Reaching your 40th wedding anniversary is a monumental achievement, a testament to enduring love and partnership. This remarkable milestone calls for a truly special celebration, and what better way to commemorate four decades of togetherness than with the traditional and captivating 40th wedding anniversary gift: the ruby?
As Maxwell Stone, a renowned jeweler, aptly puts it, “Every wedding anniversary year carries its own unique gifting tradition. Embracing these traditions can guide you towards selecting a distinctive and profoundly personal gift, one that resonates deeply with your partner and becomes a cherished keepsake for years to come.” The ruby, in particular, holds significant weight for a 40th anniversary, steeped in symbolism and rich in history.
Rubies are more than just beautiful gemstones; they are imbued with deep meaning, making them exceptionally fitting for a 40th anniversary. This vibrant red stone embodies romance, unwavering devotion, and passionate love – qualities that undoubtedly have been the cornerstones of a forty-year marriage. Furthermore, rubies are historically associated with health and wisdom, attributes that are certainly invaluable and likely accumulated over four decades spent side-by-side, navigating life’s journey together.
While a magnificent ruby gemstone, especially set in investment-worthy jewelry, is a classic and timeless choice, the ruby theme offers a wide spectrum of creative interpretations for a 40th wedding anniversary gift. You can draw inspiration from the ruby’s signature scarlet hue, incorporating it into artwork, elegant fashion accessories like designer sunglasses, or even delightful treats such as gourmet chocolates, vibrant floral arrangements, or luxurious beauty products – all subtly nodding to the ruby in their own unique way.
Unveiling the Symbols of the 40th Wedding Anniversary
- Traditional 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift: Ruby
- Modern 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift: Ruby
- Flower for 40 Years of Marriage: Gladiolus
- Gemstone for 40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby
Whether you are searching for the perfect gift to surprise your beloved spouse on your own 40th wedding anniversary, or you are seeking a thoughtful and memorable 40th wedding anniversary present for cherished parents or a special couple in your life, our curated guide presents a diverse array of gift ideas to explore. We’ve included options to suit every taste and budget, ensuring you find something truly exceptional to mark this incredible milestone.
Are you specifically looking for 40th wedding anniversary gifts for parents? Click the link to jump directly to that dedicated section.
Exquisite 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
Whether you wish to wholeheartedly embrace the ruby wedding anniversary theme with literal ruby-infused gifts, or you prefer to interpret the theme more creatively while seeking something exceptionally special to celebrate this landmark year, delve into our handpicked selection of ruby wedding anniversary gifts.
1. Personalized Ruby Wedding Anniversary Canvas Print – Hopsack and Olive
A personalized print serves as a deeply sentimental and visually appealing way to commemorate a ruby wedding anniversary. This elegant canvas print from Hopsack and Olive offers a bespoke touch, allowing you to personalize it with the couple’s names, their wedding year, and even a heartfelt personal message. It becomes a lasting piece of art celebrating their enduring love story.
- Expert Insight: While undeniably beautiful, remember that this canvas print arrives unframed. Consider adding a frame to your purchase to ensure it’s immediately ready to be displayed and admired in their home.
2. Ruby Anniversary Rose Bush – Giftaplant
For spouses with a passion for gardening or simply an appreciation for natural beauty, a vibrant ruby red rose bush makes a truly delightful 40th wedding anniversary gift. This living gift, like your enduring love, will flourish and bloom year after year, serving as a constant reminder of your special milestone.
- Expert Insight: Elevate this gift by adding gift wrap and a personalized message. This thoughtful touch transforms a simple rose into an even more meaningful and cherished token of your love, going beyond a standard bouquet of red roses.
3. Ruby Chocolate Indulgence – Dechoc
If you’re working with a more modest budget but still desire a gift that subtly yet deliciously embraces the ruby theme, this affordable bar of ruby chocolate is a fantastic choice. It’s a sweet and thematic treat that’s sure to be enjoyed.
- Expert Insight: This isn’t your average supermarket chocolate bar. It’s handmade, adding a touch of artisanal quality and care that makes it feel significantly more special than mass-produced chocolates.
4. Decadent Red Velvet Cake – Marks and Spencer
Planning a celebratory gathering to honor 40 years of marriage? What could be a more fitting and delicious tribute to a ruby wedding anniversary than a red velvet cake, with its rich, ruby-inspired hue? Surprise your partner with this delightful centerpiece during your celebration – it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Expert Insight: Keep in mind that this cake is generously sized, serving 16 guests. It’s ideally suited for a larger party. If it’s just the two of you, you might be enjoying red velvet cake well into your 41st year!
5. Loving Scented Candle – Bella Freud
At its core, a long and fulfilling marriage is fundamentally about love. This Bella Freud candle serves as a stylish and fragrant reminder of this essential element. The candle features a sensual blend of tuberose, amber, and sandalwood – perfect for creating a romantic ambiance for a cozy night in for two. It’s also housed in a suitably ruby red jar, subtly tying into the anniversary theme.
- Expert Insight: Before purchasing, ensure the fragrance notes appeal to your partner’s scent preferences. Personal tastes vary widely, so confirming they’ll enjoy the aroma is key.
6. Ruby Tiger Flavored Gin – Tiger Gin
Gin enthusiasts don’t have to miss out on ruby-themed 40th wedding anniversary presents! Feast your eyes on this stunning bottle from Tiger Gin, filled with a uniquely sweet and tart spirit perfect for raising a toast on this momentous day. Beyond the traditional juniper, it incorporates rhubarb flavor, resulting in a captivating pink gin that is both juicy and refreshingly drinkable.
- Expert Insight: Go all-in on the ruby theme by pairing this gin with pink grapefruit tonic water for a truly ruby-inspired cocktail experience.
7. Personalized Ruby Wedding Anniversary Cushion Cover – Vintage Designs Reborn
This romantic 40th wedding anniversary cushion cover is undeniably charming. You can select from a range of soft pastel shades, and for a small additional cost, add a sentimental message to the back, making it even more personal.
- Expert Insight: Double-check your order! You have the option to purchase just the cover or the complete cushion (cover and insert). Ensure you select the correct option to avoid any disappointment.
8. Personalized Ruby Wedding Photo Album – BeGolden
Transform this elegant ruby wedding photo album into a treasured keepsake by filling it with photographs capturing cherished memories from your 40 years of marriage. While assembling the album might be a labor of love, the result is a deeply sentimental and personalized gift that beautifully commemorates four decades of shared life.
- Expert Insight: Almost every detail of this photo album can be customized, from the embossing color to the personalized message on the front cover. This extensive personalization justifies the slightly higher price point, making it a truly bespoke gift.
9. Ruby Anniversary Box of Date Night Ideas – A Year of Dates
After 40 years together, even the most adventurous couples can sometimes find themselves in a date night rut! Reignite the spark of spontaneity with this year of dates gift box. It contains 12 cards, each proposing a unique and fun date idea for each month of the year. The red lettering on the cards subtly reinforces the ruby wedding anniversary theme.
- Expert Insight: The box itself can be personalized, making it a charming memento to keep and cherish long after your 40th wedding anniversary celebrations have concluded.
10. Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau de Parfum – The Fragrance Shop
Housed in a striking gemstone-shaped bottle that will add a touch of glamour to any dressing table, this perfume truly lives up to its “Sexy Ruby” name and ruby-inspired presentation. Even the scent name itself provides a subtle nod to your special anniversary.
The fragrance opens with vibrant fruity top notes of raspberry and apricot, balanced by a hint of black pepper. The heart unfolds with a floral bouquet of orange blossom, jasmine, and rose, while a warm vanilla and cashmere base provides depth and lasting power. This unique scent will evoke happy anniversary memories each time it’s worn.
- Expert Insight: This is a bold and statement-making fragrance. Ensure the scent profile aligns with your partner’s perfume preferences before making a purchase.
11. Delicate Ruby Bamboo Ring – Otiumberg
Otiumberg jewelry occupies a sweet spot, blending affordability with aspirational design. It offers beautiful pieces that feel luxurious without being excessively expensive. This slender band features a single raspberry red ruby at its center. It’s versatile enough to be worn alone for a delicate look or stacked with other rings for a more personalized style.
- Expert Insight: This ring boasts a timeless design, ensuring it will complement any jewelry collection and remain stylish regardless of changing trends. It’s a piece that can be added to and cherished for years to come, even if you choose to gift jewelry for future milestone anniversaries.
12. Exquisite Gold Ruby Eye Charm – Liberty
An elegant 18ct gold disc adorned with a single, sparkling ruby at its heart – who wouldn’t be captivated by this minimalist yet luxurious piece? You can purchase the charm on its own to be added to an existing chain, or have it incorporated into a bespoke bracelet, necklace, or other precious jewelry creation before presenting it to your loved one.
- Expert Insight: This pendant is believed to bring good fortune to the wearer – a meaningful sentiment and a wonderful gift to usher in the next chapter of your marriage.
13. Unique Ruby and Rose Gold Ring – Envero Jewelry
This captivating rose gold ring featuring a genuine ruby and diamonds from Envero Jewelry is an exceptionally special way to mark your ruby wedding anniversary. Its unique design is sure to draw admiration and become a cherished statement piece.
- Expert Insight: If rose gold isn’t your preferred metal, this ring can also be custom-made in platinum, offering versatility to suit different tastes.
14. Sleek Ruby Dial Watch – Nixon
While watches completely encrusted with rubies can sometimes appear overly extravagant, we appreciate the subtle and tasteful incorporation of deep red in this Nixon watch. Its minimalist design is beautifully enhanced by the bold ruby-red watch face. It also exudes an air of luxury that belies its relatively accessible price point.
- Expert Insight: This watch is available in both rose gold and silver finishes, allowing you to select the metal that best complements your partner’s style and existing jewelry.
15. Luxurious Ruby Cufflinks – Aspinal of London
Exuding elegance and exceptional quality, and perfectly suited for even the most formal attire, these ruby-studded cufflinks are a truly luxurious gift, befitting a lifetime spent together. Each cufflink is meticulously handcrafted from sterling silver and features seven sparkling .25ct rubies. They are presented in a stunning Aspinal of London presentation box, ensuring a memorable and impressive unwrapping experience.
- Expert Insight: If these cufflinks are a hit, you’ll be pleased to know Aspinal of London also offers a sapphire version – an ideal gift to consider when your 45th wedding anniversary approaches!
16. Personalized Ruby Leather Journal – Paper High
Is your partner someone who is always jotting down thoughts, ideas, or reflections? If so, they’ll undoubtedly appreciate this richly toned, distressed red leather journal. Personalize it with their name, initials, or perhaps your wedding date for a truly bespoke and thoughtful ruby wedding anniversary gift.
- Expert Insight: Reviewers consistently note that these leather notepads become even more beautiful with time and use, developing a wonderfully worn and loved patina.
17. Personalized Ruby Heart Bookmark – Hurley Burley
Both romantic souls and avid readers will appreciate this charming red leather heart bookmark. The personalization option allows for three initials, giving you the freedom to use their initials, “40” to represent your ruby anniversary, or another meaningful combination unique to your relationship.
- Expert Insight: The ruby red leather perfectly embodies the 40th wedding anniversary theme. Reviewers consistently praise its classy and well-crafted design. Its compact size makes it easy to slip inside an anniversary card, saving on extra wrapping!
18. Custom Song Lyrics Print – The World Gallery
You might initially wonder how this relates to a ruby wedding anniversary gift – but bear with us! This print can be fully personalized. For music lovers, especially fans of the Kaiser Chiefs, what could be a more unique and thematic way to celebrate 40 years of marriage than a poster featuring their hit song, “Ruby”? The song title and lyrics will be prominently displayed on the print, creating a clever and musical nod to your ruby anniversary.
- Expert Insight: This is the ultimate gift for a music enthusiast with a sense of humor and a love for the Kaiser Chiefs. However, if your spouse isn’t a fan, the reference might be lost. Trust your knowledge of their musical tastes!
19. Luxurious Ruby Infused Body Cream – Kalmar
This rich, velvety body cream not only smells divine, but its “Love” designation makes it a wonderfully appropriate anniversary gift. And for the ruby connection? Finely crushed ruby gemstones are actually incorporated into this luxurious skincare treat.
- Expert Insight: Kalmar offers a complete “Love” product line, including bath oil, body oil, and a candle. Consider gifting the entire set for an extra indulgent and pampering ruby anniversary experience.
20. Whimsical Ruby Slippers Art Print – Etsy
If your partner is a devoted fan of The Wizard of Oz, this charming ruby slippers print will undoubtedly bring a smile to their face. It’s also a fun conversation starter – see if they can immediately grasp the clever connection between your 40th wedding anniversary and the iconic ruby slippers!
- Expert Insight: This print is available in A2, A3, and A4 sizes. Ensure you select the size that best suits your wall space and desired display.
Ruby Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Parents and Couples
Searching for the perfect ruby anniversary gift for your parents or a special couple celebrating 40 years of marriage? Here are some of our top recommendations!
21. Memorable Mini-Break Experience – Virgin Experience Days
Treat your parents to an unforgettable experience to celebrate their ruby anniversary with 40th wedding anniversary experiences from Virgin Experience Days. From delightful Champagne afternoon tea outings to relaxing spa retreats and romantic weekend getaways, there’s an experience to suit every couple’s preferences, guaranteeing they’ll indulge in some well-deserved relaxation and quality time together.
- Expert Insight: The hot air balloon ride experience sounds particularly enchanting – what a truly romantic and breathtaking way to celebrate 40 years of marriage!
22. Interactive Indian Cookery Class – Food at 52
If your parents enjoy a good “Ruby Murray” (a British slang term for curry), how fun and engaging would it be for them to learn to create one from scratch? Food at 52 offers both Southern Indian and Indian Street Feast cooking courses that any food enthusiast would love. Located in Clerkenwell, London, booking a class could also be a fantastic addition to a celebratory city break.
- Expert Insight: Make sure you explain the playful link between “ruby” and “curry” to your parents, or you might be met with slightly puzzled expressions!
23. Humorous Anniversary Mugs – Find Me A Gift
For parents celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with a touch of lightheartedness, these cheeky mugs are a budget-friendly gift that they can use and enjoy every day. To make the gift more substantial, consider incorporating them into a DIY afternoon tea hamper.
- Expert Insight: Currently, same-sex options for these mugs are not available, but keep an eye out for potential future additions.
24. Personalized Garden Sundial – The Metal Foundry
If your parents find joy in tending to their beautiful garden, they will adore this unique and personalized 40th anniversary sundial. Etsy reviewers report that their parents were thrilled with this personalized gift, and it’s easy to see why!
- Expert Insight: Each sundial is crafted using 99% recycled materials and is completely plastic-free, making it an environmentally conscious gift choice.
25. Elegant Ruby Crystal Pen – Swarovski
The sparkling ruby red crystals adorning this chic pen make it a refined and practical 40th wedding anniversary gift for parents. After all, everyone can always use a beautiful pen!
- Expert Insight: While a pen might not be the most romantic gift for your spouse (unless they are avid writers!), it’s a thoughtful gesture to show your parents you remembered their ruby wedding anniversary.
26. Grow Your Own Ruby Cosmos Flower Kit – Not On The High Street
For parents who enjoy gardening and nurturing plants, this thoughtful gift is sure to be appreciated. The included seeds will grow into beautiful ruby red cosmos flowers, and the kit comes complete with a personalized slate marker to proudly display in their flourishing garden.
- Expert Insight: This compact box is designed to fit directly through a letterbox, ensuring your parents know you’re thinking of them even if you can’t be physically present for their 40th wedding anniversary.
27. Personalized Ruby Anniversary Vase – Uniqueful
If you and your siblings are collaborating on a fortieth wedding anniversary present, one of you could purchase a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and the others could contribute to this personalized vase, making both gifts even more impactful when presented together.
- Expert Insight: The personalization adds a special touch to this simple vase, yet its understated design ensures it will complement any home décor style your parents have chosen.
28. Heartfelt Ruby Wedding Anniversary Keepsake – Kitty and Fin
Let your parents know you’re thinking of them and celebrating their special milestone with this simple and sweet token of affection, acknowledging their ruby wedding anniversary. You can also personalize it with their names for an extra touch.
- Expert Insight: Select gift wrapping at checkout if you plan to send this post-friendly 40th wedding anniversary present directly to your parents.
29. Personalized Ruby Wedding Anniversary Cheeseboard – Etsy
For parents who love to entertain and enjoy hosting gatherings, we can’t imagine a more fitting gift than a personalized ruby wedding anniversary cheese board, beautifully engraved with their names and wedding date.
- Expert Insight: Elevate this gift by adding a curated selection of gourmet cheeses, crackers, and fruits to accompany the cheeseboard, creating a ready-made DIY date night experience for your parents to savor.
30. Dartington Ruby Anniversary Champagne Flutes – Etsy
Help your parents raise a toast to 40 years of love and commitment with these elegant ruby wedding anniversary Champagne flutes. For an extra celebratory touch, consider adding a bottle of their favorite bubbly to complete the gift.
- Expert Insight: Reviewers consistently praise these elegant glasses, highlighting their exceptional quality and prompt delivery.
Understanding the Ruby Wedding Anniversary
The ruby wedding anniversary marks the incredible milestone of 40 years of marriage. Both traditional and modern gift-giving guidelines unequivocally designate the ruby as the symbolic and perfect present for this fortieth wedding anniversary. As gifting expert Elisabeth Noel Jones of GiftMeChic aptly advises, “It’s rubies all the way when you reach 40 years! In this instance, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the tradition for all its significance.”
However, Elisabeth also offers practical alternatives for couples who may not be particularly fond of rubies: “If rubies aren’t your style, I suggest writing heartfelt anniversary notes to each other using a ruby-colored pen.” She emphasizes the profound impact of personal touches: “I strongly recommend hand-writing a sincere note card expressing your love and attaching it to your chosen gift. These small gestures of genuine thoughtfulness and care often carry far more emotional weight than the gift itself.”
After four decades of marriage, selecting a truly meaningful gift might seem challenging. Yet, Elisabeth encourages continuing the tradition of gift-giving: “Choosing a wedding anniversary gift for your spouse is a beautiful way to honor the special day you shared and the life you have built and continue to build together, regardless of how much time has passed.”
For even more anniversary inspiration beyond the 40th, browse our comprehensive wedding anniversary guide.
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