Basket of Memories

• Put together a gift basket for your wife that holds cherished memories that are a part of your relationship. For instance, include small frames filled with pictures of your children or a replica of the snack that you shared the first time you went to the movies together. You can also type the words of one of the first love letters you can gave her that was originally handwritten. Roll the paper in the shape of a scroll, and tie it in a silk ribbon in your wife's favorite color. It's also a great idea to include an iPod in the basket, downloaded with the song you danced to at your wedding 40 years ago.
  
  

Nasturtium Dinner

• Nasturtiums are the 40th-anniversary flower, and they represent devotion or patriotism. A bouquet of nasturtiums will make a beautiful centerpiece for a 40th-anniversary dinner. Nasturtium flowers are also edible, so you can incorporate them into your husband's favorite dishes. For instance, the flowers can be chopped and combined with fresh herbs and cream to create a sauce for seafood like crabs or white fish, or you can use the petals raw in a tossed salad with mixed greens. The leaves of the nasturtium are edible as well and have a spicy flavor that you can use as a garnish for your dinner plates.
  
  

Day of Rubies

• Since the ruby is the precious stone connected to the 40th anniversary, you can create a theme for the day based on the color and beauty of rubies. For instance, prepare your wife a breakfast of strawberry or raspberry pancakes as an ode to the rich red color of rubies, or make a parfait with the berries for a breakfast that includes fresh fruit. Take her to her favorite restaurant for a late lunch and order the finest red wine on the menu to enjoy with your meal. During dessert, present her with a piece of gold jewelry like earrings or a decorative brooch. In the evening, present her with a burgundy silk or velvet bath robe, with her name embroidered in gold, and matching house slippers for her to relax in.
  
  

Vacation Day

• Take your husband on a surprise vacation day to say "happy 40th anniversary." Make arrangements to take him on a fishing trip at his favorite spot if this is a hobby he doesn't get to enjoy often, or prepare a picnic lunch for the two of you to enjoy after taking a nature hike at park or forest closest to your home. Book a room at the finest hotel in the area and ask room service to bring an assortment of dark red berries, chocolates and champagne to celebrate your anniversary evening. You can also present your spouse with a ruby gift once you arrive at the hotel, like a gold or silver watch with a ruby face.