Wedding Anniversary Ideas
There are not many people who can say they have spent four decades together, so this is a great time to celebrate the union of a couple who are the best of friends, who enjoy and relax in each other’s company.
To say thank you to the couple who have been together 40 years does not require an expensive gift, but it can be unique. Maybe you would like to make something if you have the time. Simply putting a little thought into this special event can go a long way to showing that you care about them.

In 1937 the American National Retail Jeweller Association published the first comprehensive list of symbolic gifts to mark every year of marriage up to the twentieth anniversary and every 5 years after that. This list of traditional gifts and wedding anniversary meanings remain in use today, with modern gifts being added later. For the 40th wedding anniversary the traditional and modern gift is the Ruby gemstone. Ruby is associated with love, particularly faithful, passionate commitment and closeness. Listed here are some of our 40th wedding anniversary gift ideas. If you are buying for your beloved, decide which of these gifts has meaning to you both.
Ruby Gemstone Jewellery for Him and Her
With its rich red colour, the ruby gemstone in earrings for pierced and non-pierced ears, bracelet, necklace, brooch, ring, cuff-links or tie-clip makes for a great present. Of course, you could choose any red-coloured jewellery to mark the occasion. If you want to buy new rings with rubies incorporated, personalise them with your names or a line from your wedding ceremony that you both love.
Be the center of attention
A new red dress will make any 40th wedding celebrations a day the wife is the centre of attention, just as she was on her wedding day. Match this gift with a ruby coloured scarf or tie and ruby-red cuff-links that the husband can add to an existing outfit. This will make the photographs on the day extra special. Have the best picture framed with a copy of their original wedding portrait alongside for a romantic gift to them both.
Home décor to display your devotion
If it would match the décor of your home consider red coloured glass vases, bowls, ornaments, paperweights, perfume bottles, sculptures, tableware and picture frames. Tapestries. paintings and other artwork with red included may also delight. Personalised 40th anniversary gifts are a romantic way of showing your care for your spouse, for example cushion covers with your names and the date you were married in red thread that you can cuddle up with.
Eat, Drink and be Merry!
As a treat, make up a food hamper using a wicker basket filled with red tissue paper. Add all the treats that you both enjoy and as it’s the ruby anniversary and because it’s a bit of fun, include a bottle of ruby port, a tin of ruby grapefruit segments, a carton of ruby orange juice and any other little items branded ‘ruby’ at the food store.
Watch your gift grow in your garden
If the couple are keen gardeners, you can’t go wrong with flowers. Red roses denote love, beauty, passion and respect. A bouquet of forty red roses will fill the room with colour and scent. Or you may prefer to buy a potted climbing red rose or other red potted plants for a more lasting gift. A thoughtful offer to prepare the garden for the rose so they don’t have to dig may be appreciated.
Memories of your 40 years together
A photo album of your married life through the years with a ruby-coloured cover is a lovely reminder of your lives together to date. Perhaps the last photographs could be family photos of your children and their families all dressed in ruby-coloured clothing. There are many online stores you can find presents but these wedding anniversary gifts from Eternity Rose are really unique and deserve your attention! Spend some time to browse the website – you will see it’s worth it!
A special vacation for you and your beloved
You may also decide to plan a romantic holiday that marks your 40th anniversary. Perhaps you can return to where you went for your honeymoon forty years ago. Continuing with the theme of travel, you may like to make a trip to a place with ruby or red in the name, perhaps driving the Red Centre Way in the Australian Northern Territory or stay closer to home and visit a place that has meaning for your both.
A special day with the family
Should you wish to stay at home, enjoy a special day with your family. Celebrate your 40th anniversary milestone with a red-themed part with red balloons, streamers, tableware and hats. With disposable cameras to share, you can create a unique wedding anniversary gift with a canvas of the best photograph taken on the day.