The 31 Best 40th Anniversary Gifts for Your Spouse, Parents or Friends

Celebrate longtime love.

Photos, from clockwise: Bellahera, Mark & Graham, Uncommon Goods, Personalization Mall

Updated Apr 15, 2025

Four decades of marriage is an incredible achievement that deserves to be celebrated in style. If you and your partner (or a couple you know) are marking this milestone, you're probably looking for thoughtful 40th anniversary gift ideas. Shopping for such a momentous occasion can feel a little daunting, but we can help. We've rounded up the best 40th wedding anniversary gifts for friends, family or your beloved spouse, from practical picks they can use daily to unique offerings you can personalize. Wondering what is the 40th anniversary gift according to tradition? Learn more about the anniversary gift themes and symbols for this year, then shop our favorite 40th anniversary presents.

In this article:

Traditional 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Unique 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

The traditional 40th anniversary gift is rubies. These deep red gemstones symbolize passion, loyalty and devotion, something a four-decade marriage has in spades. Giving ruby anniversary gifts to your spouse is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their love and dedication to your relationship. While jewelry is a popular choice, there are other ways to honor the ruby anniversary theme. Instead of opulent gems, you can incorporate the 40th anniversary color, ruby red, into your gift. Whatever your approach, these 40th wedding anniversary ideas will help you find something special for your loved ones.

Personalized Sheet Music Art

Wedding first dance song sheet lyrics on canvas wall art

Take your spouse back in time by turning your wedding song into contemporary wall art. Whether you enjoyed a whimsical waltz or a jaunty jive, they'll be thrilled to see the sheet music of your first dance on canvas. Choose the red metallic finish for a traditional and romantic 40-year anniversary present.

From $77 | Etsy

Ruby Diamond Pendant

The ruby anniversary is the perfect time to splurge on anniversary jewelry for your spouse. This heart-shaped pendant is embellished with rubies and diamonds and finished with 14K white gold. Whenever your spouse wears this stunning 40th anniversary gift, they'll think of the love you share.

$1,690 | Blue Nile

Symbolic Tree Sculpture

If you're looking for 40th anniversary gifts for your parents, grandparents or friends, you can't go wrong with a thoughtful keepsake. This handmade tree sculpture is made of recycled wire and decorated with red beads to represent the traditional 40th anniversary material. It's a symbolic gift that nods to the couple's growing love and deep-rooted bond.

$75 | Uncommon Goods

Romantic Rose Keepsake

A milestone wedding anniversary is the perfect time for romantic gestures, like giving your spouse a rose that lasts forever. This custom keepsake is a real flower preserved in sparkly red lacquer to reflect the traditional ruby theme. Have the stem engraved with a heartfelt anniversary quote for an extra special 40th wedding anniversary gift.

From $100 | The Forever Rose

Ruby Earrings

Searching for jewelry gifts for the 40th anniversary? These huggie earrings will make an elegant addition to your spouse's collection. They're made from 14K white gold and lab-grown rubies for a touch of color. Perfect for everyday and formal occasions alike, they're a versatile accessory your spouse can wear with anything.

$495 | Brilliant Earth

Monogrammed Flower Pot

Sometimes the best 40th anniversary presents are a little unexpected, like this monogrammed flower pot. Ideal for gardeners, this stoneware planter comes in a deep red shade and can be personalized with the couple's last name and initial. Pair it with flower seeds or a plant so they can use it right away.

Get 15% off with this code: KNOT15PM.

$60 | Personalization Mall

40th Wedding Anniversary Sundial

Here's another 40th marriage anniversary gift they can add to their garden: a commemorative sundial. Made from recycled brass, it features a special anniversary message against a deep red background to reflect the traditional gifting theme. Add a stand so it's ready to display in their backyard or porch.

From $135 | Etsy

Stemless Wine Glasses

Toast to 40 years of marriage with these stemless wine glasses. The ruby red shade makes them a thematic 40th wedding anniversary gift for anyone who enjoys drinking wine in the evenings. They come as a pair, which is ideal if you're shopping for a couple or yourself and your spouse.

$75 | Saks Fifth Avenue

Wine Bottle Stopper

Gifts for the 40th wedding anniversary don't have to be extravagant. This ruby-toned bottle stopper is a good way to acknowledge the couple's milestone without going overboard. Pair it with a fancy bottle of wine so they can kick off the celebrations right away.

$28 | Uncommon Goods

Romantic Red Roses

Red roses are synonymous with romance and are perfect for the ruby wedding anniversary. With their velvety petals and green leaves, these classic flowers are a thoughtful 40th anniversary gift for your spouse or favorite pair. They arrive in buds and bloom two to three days after delivery.

Use the BloomsyKnot20 code to get 20% off all bouquets and subscriptions.

$70 | BloomsyBox

Ruby Eternity Ring

Planning to renew your vows on your 40-year wedding anniversary? Surprise your spouse with this dazzling eternity band. It's made from lab-grown diamonds and rubies set in 14K white gold. The slim profile stacks neatly with an engagement ring and wedding band, although it also looks good worn alone.

From $429 | Charles & Colvard

Anniversary Material Art

If you're looking for symbolic gifts for the ruby anniversary, consider this personalized material art. It features a red heart-shaped gem, along with the couple's names, wedding date and a short 40th anniversary quote that reads: "Just like a ruby, love is resilient, precious and rare; admired by all." A white box frame adds a nice finish.

$65 | Uncommon Goods

Red Leather Wallet

After 40 years together, you know your spouse best of all. If they're the practical type, they'll appreciate a useful gift like this leather wallet. It's stylish and smart, with an innovative design that protects against card skimming and wireless fraud. Get it in red to commemorate the 40th wedding anniversary.

$99 | Ekster

Red Butterfly Sculpture

Still searching for ideas for ruby wedding anniversary presents? This Baccarat butterfly is a creative gift for anyone who loves playful keepsakes. It's made from vibrant red crystal to represent the traditional 40th anniversary theme and promotes good luck, which any couple will welcome.

$195 | Neiman Marcus

Red Cufflinks

Getting dressed up to celebrate your 40th wedding anniversary? These ruby-inspired cufflinks will add a hint of color to your spouse's formalwear. They're made from red and gray enamel panels for a subtle take on the traditional theme. Your partner can wear them again to other celebrations like weddings and dinner parties.

$72 | Cufflinks.com

Ruby Tennis Bracelet

When it comes to choosing jewelry for your spouse, a classic tennis bracelet rarely fails. This sparkly accessory is made from oval-shaped rubies and diamonds set in rhodium-plated silver. It's one of the best ruby anniversary presents if you want to splurge on something special.

$632 | Amazon

Unique 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

Traditional gifts aren't the only option when you're shopping for memorable 40th anniversary presents. While the milestone doesn't have a modern gift, it does have a designated anniversary flower, the gladiolus. This distinctive bloom is named for its sword-like shape and symbolizes infatuation. When given as a gift, it tells the recipient that their heart has been pierced with passion. It also signifies strength of character, faithfulness and honor. Looking for a unique 40th anniversary gift that's not tied to a specific theme? We've got plenty of cool and creative options that are just as meaningful. Here are our favorite alternative 40th anniversary presents.

Embroidered Throw Blanket

A personalized anniversary gift is always a win, whether you're shopping for your partner, parents or pals. This cozy throw blanket is a great choice for the 40th wedding anniversary. It can be embroidered with the couple's names, number of years together and current anniversary year in your preferred color.

Want to get 15% off? Use the KNOT15PM code at checkout.

$65 | Personalization Mall

Personalized Wall Print

Bring them back to where it all started with this framed print. It depicts their names and two important dates (like the years they met and got married) as intersecting street signs. Choose from several framing options for a unique 40th anniversary gift they can hang on their wall.

From $75 | Uncommon Goods

Etched Bottle of Wine

Wondering what to give for a 40th wedding anniversary? Don't overthink it. If the couple you're shopping for likes wine, they'll ooh and aah over this personalized bottle of cabernet sauvignon. It's etched with their names, anniversary date and a short message. Add a thoughtful card or a pair of wine glasses and you're all set.

$58 | Mano's Wine

Charcuterie Board Delivery

If you're looking for 40th anniversary gifts you can send to their door, check out Boarderie. Their tasty charcuterie boards are freshly prepared daily and shipped overnight for a quick delivery, making it a great last-minute 40th anniversary gift. They're topped with delicious cheeses, meats, nuts, olives, crackers and chocolates, and arrive ready-to-eat, so they can tuck in immediately.

From $139 | Boarderie

Personalized Map Candle

Candles make great anniversary gifts, especially when they look and smell as good as this one. This personalized flame features a heart-shaped map of the couple's wedding location or home town, along with their names. A subtle champagne scent adds the finishing touches to this meaningful 40th wedding anniversary gift.

$45 | Uncommon Goods

Fun Travel Experience

Are the lovebirds planning a fun anniversary trip for their 40th year of marriage? Tinggly's Fun Together experience will help them make new memories. The gift voucher allows them to choose from thousands of fun activities, from thrillseeking adventures to relaxing spa sessions, so they'll likely find something to get excited about. Bonus: They can use it both overseas and in the US.

Use the TK code to get 10% off all experience gift boxes and getaway gifts.

$199 | Tinggly

Engraved Vase

We love this Wedgwood Vera Wang vase as a 40th anniversary gift for parents or friends. It's decorated with intricate leaf and vine motifs and can be etched with their names and anniversary date. Pair it with a fresh bouquet for a simple yet thoughtful present.

$165 | Things Remembered

Custom Storybook

You've said "I love you" countless times over the last 40 years, but this custom anniversary book is yet another way to express your affection. Each page is personalized with illustrations inspired by your likenesses and notes about your most treasured memories. Talk about an adorable gift for your 40-year wedding anniversary.

Get 20% off one book with this code: KNOT20.

$45 | Wonderbly

Digital Picture Frame

A digital picture frame makes a clever 40th anniversary gift for a few reasons. For starters, the couple can connect it to an app and upload photos to display on a loop. They can also invite loved ones to share snapshots, so they can stay in touch with their kids and grandkids.

$140 | Amazon

Personalized LP Record

If you grew up with music-loving parents, this personalized framed LP record is a cool idea. It's made from a recycled record covered in aluminized gold or platinum and is personalized with their names and anniversary details. Add up to five songs to the list (like a first dance tune or another beloved track) for a 40-year anniversary gift that's as unique as they are.

From $168 | Uncommon Goods

Nostalgic Newspaper Print

Invite your spouse to indulge in a little nostalgia with this newspaper art. It's filled with fun facts and highlights from your wedding year, and can be personalized with your names and a special photo. Opt for a wrapped canvas for a ready-made gift or choose a digital file if you'd prefer to print and frame the piece yourself.

From $22 | Etsy

Marble Wine Chiller

A monogrammed wine chiller is a good 40th anniversary gift for your friends or family. This marble and wood design is practical and stylish, making it the perfect accompaniment to dinner parties at home. Fill it with a bottle of bubbly for a celebratory 40th anniversary gift.

From $69 | Mark & Graham

Pet Portrait Painting Class

Here's one of the best 40th anniversary gifts for a couple who loves their pet (almost) as much as each other. This two-hour online class is led by an experienced art teacher who'll teach them to paint a portrait of their furry friend. Choose the experience only or upgrade the gift with watercolor paints so they're fully prepared.

From $35 | Uncommon Goods

Stained Glass Gladiolus

Take inspiration from the 40th anniversary flower with this creative gift. These eye-catching gladiolus ornaments are made from stained glass and come in three colors: yellow, orange or pink. They're sold as a pair and look beautiful displayed in a minimalist vase.

From $84 | Etsy

Personalized Welcome Plaque

Pay tribute to the happy home they've built with this personalized welcome plaque. It's made from aluminum with an antique metallic finish and can be customized with the family name and the year they got married. Choose from seven different styles, like antique copper or oil-rubbed bronze, for a thoughtful and unique 40th anniversary gift.

Get 15% off with the KNOT15PM code.

$75 | Personalization Mall

Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.