40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 30 of the Best Ruby-Inspired Ideas
40th wedding anniversaries are a cause for celebration, and what better way to celebrate your ruby wedding anniversary than with a gift inspired by the precious stone?
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Your 40th wedding anniversary is certainly an occasion to celebrate, and what better way to make the milestone with the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift, the ruby?
"Every wedding anniversary year is associated with a traditional gift, and drawing inspiration from these traditions can lead to a distinctive and deeply personal gift that your partner will treasure indefinitely," says jeweller Maxwell Stone, on the significance of choosing a 40th wedding anniversary gift inspired by the ruby.
Rubies are extra special, if you ask us, as there’s so much symbolism associated with this vibrant red stone. Rubies represents romance, devotion and passion, all qualities that make it very worthy of such an amazing milestone. It’s also said that it has associations with health and wisdom, other factors that will certainly have proved important throughout four decades together.
But while the gem itself is a great place to start, especially if you want to buy a piece of investment jewellery, there are plenty of ways you can interpret the ruby theme for a 40th wedding anniversary gift. Why not draw on its signature scarlet hue with artwork or fashion pieces like designer sunglasses, or opt for treats like chocolates, plants or beauty products that nod to ruby in their own way?
40th Wedding Anniversary Symbols
- 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 (are you sensing a pattern here?)
Whether you’re shopping for your other half to mark the occasion of your 40th wedding anniversary, or need a creative 40th wedding anniversary present for your parents, here are our favourite gift ideas to shop now, with something for every budget.
Looking for a 40th wedding anniversary gift for parents or a couple? Use the link to hop straight to that section.
40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Whether you want to take the ruby wedding anniversary theme literally or you simply want something extra special to celebrate this milestone year, take a look at some of our favourite ruby wedding anniversary gifts.
1. Ruby Wedding Anniversary Canvas Print – Hopsack and Olive
A personalised print is a sentimental way to celebrate a ruby wedding anniversary. This canvas print from Hopsack and Olive can be personalised with the names of the couple, the year they were married and you can add a personal message too.
- Expert Take: Though gorgeous, it's important to note this doesn't come in a frame, so you'll need to add one to your basket if you hope to see this framed at home.
2. Rose Ruby Anniversary 40th Anniversary Rose Gift - Giftaplant
Buying a vibrant ruby red rose is a gorgeous 40th wedding anniversary gift for green-fingered spouses. Plus, we love that this will continue to bloom year after year - just like your love!
- Expert Take: You can add gift wrap and a personalised message to make this rose even more special than a bunch of bright red roses.
3. Ruby Chocolate Bar - Dechoc
If you're on a tight budget, but still want to buy a gift that taps into the theme of ruby-inspired wedding anniversary presents, this affordable bar of ruby chocolate is a lovely idea - and tasty, too!
- Expert Take: This bar is handmade, for something a little more special than a box of chocs from the supermarket!
4. Red Velvet Cake - Marks and Spencer
If you're having a party to celebrate 40 years of marriage, what better way to nod to your ruby wedding anniversary than with a red velvet cake, in a rich ruby hue? Surprise your partner with this during the celebrations, we're sure they'll be delighted!
- Expert Take: This cake serves 16, so is best saved for a party with lots of guests, otherwise you'll be nibbling on it until your 41st wedding anniversary!
5. Loving Candle – Bella Freud
When you boil it down, a long and happy marriage is really all about love, and this Bella Freud candle makes a super stylish reminder of that. It’s a sultry mix of tuberose, amber and sandalwood (ideal for setting the mood for a romantic night in for two), and is encased in a suitably ruby red jar.
- Expert Take: Make sure your partner likes the fragrances included in this candle - we all have different tastes!
6. Ruby Tiger Gin – Tiger Gin
Gin lovers needn’t miss out on a ruby-themed 40th wedding anniversary present – feast your eyes on this beautiful bottle from Tiger Gin, filled with a uniquely sweet and tart drink to raise a glass of on this important day. As well as the unusual juniper, it includes the flavour of rhubarb to create a dazzling pink gin – juicy, refreshing and dangerously drinkable.
- Expert Take: Go hard on the ruby themed gift and buy pink grapefruit tonic water to mix this with.
7. Ruby Wedding Anniversary Cushion Cover – Vintage Designs Reborn
How adorable is this romantic 40th wedding anniversary cushion cover? You can choose from a range of pretty pastel shades and for £8 extra, you can add a sentimental message on the back too.
- Expert Take: You can either buy this a just the cover, or with the cushion inside, so be sure to order the right one, or it could be underwhelming!
8. Personalised Ruby Wedding Photo Album - BeGolden
Make this ruby wedding photo album extra special by filling it with photos of memories of your 40 years of marriage. Sure, it's a bit of a project to fill the whole book, but it's a sentimental way to make 40 years since you got married.
- Expert Take: Every element of this photo album can be personalised, from the colour of the embossing to the message you choose on the front cover, making it worth the slightly expensive price.
9. Ruby Anniversary Box of Dates – A Year of Dates
After 40 years of marriage, it's easy to run out of date ideas! Inject inspiration back into your date nights with this year of dates gift box, with 12 cards with unique ideas inside each, one for each month of the year. The fact that the writing is in red ties in nicely with your ruby wedding anniversary, too.
- Expert Take: The box can be personalised, making this a cute item to keep long after your 40th wedding anniversary has passed.
10. Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau de Parfum – The Fragrance Shop
This gemstone-shaped bottle would look chic on any dressing table, and the perfume inside lives up to the glamorous ruby exterior - plus the name of the scent nods to your special anniversary too.
The top notes are fruity, with raspberry and apricot tempered with black pepper, while a heart of orange blossom, jasmine and rose and a vanilla and cashmere base give it a unique scent that will remind your love of their happy anniversary memories every time they spray.
- Expert Take: This a statement scent, so make sure the notes are ones your partner likes before you buy it!
11. Raspberry Ruby Bamboo Ring – Otiumberg
Otiumberg jewellery hits that dreamy spot between affordable and aspirational; it’s a gorgeous gift that won’t break the bank. In the centre of this slimline band is a raspberry red ruby that can be worn stacked with other rings or slid on solo for a more delicate finish.
- Expert Take: This ring is timeless, so even if you buy a piece of jewellery for every milestone anniversary, we guarantee this will work with all of them.
12. Atelier VM Gold Ruby Eye Charm – Liberty
An 18ct gold disc with a glistening ruby set right in the middle – who wouldn’t adore this minimalist beauty? You could purchase it either to be strung it onto an existing chain or to turn into a bracelet, necklace or any other precious piece for your other half before you present it to them.
- Expert Take: This pendant claims to attract good fortune to the wearer - an ideal gift to see you through the next era of your marriage,
13. Ruby Ring – Envero Jewelry
This rose gold, ruby and diamond ring from Envero Jewelry is an extra special way to mark your ruby wedding anniversary. It's a unique ring that others won't be able to help themselves from admiring.
- Expert Take: If rose gold isn’t your thing then you can also have this ring made in platinum.
14. Time Teller Watch – Nixon
Watches encrusted with actual rubies can get a bit blingy, but we love the tasteful hint of deep red in this Nixon watch. Its simplistic design is complemented by the bold ruby-red of the watch face. It also looks far more expensive than its £115 price tag.
- Expert Take: This comes in rose gold or silver, so can be tailored to your partner's tastes.
15. Sterling Silver and Gemset Barrel Twist Cufflinks – Aspinal of London
Elegant, brilliant quality and suitable for the smartest of suits, these ruby-studded cufflinks are the luxe gift of a lifetime spent together. Each one is handcrafted from sterling silver and features seven .25ct rubies, delivered in an exquisite presentation box that will have your partner wowed before they even open it.
- Expert Take: If your partner adores these, you'll be pleased to know there's a also a sapphire version, ideal for when it comes to your 45th wedding anniversary!
16. Personalised Distressed Leather Journal – Paper High
Is your other half always scribbling down thoughts and ideas? If you're answer is 'yes', we think they;d appreciate one of these rich red-toned distressed leather journals. Personalise it with their name or initials or perhaps your wedding date, making it a perfect personalised ruby wedding anniversary gift.
- Expert Take: Reviewers note that these leather notepads get better with age, as they become well worn and start to look loved.
17. Personalised Initial Leather Heart Bookmark – Hurley Burley
Romantic types and bookworms alike will appreciate this red leather heart bookmark. The personalisation offers three letters, so it's up to you whether you use their initials, a 40 to signify your ruby wedding anniversary, or something personal to you.
- Expert Take: The ruby red leather makes this the perfect way to make your 40th wedding anniversary, plus reviewers note how classy and well made this token of affection is, and because it's small you can slip it inside your wedding anniversary card, saving on wrapping!
18. Custom Lyrics Print - The World Gallery
You might question how this is a ruby wedding anniversary gift - but stay with us. This can be entirely personalised, and for music fans, what better way to celebrate 40 years of marriage than a poster of the Kaiser Chiefs hit, Ruby? The song name and lyrics will be prominent on the print, creating the perfect nod to your Ruby wedding.
- Expert Take: This is the ultimate gift for a musical cool kid - but if your spouse isn't a Kaisers fan, they might not get it. We trust you know their music taste, though.
19. Kalmar I Am Loved Body Cream - The Perfume Shop
Not only does the rich, velvety body cream smell divine, the 'love' name makes it an appropriate anniversary gift. As for the ruby element - ruby gemstones are crushed and blended into this luxury treat.
- Expert Take: Kalmar do a whole range of Love products, including bath oil, body oil and a candle. Treat your partner to the whole set for the ultimate in brownie points.
20. Ruby Slippers Wizard of Oz Print - Etsy
If you're married to a Wizard of Oz fan, this ruby slippers print will delight them - and it's a fun game to see if they can work out the connection between your fortieth wedding anniversary and the link to ruby slippers.
- Expert Take: This comes in A2, A3 and A4, so make sure you pick the right size for your home!
Ruby Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Parents
Looking for a ruby anniversary gift for parents or a couple to mark 40 years of marriage? These are our favourite ideas!
21. A Mini-Break – Virgin Experience Days
Treat your parents to a special mini break or a day out to celebrate their ruby anniversary, with the 40th wedding anniversary ideas from Virgin Experience Days. From day trips for Champagne afternoon tea right through to spa breaks and romantic weekends away, there's something here for every couple, and guarantees your parents will indulge in some much-deserved me-time.
- Expert Take: We love the sound of the hot air balloon ride - what a romantic way to celebrate 40 years of marriage!
22. Southern Indian Cookery Class – Food at 52
If your parents love a ‘Ruby Murray’, how fun would it be for them to learn how to make one from scratch? Food at 52 runs both Southern Indian and Indian Street Feast courses that any foodie will love – the school is located in Clerkenwell, so booking a class would be excellent as a part of a celebratory city break in London, too.
- Expert Take: Make sure you explain the link between ruby and curry to your parents, or you might be met with baffled looks!
23. 40 Years Of Being Right Anniversary Mug – Find Me A Gift
For parents celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, these cheeky mugs are a purse-friendly present that they’ll make use of every single day – if you want something a little bigger, why not add them to a hamper as part of a DIY afternoon tea kit?
- Expert Take: Unfortunately, there's no same-sex options for these mugs yet, but we're keeping our eyes peeled.
24. The Metal Foundry Sundial – Etsy
If your parents enjoy busying themselves in their beautiful garden, they will love this this quirky 40th anniversary sundial. Reviewers on Etsy say their parents were delighted with the personalised gift, and we can see why!
- Expert Take: Each sundial is made with 99% per cent recycled material and no plastic, so it’s an eco-friendly pick as well.
25. Swarovski Ballpoint Pen - Swarovski
The ruby red crystals make this chic pen the perfect choice for a 40th wedding anniversary gift for your parents. Everyone needs a pen after all!
- Expert Take: We probably wouldn't advise buying a pen for your partner, as it's not the most romantic of gifts (unless they love to write!), but it's great for letting your parents know you've remembered it's their ruby wedding anniversary.
26. Grow Your Own Ruby Wedding Anniversary Gift - Not On The High Street
For green-fingered parents celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary, this is a thoughtful gift they'll love. The seeds grow beautiful ruby red cosmos flowers, and it comes complete with a personalised slate to hang alongside their flourishing garden.
- Expert Take: This compact box slides right into the letterbox, meaning your parents will know you're thinking of them even if you can't physically be there for their 40th wedding anniversary.
27. Personalised Ruby Anniversary Vase - Uniqueful
If you and your siblings are teaming up to buy a fortieth wedding anniversary present, one of you could buy flowers and the others could snap up this personalised vase, making both gifts work harder.
- Expert Take: The personalisation on this simple vase make it special, yet it remain understated to fit it with any home décor your parents have opted for.
28. Ruby Wedding Anniversary Keepsake - Kitty and Fin
Let your parents know you're thinking of them with this simple token of affection, acknowledging their special ruby wedding anniversary. You can their names too, if you prefer.
- Expert Take: Select gift wrapping if you want to send this post-friendly 40th wedding anniversary present in the mail.
29. Personalised Ruby Wedding Anniversary Cheeseboard - Etsy
For parents who love to entertain, we can think of no better gift than a personalised ruby wedding anniversary cheese board, with their name and wedding date carved into it.
- Expert Take: Buy a selection of cheese, crackers and fruit to go with the gift, creating a DIY date night for your parents to enjoy.
30. Dartington Ruby Anniversary Champagne Glasses - Etsy
Help your parents toast to 40 years of marriage with these ruby wedding anniversary Champagne flutes. Add a bottle of something fizzy to complete the gift, if you feel like splashing out.
- Expert Take: Reviewers love these elegant glasses, commenting on the brilliant quality and speedy delivery.
How Many Years is a Ruby Wedding Anniversary?
The ruby wedding anniversary celebrates 40 years of marriage, with both traditional and modern gift guides suggest ruby as the present for your fortieth wedding anniversary. "It's rubies all the way when you hit 40 years so, in this case, I say respect that for what it is!" says gifting expert Elisabeth Noel Jones of GiftMeChic.
"Hate rubies? I'd suggest writing each other beautiful anniversary notes with a ruby coloured pen," Elisabeth adds, suggesting gifts for ruby-adverse couples. "I hugely recommend hand writing a notecard expressing your love and attaching it to your gift as the little touches of genuine thoughtfulness and caring can often carry more weight than the gift itself," she continues.
After 40 years of marriage, finding a suitable gift might be tricky, but Elisabeth encourages you to still treat your other half: "Buying a wedding gift for your spouse shows that you are honouring the special day between you and the life that you are building and have built together, no matter how much time has gone by."
Browse our full wedding anniversary guide for even more inspiration.
