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Truly Blog » Gift Occasions » Anniversary » Anniversary Themes and Gift Ideas » What are the 40th Wedding Anniversary Themes & Gifts? – Explore Symbols, Ideas, and More

What are the 40th Wedding Anniversary Themes & Gifts? – Explore Symbols, Ideas, and More

Your anniversary is around the corner? Did you know that for the 40th anniversary, both the traditional and modern theme is Ruby? This vibrant gemstone symbolizes the enduring strength and passion of a relationship, making it a perfect emblem for forty years of marriage.

Celebrate your 40th anniversary by showing your love and appreciation. Whether through an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift, our curated list will help you find the perfect way to honor this significant anniversary milestone.

Explore our selection of timeless ruby-inspired pieces, honoring both the traditional and modern themes for your forty remarkable years together.

Jump To a Section Below

  • Should you go with Traditional or Modern themes?
    • Traditional 40th Anniversary Theme
    • Modern 40th Anniversary Theme
    • How To Choose The Gift?
  • 40th Anniversary Gift Ideas By Recipient
    • For Him
    • For Her
    • For Couples
  • 40th Anniversary Gift Ideas
    • By Theme
    • By Hobbies or Interests
  • Conclusion

Should you go with Traditional or Modern themes?

Deciding on a 40th anniversary gift can be a delightful yet challenging task. A key choice you’ll need to make is between a Traditional Theme or a Modern Theme. Both options offer unique symbolism and meaning, but ultimately, the choice is personal, and there is no definitive right or wrong. One tip is to choose a gift that reflects your shared journey, aiming to capture the essence of your relationship in a meaningful way.

Traditional 40th Anniversary Theme

  • Traditional 40th Anniversary Theme: The traditional theme for the 40th wedding anniversary is Ruby It’s a precious gemstone that symbolizes passion, love, and devotion, making it an appropriate choice to celebrate four decades of marriage.
  • Traditional Gemstone: Ruby, symbolizes passion, love, and devotion, reflecting the fiery intensity and steadfastness of a long-lasting marriage.
  • Traditional Color: Ruby Red, synonymous with the ruby, represents deep love, desire, and the enduring flame of a couple’s bond.
  • Traditional Flower: Gladioli, symbolize strength of character, beauty, and generosity, signifying the enduring admiration and infatuation between partners who have shared 40 years of marriage.
  • Traditional 40th Anniversary Gifts: Traditional gifts for the 40th anniversary often include ruby rings, necklaces, or earrings or ruby-colored home decor items, fine china.

Modern 40th Anniversary Theme

  • Modern 40th Anniversary Theme: The modern theme for a 40th wedding anniversary is Ruby, symbolize the same meaningful theme as the traditional one.
  • Modern Gemstone: Ruby, symbolizes the same meaningful theme as the traditional gemstone.
  • Modern Color:  Ruby Red, symbolizes the same meaningful theme as the traditional color.
  • Modern Flower: Gladioli, symbolizes the same meaningful theme as the traditional flower.
  • Modern 40th Anniversary Gifts: Modern gifts for the 40th anniversary include the same gifts as the traditional ones.

How To Choose The Gift?

When choosing a 40th anniversary gift, it’s important to consider the recipient’s tastes and preferences. Here are some tips for choosing a thoughtful and meaningful 40th anniversary gift:

  • Consider the recipient’s personal style and interests.
  • Look for gifts that incorporate the traditional or modern symbols of the 40th anniversary.
  • Consider giving a gift that is both practical and sentimental, such as a piece of jewelry that features a design from Jade or Coral.
  • If you’re on a budget, consider alternative gifts that are inspired by the traditional or modern symbols of the 40th anniversary, such as red decorative items or accessories with ruby accents.

Overall, the most important thing is to choose a gift that shows the recipient how much you care and appreciate them. Whether you choose a traditional or modern gift, or something that is unique and personal to the recipient, the thought and effort you put into the gift will be appreciated.

Red wine tasting

40th Anniversary Gift Ideas By Recipient

Here are some 40th anniversary gift ideas for him, for her, and for couples.

Ruby & diamond cufflinks

For Him

  1. Book a wine tasting experience for him to enjoy the rich flavors and colors of Ruby red wines.
  2. Opt for stylish cufflinks or a tie pin featuring small rubies, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to his formal wear.
  3. A beautifully crafted cigar humidor in a rich Ruby red color, perfect for the cigar aficionado and a unique way to celebrate the anniversary.

For Her

  1. A luxurious silk scarf in a deep red shade, adding elegance to her wardrobe.
  2. A high-quality handbag in a ruby red shade that combines luxury with practicality, making it a perfect anniversary gift.
  3. Luxurious silk pajamas in a deep red shade, representing the Ruby theme and providing comfort and style for relaxing evenings together.

For Couples

  1. Create a personalized photo album filled with memories from the past 40 years, incorporating the Ruby theme and celebrating your journey together.
  2. Gift a set of Gladioli bulbs to plant in the garden, providing a living reminder of the 40th anniversary that blooms with vivid red flowers each year.
  3. Matching couples robes in a luxurious Ruby red color, perfect for relaxing together and celebrating your anniversary in comfort and style.

These types of gifts can create lasting memories and strengthen the couple’s bond, making them a thoughtful and meaningful 40th anniversary gift.

40th Anniversary Gift Ideas

Here are some 40th-anniversary gift ideas by themes:

By Theme

Traditional:

  1. A set of hand-blown glassware with ruby accents, ideal for special occasion toasts and adding a touch of elegance to any dinner.
  2. A beautiful, high-quality vase in a deep ruby red color, perfect for displaying gladioli or other anniversary flowers.

Modern:

  1. Gift modern tech gadgets in Ruby red colors, such as a smartwatch or wireless headphones, blending technology with the Ruby theme.
  2. A ruby jewelry, classic and timeless gift that symbolizes love and passion, perfect for the 40th anniversary.

Wine tasting in Cape Town, South Africa

By Hobbies or Interests

Artistic:

  1. Gift an interactive art experience, such as a private session in a digital art studio where they can create art using movement and colors, focused on ruby red.
  2. Tickets to a red-themed art exhibit or a subscription to a museum with a strong collection of artworks featuring red hues.

Literary or Music:

  1. A beautifully bound book that discusses the history, lore, and impact of rubies, perfect for a couple who loves gems and reading.
  2. Commission a local poet to create a bespoke collection of poems that explore themes of love, longevity, and the color red, beautifully bound in a ruby-colored cover.

Adventurous:

  1. Embark on a wine tasting tour to vineyards known for producing Ruby red wines, combining adventure with culinary delights.
  2. A guided tour to a historical or natural site known for its stunning red landscapes, like the red sandstone vistas of Sedona.

Conclusion

Celebrating a decade together is a remarkable milestone. Now you know that for the 40th anniversary, traditional and modern gifts are symbolized by Ruby. This vibrant gemstone symbolizes the enduring strength and passion of a relationship, making it a perfect emblem for forty years of marriage.

Why not pair these wishes with the perfect gift? Consider giving an unforgettable gift experience they’ll always treasure. For a wide range of options and price comparisons, checking out Amazon as a second step is a good idea for those seeking classic gifts.

Sophie Beaumont

Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.

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