The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas

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Every new decade marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, and turning 40 is no exception. Compared to their twenties or thirties, the newly minted forty-year-old in your life might be experiencing all kinds of positive changes, from greater independence, to more professional success, a growing family, as well as greater self-discovery and confidence. With so many accomplishments under their belt and so many more to come, there’s a lot to celebrate, and you can play a special part by giving them a thoughtful 40th birthday gift.

To help inspire your search, we’ve rounded up the best 40th birthday gifts to suit a variety of relationships and personality types. For the person who loves a trip down memory lane, there are retro T-shirts, candies, and keepsakes that honor their birth year. If they’d prefer a gift that’s more current, there are plenty of options to suit their interests, from fashion finds, to tech accessories, travel gear, and gadgets for food and wine enthusiasts. There are also birthday gifts for women and birthday gifts for men to fit every budget, with several gift options under $20, as well as higher price points if you’re able to splurge.

Got some other birthday milestones coming up? We have guides to shop the best 30th birthday gifts, the best 50th birthday gifts, and the best 60th birthday gifts too.

WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Pre-load this top-rated digital picture frame with cherished memories from 40 years of a life well lived. The interface is easy to use, and adding photos via the app is a breeze.

40th Celebration Dangle Charm

You don't have to spend a fortune to buy her a piece of jewelry she'll always associate with her 40th. This charm made from sterling silver features cubic zirconia detailing and can easily attach onto any bracelet or necklace she regularly wears.

Half Moon Wallet

For the recipient who loves to stay organized, this sleek wallet is designed to hold all her essential cards, bills, and loose change. It's made with luxurious Italian leather, and can be monogrammed in gold foil to take it over the top.

39ish Wine Glass

If they're not thrilled about turning another year older, this humorous wine glass will remind them that age is just a number. The text is etched on so it's durable, and the glass is dishwasher safe.

Weighted Throw Blanket

This weight of this 12-pound blanket is designed to reduce anxiety and promote more restful sleep. Whether they use it for casual lounging or as their nighttime blanket, the homebody in your life is sure to be obsessed.

New York Times Custom Birthday Book

This unique book, which features covers of The New York Times from every birthday they've had, has over 1,000 5-star reviews. Customers loved the quality, which is fitting for a coffee table book, as well as how it sparked conversation.

Caractère French Porcelain Oval Platter

Entertainers will appreciate this porcelain serving platter, handmade in France, which features a colorful glaze that comes in four shades. It's impressively durable and safe for the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher.

Makeup Bag

This waterproof bag is perfect for storing makeup or other essentials like tech accessories and toiletries. It offers a sweet reminder of their birth year, and how special they are to you.

Congratulations, the Best Is Over!: Essays

In this collection of hilarious and heartfelt essays, best-selling author R. Eric Thomas reflects on his past while visiting his hometown of Baltimore. It's an entertaining read that's sure to resonate around the time of their 40th birthday.

Women's Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat

This versatile hat can be used outside while she's gardening, hiking, or simply reading a book. However she decides to spend her time outdoors, it'll offer 50+ UPF, which is the highest rated sun protection possible.

RELATED: Best Gardening Gifts for the Plant People in Your Life

"You Still Look 21" Candle

This candle derives its humor from a cheeky message printed in the style of an optometrist's chart.

Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set

With nearly 3,000 5-star ratings, plus Oprah's official stamp of approval, you know these pajamas are something special. The luxurious bamboo fabric will become one of the softest things she owns, and the pink color adds a romantic touch if you're giving them to your partner.

40th Birthday Card

This thoughtful and affordable (under $6!) card includes fun facts to take them back to their birth year - from popular TV shows, to hit songs, and the price of basic household items. One happy customer wrote, "I love this card, it definitely brought back memories to the gifted! My only wish is they made this exact card for every birth year!"

Plush Robe

Nothing says relaxation like a plush robe, and this best-seller from Pottery Barn can be monogrammed with his initials for an added fee of $15.

Muscle Massage Gun

With four decades under his belt, he's bound to have a few aches and pains that this portable massager can alleviate. It comes well-tested with over 15,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, and features 20 speeds and six different massage heads.

Book Nook™ Reading Valet

After decades of being a bibliophile, they deserve a shrine to all their reading essentials. This valet includes a place to conveniently store their book, reading glasses, beverage, and their phone, all in one place.

Everywhere Belt Bag

If they're nostalgic for '80s fashion, they'll be thrilled that fanny packs are back in style (now labeled as belt bags). This one from Lululemon is water-resistant to keep all their belongings safe no matter the conditions.

Funny Black Crew Cotton Socks

We recommend giving him these funny socks in the morning so he can wear them throughout his birthday. They're also subtle enough that he can wear them long after the celebrations end.

Carry-On

If your budget allows, this carry-on suitcase from Monos will upgrade their luggage to include all the bells and whistles they could possibly need. It features a dent-resistant polycarbonate shell, TSA approved lock, and 360 degree turning wheels, plus a variety of fun colors to choose from like Sage, Purple Icing, and Banana Pudding.

Cassette Art Print

Anyone who's turning 40 is sure to experience a rush of emotions when gazing at this cassette print. The tapes showcase some of the best and biggest artists from 1983.

Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree

Experienced chefs know that Meyer lemons are a key ingredient for many drinks, condiments, and desserts. This plant will produce the lemons when put near any window, and as a bonus, the white flowers it grows are a natural air freshener.

Plank and Balance Board

Inspire their love of fitness with this gadget that makes a game out of exercise. They just put their smartphone or tablet on the board, lean on it in the plank position, and control app-based games through the movements. Super fun... and super challenging!

Vintage-Inspired Tee

This humorous vintage-inspired tee feels custom since it celebrates the recipient's year of birth. It's budget-friendly at under $20, and is available in a range of colors and styles to choose from.

Seven Seas Airpods Pro Case

This AirPod case features one of Burga's best-selling designs and will help protect their tech. If you want to buy more matching accessories, there's also an iPhone case, laptop sleeve, and ring holder available in the same pattern.

Anxiety Self-Care Box

If the recipient of your gift deals with a lot of stress, this self-care box could offer some much-needed healing. Each box comes with a curated selection of products that provide tools and activities for anxiety and other mental health challenges.

Cloudrift

The Cloudrift sneaker from On Running is designed to be super soft on heels, and has a lightweight upper that's ideal for city walking or running errands. It comes in three colors for men, as well as two colors for women.

You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children

Sure, Oh! The Places You'll Go is great for a graduation gift. But this cheeky version of the Dr. Seuss classic is perfect as a 40th birthday gag gift.

The Hanging Toiletry Bag

If they travel often for work or leisure, this hanging toiletry bag will help keep all their essentials organized. It features three interior compartments (including a clear removable pouch useful for airport security), and it's all spill-proof to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Retro Candy Birthday Gift Box

This gift box is filled with retro candies from 40 years ago. It'll take them right back to fond memories of grade school, summer camp, birthday parties, and trips to the mall.

New Balance Women's 237 Retro Sneaker

These retro New Balance sneakers combine the best in style and function. They feature a thick rubber outsole for maximum comfort, and the neutral colors are suitable for everything from errands to more fashionable outings.

Round Cut 3 Prong Basket Set Pendant

If you can splurge, make her 40th birthday a little more sparkly with this classic, round-cut pendant. Depending on your budget flexibility, you can choose from various carat weights, as well as between a Lab Grown Diamond, Moissanite, or a Diamond Nexus patented diamond simulant.

'You're My Favorite' Pottery Kit

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

This is no ordinary jigsaw puzzle. Completing it will assemble a front page of The New York Times from a special date in history (like their birthday!).

Sun Maxi Dress

This colorful maxi dress is vibrant and playful while still offering plenty of coverage for her next beach day. Plus, if she's a conscientious shopper, she'll be pleased to know that the brand is female-founded and committed to ethical production practices.

Vintage 1983 Coffee Set - Bamboo Lid & Glass Straw

This cup set can be used for any beverage, but it's especially great for iced coffee since it comes with a sealed bamboo lid and glass straws. It's customized with their birth year, and includes fun facts to read while they sip.

SPF 50 Glow Balm Trio

With this vegan and cruelty-free balm trio, she doesn't have to choose between sun protection and glowing skin. These shimmering mineral sticks are designed to be used as sunscreen, as well as blush, lip color, and eyeshadow base.

The Hanami

Everyone enjoys fresh flowers, but giving a dried bouquet ensures they can appreciate them beyond the week of their birthday. This arrangement from UrbanStems is reminiscent of Japanese cherry blossom trees, and contains bunny tails, craspedia, and other natural grasses in a ceramic bud vase.

Better Every Day Journal

At a time ripe for reflection, this daily guided journal is designed to help the recipient nurture the best version of themself. It has a prompt for each day, intended to promote self-love, reflection, and growth.

Women's Tri-Block Marl Ankle Sock 6-Pack

Not only are Bombas socks extremely comfortable and supportive, the company donates a pair of socks to a community in need for every pair purchased. When you buy her the 6-pack, you'll be getting a practical gift and also making a substantial impact.

Cosmic Crystal Box

For the mystically inclined, a crystal subscription box is the resonant gift that keeps on giving, month after month. This one sends a set of three curated natural crystals, stones, or minerals from around the world each month, along with information describing them.

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