Spending 40 years married to the love of your life is incredible! You must be over the moon that you’re about to celebrate four whole decades together and everything you’ve achieved along the way.

But, what are you supposed to give your other half to mark such a massive milestone? You may have heard your 40th anniversary be referred to as your ruby anniversary, which is because ruby plays such a huge part in the celebrations. All your major anniversaries have had similar themes in the past, and your 40th is no different. It gives you the chance to give your partner a gift filled with extra special meaning and let them know you love them just as much as (if not more than) you did on the day you got married.

In this article, we’re going to explore all the 40th anniversary gift-giving traditions and what they mean so you can decide what to give your other half and make sure your big day is one the pair of you will remember forever.

For loads more detail about the wedding anniversary gifts for all the important milestones, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 40th wedding anniversary gifts

As you might expect from the name, your ruby wedding anniversary has a very distinct theme – and it isn’t chocolate (Or is it? Read on!). That means, if you love giving your partner one of the traditional or modern anniversary gifts, there isn’t quite as much choice when it comes to a variety of themes. But, thankfully, there are still ways to have a lot of fun on this epic milestone.

Traditional 40th anniversary gift – Ruby

The traditional 40th anniversary gift is ruby, an eye-poppingly beautiful precious stone that’s famous for its deep red colour. Rubies represent passion and loyalty, so could there really be a better gift to give when celebrating 40 years

Historically, rubies have also been a symbol of wealth. Because they’re one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, emerald and sapphire), they can often be rather pricey. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have a large budget to play with, there are still options out there to let your partner know how you feel.

Modern 40th anniversary gift – Ruby

The modern 40th anniversary gift is also ruby. After all, with your 40th being known as your ruby anniversary, why complicate things by introducing something else? Ruby is an exceptionally special stone, and isn’t likely to be something you give your partner very often, so if you can and want to, it’s perfect for marking 40 years of marriage.

40th anniversary gemstone – Ruby

Because it’s the traditional and modern gift, ruby is also the traditional gemstone associated with 40 years of marriage. Rubies are a triple hitter because they’re beautiful, have wonderful meaning and are highly desirable. They’re not necessarily for everyone, but ruby is also a colour, so there’s still a lot of fun to be had with the theme if your partner isn’t into jewels.

40th anniversary flower – Nasturtium (and gladiolus)

Depending on who you ask, there can be two traditional 40th anniversary flowers: nasturtium and gladiolus.

Nasturtiums are small, delicate flowers that can grow in the ground or pots. They’re super hardy flowers but only flower once. They’re also edible and make for a great addition to salads for a delicate floral hit. They represent victory and patriotism, so are lovely little flowers to treat your partner to, but they’re not quite right for using in bouquets.

Gladiolus are very tall and very colourful flowers, which are sometimes referred to as sword lilies because of how tall and slender they are. They represent honour and remembrance, and their big open blooms make them a fabulous addition to floral arrangements.

How do you choose a gift for a 40th wedding anniversary?

Deciding what to give your partner for your 40th anniversary can be a tricky decision. Yes, it’s known as your ruby anniversary, but that doesn’t necessarily make choosing a gift any easier. With previous anniversaries, you might have had four or even five different themes to choose from. With your 40th anniversary, you only have a couple, so there are a few things to think about when deciding what to buy.

Is sticking to the theme important to you? If you and your other half have made a point of sticking to the themes for past anniversaries, you might feel like you want to do the same when celebrating your 40th.
Have you agreed on a particular budget? Rubies can be a little pricey, so if you have a small budget it can make finding something on theme that little bit harder.
Do you want to give a personalised gift? Not many ruby-related gifts can be personalised, so have a think about whether you want to do this or not.
Does your partner want a specific type of gift? With there only being a couple of themes for your upcoming anniversary, you might not be able to fit them with what your partner might have asked for.

If a couple in your life is about to celebrate 40 incredible years together, you might be on the lookout for a gift. Can you give them a gift related to rubies, or is that just for the couple themselves? These rules are free to be followed (or not followed) by everyone, so if you have an idea for the perfect gift, then you should absolutely go for it. The special couple will no doubt love whatever you give them and appreciate the extra meaning behind it if you decide to stick to the theme!

50 ideas for a 40th wedding anniversary gift

40 years of marriage is something not many couples get to celebrate, so it’s an extra special milestone which deserves to be yelled about from the rooftops. You might also want to spoil your partner with a gift, but aren’t quite sure where to start. So, here are 50 40th wedding anniversary gift ideas to inspire you to find something your other half will love and make this milestone one to remember.

20 traditional and modern gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary

Both the traditional and modern gift for celebrating 40 years is ruby, a gorgeous precious stone that symbolises love. Of course, rubies are a beautiful addition to loads of different jewellery and accessories (more on this below), but can also be a great theme to have fun with when it comes to other types of gifts. Here are 20 suggestions for gifts related to rubies.

1. A ruby candle collection

Help create the ultimate romantic atmosphere with a ruby candle collection. With six different scents that each burn for up to 15 hours, it’s a lovely gift which is sure to be a treat for the senses.

2. A personalised ruby heart paperweight

Centred around a ruby heart, this personalised ruby paperweight features whatever message you like so you can tell your partner exactly how you feel.

3. A ruby sundial

For something truly unique that looks great either inside or outside, a ruby sundial features the year the two of you got married and is a striking way to always remember your 40th year after saying, ‘I do!’

4. Ruby-red Saint Valentine doves ornament

Filled with glorious meaning, this crystal ruby-red Saint Valentine doves ornament tells your partner how much you love them and will look amazing sitting on a shelf or sideboard.

5. A bottle of ruby port

If your partner loves the sweet taste of port, then a bottle of ruby port is a fantastic on-theme gift that they’ll get to enjoy for a little while (or not, if you decide to crack it open on your anniversary to drink together!).

6. Fortnum and Mason ruby chocolates

Ruby chocolate is growing in popularity, and is easy to spot thanks to its being pink or purple in colour. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a box of Fortnum and Mason ruby chocolates.

7. A ruby watch

Treat your partner to a stunning ruby watch, with a showstopping red face surrounded by crystals. A luxurious way to tell the time!

8. Some ruby-red roses

While roses aren’t the traditional flower of your 40th anniversary, they are one of the most famous romantic flowers out there. So, why not spoil your partner with some ruby-red roses that just scream, ‘I LOVE YOU!’?

9. A bottle of Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau De Parfum

Treating your partner to a new scent is always a great gift choice, and you can do so on your ruby anniversary with an on-theme bottle of Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau De Parfum. It’s a delicious scent with notes of sweet fruits and floral hints.

10. A ruby fountain pen

If your partner enjoys writing, they’ll get great use out of a ruby fountain pen, which has a gold-plated nib and lets them write beautifully.

11. A bottle of Ruby Tiger gin

Whether your partner loves concocting cocktails or sipping a cheeky G&T on a warm summer’s day, a bottle of Ruby Tiger gin has a tangy rhubarb flavour and is deliciously sweet.

12. An engraved ruby leaf vase

If your partner loves to receive flowers, then this engraved ruby leaf vase might be just the gift for them. It’s decorated with delicate red leaves and can be personalised to include the message of your choice.

13. A ruby Build-a-Bear

Give your partner a gift that’s equal parts adorable and meaningful with a ruby Build-a-Bear. It has a cute ruby bow around its neck and ruby crystals on its paws and ears. It’s a bear-necessity on your 40th anniversary!

14. An exploding ruby card box

Give your partner an explosive surprise on your 40th anniversary with an exploding ruby card box. It’s filled with fantastic memories and personalised to show your partner how much you’ve adored the last 40 years.

15. Ruby anniversary figurine

This ruby anniversary figurine may be small but it’s packed with incredible meaning. It features a couple embracing and wearing red, and can serve as a symbol of how you no doubt feel.

16. A pair of ruby-red crystal wine glasses

Are you looking forward to sharing a glass (or three) of wine with your partner on your anniversary? Then this pair of ruby-red crystal wine glasses provides the best way for you to do so.

17. A box of personalised ruby macarons

For a wonderful sweet treat on your anniversary, a box of personalised ruby macarons are delicate and delicious and the perfect pudding to enjoy together.

18. A book written by Ruby Wax

If all else fails, a book written by the legendary Ruby Wax is fun and entertaining, and will definitely put a smile on your other half’s face.

19. A ruby-red jade tree

Give your partner a gift with even more meaning with a ruby-red jade tree of life. It has all the symbolism associated with rubies as well as the luck and protection that comes with a tree of life.

20. A ruby family tree

If you and your partner have built a family together, a ruby family tree is small and sweet and a touching way to honour what you’ve achieved over the last 40 years.

5 affordable gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary

Because rubies are one of the four precious gemstones, they can often be quite pricey – especially when set in jewellery and accessories. But ruby is also a colour, so it’s still possible to give your partner a gift related to the traditional theme while making sure you don’t spend too much money. This can also help if your partner isn’t a big fan of rubies but you still want to do something on theme. So, here are five ideas for affordable gifts to consider for your 40th anniversary.

1. A natural ruby

Instead of giving your partner a cut and polished ruby, you might want to give them a natural ruby, which has a much more rustic and raw appearance but still has all the deep symbolic meaning that comes with this beautiful stone.

2. Bed of roses petals

Your anniversary night is all about the romance, and a bed of roses petals makes for a thoughtful, sensual and on-theme gift.

3. A ruby-themed anniversary card

If you’re going to give your partner a card on your anniversary, why not tie it back to the theme with a ruby-themed anniversary card? It’s a simple and affordable way to honour the theme even if your partner isn’t a big fan of rubies.

4. A ruby red fused glass heart

For a gift that’s small and sweet, and is a token your partner can hold on to for many years to come, you could give them a ruby red fused glass heart. They’re handmade, so every single one is completely unique – just like your other half!

5. A ruby cubic zirconia pendant

If you’d love to give your partner an affordable item of jewellery that carries all the meaning of this amazing gemstone but without the price tag, this ruby cubic zirconia pendant is big, bold and wonderfully eye-catching.

5 DIY gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary

Many couples love the tradition of making gifts for each other to mark their anniversaries. But when it comes to your 40th anniversary, what can you make that’s ruby-related but doesn’t require years of jewellery-making experience? Well, with a little creative thinking, you can have a lot of fun with the theme and make your other half a gift that’s thoughtful, on theme and relatively simple. Here are five ideas for gifts you can make to celebrate your 40th anniversary.

1. A DIY 40th anniversary frame

With a box frame, some red crystals and confetti, you can make a DIY 40th anniversary frame, which you can design any way you like as a sweet and thoughtful way to mark your amazing milestone. Oh, and don’t forget the glue! Check out the tutorial for everything you need to give it a go.

2. Homemade ruby chocolates

It’s actually quite simple to make your own ruby chocolates. With a mould, your partner’s favourite toppings and some ruby chocolate, you can create some sweet treats that are homemade and on theme. Watch a video tutorial for all the steps.

3. DIY synthetic rubies

This one isn’t for everyone, but it’s totally possible to make DIY synthetic rubies at home. You need some special equipment and a little know-how, but they look great and are the ultimate DIY gift to give to mark 40 years. Watch a video tutorial to see if it’s something you could do yourself.

4. DIY ruby jewellery

With some basic jewellery-making tools and some materials, it’s actually not too tricky to make DIY ruby jewellery. Watch a video tutorial for more information on what you need to make something for your other half.

5. A DIY ruby necklace

If you’ve made jewellery before, then a DIY rub necklace might be something you fancy making. It’s a little fiddly, though, so it’s not for newbies – unless you’re brave! Watch a video tutorial to make your own ruby-beaded necklace.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary

Spending time with your other half on your 40th anniversary taking part in an experience or activity is a great way to make memories together. Of course, there are plenty of options out there, from a spa trip to a romantic meal. But, there are ways to tie what you get up to into the traditional ruby anniversary theme. Here are five suggestions for experiences you can do when celebrating 40 years.

1. A trip to Ruby Bay in Scotland

On the east coast of Scotland is Elie Ruby Bay, where a unique red gemstone known as Elie Rubies is often found, a product of the nearby volcanic rock. Imagine taking a stroll along the beach and finding one of these incredible stones – the perfect anniversary fairytale in the making.

2. A ruby photography experience

It’s been 40 years since you and your other half had your wedding photos shot, and if you haven’t had a photoshoot since that day, then a ruby photography experience is the perfect way to right that wrong.

3. A jewellery-making course

Spend your 40th anniversary learning a new skill together by taking part in a jewellery-making course. Being newbies, you won’t use real rubies, but you can still make beautiful jewellery with shimmering red stones.

4. Tickets to see the Kaiser Chiefs

One of the Kaiser Chief’s most famous songs is called Ruby, so it’s the perfect band to go and see when celebrating your ruby anniversary. Check out the Kaiser Chiefs website for information on when they’re playing their next gig near you.

5. A night at the Ruby Lucy Hotel

Right around the corner from London Waterloo, on the South Bank, is the boutique-design Ruby Lucy Hotel, the ideal place to stay to spend time seeing the sites, eating a romantic meal and catching a show in the capital.

10 40th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain ruby

The traditional gemstone when celebrating your 40th anniversary is, of course, ruby. Rubies are stunning. They’re like little drops of glorious fire that irradiate from any type of jewellery. They make for the perfect addition to pieces whether set in gold, silver, rose gold, platinum or anything else your partner might love. Here are 10 suggestions for jewellery set with radiant rubies:

Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks

Because it’s a precious gemstone, a lot of ruby jewellery can be expensive. A lot, but not all. So, if you have a smaller budget but still want to give our partner jewellery that contains rubies, you should still be able to find plenty of amazing pieces at high-street and independent jewellers. Here at Bridebook, we also work with loads of different jewellers who each have a great selection. So make sure you check them out on your hunt for the perfect gift.

5 floral-inspired gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary

The traditional flower when celebrating your 40th anniversary is nasturtium (although some say it’s actually gladiolus). There isn’t really a right answer, but thankfully both flowers are beautiful and wonderful choices if you want to give your partner something traditional but don’t want to rely on rubies. So, here are five floral gifts you might want to consider for this special anniversary.

1. Nasturtium plant

Nasturtiums are small, delicate and even delicious, and are a fantastic addition to your garden. They’re also not too expensive and are quite hardy, so a great gift if your partner doesn’t have particularly green fingers.

2. Gladiolus bouquet

Gladiolus are stunningly big and bold blooms, so if your partner is a big floral fan, then a gladiolus bouquet is a fantastic choice of gift.

3. A gladiolus necklace

Make sure your partner turns more than a few heads with a gladiolus necklace, which is bright and colourful and makes a real impact.

4. A nasturtium sun catcher

Brighten up any room with a nasturtium sun catcher made from stained glass, which is every bit as beautiful as the real thing, if not more so.

5. A nasturtium pendant

Beautifully gorgeous and delicate, this nasturtium pendant is full of life and is a great piece of jewellery that complements any type of outfit.

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