If 40 years have passed since you first said "I do" and you're still head over heels for your spouse, you're pretty lucky. With each passing decade, your love has only grown stronger and now the time has come to celebrate your beautiful bond.
On the hunt for the perfect gift for your spouse, parents or friends? We've rounded up options for every budget. Plus, we're breaking down the 40th anniversary gift theme to help spark inspiration.
What is the 40th anniversary theme?
“Throughout history, rubies have symbolized passion, devotion and power," The Knot editor Samantha Iacaia tells us. "Because of the gemstone’s blood-like red color, some people believe that rubies have the power to energize, protect and heal, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
She says rubies or ruby-colored items can represent "the dedication and endurance of your marriage" and the "eternal flame of your love."
Other gifts associated with 40 years of marriage
Aside from rubies, the gladiolus (aka sword lily) flower is another gift that's often associated with 40th anniversaries.
"Instead of a single flower per stem, this plant has tall, vertical stalks that are covered in multiple flowers, each representing abundance and vitality," Iacia says. "Gladioli bloom in a variety of symbolic colors: red for passion, purple for wealth, yellow for happiness, pink for playfulness and white for purity."
40th anniversary ruby gifts
Personalized Ruby Crystal Glass Clock
With its stunning ruby crystals, this clock is a true conversation starter. It can even be customized with a phrase of your choice (up to three lines total). It'll be a sweet tabletop reminder of this momentous milestone.
40th Anniversary Photo Frame
You’ve made many happy memories over the last four decades so what better time to commemorate how far you’ve come together? This sweet photo frame has room for two pictures — one from your wedding day and another from your 40th anniversary — and features ruby detailing that’s appropriate for the occasion.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Anniversary Material Art
Inside this shadow box, you’ll find a brief description about why rubies are meaningful for a 40th anniversary alongside a mini heart-shaped ruby and the happy couple’s names and anniversary date. It's a ready-to-gift pick that just needs a spot on their mantel.
Uncommon Goods As We Grow Anniversary Milestone Tree
Over the years, you've probably run out of gift ideas so relying on your anniversary theme to guide your gifting choices can help save you some time. This vibrant tree features ruby red leaves to represent 40 years of marriage and will remind you of the beautiful love you share every time you glance at it.
40th anniversary gifts for her
Bath & Body Works Into the Night Mini Gift Bag Set
This gift set is appropriately housed in a bag that says "Let's celebrate" and comes with a travel-sized fragrance mist, body lotion and hand sanitizer. The lovely scent has notes of raspberry, rose petals and mocha musk.
Hallmark Be There When You Can’t Recordable Koala
Keep your better half close even when they're physically far away with this sweet talking koala bear. It can record up to 30 seconds of your voice so you can share a loving message they can listen to over and over again.
Hallmark "The Wizard of Oz" There’s No Place Like Home Ornament
In "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy famously clicked her ruby red slippers and said, "There's no place like home." This iconic ornament is doubly appropriate for a 40th anniversary with its ruby slippers since your spouse is really your true home.
Ann Taylor Ruffle Trim Sweater
Whether she rocks it with a skirt and heels on date night or pairs it with jeans and sneakers, your wife will look stunning in this striking sweater. The crewneck design features a flirty ruffle trim at the cuffs and hem and comes in two pretty colors: plum and sapphire.
40th anniversary gifts for him
Cozy Nights In Coupon Book
By now, you both know that the best gift is time spent together. So treat your better half to a cute coupon book that's filled with a bunch of date night ideas you can enjoy with each other. Opt for the original deck of 27 pre-filled cards or add a few extra blanks to write in your own ideas.
Cuisinart Wooden Handle Tool Set
Perfect for grilling aficionados, this bestselling barbecue set comes with all the essential tools your hubby needs to cook up a delicious meal including a spatula, cleaning brush, tongs, stainless skewers and corn holders.
Braun Hair Clipper Series 7
Searching for a practical gift he'll love? Consider this versatile hair clipper that has 17 length settings, two combs, Memory SafetyLock to lock in his favorite settings, a 50-minute runtime and more noteworthy features.
Theory Dinin Wool And Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
Treat your husband to luxury for less with this ultra soft cashmere sweater. The long sleeve crewneck design features a subtle speckled pattern and a flattering fit that can be worn throughout multiple seasons.
40th anniversary jewelry gifts
Zales Ruby and White Sapphire Frame Drop Earrings
Rubies can cost a pretty penny but there are plenty of lab-grown varieties that can help you stay on budget. This eye-catching pair features both rubies and white sapphires along with sterling silver and an 18K gold plate.
Pandora Red Sparkling Heart Tennis Bracelet
Even after so many years together, your wife will still love receiving something sparkly like this delicate tennis bracelet. It features a ruby red heart-shaped charm in the middle and a plethora of sparkly crystals all around.
Jared Men’s Wedding Band
While you may not be replacing your husband's original wedding ring, you can certainly give him some extra bling for your milestone anniversary. This one features a black zirconium band and a vibrant flash of ruby red.
Nixon Time Teller
With its ruby red dial, this sleek watch is pretty perfect for a 40th anniversary. The gold band balances out the bold hue and adds a touch of elegance. Plus, the brand says it's waterproof!
Personalized 40th anniversary gifts
40th Anniversary Card
Cards are a simple yet sweet gift for the couple who has it all. This design has a cheeky message on the front — “Happy ruby anniversary to a couple of real gems” — and can be personalized with their names.
Personalization Mall Embroidered Cotton Bath Towel
Drying off after a shower feels extra luxurious with a personalized bath towel. Available in five colors, this soft cotton towel can feature a single initial or a name in your choice of fonts.
Personalized 40th Anniversary Acrylic Heart Plaque
It's hard not to swoon over this acrylic plaque that's adorned in a ruby red leaf pattern. You can customize it with their names and their anniversary date to commemorate the special occasion.
Lego Mosaic Maker
Calling all Lego lovers! If you've ever wanted to be transformed into a Lego, now is your chance. With the Mosaic Maker, you can upload an image of the couple and have it turned into a Lego set. They'll have hours of fun putting it together.
40th anniversary food gifts
Edible Arrangements Create Your Own Cookie Box
Sending a box of cookies is like sending a box of love. With this set, you can choose from signature flavors (chocolate chip, confetti celebration or strawberry cheesecake) and limited-edition varieties (current options include lemon blueberry, tiramisu and sundae).
Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Pie
Stumped for gift ideas? You can never go wrong with something sweet. This delectable pie from Tate's Bake Shop is made with a buttery crust and features plenty of chocolate chips and walnuts for a crunchy, ooey gooey taste.
Harry & David Choose-Your-Own Pizzeria Uno Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Not having to cook dinner is a gift in and of itself, especially when pizza is on the menu. This set comes with your choice of two deep dish pizzas from Pizzeria Uno that can be cooked at home.
Wolferman's Bakery “Ice Cream My Love For You” Collection
Whether you're hosting a party for two or 20, ice cream is always a good idea and this set has something for everyone. It comes with four pints in the following romantic flavors: “You’re Simply the Sweetest” (chocolate cake ice cream with brownie bites and fudge swirls), “Tub of Hugs” (double vanilla bean ice cream with praline pecans and caramel swirls); “Love at First Bite” (sea salt caramel ice cream with brownie bites); and “Scoops of Love” (coffee caramel ice cream with chocolate chunks and toffee pieces).
Macarooz Build Your Box Macarons
Choose from an array of flavors to create your own custom box of macarons with this variety pack from Macarooz. Flavors range from fruity options like raspberry truffle and blueberry French toast to chocolatey delights like chocolate chip and chocolate hazelnut. You can choose from boxes with six, 12, 24 or 48 macarons depending on how big of a sweet tooth you have.
40th anniversary gifts you both can enjoy
40th Ruby Anniversary Candle
This festive candle dons a label that reads "Happy Ruby Anniversary, Celebrating 40 Years Together." It's available in five fragrances: Clean cotton, sea salt and orchid, white sage and lavender, apple harvest and cinnamon vanilla.
416 Flowers Pretty Pink Gladiolous Vase Arrangement
A gladiolous flower arrangement is not only on theme for 40th anniversaries, it’s also gorgeous. This pretty pink bouquet comes in a vase you can reuse for years to come and will remind you both to pause and smell the flowers as you continue your life journey together.
Great Jones Hot Dish & Lid
Shopping for a couple who loves to cook together? They can whip up a range of tasty treats in this roomy ceramic casserole dish. It comes in four colors — blue, green, pink and yellow — and is safe to use in the oven and dishwasher, according to the brand.
Meet the expert
- Samantha Iacia is an editor at The Knot, a wedding planning site and vendor marketplace. She has previously spoken to Shop TODAY about other wedding milestones like five-, 10-, 15- and 25-year anniversaries.
Don't forget to check out Shop TODAY's other gift guides for every anniversary milestone including one year, five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years and 25 years.
