First things first – congratulations on this momentous occasion.
You’ve been married for 16 425 days and we can all agree that this is no easy feat. After almost half a century together, your love and devotion have paid off and now it’s time to celebrate.
Both the modern and traditional anniversary gift for the 45th wedding anniversary is sapphire. You might assume you’d be limited to sapphire jewellery, right? The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate the theme of sapphire into unique anniversary gift options.
Whether you’re buying for your partner or hunting for special gifts for couples, we’ve made your job of finding the perfect 45th anniversary gift a little easier.
45th Anniversary Theme – Sapphire
We’ve told you that sapphire is the 45th wedding anniversary theme; but why is this?
For centuries, sapphires have been seen as a symbol of the heavens, a guardian of innocence, and a promoter of good health. They’re believed to bring gifts of joy, prosperity, inner peace and beauty.
Some believe that the deep blue colour represents the deep love you share after all these years. The sapphire is also considered as a stone of royalty which makes it the ideal gemstone to honour 45 years of marriage. In the same way that a sapphire shines, your 45 years of marriage stands as a gleaming example of longevity for others.
45th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
There are plenty of ways to spoil your loved one without breaking the bank on sapphire jewellery. Here are some unique 45th anniversary gifts that stay true to the traditional theme of sapphire, but which have a clever modern twist.
Celebrate The Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee
The sapphire is synonymous with the royal British family. Who can forget that gorgeous 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana? Today the iconic piece of jewellery is worn by Kate Middleton – but nothing can top the jewellery collection of the Queen herself.
As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to have a sapphire jubilee. Along with her collection of priceless jewellery, HRM owns one of the most famous jewellery sets in the world. A matching sapphire and diamond set were iven to her by her father King George VI for her wedding.
Visit the Tower of London to see the Queen’s dazzling array of precious jewels before tucking into a three-course lunch at elegant riverside restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour. An anniversary gift fit for royalty.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour
As one of the most famous gin brands in the world, I’m sure I don’t need to go into why anything related to Bombay Sapphire is a fitting 45th anniversary gift. Its name originates from the popularity of gin in India during the British Raj and “Sapphire” refers to the violet-blue Star of Bombay which was mined from Sri Lanka and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution.
For a really fun day out, treat your loved one to a tour of the global headquarters of Bombay Sapphire, which happens to be at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire. Besides having the theme in its name, who doesn’t love a good GnT to celebrate a special occasion?
The site is incredible and boasts two new stunning glasshouses which were designed to resemble gin stills where exotic botanical plants used to flavour the gin are grown. During the tour, you’ll have the unique chance to build up your very own aroma profile before tucking into your personalised cocktail at the end of the day.
Flower Arranging Masterclass
You simply can’t go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on a wedding anniversary. As a classic symbol of love, romance and celebration, flowers are the perfect way to your loved one’s heart. The Blue Iris, which symbolises hope and faith, is the traditional flower of the 45th wedding anniversary.
Along with the Blue Iris, there are a few incredibly beautiful sapphire flowers like the Wisteria Sapphire or the sapphire blooms of Iris Sapphire Gem to delight your sweetheart. Select your perfect bouquet and customise it the way you know they’ll love. There really is nothing like getting flowers on an anniversary, especially when they’re not from the local supermarket.
For something even more special, gift your partner with a flower arranging masterclass. Not only will they get to create sapphire floral designs with their choice of fresh seasonal flowers, but they’ll also learn the dos and don’ts of this timeless trade. Over time the flowers may have wilted, but their newfound floristry skills will be evergreen.
Romantic Trip to Croatia
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 45 years of marriage than with a trip to the bluest city in the world – Croatia. The beloved Anthony Bourdain inspired this Croatian gastronomy tour that takes you to the incredible Pag Island. You’ll spend four nights in a superior room overlooking the sapphire-blue Adriatic while feasting on breakfast and gourmet two-course dinners daily.
What makes all of this extra special is that you’ll be tracing the steps of one of the most famous and well-loved chefs in the world. When Anthony Bourdain discovered Croatia and its food, he fell in love. And so will you.
Icelandic Blue Lagoon Spa Day
If a beach getaway isn’t really their thing, then treat them to the crystal blue waters of Iceland with this unique spa getaway for two at Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Imagine wallowing in the healing volcanic waters of the Blue Lagoon spa before dining on king crab claws prepared by the Icelandic National Culinary team.
Those at Blue Lagoon have creatively harnessed the healing properties of the silica mud and water with a range of innovative spa services that’ll leave you feeling renewed. Enjoy in-water massages from the team of expert therapists while floating about in deep blue waters steeped in natural wonder and mythical lore. It’s the ultimate spa getaway for those seeking pure indulgence.
Discover More 45th Anniversary Gift Experiences
Diving the Great Sapphire Reef
Our world is big and blue and has some incredible aquatic bucket-list destinations for you to visit, but nothing tops the list more than The Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest living organism is a deeper blue than any sapphire ring and extends further than the Great Wall of China. In addition to hours of spearfishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, the two of you can spend four nights at a luxury eco-resort on a private island near the Great Barrier Reef.
Experiencing the colourful Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Due to the remoteness of the island, you’re guaranteed an abundance of marine life. Importantly, the island supports marine protection and sustainability in all their practises which is critical when ensuring the longevity of this iconic wonder of the world.
Personalised Sapphire Photo Book
We’ve spoken about the 45th wedding anniversary as the ideal time to reminisce about your many years together. After all, you’ve spent nearly half a century together which means a lifetime of memories. A great idea is to create a personalised photo book for them to look back on and even pass down to the next generation. This is the ideal way to show your partner that you’ve thought about their love for nostalgia.
After working closely with a professional writer to capture your love, the book itself is carefully bound and contains coloured photographs from your shared years. You’re in control of the design of the book, so why not choose a blue sapphire cover? You also have the choice to include a personal message on the opening page, making this a thoughtful and romantic gift choice.
Sapphire Stars & Champagne
If we said you could drink Champagne and planet-gaze on the same day, would you believe us? It may sound too good to be true but you really can have your cake and eat it too (while look at planets).
Inside Champagne and Fromage’s gorgeous rustic interior you’ll experience a Champagne Afternoon Tea with a small-label, artisan bubbly, French cheese and sweet treats. Soak up the flavours while you sit back and relax in what looks like an authentic French market right in the middle of London.
After your tea and treats, you’ll get free admission to the Royal Observatory to enjoy a planetarium show at London’s only planetarium. Hand-in-hand, gaze up to uncover the mysteries of those glistening sapphire stars in the deep dark sky.
Stargazing Getaway
If you want to see the stars in real life, then this is the one for you. Treat your King or Queen to a luxury two-night stay in a real-life castle. Boasting fantastic sea views, this 5-star castle hotel nestled in the Scottish countryside has been carefully restored to its original glamour with antiques and fine oil paintings ordaining each room.
The best part of all this is that you’ll be taken on a private stargazing experience in the castle grounds with Steve Owens, a renowned astronomer. It doesn’t get much more magical than that, does it?
Sapphire Blue Cashmere Sweater or Tie
Nothing brightens up one’s day more than a new, defined wardrobe. The right clothes and accessories can make a world of difference. Gift your partner with a private luxury shopping experience and allow them to splurge on some serious retail therapy. The appointment starts with a consultation to discuss personal tastes and goals accompanied by Champagne and macarons to get you in the mood.
Your very own shopper dedicates their time and expertise to compose a coveted selection of the most sought-after brands in fashion history. There’s no question that your partner will step away from this experience with a renewed sense of confidence.
View Irises at Kew Gardens
Celebrate 45 years of love surrounded by flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Not only will you get a private expert-lead tour of the most famous collection of plant life in the world, but you’ll also experience a glittering dinner at The Glasshouse, a Michelin star restaurant near Kew.
Without question, Kew is one of the most naturally beautiful sites in the city. It’s the ideal spot for romantic wanderings and the flora make for perfect couple photos too.
Create bespoke cufflinks
What says 45 years of marriage better than custom-made cufflinks with a hint of sapphire? This is a unique chance to create your very own set of bespoke, hand-painted enamel cufflinks. Before designing them, you’ll have a private consultation to flesh out exactly what you’d like to include in your cufflink design.
There are few things more classic and meaningful than one-of-a-kind cufflinks that your partner can treasure forever.
Luxury Sri Lankan Getaway
Did you know that Sri Lanka was affectionately known as Ratna-Dweepa which means ‘Island of Jewels’? The island produces over 130 types of gemstones, but sapphires make up 85% of the value of the nation’s gem exports. What exotic destination could be better suited for celebrating your 45th wedding anniversary?
Overlooking the sapphire blue Indian Ocean and designed by one of the most talented architects in the world, Cape Weligama resort is the perfect base from which to explore Port Galle. Learn more about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own private boat tour before dining on fresh seafood. You’ll also be staying in a private butler-attended contemporary villa complete with in-room spa treatments. This is one way to really spoil your partner (and yourself)!
A Lifetime Together
Even through the hard times, you’ve made some incredible memories during all of your years together. Your 45th wedding anniversary is a time for nostalgia. It’s the perfect excuse to reminisce on the years spent building a lifelong relationship.
Marriage is no walk in the park. Four and a half decades of matrimony is a huge achievement. Not only is it a remarkable accomplishment, but it’s also very romantic. Who would have thought that when you first met and fell in love as youngsters you’d be celebrating a lifetime together?
At this point, you can safely say you’ve found what most people spend their whole life searching for and never find – a soulmate. Celebrate this special milestone with any one of the meaningful gifts above and you’ll be guaranteed another 45 years together.
If you’ve got your sights set even higher, let us hear it. We love to turn crazy gift ideas into a reality, no matter how absurd they seem. The sapphire blue sky is the limit.