15 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Celebrate in Style

15 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Celebrate in Style

ByBells Of Joy Team Reading Time: 5 minutes

Celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary is a big deal. It’s a testament to decades of love and commitment—something worth honoring in a way that feels right for you both.

An elderly couple smiling and holding hands at a decorated table with white and silver flowers and candles, celebrating their wedding anniversary.

You want this milestone to feel meaningful, right? Whether you’re leaning toward something simple or planning a bigger bash, there are plenty of ways to make your day special.

1) Recreate Your Honeymoon Destination

An older couple holding hands at a candlelit table on a beach at sunset, surrounded by flowers and elegant decorations.

Try celebrating your 40th anniversary by revisiting your honeymoon spot. Going back can bring up all those early-marriage butterflies.

Traveling not in the cards? No problem. Recreate the vibe at home—cook favorite dishes, play music from that place, maybe even dress up a little.

2) Host a Themed Dinner Party Inspired by Your Favorite Movie

A dining room set for a 40th wedding anniversary dinner party with elegant table settings, movie-themed decorations, and guests enjoying the celebration.

Throw a dinner party inspired by a movie you both adore. Pick one that brings back memories or just makes you both smile.

Decorate your space to match the film’s style—think colors, props, and a playlist to set the mood. Serve dishes that fit the movie’s setting for a fun twist.

3) Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Together

A mature couple holding hands and smiling inside a colorful hot air balloon basket flying over a scenic landscape at sunrise.

Book a hot air balloon ride for a peaceful, unforgettable anniversary adventure. Sunrise or sunset flights offer extra magic.

Floating above the world together is a memory that’ll stick with you. It’s quiet, beautiful, and honestly, a little bit thrilling.

4) Plan a Weekend Spa Getaway

A middle-aged couple enjoying side-by-side massages in an outdoor spa surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Escape for a weekend spa trip and just relax. Enjoy massages, facials, and time away from the daily grind.

A couples’ package adds a sweet touch. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and more connected.

5) Go Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard

A middle-aged couple toasting with wine glasses in a vineyard surrounded by grapevines and hills.

Spend the day at a vineyard sampling wines and soaking up the scenery. Many offer tours where you can learn a bit about the winemaking process.

If you’d rather stay in, grab a few bottles from a local shop and set up a tasting at home. It’s relaxed, fun, and a little different.

6) Create a Personalized Memory Book

An open memory book with photos and handwritten notes on a wooden table, surrounded by roses, wedding rings, and candles.

Put together a memory book filled with photos, notes, and keepsakes from your years together. It’s personal and full of nostalgia.

This kind of gift tells your story in a way nothing else can. Years down the road, you’ll be glad you made it.

7) Renew Your Wedding Vows

A mature couple holding hands and smiling during their 40th wedding anniversary vow renewal outdoors, surrounded by family and greenery.

Renewing vows after 40 years feels extra meaningful. You get to say “I do” all over again, maybe with a few new promises.

Keep it simple or add personal touches—new vows, a poem, or a song. It’s your moment.

8) Volunteer Together for a Cause You Both Care About

An elderly couple planting trees together in a community garden with other volunteers.

Spend the day giving back by volunteering for a cause you both care about. Whether it’s planting trees or helping at a shelter, you’ll make a difference together.

Volunteering can be surprisingly fun and brings you closer. Check local listings or community groups for opportunities.

9) Arrange a Surprise Photo Session

An elderly couple sitting together surrounded by smiling family members taking photos in a decorated living room.

Set up a surprise photo session in a spot that means something to you both. A professional can capture those candid, real moments.

Add personal touches—favorite outfits, props, or even a pet. The photos will be keepsakes for years.

10) Cook a Romantic Homemade Dinner

A mature couple cooking together in a kitchen preparing a romantic homemade dinner with a set dining table and candles in the background.

Whip up a romantic dinner at home, just the two of you. Pick recipes you both love, or try something new for a little adventure.

Cooking together can be half the fun. Don’t forget dessert—something sweet to end the night.

11) Organize a Scenic Picnic in the Park

A mature couple enjoying a picnic in a green park with a blanket, picnic basket, flowers, and a cake celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

Pack a picnic and head to a pretty park. Look for a spot with shade, flowers, or maybe a view of the water.

Bring favorite snacks and a cozy blanket. Sometimes, the simplest things make the best memories.

12) Try an Adventurous Outdoor Activity Like Kayaking

A middle-aged couple kayaking together on a calm lake surrounded by green trees and hills.

Try something active—kayaking, hiking, or biking. Exploring the outdoors together is a great way to shake up your routine.

You’ll get fresh air, some laughs, and maybe even discover a new hobby. Why not make some new memories on your special day?

13) Gift Engraved Jewelry with a Special Date

Close-up of engraved silver jewelry displayed on a velvet cushion with flowers in the background.

Give jewelry engraved with a date that means something to you both—your wedding day, maybe, or the day you first met.

An engraved piece feels extra thoughtful. It turns a nice gift into a keepsake.

14) Attend a Concert or Theater Show

A mature couple sitting in a theater auditorium, holding hands and smiling while watching a live performance.

Buy tickets to a concert, comedy show, or play you’ll both enjoy. Nothing beats the energy of a live performance.

Share the experience, laugh together, and let the night be all about celebrating your journey.

15) Spend a Night Stargazing with a Cozy Setup

An elderly couple sitting on a blanket outdoors at night, looking up at a star-filled sky with a telescope and champagne nearby.

You can set up a relaxing night under the stars with just a few simple touches. Grab a blanket, pile on some pillows, and bring warm drinks to share.

Pick a quiet spot, somewhere away from city lights. Watching the stars together, swapping stories or just sitting in the hush, feels peaceful and honestly a little magical.

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