When it comes to turning 40, there are a lot of milestones and memories to celebrate. After all, four decades of life is kind of a big deal! So, how are you supposed to embody all of those accomplishments and fun times into a gift? People reaching this age tend to know what they want, what they like, and what they don’t. And that's okay! In fact, it may even make getting them a gift easier ... especially if you're close to them.
Maybe they're trying to cook more, practice more self-care, or make their house feel like more of a home. Think of the little things you love about them, and draw inspiration from there!
At age 40, people know themselves better than ever — so consider yourself lucky to be a member of their inner circle. Here are 40 great 40th-birthday gift ideas to help ring in their fourth decade the right way.
For the friend with the biggest sweet tooth, this nostalgic candy box comes with a trip down memory lane.
It includes 55 pieces of candy from brands that were mega popular in the 1980s, including Big League Chew, ZotZ, and Cow Tails, and even comes with a newspaper-style insert about that year's historical happenings.
If you're not looking to spend much, but still want a cute 40th-birthday gift that'll certainly deliver some laughs upon opening, this Dr. Seuss book is perfect. It's sort of like Oh, The Places You'll Go, but with a few more aches and pains along the way.
If they're a history buff, they'll love this thoughtful 40th-birthday gift! It's a custom puzzle of the front page of the New York Times from the day they were born. Depending on how much of a puzzle person they are, you can choose from a 500-piece or 1,000-piece puzzle. Either is sure to be challenging.
There's so much to love about your special 40-year-old, so share all of your favorite things about them with a printable poster that you can write on and frame. Whenever they need a confidence boost, this thoughtful gift will give them a little extra mental strength.
This is a great 40th-birthday gift to give as a group, too. Each of you can write your favorite things about the birthday man or woman, and be sure that they're guaranteed to feel the love.
You can’t go wrong with a vintage T-shirt, and we especially love the retro colors featured on this pick. It’s the perfect 40th-birthday gift for repping their birth year. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even pair this with their favorite album from their childhood or teens.
Getting a good night's rest is essential ... and so is protecting your skin and hair.
A set of silk pillowcases is a great gift for anyone who loves their skincare routine or is obsessed with having smooth, static-free hair every day. Silk reduces the amount of friction against hair and skin, reducing damage and helping to prevent dreaded pillow lines on the face.
There’s just something about a matching set of pajamas that makes you feel put together. Gift this luxuriously soft set from Lunya to make anyone’s day (and night). They’re made from a cooling cotton blend, which will keep the wearer at the perfect temperature while they drift off to dreamland.
Turning 40 doesn't necessarily mean they will become super forgetful, but it never hurts to know where your most important items are, does it?
Apple AirTags are great gifts for anyone, but especially for those who need a little extra help remembering where their phone, wallet, or purse is. It works by connecting to the Find My network, the largest digital lost and found network out there. This allows them to see exactly where their item is, as long as it's connected to the tag.
If you're gifting someone who is constantly moving, running errands, or chasing around kiddos, these comfy sneakers are amazing. They're made of temperature-regulating wool that's also sustainable, and if they ever get dirty, you can just throw them in the wash to make them look good as new.
Hear us out: A razor might seem like a strange gift, but when it's this sleek and effective, your giftee will be thanking you for years to come.
This limited-edition matte black safety razor is weighted, making shaving a breeze. There's no need to apply pressure as you drag the razor across your skin, and the blades are infinitely replaceable, making this a great gift for anyone looking to reduce their waste.
There's just something about having a signature cologne or perfume that feels so grown-up, so this makes an amazing gift for anyone's 40th. The set comes with four different scents inspired by the beaches in the United Kingdom. The package is made from seed paper, so it can also be planted after opening. It's basically like gifting flowers and perfume.
When it comes to whiskey, Uncle Nearest does it right. Not only is it extremely smooth, but delicious notes of caramel and vanilla are at the forefront of every sip.
The story behind the brand is just as good as the whiskey, though: It's named after the man Nearest Green, who is the first African American master distiller on record ... and the man who taught Jack Daniel how to make his own whiskey.
A nice cutting board makes cooking more enjoyable, and this beautiful one is no exception. Made from durable teak wood, this gorgeous cutting board is made to withstand thousands of knife strokes, while still looking brand new. There's even a ridge around the edges to keep liquid from spilling off the board.
We’ve all experienced a better night’s rest in a hotel bed, and that’s partly due to the sheets (and probably also due to the fact that you’re in a new, exciting place!).
These 100% linen sheets are pre-washed to make them extra soft, and they're also naturally cooling. There are 29 colors to choose from, so chances are you'll find the perfect hue to gift.
Gift cards may seem impersonal, but when it's to a subscription service like Bespoke Post, they'll be stoked to receive it. The service is custom-tailored to your giftee based on the results of a quiz they take, and they can choose to receive either a monthly gift box or choose a single item from the shop — all thanks to your generosity.
Provide the Etsy seller with your recipient's birth date and location, and they will use charting software to create a personalized sky map design with the exact star and constellation patterns from the moment your loved one was born.
It's a physical representation of their special day that any astronomy lover will appreciate.
This personalized wine bottle is the perfect 40th-birthday gift. Plus, the wine inside the bottle is a nice Cab Sauv, so the recipient will be able to enjoy the vino just as much as the bottle itself. Once they've enjoyed the delicious wine inside, they can use the bottle as a vase for fresh or dried florals.
If you’re totally at a loss to come up with an appropriate present they’ll adore, this giftworthy set features assorted candies, a fragrant candle, insulated stemless wine cup, and a Minimergency kit for saving them in all sorts of “oh-sh*t” moments (like wardrobe malfunctions). There’s something in it for everyone!
There are candles, and then there are these astrologically inspired candles that represent the readings of the stars.
Birthdate Candles feature unique scents and insight based on your recipient's zodiac sign and date of birth. The label contains a detailed personality description and a tarot card, plus a ruling number and planet that'll fill their heart and home with good vibes.
Any Star Wars fan who's turning the big 4-0 will appreciate this good luck wish, Jedi to Jedi. Coffee and tea drinkers will get a kick out of it every time they take a sip, and you might even get a smile out of them before the caffeine kicks in.
Your favorite flower enthusiast will totally flip for this DIY grow kit, featuring fresh blooms that represent their birth month. It comes with everything they need to get growing, so even if they're not naturally graced with a green thumb, they can easily plant their present and keep it alive.
Stick these fun wine labels on their favorite bottles of wine, and then wrap them up in a basket. It's an easy, fun, and festive 40th-birthday gift idea that guarantees their favorite wine in a party-ready bottle. They're also so fun to apply, you might end up needing to buy a few bottles to decorate.
Turning 40 is a big deal, so you should celebrate all year long with a Bouqs premium bouquet subscription. Choose from roses, a farmers market blend, or a classic mix, along with the size of the bouquet. Depending on how much you’re looking to spend, you can have them delivered every 2 months, monthly, every 2 weeks, or weekly.
Treating them to a one-time surprise? The Bouqs Co. recently launched a few new birthday bouquets, and they're all so cheery and bright! Sugar Rush, Celebration, and Once Upon a Time are some of our favorites, but check out their full birthday selection to find the one that's right for your favorite 40-year-old.
Hopefully, after 40 years, they've been able to get out and explore the world. With this scratchable map, they can mark off where they've been and plan out their next few adventures. It also acts as a beautiful statement piece on their wall if they choose to hang it up.
This dainty birthday bracelet features forty 14-carat, gold-dipped beads to represent each year of their life. An adjustable cord will accommodate her wrist size, and a sliding toggle provides a super secure closure. Even though it's a simple piece, it'll add a little bling to her look (and act as a secret fidget if need be).
If you can’t be there to cut the cake with them, these decadent message donuts are the sweetest way to send them good wishes on their special day.
As if spelling out “Happy Birthday” weren’t outrageous enough, these fresh, yeast-raised donuts come in unique assorted flavors, like a Samoa option that tastes just like everyone’s favorite Girl Scout cookie, along with an equally nostalgic Fruity-Pebbles-topped variety.
No matter how they really feel about turning this milestone year, this sweet letterpress birthday card ensures that they usher in the new age with a smile. It's printed on 100% recycled paper, so it's a guilt-free way to enhance your 40th-birthday gift! Add a gift card inside if you want to add a little extra something.
Literary lovers will be over the moon when they crack open this book filled with quizzes and illustrations of famous bookstores, portraits of authors’ pets, and mouthwatering fictional meals. They'll also be able to explore both famous libraries and some of their favorite authors' writing spaces, all without having to leave their own reading chair.
Once the coffee's made, keep it nice and hot all morning long ... no matter how long it takes to finish it. This temperature-controlled mug from Ember can be adjusted to keep coffee set at any preferred temp for a whole hour, saving them multiple trips to the microwave throughout the day.
Chill this “On the Rocks” set in the freezer, and then drop one of them in a glass of whiskey. They’ll chill aged spirits without diluting the complex flavors like ice does — plus, they’re a beautiful addition to any drink. Because the stones are all different colors, they also act as a drink marker of sorts.
If your birthday bestie is bath obsessed, this wooden tray is the best way to prevent their self-care essentials from getting soaked in the tub. There's a designated spot for everything, so they can keep a book propped up on one side and a glass of wine on the other.
Cake and coffee might be a more classic after-dinner combo, but if your birthday girl is a tea drinker, this celebratory bev makes for a tasty dessert accompaniment.
This black-tea blend contains fruit and florals for an aromatic and delicious drink, and they can even use the box to store the sachets safely in their cupboard.
These premium pajamas from Eberjey are the perfect birthday gift to get when you want to impress, but don't quite have their style pinned down.
The menswear-inspired Gisele set is the perfect “dressed-up” set of PJs to have on hand, and they're made from a stretchy and soft modal-spandex material. They also come in black, white, mauve, cream, and gray.
When it comes to gifting artisanal edibles, we like to defer to a cheesemonger's choice for the most balanced selection. This collection from NYC-based Murray's Cheese bundles four of their best-sellers, along with spiced cherry preserves, sea salt and olive oil crackers, and Marcona almonds. The hardest part will be not eating it all in one sitting!
Spice things up with their very own hot sauce! This 40th-birthday gift comes with the ingredients they need (everything from habanero to ancho!), the tools to make it, and the instructions to turn up the heat with a great hot sauce. According to the rave customer reviews, this gift is lit!
Even fun 40-year-olds need the occasional night to stay in and catch up on some rest. This cozy Parachute robe is snuggly enough for lazy Sundays, but looks lounge-chic with two slouchy front pockets and a folded shawl collar. It's also super absorbent, and can be used post-shower in place of a towel.
What may seem at first like another boozy gag gift is actually quite the clever and handy accessory. This toothpick set contains four vials with a dozen sticks each, and the toothpicks are each infused with top-shelf single-malt whiskey, which imparts a unique, smokey-caramel flavor into each one.
They're ideal for stashing in a desk drawer or tote bag for post-lunch teeth touch-ups.
For the Ron Swanson types in your life, cured meat is the language of love. Salume Beddu's gourmet salami is a fantastic 40th-birthday gift, and comes in nine selections to choose from. Each one is comprised of a unique spice blend, making them perfect for both sharing and keeping to themselves.
For Vineyard-Fresh Wine
Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System
Serious wine drinkers won't believe how they ever went without Coravin's premium preservation system.
This device pierces the cork, allowing the user to pour wine freely without ever uncorking the bottle. This makes sure the taste of their wine stays the same, even several years after opening. (But we doubt they'll wait that long to have a second glass!)
Katherine PittmanAssociate EditorKatherine (Katie) is the associate editor of Best Products, where she gathers unique gift ideas, tests out buzzy products, and puts too many items in her cart for research — her work can also be found on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Oprah Daily.
Zarah A. KavaranaZarah Kavarana is the contributing editor at BestProducts.com, where she spends her days hunting for shareworthy home, tech, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle finds, and resisting the urge to add them all to her cart.
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