Recommendations for eye make up remover
Home
»
Shopping
Ruby wedding anniversary gifts: what to buy
Being married for 40 years is quite the feat, so it goes without saying that it must be celebrated, but buying gifts for such a special occasion is understandably tricky. Are the gift recipients family? Friends? Not-so-close acquaintances? Be it sentimental, stylish, budget or outside-the-box, our ruby wedding anniversary gift guide has something for everybody...
Get helpful shopping advice straight to your inbox...
Making a start...
The number one rule is: don't buy for yourself. What you might like, others might not, so really think about the personality and lifestyle of the couple you're buying for. Are they quite the serious pair or are they the laugh-a-minute type? Do they have children and grandchildren or is it just the two of them? How close are you to these people? These are all important factors to consider before you splash the cash (or use those unwanted gift vouchers...). So now you're thinking practically, here are a few ruby wedding anniversary gift ideas.
Traditional ruby wedding anniversary gifts
- Glassware - ruby-coloured or engraved
- Champagne
- Charity gift voucher - try Good Gifts or My Cause
- Engraved picture frame
- Weekend getaway or a spa trip
Unusual ruby wedding anniversary gifts
- Heart-shaped homeware, like this stylish heart lamp
- Painted picture or caricature of the couple (or their pets!)
- A parcel full of ruby-themed assorted goodies
- A jar containing 40 tokens with memories or must-do activities on them
- Organise for their original wedding photo to be restaged
And here's some more from our trusted gransnetters...
A place for tired legs
"My in-laws gave us a garden bench and we just adore sitting out in the garden on it when the sun is shining, glass of wine in hand!"
There are so many to choose from, but this acacia garden bench, £79.99, Wayfair, even has a rose engraving - very apt!
The gift that will never date
"An engraved garden sundial was one of the most thoughtful ruby wedding anniversary gifts my husband and I received. It sits amongst our roses, right where the sun hits. It really is a timeless present, one that can be passed on through the generations."
Guarantee a smile when you gift a sundial such as the brass 'Morning Glory', £39.99, Torstone.
Aaaaaand relax...
"There's nothing like a relaxing spa trip, but it can be pricey. Clubbing together with friends and family is a great idea - and removes the panic some people feel when having to choose a gift."
Gift them a one-way ticket to relaxation, with a customised Spa Break voucher.
Tea for two
"I bought my sister-in-law and her husband a voucher for afternoon tea for their special anniversary. I chose somewhere near to them, in a nice venue. They loved it."
Who in their right mind would turn their up nose at cakes, sandwiches and a glass of fizzy? Nobody. So gift a Virgin Experience afternoon tea for two voucher.
One to remember
"Now that lots of photos are just kept digitally, a photo album of family pictures is a nice touch. Their extended family will probably have some of them in the past and you can even get the grandchildren involved."
Buy an album of your preferred size and style, gather the pics and get sticking! It could also turn into a great activity to do with the grandchildren!
Handle these with caution
"Our son bought us an engraved bottle of wine and two glasses for our ruby wedding. The wine glasses can be kept as a memory and put on display."
From left to right: Ripple glass carafe, £30, Rose & Grey; Swarovski ruby flutes, £45, Dartington; Waterford candy bud vase, £36, Kings and Queens.
Never miss the latest from Gransnet with our daily newsletter...
A peaceful getaway
"For our ruby wedding anniversary, our daughter teamed up with family and friends and gave us the surprise of our lives. They sent us to Dublin to the hotel (The Shelbourne) where we had our honeymoon. How lucky were we! And we had another fabulous time second time around."
Club together with pals and relatives to buy a Super Break gift voucher.
Make a wish...
"I know it is all a big con, but I named a star for my parents on their anniversary. They were thrilled and loved the framed certificate and map showing 'their' star. You could give it a ruby-themed name."
Put some twinkle into their lives with a 'Name a Star' gift set, £7.99, Find Me a Gift.
Something evergreen
"Who doesn't love house plants? I think they're a great gift for an anniversary as they symbolise life and growth. They also purify the air, which is a bonus!"
From left to right: Money plant, £8.99, Crocus; Dragon tree, £27.70, Amazon; Boston fern, £12.50, Patch.
Or something for outdoors...
"I think choice of gift is all about what the couple enjoy. I am a keen gardener so a rose bush for me would be delightful."
Perhaps the gift recipients have a well-pruned rose garden - or they might like to start one - so look no further than this rose tree, £32, Waitrose, a sweet-smelling, good-looking addition to an outdoor space.
