![12 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for a Ruby Wedding Anniversary [UPDATED 2025]](http://peachandpearstudio.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/DSC07102_71236fd1-4e08-4fb5-9858-37a8d2162d67.jpg?v=1742985388&width=1100)
Finding gift ideas for a ruby wedding anniversary can feel like a big ask—especially when you're trying to honour a love that’s lasted forty years. It’s not just a number; it’s four decades of early mornings, quiet support, belly laughs, family milestones, and all the ordinary days that add up to something extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a surprise for your partner or celebrating your parents or in-laws, the right gift should reflect the depth and history of their journey.
As someone who works with customers marking life’s biggest milestones, I’ve seen what resonates. Real love, the kind that lasts through the chaos and calm, deserves something more than generic. This blog brings together twelve thoughtful, personal, and beautifully simple gift ideas that honour 40 years together. Some feature in our Best Sellers Collection, and others are ideas I’ve seen people fall in love with over the years.
If you’re looking for wedding anniversary gifts that celebrate love without being over the top, you’re in the right place.
1. Gift Ideas for a Ruby Wedding Anniversary - Velvet Traditional Photo Album
There’s something grounding about flipping through old photos—holding them in your hands, remembering who you were then, and all the moments that brought you here. A Velvet Traditional Photo Album is a beautiful way to bring those memories together. With its soft, luxurious cover and thick, high-quality pages, it’s made to last as long as the love it’s celebrating.
You can fill it with wedding day shots, family holidays, anniversaries through the decades, and all the quiet little in-between moments. Whether it’s a gift from children, grandchildren, or between partners, it’s a way of saying: your story matters. This is especially lovely if you’re planning a celebration and want to include it as part of the display or memory table.
What makes this album even more special is the tactile nature of it. In a world where most of our photos live on phones, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning thick pages and pointing to moments frozen in time. It becomes a shared experience—something that invites reminiscing, laughter, and connection. Couples often leave it out during gatherings, and it quickly becomes a conversation starter. It's not just a gift; it's an invitation to pause and reflect on everything that has been built together.
2. A Wedding Video Book
If they still talk about their wedding like it was yesterday, a Wedding Video Book brings that day back to life. It’s a physical book that plays their wedding video—or a montage of photos and clips—when opened. No tech skills needed, just open and play.
This is one of those gifts that surprises people. It’s sleek, simple to use, and incredibly emotional. Imagine sitting on the sofa, opening a book, and being greeted by the sound of vows spoken forty years ago. If their original wedding footage is lost or never filmed, you can compile clips from friends and family, or even a slideshow of photos set to their first dance song.
It’s especially powerful for couples who love storytelling and nostalgia. Even those who aren’t tech-savvy can enjoy it straight away. And because it looks like a traditional photo book on the outside, it adds an extra layer of surprise when opened. It’s not just a video—it’s a moment, captured and preserved, ready to be experienced over and over again. This is the kind of gift that brings laughter, tears, and long hugs. One that doesn’t just celebrate the past but brings it right back into the room.
3. Adventure Scrapbook
For the couple who has always loved a good road trip, hike, or weekend away, an Adventure Scrapbook is the perfect way to capture their favourite shared experiences. With thick kraft pages and a lay-flat design, it’s perfect for gluing in polaroids, adding ticket stubs, or jotting down memories from years gone by.
This is a lovely option for couples who don’t want something too formal. It invites creativity and can grow with them. Whether it becomes a record of their first 40 years or a place to dream up new adventures, it’s a gift that holds space for where they’ve been—and where they still want to go.
Many people use this type of scrapbook as part of an anniversary party, laying it out for guests to flip through or even contribute to. You could include a few favourite stories or quotes, leaving room for future memories still to be made. It’s especially great for couples who enjoy hands-on projects or documenting life in a personal, non-digital way. Unlike a photo album that follows a structure, this format feels more spontaneous and full of character—just like the couple it’s made for.
4. EXTRA LARGE Family Velvet Photo Album
If the couple has a big family (and even bigger photo collection), an EXTRA LARGE Family Velvet Photo Album offers plenty of space to honour it all. With room for hundreds of photos, it’s ideal for capturing generations of memories—weddings, births, holidays, and Sunday roasts all included.
The velvet cover gives it a luxurious feel, and it looks beautiful sitting out on a coffee table. This is often the gift that gets passed around the room during gatherings, with everyone pointing and laughing and remembering. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about connection.
What makes this album so special is its ability to bring multiple generations together in one space. Parents, grandparents, and children can all see their stories woven together in one book. It becomes part of family tradition—brought out during holidays, anniversaries, or just a quiet evening. You can even invite guests at an anniversary celebration to write a note or caption a photo, turning it into an interactive memory book. The extra space means nothing gets left out, and every moment—from the big milestones to the ordinary days—is given the space it deserves.
5. Digital Photo Frame with Personalised Gift Box
For something a little more tech-friendly, a Digital Photo Frame is a brilliant choice—especially one that comes with a Personalised Gift Box. You can pre-load it with photos and video clips, so they just plug it in and watch the memories roll.
It’s ideal for couples who live far from family or who want to keep memories in motion rather than tucked away in a drawer. The gift box adds a thoughtful touch, making it feel even more special. Bonus: many digital frames now allow family members to send new photos directly to the frame—perfect for surprise updates.
This gift is great for bringing a touch of the present into the past. As new moments are captured—grandkids’ birthdays, family holidays, everyday joys—they can be shared instantly. It keeps the couple feeling connected, even when loved ones live miles away. It also adds movement and sound to the memory experience, which can make looking back feel even more emotional. For couples who may not scroll through phones or use social media, this is a user-friendly way to stay in touch with family life. It becomes more than a frame—it becomes a window into the moments that matter most.
6. Gift Ideas For A Ruby Wedding Anniversary - Wooden Adventure Scrapbook
If you’re after something a little more rustic, a Wooden Adventure Scrapbook is a beautiful alternative to a traditional album. With a laser-engraved wooden cover and refillable pages, it can evolve over time. Think of it as a living document of their relationship.
You can leave the first few pages filled and the rest blank for them to continue. Or invite friends and family to each add a page with a photo and message. Whether it’s filled with stories of travel, first homes, or quiet days spent gardening, it becomes a one-of-a-kind gift grounded in their real-life journey.
It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a more natural aesthetic—wood, kraft paper, and handwriting over typed captions. This kind of scrapbook invites interaction. It encourages storytelling, creativity, and reflection. Some couples even use it as a bucket list-style book, adding notes about future plans and trips. The durability of the wooden cover ensures it’ll last, while the ability to add or rearrange pages means it stays flexible for years to come. It’s not just a book—it’s a celebration of how far they’ve come and everything they still hope to explore together.
7. EXTRA LARGE Couples Velvet Photo Album
Sometimes, you just need room for all the moments. An EXTRA LARGE Couples Velvet Photo Album offers the space to include everything—from the wedding day to every anniversary, holiday, and spontaneous selfie since.
The softness of the velvet and its elegant design make it feel extra special, but it’s what’s inside that really matters. You can structure it chronologically or theme it by decade. Add little notes throughout if you’re giving it as a filled gift, or leave it blank for them to create together. Either way, it’s a reminder of everything they’ve built—and everything still ahead.
Because it’s so spacious, this album allows for a more relaxed and creative layout—room for full-page spreads, handwritten captions, or even small keepsakes like pressed flowers or a wedding invitation. It’s especially fitting for couples who have a deep appreciation for the details of their life together. Whether they’ve travelled the world or built a beautiful home and family in one place, their story deserves a place to live and be revisited. This kind of gift often becomes a treasured part of their living room or bookshelf—always within reach for whenever they feel like remembering.
8. Gift Ideas For A Ruby Wedding Anniversary -
Plant a Tree in Their Name
Symbolising growth, resilience, and deep roots, planting a tree in someone’s honour is a beautiful way to mark a ruby wedding anniversary. Through organisations like The National Forest, you can dedicate a tree with a personalised message that will live on for generations.
This is especially meaningful for couples who love the outdoors or appreciate eco-conscious gifts. It’s a way of saying that their love has left a mark—and will continue to thrive in nature, just as it has in life. Alongside the tree dedication, many organisations offer a certificate or map marking the tree’s location, which can be printed and framed as a physical reminder of the gesture.
You can even make it part of a day out by visiting the location, turning it into a memory in itself. Some people choose to plant trees for each member of the family as a symbol of legacy. It’s a simple, symbolic gift that’s gentle on the planet but big on meaning—a rooted tribute to forty years of love that continues to grow.
9. Personalised Ruby Jewellery
Jewellery doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. A delicate necklace or bracelet with ruby-toned stones is a lovely nod to the anniversary theme. You can find handmade options from independent makers on Etsy UK, many of whom offer engraving, birthstones, or custom gemstone selections to suit your style.
Whether it’s for your partner or for a mum who never treats herself, something simple and symbolic can mean so much. Look for pieces that match her everyday style—something she’ll wear, not just admire. A slim gold chain with a ruby pendant, a charm bracelet with a ruby-coloured bead, or even ruby-studded stud earrings can all strike the right balance of elegance and sentiment.
Many Etsy sellers also offer gift wrapping, handwritten notes, or custom packaging, which makes the experience even more special. This is a beautiful way to honour tradition without it feeling dated. Ruby jewellery represents love and strength—both fitting qualities for a 40-year marriage.
10. Luxury Afternoon Tea Experience
Gifting time together can be just as powerful as something physical. A luxury afternoon tea for two is a classic way to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate.
Platforms like Buyagift offer lovely experiences across the UK—from elegant hotels to countryside tea rooms. It’s especially great for couples who don’t want more “stuff” but still appreciate being treated. Add a card with a personal note and maybe include their wedding date or song—those little touches elevate the moment.
Many of these packages also include sparkling wine, scenic views, or add-ons like spa access or hotel stays, depending on the couple’s tastes. It’s a low-stress, high-enjoyment gift that feels like a treat, even if it's just a few hours away. For couples who may not want to plan something themselves, it’s an easy way to make them feel special. It’s not about extravagance—it’s about presence. Sharing a pot of tea, a selection of cakes, and some uninterrupted conversation can become one of the most memorable parts of their 40th year together.
11. Gift Ideas For A Ruby Wedding Anniversary -
Ruby Toned Homeware
If you’d rather gift something practical with a subtle nod to the occasion, ruby-hued homeware is a great idea. Think velvet cushions, red glassware, or a statement vase in a rich jewel tone.
Big Stores offer beautiful, non-personalised options that feel elevated without being themed. Pair it with a bottle of wine or some fancy chocolates, and you’ve got a complete anniversary moment ready to go.
Homeware works especially well for couples who are house proud or who love hosting. You might opt for something seasonal, like deep red candle holders for cosy winter evenings, or timeless ruby-toned throws for the living room. The key is to focus on quality over quantity—something that adds warmth and elegance to their space. And unlike some keepsakes that get tucked away, these gifts are likely to become part of their everyday life.
12. A Custom Coordinates Print
Some places hold stories. Where they got married. Where they honeymooned. Where they bought their first home. A custom coordinates print marks that place—and makes it part of their everyday space.
It’s clean, simple, and meaningful. Add a short quote underneath or a line like “Where it all began.” It’s the kind of gift that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly tells their story every day.
Many small creators offer beautiful designs that can be personalised with names, dates, and even minimalist maps. It’s a subtle way to honour the milestone without going overboard. These prints look especially lovely when styled alongside photos or other mementoes, making them a thoughtful and stylish addition to any home. Whether it marks the start of their story or a meaningful chapter along the way, it’s a reminder of just how far they’ve come—together.
A ruby wedding anniversary deserves more than a last-minute bouquet. Whether it’s a handcrafted photo album, an experience to share, or something that speaks to their life together, these wedding anniversary gift ideas by year go beyond the ordinary.
What matters most is the intention behind the gift. It’s about recognising everything they’ve built, celebrated, and overcome—together.
And after forty years, that’s worth honouring in every possible way.
FAQs: Ruby Wedding Anniversary Gifts
1. What is the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary?
The traditional symbol for a 40th anniversary is the ruby. It represents love, strength, and vitality—perfect for a marriage that’s lasted four decades. You don’t have to gift an actual ruby gemstone; ruby-toned colours in home décor, artwork, jewellery, or even themed photo albums can still honour the tradition in a meaningful way.
2. What should I get my parents for their ruby anniversary?
Go for something personal and reflective of their journey. A photo album filled with memories, a scrapbook of family milestones, or even a digital photo frame with clips from the grandkids will mean far more than something expensive. It’s the emotional value that really makes a gift special at this stage in life.
3. What if I don’t have access to old wedding photos or videos?
No worries—you can still create something beautiful. Use more recent photos from anniversaries, family holidays, or everyday life. A Wedding Video Book or photo album filled with moments from the last ten or twenty years still honours their story and can be just as moving.
4. How much should I spend on a 40th wedding anniversary gift?
It’s really about the thought, not the budget. Whether you spend £20 or £200, the best gifts are meaningful. A handwritten letter or scrapbook can be just as impactful as a luxury experience. Choose something that reflects their relationship, lifestyle, and what would truly make them smile.
5. Can I personalise a ruby anniversary gift even if I’m short on time?
Yes! Many gifts—like photo frames, scrapbooks, or digital frames—can be quickly personalised with a message or photos you already have. Look for fast-shipping options from small UK makers on Etsy or choose something thoughtful that doesn’t require customisation, like an experience day or symbolic homeware in ruby tones.