The Best 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts, According to the People Actually Receiving Them
If you do an Internet search for 40th wedding anniversary gifts, you will find hundreds of pages that tell you pretty much the same thing. The traditional 40th-anniversary gift is “ruby.” If you want a cheaper option, go for something red – red candles, red glasses or red cards.
As I looked through these lists, I couldn’t help but wonder… does anyone really need this stuff? After all, many people in their 60s are actually downsizing. Adding more “things” to their life may not be a priority.
- Vintage Georgian Ruby Champagne Coupes – We’ll make an exception about buying “stuff” for these elegant vintage champagne coupes!
- A Cooking Holiday – Perfect for the foodies celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
- A Cruise – The perfect, stress free, way to travel and discover new places.
- Tickets – Sports, music, or theater tickets to their favorite type of entertainment.
- Unique Item for the Home – You can find handmade and personalized goods at Etsy.
- Dinner Delivery – How about a lobster dinner sent straight to their door?
- A Spa Day – Relax and get pampered.
- A Photo Book – Create a photo book with memories.
- A Handmade Card – Craft a perfect congratulatory card yourself.
- A Flower Bouquet – Have a beautiful bouquet delivered to their home.
Read WHAT MAKES FOR A LONG AND HAPPY MARRIAGE.
Looking Beyond “Red” – What Are the Best 40th Wedding Anniversary Gifts?
In other words, tradition is often a good thing, but are these the gifts that people celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary really want? Or would they prefer to expand the options beyond “anything red”?
Fortunately, we have hundreds of women in our community who have either celebrated – or will soon celebrate – their 40th wedding anniversary. As a result, we have the opportunity to ask them exactly what makes a great gift on this special occasion.
If you are close to your 40th wedding anniversary, please let us know which of the following categories make the best gifts for this milestone. If you don’t see your favorite gift idea, please add it in the comments.
Something Red: Red Candles, Red Glassware, Red Paper or Red Jewelry
These Vintage Georgian Ruby Champagne Coupes feature a stunning deep red color and a honeycomb design on the bowl, these stemware pieces add elegance and style to the 40th-anniversary festivities.
These red crystal candlesticks can help set a romantic mood for the special occasion.
Or maybe offer them this pretty red journaling book so they can leave each other love notes as they reflect on their 40 years together.
Do you have any other ideas for red gifts? We would love to hear about it in the comments at the end of this article.
Something Experiential: Cooking Holiday, Skydiving, Winery or Brewery Tour
How about a wine vacation? The U.S. ranks in the top five of wine-producing countries, and California leads the way among the states. Napa Valley is the place to go with plenty of tour options to suit you. Anniversary vacations are a great idea and adding a theme to the trip can make the event memorable.
A cooking holiday is certainly a viable option as well. One fantastic destination is Mexico. The celebrants will get to learn about the country’s unique flavors and ingredients in an authentic location. Then they can bring their new knowledge back home and cook delicious meals for you! If travel abroad isn’t an option, look closer to home.
Websites like Tripaneer, Airbnb Experiences, and Booking.com make it super easy to explore and book a variety of travel experiences. They have curated organized experiences and adventures from around the world and put them together in one place, making it effortless for you to find the perfect fun activity.
Something Travel Related: A Weekend Getaway, Cruise or Glamping Weekend
A trip away is a great gift, allowing the couple to explore somewhere they have always dreamt of going and escape the realities of everyday life for a short time. If they live in the city, a trip to the countryside might provide them with the slow pace relaxation they need, or if they live in the country – a city break might leave them feeling exhilarated.
If travel abroad is an option, a cruise is a fun way to experience different cultures from around the world and reduce travel stress as all travel details are taken care of. Find out what country has always been on their bucket list!
Read BEST DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO IN 2023.
Also read WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH PAST 60? TAKE A CRUISE!
Something Social: A Celebration with Friends and Family, Theater, or Comedy Night Out
Get tickets to their favorite music show or sports event. Make it a group activity and go with family and friends. You don’t need to get tickets for the exact date of their anniversary. If their favorite band is touring the following year, they will love the thought and will look forward to using your gift over the coming months.
Something Practical: Kitchen Goods, Household Items, Fitness Accessories
Etsy is an online shopping website that offers unique and handcrafted gift ideas. From vintage household items to hand-made jewelry. Lots of people are trying to own less ‘things’ at this stage of life however, so before you buy it, check it’s something they would want, use or need!
Something Tasty: A Special Dining Experience and Cocktail for Two, Chocolate Making Workshop
Here’s a romantic idea for the couple celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary. A lobster dinner with all the fixings delivered straight to their home.
Another idea is a chance to learn how to make Belgian chocolate through online workshops. Order the chocolate-making kit and have it delivered to their home and book a workshop. Who doesn’t like chocolate!
Something Soothing: Pamper Day and Champagne Lunch, Spa Holiday or Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Who doesn’t like to be pampered? Offer them a gift card to a spa where they can spend a day together getting massages.
Read HOW TO RELAX LIKE A MILLIONAIRE – YOUR SPA DAY DOES NOT HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE!
Something Memorable: A Photo Album Filled with Pictures and Stories
Personalize a photo book filled with memories of their life together. Send the photos to the website and create a beautiful photo album or let the experts design it for you.
Read BRING YOUR DIGITAL PHOTO ALBUM TO LIFE WITH PHOTO BOOKS.
Something Hand-Made: A Card, Scrapbook or Painting
Are you crafty? Make a photo album yourself with photos and memorabilia from their 40 years together. You can ask friends and family to write short notes or send photos to add to show them just how far love extends for them.
Read THE JOY OF HOMEMADE GIFTS AND CARDS.
Something Beautiful: Flowers or Plants
Flowers are always a hit. We all love to receive flower arrangements. Personalize a bouquet and card and have it delivered to their home. Choose red flowers to commemorate the 40th ruby anniversary.
Something Involving Their Passions
It’s never too late to learn something new. Get them a monthly subscription to an online learning website where they can choose to learn something they have always had a passion for. How about cooking with Gordon Ramsey or photography with Annie Leibovitz?
Clearly every couple is different, and the perfect gift may not be the same for everyone. That said, I’m still really interested in your opinion about the categories.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What would you like to receive for your 40th wedding anniversary? If you’ve passed this milestone, which gifts were your most favorite? I’d love to get your ideas! Let’s create a list of the best 40th wedding anniversary gifts. Please add your thoughts below.
Tags Marriage After 60
