The 40th wedding anniversary gift is ruby, and the milestone is widely known as the Ruby Anniversary.
Reaching four decades of marriage is a rare and powerful milestone, and the traditional gift assigned to it carries that weight. Both traditional and modern gift charts list ruby as the official 40-year anniversary gift, a gemstone long tied to love, passion, and endurance. The color red and the gladiolus flower round out the theme, giving you a clear palette for whatever you choose.
If you’re planning a gift for a spouse, parent, or couple hitting this mark, the sections below cover the meaning behind the gemstone, the color and flower pairings, and practical steps for turning the theme into a thoughtful present.
Why Ruby Is the Traditional 40th Anniversary Gift
The ruby is one of the hardest natural gemstones after diamond, and its deep red color has symbolized love and devotion for centuries. Those qualities map directly onto a 40-year marriage: enduring strength, lasting passion, and a bond that holds under pressure. Both The Knot and Good Housekeeping list ruby as the traditional and modern gift for the 40th anniversary, making it one of the few milestones where the two categories agree.
The “Ruby Anniversary” name is the common shorthand for the occasion, and you’ll see it used across gift guides, jewelry stores, and greeting cards. For a couple’s 40th, the gemstone is more than a decoration—it’s the official symbol of the whole celebration.
The Color and Flower Tied to the 40th Anniversary
If a literal ruby isn’t in the budget, the theme still gives you room to work. The associated color is red or ruby red, and the flower is the gladiolus (sometimes spelled gladiola), with a few sources also citing nasturtium as a secondary option.
- Color: Red, ruby red—use it in wrapping, table settings, or a bouquet of red roses.
- Flower: Gladiolus, known for tall spikes of blooms that symbolize strength and sincerity; nasturtium is a lesser-known alternative.
- Gift idea: A red-themed dinner, a ruby-toned vase filled with gladiolus, or a framed print of the flower all work without a single gemstone.
The color and flower exist to make the theme accessible at every price point, so the milestone never has to hinge on a jewelry purchase.
How to Shop for a 40th Anniversary Gift
The most direct route is a piece of ruby jewelry: a ring, pendant, earrings, or cufflinks for a man. Real rubies of decent size run expensive, so many buyers choose lab-created rubies, which offer the same look and durability at a fraction of the cost. Best 40 year anniversary gifts for husbands covers tested picks if you’re shopping for a spouse specifically.
When real stones are out of reach, look for items with ruby-colored accents: a watch with a red face, a leather goods set in deep burgundy, or a holiday centered on the couple’s favorite red wine. The theme is flexible, and the gesture matters more than the carat weight.
| Gift Type | What It Looks Like | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Jewelry | Ruby ring, pendant, or earrings in gold or silver | $200–$2,000+ |
| Lab-Created Ruby | Same look as natural, lower price | $50–$400 |
| Red-Themed Items | Watch, leather goods, or home decor in ruby red | $30–$300 |
| Experiences | Red-wine tasting, dinner, or a weekend away | $100–$500 |
For a more personal touch, pair any gift with a handwritten note referencing the gemstone’s meaning: love that has held steady through four decades. Brides’ roundup of 40th anniversary gift ideas offers additional inspiration arranged by price and recipient.
FAQs
What is the 40th wedding anniversary called?
The 40th anniversary is commonly called the Ruby Anniversary, a name drawn from the ruby gemstone assigned to this milestone. Both traditional and modern gift charts list ruby as the official gift, and the name has been standard usage in the U.S. for decades.
Is the 40th anniversary ruby or emerald?
The 40th anniversary is ruby. Emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th anniversary, while ruby sits at the 40-year mark. The confusion usually comes from the similar red-and-green color associations, but the charts are consistent: 40 is ruby.
What is a good 40th anniversary gift that is not jewelry?
Red-themed items work well when jewelry isn’t the right fit. A deep red leather journal, a ruby-toned watch, or a gladiolus bouquet in a red vase all honor the theme. For experiences, a wine-tasting trip or a dinner at a favorite restaurant keeps the celebration personal without a gemstone.
References & Sources
- Good Housekeeping. “40th Anniversary Gifts: What to Get for 40 Years of Marriage.” Confirms ruby as the traditional and modern gift for the 40th anniversary.
- Brides. “The 19 Best 40th Anniversary Gifts.” Lists ruby-themed gift ideas and the ruby anniversary naming.
- The Knot. “Every Milestone Anniversary Gift Theme by Year.” Documents ruby as the standard gift for the 40th year.