Four decades. That’s 14,600 days of laughter, love, challenges, and memories. Your 40th wedding anniversary is more than a date - it’s a tribute to everything you’ve built together. That’s why finding the right 40th anniversary gift means so much. Whether you’re searching for a traditional ruby anniversary keepsake or custom 40th anniversary gift ideas that tell your unique story, this list curated by Capture will help you celebrate with meaning and heart.

Jump to:

• History and Tradition Behind Ruby Anniversary Gifts
• Ruby-Themed Gifts
• Personalized 40th Anniversary Gifts
• Unique 40th Anniversary Presents
• Romantic Gestures to Make Your 40th Anniversary Unforgettable
• 40th Anniversary Keepsakes and Memorabilia

History and Tradition Behind Ruby Anniversary Gifts

Every major milestone has its own symbol, and the 40th wedding anniversary is known as the ruby anniversary. The traditional 40th anniversary gift is, of course, the ruby—an enduring symbol of passion, love, and devotion that still burns bright after four decades together.

Ruby is the timeless symbol of 40th anniversary gifts.

The tradition of associating rubies with 40 years of marriage dates back to Victorian times, when different anniversary years were linked to materials believed to reflect the strength of the relationship. Rubies, with their rich red color and rarity, were chosen to represent the deep, lasting flame of love after 40 years.

While you don’t need to gift a gemstone, many ruby anniversary gifts include the color red as a nod to this vibrant tradition. Think accessories, décor, or keepsakes that reflect the fiery tone of your relationship.

The traditional 40th anniversary flowers are Gladioli and Nasturtium, both rich in red and associated with strength and heartfelt emotion. Even rose gold jewelry has become a popular alternative, thanks to its warm, romantic hue.

Whether you go with a literal ruby or a ruby-inspired piece, your gift should reflect the depth of your journey and the beauty of a bond that’s stood the test of time.

Ruby-Themed Gifts

The traditional 40th anniversary gift is ruby - symbolizing love, passion, and commitment that stands the test of time. While ruby jewelry is a classic choice, there are plenty of creative and meaningful ways to embrace this vibrant theme.

Celebrate with gifts that reflect love’s vibrant hue.

Here are some of the most memorable ruby anniversary gifts:

• Ruby jewelry – Think earrings, necklaces, rings, or cufflinks with genuine or lab-created rubies.
• Ruby-accented watch – A stylish gift for him with subtle red details on the dial.
• A photo gift for him or her with ruby-colored details—such as a framed print, collage, or engraved keepsake—can also be a meaningful way to blend tradition with personal memories.
• Ruby-tinted wine glasses or champagne flutes – Pair with a bottle of red wine and a personalized note for a romantic evening.
• Personalized ruby blanket or towel set – Add initials or your anniversary date to make it uniquely yours.
• Monogrammed accessories – Ruby-colored wallets, handbags, or travel sets with his-and-hers initials.
• Red-scented candles or perfumes – Look for fragrances with notes like rose, berries, or spice to enhance the ruby theme.
• Ruby-themed kitchenware – Think deep red cookware, tumblers, or a customized cutting board.

Whether you go bold with a gemstone or subtle with color, these ruby 40th anniversary gift ideas are a timeless way to say, “I still choose you.”

Personalized 40th Anniversary Gifts

Personalized gifts are perfect for a 40th wedding anniversary because they reflect your one-of-a-kind story. They go beyond tradition by incorporating details only you and your partner share.

Custom gifts that tell your unique love story.

Here are some fresh personalized 40th anniversary gift ideas:

• Custom photo albums from your journey together — digitize prints with our photo album scanning service
• Engraved wine glasses or decanters featuring your wedding and anniversary date
• Personalized wall art with coordinates of where you met or married
• Anniversary sundials or timepieces etched with names and a heartfelt quote

You can also combine them with a ruby gemstone to create a more personal version of the traditional gift for your 40-year anniversary. Either way, personalized messages can make any gift more memorable and meaningful, which makes the day extra special. 

Unique 40th Anniversary Presents

Looking for something unexpected? Unique 40th anniversary gifts go beyond tradition to reflect your relationship’s personality and spark. Whether it's a creative keepsake or an experience you’ll never forget, these ideas are designed to stand out.

Stand out with thoughtful, unexpected ideas.

Here are a few thoughtful, one-of-a-kind options:

• Create a scrapbook that tells your story through old photos, handwritten notes, and memorabilia—include pages like your first date, favorite trips, and wedding memories. (If you're using analog photos, Capture can digitize them to make your scrapbook shine.)
• Plan a meaningful experience, like a return visit to your honeymoon destination or a weekend at a charming bed and breakfast.
• Design a themed date night based on your partner’s favorite things—cook their favorite meal, watch a movie from the year you met, or recreate a special day.
• Try something adventurous like a hot air balloon ride, ziplining, or booking a class you can do together—think dance, painting, or sushi-making.
• Gift an experience subscription, such as wine tastings, travel boxes, or a couples’ activity journal you fill in together over the next year.

When your gift reflects your shared memories and sense of fun, it becomes more than a present—it becomes part of your story.

Romantic Gestures to Make Your 40th Anniversary Unforgettable

Some of the most unforgettable 40th anniversary gifts are the ones that speak directly to the heart. If you’re looking for romantic 40th anniversary gift ideas, consider gestures that prioritize connection, quality time, and heartfelt expression.

Celebrate with love, time, and heartfelt words.

Here are a few thoughtful ways to celebrate your love:

• Plan a relaxing day together, like a couples' spa, a cozy bed and breakfast, or an intimate dinner at home complete with a warm bath, homemade meal, and quiet time.
• Write a love letter, heartfelt poem, or even a short song. A few honest words about how far you've come - and where you're going - can mean more than any material gift.
• Renew your vows in a private moment or small ceremony. Whether you keep it just between the two of you or invite family and friends, it’s a beautiful way to mark the occasion and create new family memories.

Whether simple or elaborate, romantic gifts remind your partner why you chose each other 40 years ago - and why you still would today.

40th Anniversary Keepsakes and Memorabilia

Some of the most cherished 40th anniversary gift ideas are the ones that preserve and celebrate a lifetime of memories. Whether you prefer something handcrafted or timeless, keepsakes help you honor the journey you've taken as a couple.

Honor your journey with lasting mementos.

Skip the generic and give a gift that lasts—one that captures four decades of laughter, love, and legacy.

Here are some heartfelt and meaningful ideas to consider:

• Custom-engraved memory boxes – Fill them with mementos like love letters, postcards, souvenirs, or small gifts collected over the years.
• Keepsake lockets – Insert a favorite wedding photo or a new portrait that reflects your love, 40 years later.
• Personalized family tree art – Feature names, birthdates, or photos of children and grandchildren to celebrate how your love grew into a family.
• Create a timeline photo display or scrapbook for organizing photos from your earliest days as a couple to today.
• Use Capture to digitize your old movie formats—a touching way to surprise your spouse with a collection of preserved home videos.
• Include nostalgic clips from your Super 8 camera footage, if you still have reels from your early years or wedding day.
  

These keepsake ideas don’t just celebrate the past—they preserve it for future generations. That’s what makes them some of the most meaningful and lasting ruby anniversary gifts you can give.

Celebrate 40 years of love with memories that last a lifetime.

Celebrate 40 Years with Memories That Endure

Your 40th anniversary gift is important, but there are plenty of meaningful options to choose from - traditional ruby jewelry, personalized keepsakes, memorable experiences, and gifts that celebrate your journey together. Whatever you choose, the right gesture can honor your love story and make this milestone unforgettable.

If you want help preserving old photos, home movies, or mementos for your 40-year anniversary, Capture can help. Our digitization services have been trusted by over 12 million families - and you can even send a Capture eGift Card so your loved one can choose which memories to preserve.

About Shelby Lofgren

Shelby Lofgren is the Marketing Manager at Capture, a brand of YesVideo and the nation’s leading media digitization company. With over three years of experience, she has helped countless families preserve and protect their most cherished memories—from aging VHS tapes and MiniDV reels to fragile film and photo prints. Shelby is a passionate advocate for memory preservation and a leading voice in the effort to save analog media before it’s lost to time. At Capture, she shares expert insights on topics like legacy format conversion, digital storytelling, and safeguarding family history for generations to come.