40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Traditional, Modern & Meaningful Ideas

40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Traditional, Modern & Meaningful Ideas

Celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary is a remarkable milestone — four decades of love, commitment, and cherished memories. Whether you're choosing a gift for your spouse or a beloved couple, finding the perfect 40-year anniversary gift can feel like a challenge. We’re here to make it easier!

In this guide, we’ll explore the traditional and modern 40th anniversary gifts and share meaningful, personalised ideas to make this ruby milestone truly unforgettable.

What Is the Traditional 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift?

The traditional gift for a 40th anniversary is ruby. This vibrant gemstone symbolises passion, love, and the enduring strength of a marriage that has thrived for 40 years.

Popular ruby-inspired traditional gifts include:

  • Ruby jewelry (earrings, rings, necklaces, or cufflinks)

  • Personalized ruby-red keepsake boxes

  • Ruby-Accented Watch (for him or her)
  • Ruby-Encrusted Cufflinks

  • Ruby Pendant with Engraving

  • Ruby-Coloured Crystal Vase

  • Red Ruby Crystal Bracelet

  • Ruby Glassware (wine glasses, tumblers)

  • Ruby Gem Tree Decoration

  • Ruby-Red Candle Set

At Ian Widger Designs, we offer a range of ruby-inspired gifts that can be customised with names, dates, or heartfelt messages to honor this incredible milestone.

Romantic & Sentimental 40th Anniversary Gift Ideas

  • Weekend Getaway to a romantic countryside hotel

  • Ruby Rose Bouquet (fresh or preserved)

  • Couples’ Spa Day

  • "40 Reasons I Love You" Jar

  • Handwritten Love Letter in a Ruby-Coloured Envelope

  • Anniversary Photo Shoot

  • Memory Jar with Messages from Friends & Family

  • Star Map of the Night You Met/Married

  • Vow Renewal Ceremony

  • "Our Love Story" Book or Scrapbook

While ruby gifts bring a bold and luxurious touch, many couples also love incorporating personalised elements to make their gift even more meaningful.

Top 5 Personalised 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

Looking for something extraordinary? These updated, handcrafted 40th anniversary gifts are designed to celebrate your unique love story with a ruby-inspired touch:

  1. Ruby-Accented Engraved Wall Art
    Celebrate 40 years with a stunning ruby-toned wall piece, engraved with your names, anniversary date, or a meaningful quote. A show-stopping keepsake from Ian Widger Designs!

  2. Personalized Ruby-Red Memory Box
    A beautifully crafted ruby-colored box, perfect for preserving photos, letters, or treasures from your 40-year journey together.

  3. Ruby Crystal Bracelet
    Beautiful Preciosa ruby crystal bracelet, the perfect gift for your wife!  Click here

  4. Custom Ruby Vow Renewal Print
    Transform your original wedding vows or a heartfelt message into a ruby-hued artwork, printed on premium canvas for a timeless tribute.

  5. Personalised Heart Ornament
    A handcrafted wooden heart ornament, engraved with the iconic Corinthians verse ("Love is Patient, Love is Kind") or a custom message. Find our best-selling Heart Ornament here.

  6. Custom Ruby Anniversary Print (with names & date)

  7. 40 Years Together Timeline Book

  8. Custom Coordinates Print (of where you met/married)

  9.  Personalised Ruby Anniversary Cushion

  10. Custom Soundwave Art (e.g. your wedding vows)

  11. Personalised Ruby Heart Plaque

  12. Engraved Wine or Champagne Bottle  with names and date

  13. Custom Ruby Wedding Cake Topper


Why Choose Ian Widger Designs

✅ Unique and personalized ruby-inspired gifts
✅ Crafted with high-quality materials and techniques
✅ Fast worldwide shipping
✅ Thoughtfully designed for every couple and occasion

Make Your 40th Anniversary Unforgettable

Whether you choose the traditional or sentimental romantic ruby theme, the heart of your 40th anniversary lies in celebrating the love, resilience, and memories you’ve built together.

Browse our full collection of 40th wedding anniversary gifts here.

Let us help you create a personal, lasting, and truly one-of-a-kind gift to mark this extraordinary milestone.

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