Memorable 40th Anniversary Gifts

Four decades of marriage is a rare achievement and one that deserves a gift to symbolize your long-lasting union. So when your anniversary date rolls around, what should you shop for? 

Both traditional and modern 40th anniversary gifts are dedicated to rubies, with its fiery hue often symbolizing passion and love. Naturally, this is the traditional gemstone for four decades as well, while the color red is another common theme. Whether you're buying jewelry or splurging on dozens of red roses, we've rounded up the best traditional, modern, and themed 40th anniversary gifts for 2022.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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$92 and up from Etsy

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This ruby-hued sundial is specifically geared towards 40th anniversary celebrations, with an inscription that reads "40 Wonderful Years Together" along with the dates spanning your four decades. Cast from solid brass and sporting a red background, the sundial can be ordered with or without a stand.

$85 from 1-800-Flowers

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What's better than a bouquet of flowers? A flower that'll never wilt. Crafted from glass, this immortal red rose is a reminder that your love will never decay (it might shatter into a million pieces, but let's check in again at year 50). 

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$18 from Walmart

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Spruce up his outfit with a pair of red cufflinks. This affordable set uses stainless steel plating for durability, and is a sweet reminder of your ruby anniversary. 

$27 from Neiman Marcus

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A 40th wedding anniversary celebration likely involves clinking glasses, so why not embrace the ruby theme and drink bubbly out of a red champagne flute? Customers love these festive glasses for their elegance and unique color — one that will surely stand out at the dining room table.

$55 and up from 1-800-Flowers

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It may be a no-brainer — roses for an anniversary, duh — but red roses are a particularly fitting gift for this ruby-hued celebration. On top of the two dozen roses, shoppers can add a red vase and candle to create an extra special bundle.

$339 from Walmart

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Yes, it's a splurge, but four decades of matrimony is a worthy occasion to spend more than $300 on a kitchen must-have. This shiny red KitchenAid mixer is a popular appliance and can handle enough cookie dough to feed a massive anniversary party.

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$119 from Mark & Graham

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Available in an elegant red poppy color, this Italian herringbone throw is a cozy gift for a partner who always runs a little cold. An embroidered monogram is available for a personalized touch.

$75 from Uncommon Goods

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Made from red-tinted recycled glass and recycled wire, this delicate tree symbolizes a relationship with strong roots — and one that continues to grow. Display it where you can both see it as a reminder of your love in constant bloom.

$700 from Macy's
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Rubies are the traditional gift of the 40th wedding anniversary, so go with a classic. These earrings feature a spray of rubies (3.25 total carat weigh) and diamonds (0.25 total carat weight) set in 14-karat rose gold.

$390 from Neiman Marcus
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Doves are a universal symbol of peace and love, and these ruby-tinted leaded crystal birds would make a lovely accent on a mantle piece or bookshelf. Made in France.

$1,375 from Tiffany & Co.
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Feeling extravagant? These Elsa Peretti-designed stud earrings feature two rubies (0.22 carat total weight) set in 18-karat gold.

$20 from Amazon
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You may think you now everything about your spouse after 40 years, but there's still plenty to learn. This game includes 100 questions that are meant to deepen a relationship. Sample queries include: "What's something you've tried that you'll never, ever try again?" and "What's your idea of a perfect vacation and how can we make it happen?"

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$30 and up from Personalization Mall
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This giclée-print comes in four sizes and can be personalized with the couple's names and wedding date. Some of the information it includes is the headline news from 50 years prior, along with items like top movies, songs, sports results, and more. The finished canvas is mounted on a wood frame.

$60 and up from Etsy
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Display up to five generations — rings of your family tree — for all to see. These genealogical gems are made in Austin, Texas, from sustainably harvested wood and are available in two sizes.

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