Words can barely pay sufficient tribute to the incredible milestone of celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary. Well, perhaps one… as this is popularly known as the Ruby Anniversary.
The ruby symbolises love and passion, unquestionably much-needed qualities for a couple who have spent 40 years together. It is one of the most coveted gemstones of all, and within its heart is said to lie a fire that grows brighter with each passing year – just like the flame of a 40-year marriage.
The "Cheers!" handmade personalised sea glass frame. This frame shows a delicious bottle of champagne and two glasses made with sea glass and hand drawn art. Our frames are handmade with love and care. Whether it´s for a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding, or just simply to brighten up someone´s day, there is a perfect frame for everyone. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"Family Of Birds" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]
Discover our charming framed bird family design, crafted with genuine sea glass from the Mediterranean. This piece, featuring a heartfelt family quote, is a perfect addition to your living room or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Each creation, handpicked from Southern Spain's beaches, brings a touch of nature's beauty into your home. This gift can be personalized with your own message. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"To My Favourite Forever" - Crewneck T-shirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]
Another year of choosing each other, still the easiest decision either of you makes. This soft crewneck says it plainly: "To My Favourite Forever," a cozy little reminder worn close, meant for lazy mornings and long marriages alike. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"My Forever Plus-One" - Crewneck T-shirt Gift For Couples [WNOAB]
For the partner who's still your favorite date after all these years, this crewneck says it plainly: forever, plus one. Comfy, cheeky, and true, it's a soft little reminder of who they chose again and again. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
One of the flowers representing a 40th anniversary is the nasturtium, which symbolises patriotism, conquest, victory and impetuous love – all important attributes for a couple spending four decades together.
Another flower is the gladioli, a symbol of strength of character and of attracting love. Both these flowers bloom in a multitude of colours, so – whether you are the special couple celebrating your 40th, or you have been invited to a 40th wedding anniversary party – a bouquet of 40 ruby red gladioli would make a stunning and thoughtful gift.
And the marvellous rose became crimson, like the rose of the eastern sky. Crimson was the girdle of petals, and crimson as a ruby was the heart.” Quoted by: Oscar Wilde
Two Dozen Red Roses with Chocolates - From You Flowers
Two dozen red roses with fine chocolates speaks a language older than words. A timeless, thoughtful classic combination.
40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her… and the Couple
Planning to host a party for your ruby anniversary celebration? Consider having table decorations comprising both gladioli and nasturtium, accompanied by a music playlist of songs that were popular the year you exchanged your vows.
If you have never taken a second honeymoon before, the 40th anniversary is a great time to rectify that oversight. If you already have, maybe it’s time for a third honeymoon!
Bearing in mind the significance of this celebration, jewellery is always a favoured gift for the 40th wedding anniversary. So maybe a heart-shaped ruby pendant for her and some ruby cufflinks for him? Or matching eternity rings mounted with rubies…
"Together Is a Beautiful Place To Be" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]
Sea-glass edges catch the light like beach glass tumbled smooth by years together, framing that one photo they can't stop smiling at. A quiet, lovely way to mark how far they've come, side by side. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"We Make A Pretty Sweet Couple" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]
"We Make A Pretty Sweet Couple" handmade personalised sea glass frame! This frame shows two delicious, colourful cupcakes made with sea glass and hand drawn art. The frames are handmade with love and care. Whether it´s for a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding, or just simply to brighten up someone´s day, there is a perfect frame for everyone. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"I Run On Tea, And A Little Sarcasm" - Crewneck Sweatshirt For Tea Lovers [WNOAB]
Soft crewneck fleece with a cheeky confession printed right across the chest, made for lazy mornings and honest mugs of tea. A cozy, funny anniversary layer for the tea addict who never sugarcoats anything. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"Another Year Of Not Killing Each Other" - Crewneck Sweatshirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]
Surviving another 365 days of dishes, snoring, and who-left-the-cap-off arguments deserves recognition. This cozy crewneck celebrates real marriage, the kind held together by love, stubbornness, and a shared sense of humor. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Q: What is the 40th wedding anniversary called? A: The 40th wedding anniversary is know as the Ruby Wedding Anniversary.
Q: What is the 40th wedding anniversary gemstone? A: The 40th wedding anniversary gemstone is the Ruby. The ruby’s deep red colour also has ties to love, passion, and raw emotion. Long ago, humans believed that rubies contained drops of Mother Earth’s blood.
Q: What is the 40th wedding anniversary symbol? A: The 40th wedding anniversary is symbolised by the Ruby, representing love and passion, it also shows how a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary are still committed to each other.
Q: What does the 40th wedding anniversary mean? A: The 40th Ruby wedding anniversary means unquestionably much-needed qualities for a couple who have spent 40 years together.
Q: What are the traditional and modern gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary? A: The traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary is the Ruby, with the modern gift also being a Ruby.
Q: What is the 40th year anniversary flower? A: The 40th wedding anniversary flower has two, the nasturtium and the gladiola. Both symbolise loyalty and the strong devotion between a long-term married couple.
40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
What can I buy my husband for our 40th wedding anniversary? We’ve featured some of our top gift ideas below to help you find that perfect gift for your husband or partner. Check out our suggestions below:
Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder [Amazon]
The Callaway Laser Rangefinder transforms every round into confident play, delivering exact yardages that turn guesswork into strategic precision.
Yes, 40 years is a long time, and you are both now at a gracefully maturing age, but don’t be fooled into thinking your partner is past his active days. Buy him a gift that reflects his interests and activities, and help him stay young in both body and mind. Here are some further gift ideas to help you find that pefect present to celebrate your ruby anniversary:
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 43mm Smartwatch [Amazon]
A sleek daily companion that tracks wellness and keeps them connected, wrapped in timeless classic design that never goes out of style.
What should I buy my wife on our 40th wedding anniversary? After 40 years you may be getting a little stuck with what you buy your wife for your ruby anniversary. Here are some of our top gift ideas to help you buy the ideal gift for your partner:
Teardrop Ruby & Diamond Necklace - Amazon
Catches light beautifully with just enough ruby color. Feels special but not overdone, works with almost everything rather than being precious.
Celebrate your 40th wedding anniversary with our great gift ideas. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for here, remember we have hundreds more gift suggestions to choose from on our other anniversary pages and in our gift shop.
Engraved Wooden Gift Set 'to My Beautiful Wife' [Amazon]
She traces the engraved words with her fingertip, a quiet smile spreading. Timeless craftsmanship speaks to care taken, treasured always.
40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her, Parents… and Other Couples
What to buy your parents or your grandparents for their rub wedding anniversary? After all these years, you may have run out of ideas as to what to buy. We’ve picked out some of our top gift ideas below to help you chose that perfect gift. Check out the gift ideas below:
“The Couple's Box” – Handmade Gift Box Bundle [WNOAB]
A thoughtfully curated gift for two: a personalised handmade card, vegan dark chocolate, vanilla & amber candles, a handmade rose bath salt bag, "Love" organic teas, and the playful "Talking Hearts" card game. Perfect for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or just because. Beautifully packaged and handmade with care, a ready-made moment of connection for the couple in your life. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"Love Letters" - Date Night Box For Couples [WNOAB]
This date night box is perfect for couples looking to enjoy a fun and romantic night in to reignite the romance. Put pen to paper, and let your love letters spark connection and sweet moments together. Our gift boxes are handmade with love and care! Whether it´s for a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding, or just simply to brighten up someone´s day! Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"Partners In Love & Annoyance" - Crewneck T-shirt Gift For Couples [WNOAB]
For the couple who finish each other's sentences and each other's patience, this crewneck says it best. Cozy, honest, and a little cheeky, it celebrates the truth behind every long relationship: love and mild irritation, hand in hand. A fun anniversary gift they'll actually want to wear, again and again. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
"To Many More Years Together" - Crewneck T-shirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]
The soft, worn-in crewneck cut feels like something already loved, the kind of shirt that gets claimed for lazy Sundays. Screen printed with "To Many More Years Together," it's a cozy way to mark the milestone without saying a word. Comfortable enough for coffee mornings, sentimental enough for the anniversary it's celebrating. Buy from “We’re NOT On A Break”
This hand-blown glass bowl commands attention completely empty, catching light in ever-changing ways that transform any surface into something elegant.
40th Ruby Wedding Anniversary Couple Blanket Gift [Amazon]
Ruby-red blanket that wraps around shared rituals and quiet moments, honoring their partnership with something beautifully practical to enjoy together.
If you’re still not sure what to buy as a gift for the ruby anniversary, here are some alternative ideas that may help to find that perfect travel or experience type gift:
Happy Anniversary Experience Gift [Tinggly]
Why settle for another pair of mugs when you can give them an adventure? The Tinggly Happy Anniversary Experience Gift Box lets couples choose from thousands of experiences around the world, from romantic getaways and delicious food to exciting adventures and memorable days out. Whether they fancy trying something completely new or simply enjoying time together, this is an anniversary gift with plenty of fun built in and memories waiting to happen.
Forget socks, candles and anything that might end up gathering dust! The Tinggly Fun Together Experience Gift Box is all about getting out there and having some fun. Choose from more than 28,600 experiences across 130 countries, with options for 1 to 4 people. Whether it’s an adventure, a delicious experience or something completely unexpected, this is a gift made for good times, great laughs and memories worth keeping.
There's a particular thrill in opening an envelope with no fixed destination, just a promise of adventure to come. This Tinggly box hands your favourite couple that feeling, letting them choose from hundreds of experiences worldwide, from quiet countryside escapes to bucket-list thrills, whenever the mood (and the calendar) allows.
Some gifts are nice. This one is a bit harder to forget! The Tinggly Once in a Lifetime Gift Box lets the lucky recipient choose one incredible experience from more than 9,500 options across 118 countries. From bucket-list adventures to unforgettable days out, it is the perfect excuse to try something spectacular. And because it can be enjoyed by up to four people, the memories can be shared too.
For couples who treat life as one long adventure list, this Tinggly box hands over the keys to hundreds of experiences worldwide, from hot air balloon rides to fine dining escapes. They choose the memory, the timing, the place. A wedding anniversary present that keeps unfolding long after the ribbon comes off.
Ready to take your taste buds on holiday? The Tinggly Taste the World Gift Box lets the lucky recipient choose from more than 2,100 food and drink experiences across 77 countries. From tempting tastings to delicious culinary adventures, there’s plenty to whet the appetite. Choose an experience for yourself or share it with up to four people. A tasty gift for food lovers who believe the best memories often come with something delicious on the side.
Finding a gift for her just got a whole lot easier! The Tinggly Perfect for Her Gift Box lets her choose one fabulous experience from more than 22,000 options across 127 countries. Whether she fancies an adventure, a relaxing treat, a delicious day out or something completely different, she gets to pick her favourite. It can be enjoyed solo or shared with up to four people, making it a gift she’ll actually love.
What do you get for the man who has everything? Something he can actually go out and enjoy! The Tinggly Perfect for Him Gift Box opens the door to more than 21,900 experiences across 128 countries. From adrenaline-fuelled adventures and great days out to food, travel and something completely unexpected, he gets to choose his favourite. With options for up to four people, it’s a gift made for fun, freedom and memorable experiences.
Escape to the country (many locations to choose from)
Luxury spa day for two
Concert or cinema
VIP foodies festival
Now for Something Different & Unique
Plan a tour of Europe’s most alluring cities, some you’ve visited in years past, and others you’ve never had the chance to explore – until now.
If you both enjoy golf, why not head further afield, to the Bahamas to play a round on the Ruby Golf Course?
If you prefer to stay closer to home, book a luxury hotel getaway – and enjoy a relaxing and revitalising range of spa treatments during your stay.
Never too late… how about signing up for dance lessons together?
Arrange a weekend away to listen to some live jazz.
Clearly, a 40 yeare wedding anniversary is something truly special, and just about as good a reason as any to celebrate in grand style.
Hopefully, no need for you to organise a celebration party, as there’s a strong chance your children (and grandchildren?) are already hard at work arranging a surprise gathering of friends and family.
Therefore, after 40 wonderful years together, now would be the perfect time to make plans to re-visit a place that brings back treasured memories from your early days together.
Whatever you decide, this day will already be full of love and romance. So just pop the cork on a bottle of vintage Champagne and savour the remarkable experience of having been together for four decades.
!["Cheers!" - Personalized & Handmade Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Personalized-Champagne-ArtWork-Sea-Glass-Anniversary-01.webp)
!["Family Of Birds" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sea-Glass-Family-Of-Birds-Personalized-01.jpg)
!["To My Favourite Forever" - Crewneck T-shirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/forever-favorite.webp)
!["My Forever Plus-One" - Crewneck T-shirt Gift For Couples [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/forever-plus-one-t.webp)
!["Together Is a Beautiful Place To Be" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/together-is-a-beautiful-place-to-be-4-2.jpg)
!["We Make A Pretty Sweet Couple" - Personalized Sea Glass Picture Frame Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/we-make-a-pretty-sweet-couple-sea-glass-frame-1-4.jpg)
!["I Run On Tea, And A Little Sarcasm" - Crewneck Sweatshirt For Tea Lovers [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/tea-and-sarcasm-s.webp)
!["Another Year Of Not Killing Each Other" - Crewneck Sweatshirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/another-year-not-killing-s.webp)
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!["Partners In Love & Annoyance" - Crewneck T-shirt Gift For Couples [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/partners-love-annoyance-p.webp)
!["To Many More Years Together" - Crewneck T-shirt Anniversary Gift [WNOAB]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/heres-to-many-more-years-t-p.webp)
![Happy Anniversary Experience Gift [Tinggly]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/happy-anniversary-box-a.png)
![Fun Together Experience Gift [Tinggly]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/fun-together.png)
![Happily Ever After [Tinggly]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/happily-ever-after.png)
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![Taste the World Experience Gift [Tinggly]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/taste-the-world.png)
![Perfect for Her Experience Gift [Tinggly]](https://myweddinganniversary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/perfect-for-her.png)
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