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24 Best 40-Year Anniversary Gifts to Celebrate Your Ruby Year

Commemorate this milestone with meaningful presents featuring red, a pretty gladiolus or elegant rubies.

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40 year anniversary gifts
YWHL/Precious Moments

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Your love might not be eternal, yet, but if you've made it 40 years together, you're pretty close. Now that your 40th is finally here, make sure the flame never goes out by finding the perfect gift for your one true love. To help you keep the passion alive for your ruby year, our gift experts have combed the internet to find the best 40-year anniversary gifts out there.

Whether you're shopping for her or browsing for him (even if you think he has everything), there's a present on this list that'll make them fall in love with you all over again. Anniversary gifts have themes by year, and if you've made it to your 40th, the traditional pick is a ruby. Rubies symbolize your love for each other and an eternal flame. In this guide, you'll find a combination of modern and traditional options, as well as unique gifts that are sure to impress them. And don't worry, we've found plenty of ruby-themed gifts under $100 so you won't have to break the bank to honor the tradition.

40th Anniversary Symbols

  • Traditional: Rubies
  • Modern: Rubies
  • Gem: Ruby
  • Flower: Gladiolus
  • Color: Red

Read on to learn more about the symbolism behind these presents and find a unique 40-year anniversary gift idea for your longtime love. We promise we've found the best options out there for him and her.

1
More Unique Than Fresh Flowers

Red Roses Pop Up Card

Amazon’s Choice
Red Roses Pop Up Card
Credit: Freshcut Paper

Of course, real roses are beautiful, but this pop-up card will last much longer. At 12 inches tall, it's complete with a paper stand to keep it upright. Here's just one positive review: "This is absolutely gorgeous! I bought this as a birthday present and to see its vibrancy is amazing! Would definitely recommend buying!"

2
Luxury Gift For Less

Tennis Bracelet

Tennis Bracelet
Credit: SUPRAONE

When it comes to jewelry, a tennis bracelet is as classic as it gets. Add rubies and you've found the perfect 40-year anniversary gift. This pick is a steal at under $40 and she'll never know the gemstones are lab-created.

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3
Sentimental Gift

40th Anniversary Burlap Print

40th Anniversary Burlap Print
Credit: Corfara

They'll proudly display this sweet anniversary print, which features burlap and a ruby in a nod to tradition. The best part? It comes framed (11 x 13 inches) and ready to hang.

4

40th Anniversary Crystal Swans

40th Anniversary Crystal Swans
Credit: YWHL

While they're not real rubies, these gorgeous crystal swans give a nod to tradition. There's also a bit of symbolism behind them — these birds mate for life. Many Amazon purchasers give them five stars for their sturdiness. One buyer shared: "Bigger than I expected. Stunning glass work."

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5
Gift Under $20

Gladiolus Necklace

Gladiolus Necklace
Credit: AFFY

She'll be delighted to wear this simple birth flower necklace every day, whether she's heading to work or off to run errands. The understated gladiolus pendant for her 40th is the perfect match for the station cable link chain.

6
40-Year Anniversary Gift For Him And Her

His and Hers Tumblers

His and Hers Tumblers
Credit: Patelai

Looking for a practical present? Consider these his-and-hers tumblers. Made of stainless steel, they come with straws and cleaning brushes, perfect for staying hydrated in the office or sipping iced coffee on the go.

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7
The Bag She'll Use Every Day

Gladiolus Tote Bag

Gladiolus Tote Bag
Credit: Watercolor Gladioli Gifts & Accessories

It's hard to believe this unique tote bag costs under $25! It measures 16 by 16 inches and is made of light polyester spun fabric, with double-stitched seams that are designed to last.

8
Must-Have Slides

Cloud Slippers

On Sale
Cloud Slippers
Credit: rosyclo

These EVA foam slides might not seem like the most romantic gift, but hear us out: They're extremely cushy and comfortable. They come in unisex sizing, so pick up a pair for yourself while you're at it. Take your pick of 23 colors.

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9
Sentimental AND Practical

40th Anniversary Paperweight

40th Anniversary Paperweight
Now 33% Off
Credit: Qunclay

Printed with a loving countdown, this sentimental 40th anniversary gift also doubles as a paperweight. Made of high-quality acrylic, it can also be hung on the wall.

10
DIY 40-Year Anniversary Gift

Hand Casting Kit

On Sale
Hand Casting Kit
Now 40% Off
Credit: Luna Bean

This hand casting kit is an experience gift you can both try to celebrate 40 years together. It comes with everything they'll need to make the perfect impression, and it already has over 31,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

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11
SO Romantic

Tabletop Decoration

Tabletop Decoration
Credit: Matashi

Decorate your tabletop with this eye-catching pair of crystal hearts in a vibrant red shade — the traditional 40-year anniversary color. They're gold-plated and will look beautiful in any room.

12
TOO Cute

40th Anniversary Porcelain Figurine

Amazon’s Choice
40th Anniversary Porcelain Figurine
Credit: Precious Moments

Celebrate your most precious moments with these adorable hand-painted figurines, which pay tribute to the day you were married. They're made of porcelain and are collectible, too, giving you an automatic idea for your 50th.

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13
For Her Nightly Glass

Stemless Wine Glass

Stemless Wine Glass
Credit: Bevvee

You can't celebrate 40 years together without a great glass. Amazon buyers love this stemless wine option: "The quality of these glasses is terrific, and they're very easy to grip. They're not very heavy, either, even when you fill them to the brim with cheap wine," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

14

40th Anniversary Crystal

40th Anniversary Crystal
Credit: YWHL

Add some sparkle to their home with this 40th anniversary crystal, which is shaped like a real ruby. It's hand-polished and has a luxury look for less, making it a perfect knickknack that costs less than $25!

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15
5 Stars On Amazon

Teardrop Earrings

Teardrop Earrings
Credit: VA JENT

She'll be over the moon for these stunning teardrop earrings with red cubic zirconia, which give a nod to tradition. They're real sterling silver, come gift-wrapped and we promise she'll be able to wear them for many other celebrations. Amazon reviewers say they're easy to wear and not too heavy — a common issue with dangly earrings.

16
Over 24,000 5-Star Ratings On Amazon

Password Book With Tabs

Password Book With Tabs
Now 13% Off
Credit: Clever Fox

40 years later, they're likely becoming more and more forgetful. Keep them from getting locked out of their important accounts with this gift, which even comes with tabs to keep them even more organized.

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17

Van Gogh Reproduction

Van Gogh Reproduction
Credit: Wieco Art

Whether Van Gogh is their favorite artist or you just want a gift for the traditional 40th anniversary flower, gladiolis, this reproduced canvas painting is a great value at under $15. It comes in three different sizes and can be hung right out of the box with its included hooks and backing.

18
Your Wife Will Love This

Emerald Cut Ring

Emerald Cut Ring
Credit: Gem Stone King

While her wedding ring will always be the most important, this gorgeous lab-created ruby number will become her second favorite. It's gold plated with a traditional emerald cut that's sure to fit her elegant style.

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19

Ruby Anniversary Photo Frame

Ruby Anniversary Photo Frame
Credit: Haysom Interiors

An anniversary this special deserves an extra special frame, so pop in a photo of your wedding day and your ruby anniversary and you're good to go. It's silver-plated, includes slots that'll easily fit standard-sized photos and it's just the thing to spruce up a tabletop.

20
The Necklace She'll Wear Every Day

Ruby Necklace

Ruby Necklace
Credit: FANCIME

Your wife will never want to take off this beautiful lab-created ruby necklace. Its beautiful infinity symbol shape celebrates your love, and the sterling silver will never tarnish with regular wear.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

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