If you’re about to celebrate your 45th wedding anniversary, huge congratulations to you! Spending 45 years with the love of your life is just fabulous and you’re one of the few lucky couples to make it to this amazing milestone.
Your 45th wedding anniversary is also known as your sapphire anniversary. So, we bet you can guess what the traditional theme is for those looking to give a gift to mark this extra special occasion!
That’s right, on your 45th anniversary, sapphire plays a huge role. But, that’s not to say you have to give your partner something related to this amazing blue gemstone. But it’s something many couples have chosen to give to their other half for more than 100 years. It has wonderful symbolic meaning on top of being one of the most luxurious and fashionable gemstones out there.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at everything to do with 45th wedding anniversary gifts, including why sapphire plays such a big part in the day. We’ll also offer you 50 suggestions for gifts, because it’s a theme you can have a lot of fun with and doesn’t just involve jewellery.
For more information about the different anniversary gifts through the years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary?
Because your 45th anniversary is also known as your sapphire anniversary, you can expect sapphire to feature prominently. But, did you know that, unlike every single one of your previous anniversaries, your 45th is the only one which only has a single theme? That’s right, if you and your other half are super into giving each other one of the traditional or modern gifts, this time you only have one to choose from. And it is, of course, sapphire!
Traditional 45th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The traditional 45th wedding anniversary gift is sapphire. Sapphire is a blindingly blue gemstone, and is actually one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, ruby and emerald). Sapphire represents fortune, faithfulness and wisdom, which you definitely have by the bucket full after making it to 45 years of marriage.
Modern 45th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The modern 45th anniversary gift is also sapphire. After all, because it’s known as your sapphire anniversary, why complicate things by introducing something else? Sapphires are incredibly beautiful and popular gemstones. Sapphire is often considered a colour, so if you’re not quite sure about giving your partner the gemstone, you can still have a lot of fun with the theme.
45th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
Of course, the traditional 45th anniversary gemstone is also sapphire. How could it be anything else? That means sapphire is a triple-hitter when it comes to choosing something to give your partner to mark 45 years, and is an extra special and thoughtful gift to go for.
45th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
For the first time ever in our wedding anniversary gift guide, there isn’t a traditional flower to accompany the traditional and modern gifts for your anniversary milestone. But don’t worry, if you’re a big fan of giving your partner flowers to mark your anniversary, there are still ways you can get creative. Like, why not give your partner blue flowers that evoke the symbolic meaning of sapphire? Or, of course, there’s the rose – the ultimate symbol of love.
How do you choose a gift for a 45th wedding anniversary?
It can be rather tricky deciding what to give your partner as a 45th anniversary gift. Because there’s only one theme, you might feel obliged to stick to it because of its huge significance. But, you really shouldn’t feel like you have to. Yes, it’s a traditional theme, but it’s not a hard and fast rule. At the end of the day, it’s your anniversary, so do what’s right for you. Here are a few points to consider before you feel compelled to head to your nearest jeweller and pick out a sapphire.
- Do you want to stick to the theme of sapphire? You’ve hit a major milestone in your marriage, so giving your partner something linked to sapphire might be important to you.
- Have you got a set budget? If so, and you have a limited budget, an expensive sapphire might not be an option, but there are ways to have fun with the theme too.
- Are you keen to give your partner a personalised gift? Not many pieces of sapphire jewellery can be personalised, which may limit what you can go for if you love the thought of customising something.
- Has your partner asked something in particular? They might have asked for something sapphire-related, or for something completely different – this could sway your decision either way.
Is a couple close to you about to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary? If so, you might wonder whether you can or should stick to the theme of sapphire for your gift. Well, while you might not want to give them jewellery (unless you’ve found something you know would be perfect), you can absolutely give them something on theme. We’re sure that if you do give them a sapphire gift, they’ll not only love it, but also appreciate the extra thought that went into it.
50 ideas for a 45th wedding anniversary gift
Excited to treat your partner to an amazing gift to mark 45 incredible years together? If you know you’d like to give your partner something to do with sapphire but you’re not quite sure what, here are 50 suggestions to get you thinking and help you make your anniversary one to remember.
20 traditional and modern gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
When it comes to a 45th anniversary gift, yes, jewellery is a safe option (and will no doubt be very well received). But is it too obvious? If it is, or your partner just isn’t super into jewellery, there are still plenty of ways you can get creative with the theme and give them a gift filled with love and meaning. So, here are 20 suggestions for 45th wedding anniversary gifts that aren’t jewellery!
1. A crystal sapphire bowl
For a gift that looks modern and stylish and can be put to great use, this crystal sapphire bowl is a great centrepiece to a table or even makes for a unique fruit bowl.
2. A sapphire lighthouse ornament
A gift that’s truly unique and contains a genuine Swarovski crystal, this sapphire lighthouse ornament is a fantastic decorative item that’s guaranteed to be unlike anything else your partner has.
3. A preserved sapphire rose
Combine a preserved rose, an incredible symbol of love and romance, with the stunning shade of sapphire blue. This preserved sapphire rose is an incredible gift to display and will always remind your other half of your 45th anniversary.
4. A Bombay Sapphire gin and historic newspaper set
A super thoughtful choice is a Bombay Sapphire gin and historic newspaper set. It ticks off the sapphire theme nicely but has the icing on the cake of letting you choose a newspaper specific to the date the two of you got married.
5. A sapphire Japanese knife set
If your partner loves to cook, then they’ll no doubt absolutely adore this sapphire Japanese knife set, which is striking and amazingly high-quality. There’s no other knife set quite like this one.
6. A 45th anniversary paperweight
A great little token gift that can sit on your partner’s desk or on a shelf is a 45th anniversary paperweight, which has a touching message of love etched onto the surface.
7. A Sapphire Box Gifts
Whether your partner loves smellies, treats, collectables, pamper kits or something else, there’s a wide range available to choose from at Sapphire Box Gifts, which are bang on the sapphire theme thanks to the name!
8. A sapphire wine glass set
Your anniversary offers you a great opportunity to share a bottle of wine, and why not do so after giving your other half a sapphire wine glass set? It has a contemporary and eye-catching design and is something you can both get a lot of use out of.
9. ‘Sapphire Landscape’ wall art
Treat your partner to the gorgeous Sapphire Landscape wall art, a fantastic canvas that will look great wherever your partner decides to display it. A beautiful and subtle way to always have a reminder of your 45th anniversary.
10. A sapphire mini heart bowl
This adorable sapphire mini heart bowl is a lovely little gift that your partner can use to keep jewellery or trinkets in, or simply as a piece to display on a shelf or in a cabinet. The fact that it’s also heart-shaped just adds more meaning to this already hugely symbolic gift.
11. Crystal sapphire whisky glasses
If your partner loves to settle down into a comfy chair and enjoy a glass of whisky, then they’ll definitely love to use a crystal sapphire whisky glass, which is luxurious thanks to the Royal Scot name.
12. Congratulations Sapphire
Made from delicate bone china, Congratulations Sapphire is a stunning figurine with intricate detail and decoration, designed and decorated by world-famous talent.
13. A sapphire candle
Create a romantic atmosphere on your anniversary with a sapphire candle, which burns for up to 40 hours with the delicate scents of mandarin, bergamot and royal oud.
14. A sapphire mosaic vase
Give your partner a vase that’s just as beautiful as the flowers that go inside, with a sapphire mosaic vase.
15. Sapphire-coloured Swarovski Florere Forget-me-not
Forget-me-nots are dainty and delicate flowers, but when they’re made from Swarovski crystal and contain 876 facets, they’re truly a sight to behold. A sapphire-coloured Swarovski Florere Forget-me-not is shiny, shimmering and stunning.
16. A sapphire mother of pearl frame
Print off your partner’s favourite photo and frame it in this sapphire mother of pearl frame, which is available in three different sizes.
17. Pokemon Sapphire on Gameboy Advance
Does your partner enjoy playing video games? Give them a slice of retro video game gold with a Gameboy Advance and a copy of Pokemon Sapphire, so they can have fun trying to catch ‘em all while out on their travels.
18. A sapphire sundial
Give your partner the gift of time with a sapphire sundial, a really lovely display piece which can sit proudly in your garden and features the years the two of you got married and when you celebrated your 45th anniversary.
19. A hand-carved blue sapphire Buddha
For a gift that’s small, unique and filled with incredible meaning, a hand-carved blue sapphire Buddha is a magical and positive gift that your partner will no doubt adore.
20. A sapphire-frame mirror
Add a touch of 45th anniversary colour to your bathroom with a sapphire-frame mirror. It has a minimal but bold design and is a great way to always remember your anniversary.
5 affordable gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Sapphires are utterly intoxicating, but because they’re a precious gemstone, they can be pretty expensive. That means, if you have a smaller budget, it might be a little tricky finding your partner a gift they love that’s also kind to your wallet. Well, don’t worry – the theme isn’t restricted to just gemstones! There are ways to give a gift linked to the theme that don’t cost the earth. So, here are five ideas for affordable 45th wedding anniversary gifts.
1. A sapphire anniversary commemorative coin
The ultimate token gift when celebrating your 45th anniversary is a sapphire anniversary commemorative coin, which features a brilliant blue stone that your partner can hold onto forever.
2. A sapphire velvet jewellery box
If your partner has a collection of jewellery, they’ll love this sapphire velvet jewellery box, which is small and handy, with the added benefit of being hugely affordable.
3. A blue enamel flower brooch
With this blue enamel flower brooch, your partner can add a touch of colour and life to any outfit. It’s also nice and affordable but still a brilliant gift.
4. A Bombay Sapphire gin glass
For those warm summer evenings enjoying a refreshing G&T in the garden, your partner will get great use out of this Bombay Sapphire gin glass.
5. Raw sapphire
A lot of sapphires are expensive, but a raw sapphire still has that hypnotic dark-blue colour without the eye-watering price. There’s also a lot you can do with a raw sapphire, which we’ll help you with below!
5 DIY gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
A lot of couples have a long-standing tradition of making each other gifts for their anniversary. It’s a touching way of putting the effort in to show just how much they love and care for each other. The only thing is, when it comes to your 45th anniversary, making something that ties into sapphire isn’t the easiest thing in the world. But don’t throw out the idea just yet – raw sapphires are a great starting point for making something. Here are five ideas for DIY 45th wedding anniversary gifts if you love to get creative with your gift-giving.
1. DIY wrapped raw sapphire necklace
With some wire and a raw sapphire, you can make a wonderful necklace that’s unique, full of character and full of loving meaning. Read this tutorial on how to make a wrapped raw sapphire necklace for your other half.
2. DIY raw sapphire earrings
It doesn’t take experience or skill to make DIY raw sapphire earrings, just a few simple tools and a creative spark. Check out some instructions for DIY raw stone earrings and make your other half some jewellery that’s truly one of a kind.
3. DIY raw sapphire wire bracelet
If your partner loves to wear bracelets, then a DIY raw sapphire wire bracelet might just be the best thing you could make for them. It needs a little patience and some basic tools, but they don’t half look brilliant. Watch a video tutorial for all the information you might need on getting started.
4. DIY raw sapphire pendant
Take a raw sapphire, some wire and a few tools, and have a go at creating a big and bold DIY pendant that’s both unique and attention-grabbing. There are plenty of video tutorials available that walk you through the process.
5. DIY raw sapphire ring
If you have steady hands, your other half will definitely be impressed if you make them a DIY raw sapphire ring, featuring a dark blue raw sapphire. It’s not necessarily for beginners, but it’s worth a go!–See what you think by watching a video tutorial.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Your 45th anniversary is a hugely special time, and one when you and your partner are likely to want to spend a lot of time together. And there’s no better way to spend time than by taking part in an activity or experience. It might be learning something new, relaxing or going on an adventure. There are also some brilliant ways to tie what you get up to into the theme of sapphire. Here are five suggestions for things to do on your 45th anniversary.
1. Browse the minerals gallery at the Natural History Museum
Take a trip to the capital and browse the enormous minerals gallery at the Natural History Museum. This incredible collection is still displayed in the original 19th century oak display cabinets – including some gorgeous sapphires.
2. Bombay Sapphire distillery experience
Do you and your other half love a cheeky gin or two? You might enjoy drinking it, but it’s something of a science making sure gin is distilled to give it that unique flavour. Discover how this iconic spirit is made with a Bombay Sapphire distillery experience. And, of course, enjoy tasting it along the way!
3. A trip to The Sapphire Shop in London
Are you keen to give your partner a sapphire but want to make it an extra special occasion? You could visit The Sapphire Shop in London’s Hatton Garden, a store which is (unsurprisingly) dedicated to the sensational sapphire and brimming with luxury jewels. There, your partner can take their pick!
4. A cruise on the Sapphire Princess
Spend time seeing new places, relaxing and enjoying some incredible food and drink aboard the iconic Sapphire Princess. This wonderful ship regularly tours the US and Europe, so why not set sail and make your 45th anniversary one to remember?
5. A stay at the Grand Sapphire Hotel
Your anniversary is the perfect excuse to get away and have a little escape, and there’s no better place to stay on your 45th anniversary than at the Grand Sapphire Hotel. It offers a luxurious stay and is in a great location in South London.
10 45th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain sapphire
Sapphire is one of the most stunning and luxurious gemstones there is, and it’s a hugely popular addition to all types of jewellery and accessories. Its deep blue colour means it goes well with other gemstones, too, and is regularly paired with diamonds. Sapphire is also lovely set in jewellery made from all types of precious metal, from platinum to gold to silver, so you shouldn’t have to look too far to find something that suits your partner’s tastes. Here are 10 ideas for pieces to consider as a gift for your partner on your 45th anniversary:
- Earrings
- A ring
- A necklace
- A bracelet
- A broach
- A locket
- A watch
- An anklet
- A hairpin
- Cufflinks
Many sapphires can be expensive, which can mean you often need a modest to larger budget to play with. But, if you shop around, you might just find something your partner would love that also suits your budget. High-street jewellers and independent retailers usually have plenty of sapphire pieces to choose from, so pay a visit to your local town centre and have a browse. At Bridebook, we’ve also partnered with a wide range of jewellers who each have their own sapphire jewellery, so be sure to check them out too.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Flowers always make for a super choice when it comes to an anniversary gift. The only thing is, with your 45th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower like there was on your previous milestones. But, if you love the idea of giving your partner flowers, there are still ways to link your gift to the traditional theme to make your gesture extra meaningful. Here are five floral suggestions for you.
1. A sapphire medley bouquet
Blue truly makes for a gorgeous colour in flowers, and a sapphire medley has wonderful meaning on top of being utterly stunning.
2. A blue rose
The floral symbol of love combined with the historic meaning of sapphire results in a deep blue rose that’s totally intoxicating.
3. A sapphire and diamond flower pendant
Give your partner a floral-themed gift that will shine on forever and make a massive statement on your 45th anniversary, in the form of a sapphire and diamond flower pendant. An exquisite piece of jewellery that your other half can wear whatever the occasion.
4. Blue preserved roses
The thing with flowers is that they often wilt and die within a couple of weeks. Keep your loving floral gesture alive much longer with blue preserved roses, which last up to two years and are a striking shade of sapphire blue.
5. Floral sapphire earrings
Treat your partner to a pair of floral sapphire earrings, which are small and subtle, and can be worn every single day.
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Browse other similar articles…
- The Ultimate Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
- 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 50 Anniversary Gift Ideas
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Happy Planning!
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