Ah, the big 4-0! That magical age where wisdom and wrinkles start competing for attention, and “going out” often means to the backyard with a nice glass of wine. Some hit forty feeling fabulous, others feel like they need a nap (or a crisis car). Either way, the right gift can make all the difference!
So whether you’re shopping for a thrill-seeker, a self-care aficionado, or someone who insists they’re “still 39,” we’ve got you covered. From sentimental keepsakes to gadgets that scream “welcome to middle age,” here are the best 40th birthday gift ideas for men and women—because turning forty should feel like a celebration, not a sentence!
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Our top 40th birthday gift picks from this list:
Experience Gifts: Because Memories Last Longer Than Socks
At 40, most people have enough “stuff.” What do they really need? Unforgettable experiences! Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or just an excuse to escape their daily routine, an experience gift is a guaranteed win.
For the Adrenaline Junkie:
- Skydiving (because nothing says “midlife awakening” like jumping out of a plane)
- Supercar driving experience (for those who still dream of being a racecar driver)
- Hot air balloon ride (a peaceful way to feel on top of the world—literally)
For the Food & Drink Lover:
- Private chef experience (so they can dine like royalty without lifting a finger)
- Wine or whiskey tasting (because at 40, their palate deserves an upgrade)
- Cooking class with a pro (for those who love food but still burn toast)
For the Relaxation Seeker:
- Luxury spa day (because being 40 is amazing, but also, ouch.)
- Weekend getaway (think cozy cabin, beachside retreat, or fancy hotel stay)
- Yoga or meditation retreat (for finding inner peace… or just an excuse to nap)
For the Fun & Quirky:
- Concert or theatre tickets (because live entertainment > Netflix marathons)
- Comedy club night (laughter is the best medicine—especially at 40)
- Music or art workshop (because it’s never too late to start a new hobby)
Whatever their style, an experience gift turns their birthday into a memory—not just another item collecting dust. Because at 40, life should be about doing, not just owning!
Unique & Splurge-Worthy Gifts: Go Big or Go Back to the Gift Card Aisle
Turning 40 is a milestone, so why settle for the usual socks-and-bottle-of-wine combo? If you’re looking to impress, these unique and splurge-worthy gifts will make their big day unforgettable (and maybe even make them forgive you for all those “over the hill” jokes).
For the One Who Appreciates Timeless Luxury:
- A High-End Watch – A classic timepiece from Rolex, Omega, or TAG Heuer is the ultimate “you’ve made it” gift.
- Custom-Made Jewelry – A one-of-a-kind necklace, ring, or cufflink set engraved with a personal message? Instant heirloom status.
For the One Who’d Rather Be Anywhere Else:
- Luxury Vacation Package – Whether it’s a week in the Maldives or a European city-hopping adventure, nothing says “happy birthday” like a boarding pass.
- First-Class Flight Experience – If they’ve always flown economy, surprise them with a taste of the high life (lie-flat seats and champagne included).
For the One Who Loves a Status Symbol:
- A Dream Car Rental (or Purchase!) – Let them cruise in a Lamborghini, Tesla, or vintage Mustang for a weekend—or go all out and buy their dream ride.
- E-Bike or High-End Road Bike – For the one who wants to commute in style or embrace their inner Tour de France champion.
For the One Who Lives for Indulgence:
- Michelin-Star Dining Experience – A once-in-a-lifetime meal at a world-class restaurant? Yes, please.
- Private Wine or Whiskey Collection – A curated selection of rare bottles to elevate their bar cart (and their hosting game).
For the One Who Loves a Personal Touch:
- Custom Portrait or Commissioned Artwork – Turn their favorite photo into a stunning painting, illustration, or digital masterpiece.
- Personalized Star Map – A framed map of the night sky on their birthdate—a sentimental (yet stylish) way to mark the occasion.
At 40, they deserve more than just another ordinary gift. So why not go big, bold, and unforgettable? After all, forty is the new fabulous!
Home Gifts: Because 40 Deserves an Upgrade
By 40, home is more than just a place—it’s a sanctuary (or at least, it should be). Whether they love entertaining, unwinding, or just need a little luxury in their everyday life, these stylish and practical home gifts will make their space as fabulous as they are.
1 – NEST Fragrances Classic Candle- Birchwood Pine
Nothing better than a luxurious candle that will surround you with subtle scents of a “majestic winter forest”. Blending aromas of white pine, fir balsam, and birchwood over a base of rich musk and amber, the scent is strong without being too overpowering.
Based in New York, NEST Fragrances is known for creating fragrances like no other, mixing notes of the familiar, the exotic, and the unexpected.
2 – COSORI Pro II Air Fryer 5.8QT
Comes a time in life when everyone needs a good air fryer. Turn your favorite fried foods into healthy ones, and make cooking so much easier. Once you start using an air fryer, there’s no going back.
COSORI is known for making some of the best air fryers on the market. This one comes with 12 cooking presets (frying, roasting, keep warm…), and an app that allows you to control it via wifi or Alexa.
3 – Rivet Abstract Gold, White, and Peach Flecks Painting on Canvas
This printed canvas with hand-painted textural white and added gold leaf detailing is a sophisticated piece that will blend well into modern or transitional interiors.
4 – Shark IQ Robotic Vacuum
For their 40th birthday, gift them peace of mind and spotless floors. Cleaning has never been so easy as with the Shark IQ Robotic Vacuum. Using WiFi, you can control it via a phone or voice control to schedule tasks and areas to be cleaned.
The vacuum charges itself, self-empties, and auto-cleans its brushes so you literary have nothing to take care of.
5 – Umbra Exhibit Picture Frame Gallery Set
You can either add family pictures or beautiful photographs for someone who’s into photography.
The Umbra Exhibit Picture Frame Gallery Set will make a stunning addition to any room decoration. Sophisticated and original, this picture frame gallery will showcase and complement perfectly any pictures.
6 – simplehuman 8″ Round Sensor Makeup Mirror
Apply makeup to perfection with the simplehuman 8″ Round Sensor Makeup Mirror.
Built to last, it comes with a 5-year warranty, and will still work like new after 40,000 hours of use. The light automatically turns on when it detects a face, and turns off after use.
7 – Breville BES870XL Barista Espresso Machine
Being able to make top-quality coffee without leaving your house is super convenient and makes life much easier.
Breville makes some of the best espresso machines on the market. With their BES870XL Barista Espresso Machine, make espressos, lattes, or cappuccinos as good as in a coffee shop.
8 – Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender
The Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender is a professional blender with unrivaled features. It comes with 6 pre-programmed cycles and 10 speeds, it can also warm soups and beverages. Their blade is patented to guarantee the smoothest consistency and gives you the ability to achieve a variety of textures.
Blendtec is a family company based in the US, their products are engineered and assembled in the US.
9 – Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
For someone who likes cooking, it’s important to have the right set of knives as it makes cooking so much easier.
Made of stainless steel, this set includes 15 pieces and a block. The handles are ergonomically designed to provide comfort and the blades are precise and durable. The set comes with a lifetime warranty.
10 – Dublin Whiskey Bar Set
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The set is beautiful, it includes a decanter, six glasses, and a tray. The design is old-fashioned, and it makes a great decorative piece as well.
11 – Primula Blue Floral Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot
Cast iron teapots, apart from being beautiful, keep tea hot for longer and are part of the Japanese tea ceremony. This one’s interior is enamel coated so it’s easy to wash, more durable, and doesn’t require seasoning.
12 – Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set
Whether they are a seasoned mixologist or enjoy sipping on a cocktail once in a while, they will love receiving this cocktail kit.
Like cooking, making cocktails is an art and requires proper tools. This kit includes all one needs to mix delicious drinks. You could couple it with a cocktail recipe book, like this one.
13 – Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine
That’s why a pasta machine can make a great 40th birthday gift for a foodie. It’s something most people wouldn’t buy for themselves but would enjoy having.
The Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine is one of the top pasta machines on the market. Made in Italy, the machine comes with instructions and everything you need to make delicious homemade pasta.
14 – 50 States USA Photo Map
For each state visited, add a picture taken there. It’s a great motivational gift that will encourage them to visit more of our beautiful country.
The company making the poster is based in the US. On their website, you can upload your photos and resize them to fit each state.
If they’re into train travel, check out this gift guide for train enthusiasts.
Self-Care Gifts: Because 40 Is About Thriving, Not Just Surviving
At 40, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether they need to relax, recharge, or just remind themselves they’re still a priority, these indulgent self-care gifts will keep them feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the next fabulous decade.
15 – Shower Steamers
Turn your bathroom into a spa, and surround yourself with energizing or calming aromatherapy.
This set includes 5 shower steamers (lavender, mint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, and lemongrass), wrapped in a gift box. Based in California, the company only uses natural and top quality ingredients.
16 – Personalized Leather Dopp Kit
Handcrafted in Washington with genuine leather, this Personalized Leather Dopp Kit is beautiful, convenient, and big enough to fit everything one needs.
It comes in three colors, three sizes, and 9 monogram options.
17 – Lemon Lavender Relaxing Lotus Spa Gift Basket
The set includes an exfoliating body scrub, natural perfume oil, a bar soap, body butter, and a lotus flower handmade soap, all wrapped in a cute gift box.
Melt away tension and offer some pampering time thanks to this relaxing spa basket.
18 – Moon & Ivy Natural Jade Facial Roller
A Jade Facial Roller is the ultimate skincare tool to help serums and creams penetrate the skin, stimulate blood flow, and overall reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness.
It will make a beautiful 40th birthday gift for someone who’s into skincare and beauty products.
19 – True Botanicals – Organic RENEW Pure Radiance Face Oil
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Using natural ingredients, they make serums and face oils to give you glowy, healthy-looking skin.
20 – ALBERT KREUZ knee-high socks
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Albert Kreuz is a renowned German brand, making some of the best silk socks on the market, offering the perfect blend of spandex to keep the sock up and unrivaled quality.
21 – Stress Less Cards – 50 Mindfulness & Meditation Exercises
Using meditation and neuro-linguistic programming techniques, discover 50 easy exercises to practice mindfulness, reduce stress, and learn to manage anxiety in hard times.
Anyone can benefit from using these cards, especially people suffering from anxiety or stress, it can also make a nice gift for people trying to lead a more peaceful and compassionate life.
22 – Victoria’s Lavender Luxury Microwavable Aromatherapy Neck Wrap
Filled with flax seeds and lavender oil, the warmth mixed with the relaxing properties of the lavender feels like heaven after a busy day. The fabric used for the outside is super soft, and it’s just the right size to wrap around your neck.
23 – Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up
The author, James Hollis, a Jungian psychoanalyst, “believes it is only in the second half of life that we can truly come to know who we are and thus create a life that has meaning”.
In his book, he explains how one can find happiness and feel fulfilled, discover their true self, and come to peace with life.
Novelty Gifts: Because 40 Deserves a Laugh (and a Little Nostalgia)
Turning 40 is a big deal—so why not have some fun with it? From hilarious gag gifts to personalized keepsakes, these novelty items celebrate the milestone in a way that’s memorable, cheeky, and maybe just a little bit nostalgic.
24 – The 40th Birthday Game
25 – Vintage Candy CO. 40TH Birthday Retro Candy Gift Box
The box includes over 50 candies that were popular in the 80s’. With this box, offer a trip down memory lane to your loved one.
Inside the box, you’ll also find a newspaper insert with everything that happened 40 years ago. Everything comes wrapped in a box ready to gift.
A great way to say “Happy Birthday” to your loved one turning 40.
26 – 40th Birthday Gifts Box
The socks read “If you read this, bring me wine”, they are warm and comfy and are meant to be worn inside. The tumbler is made of stainless steel and will keep your drink warm or cold for hours. The candle is long-lasting and slightly scented.
27 – Sterling Silver Four Circle Necklace
It’s discreet and classy, made of sterling silver it won’t fade or stain your skin. It will blend well with any style and can be worn on any occasion.
28 – 40-Year-Old Birthday Coffee Mug
It’s thoughtful and useful, and one can never have too many mugs.
This 40-Year-Old Birthday Coffee Mug is super cute and funny, and will definitely bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
29 – Happy 40th Birthday Flask Gift Set
Customized, the flask reads “Happy 40th birthday”, you can then add a name and a date to it to make it extra special.
It comes in two colors, black or pink.
30 – Lapis Lazuli Beads Bracelet
Remind your loved one of their inner strength on this important day thanks to the meaning behind the beads, and show some love with the small heart added to the bracelet.
The bracelet is stretchable so it will fit most wrist sizes.
Haven’t found what you were looking for? Check out our other gift guides for women and for men or have a look at our birthday gift guides.
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- Touching gifts for your son
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