. Custom ruby cufflinks

Looking for an upscale gift item for your 40th wedding anniversary? A set of custom ruby cufflinks may be just the thing. Cufflinks embody a feeling of luxury and class, and incorporating the ruby theme of your 40 years of marriage will make this set truly unique.

12. Ruby forever rose

Flowers are beautiful, but unfortunately their lifespan is limited. This is why “forever roses”—real roses that are engineered to last for years—are a preferable option for anniversary gift-giving. Purchase a singular ruby red forever rose or a bouquet of ruby red forever roses to honor your anniversary and your love for your partner.

13. Embroidered throw blanket

Sometimes, the best gifts are the simplest ones. Go “cozy” with your 40-year wedding anniversary gift, a throw blanket​​ embroidered with your wedding anniversary date, or a simple “Happy Anniversary” message. Throw blankets also make a great gift for every milestone—anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and more.

14. Personalized bathrobe set

Another great cozy anniversary gift option? A personalized bathroom set. Treat your partner to everyday luxury with a comfy bathroom set, personalized with their name or initials embroidered in ruby red thread.

15. Ruby red perfume

Looking for an anniversary gift for your wife that she can wear every day? Consider a new perfume in a beautiful ruby red bottle. Word to the wise: Make sure you have an idea of the type of scent she prefers first. Otherwise, that beautiful perfume bottle might remain a decoration on her bathroom counter.

16. Customized red ornament

Another beautiful way to commemorate your 40-year wedding anniversary is with a customized Christmas ornament. Shop for a red ornament that you can personalize with sweet reminders about your wedding anniversary. It’s a surefire way to make the season even more merry.

17. Red leather purse

Another excellent option for a usable wedding anniversary gift is a purse. A red leather purse honors the “ruby red” tradition of this 40th anniversary and elevates your partner’s style as well.

18. Red-tinted champagne flutes

Your 40-year wedding anniversary is a milestone to be celebrated. Toast to your 40 years of marriage with a set of red-tinted champagne flutes. They offer the perfect way to celebrate together and endow the symbol of this 40-year milestone.

Make Your Anniversary Memorable with Mixbook

From wedding scrapbook ideas to timeless jewelry pieces to creative household items, your 40-year anniversary gift to your spouse, parents, family, or friends is an opportunity to celebrate their love and show them how much you cherish them.

No matter which of these gift ideas you choose, they’ll be sure to love and appreciate your thoughtfulness. But you can always count on a custom photo gift to be a memorable 40th-anniversary gift they’ll treasure forever.