The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (2024)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (1)

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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.

Greeting Card for 40th Birthday

OJsensai 40th Birthday Card

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (3)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (4)

Greeting Card for 40th Birthday

OJsensai 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!"

RELATED: Best "Happy Birthday" Wishes for Your Best Friend

40th Birthday Gift Under $20

Vintage-Inspired Tee

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (5)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (6)

40th Birthday Gift Under $20

Vintage-Inspired Tee

Now 50% Off

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.

Funny 40th Birthday Gift

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

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (7)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (8)

Funny 40th Birthday Gift

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

Now 41% Off

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.

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Best Personalized 40th Birthday Gift

New York Times Custom Birthday Book

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (9)

Best Personalized 40th Birthday Gift

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.

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.

40th Birthday Gift Under $15

Makeup Bag

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (12)

40th Birthday Gift Under $15

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.

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Best 40th Birthday Gag Gift

"You Still Look 21" Candle

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (13)

Best 40th Birthday Gag Gift

"You Still Look 21" Candle

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

40th Birthday Gift for Coffee Lovers

On The Rox Drinks Vintage 1983 Coffee Set - Bamboo Lid & Glass Straw

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (14)

40th Birthday Gift for Coffee Lovers

On The Rox Drinks 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.

Best 40th Birthday Gift on Amazon

AURA WiFi Digital Picture Frame

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (15)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (16)

Best 40th Birthday Gift on Amazon

AURA 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.

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Organization Gift for 40th Birthday

Cuyana Half Moon Wallet

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (17)

Organization Gift for 40th Birthday

Cuyana 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.

40th Birthday Gift for Your Outdoorsy Friend

Women's Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (18)

40th Birthday Gift for Your Outdoorsy Friend

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

Cozy 40th Birthday Gift for Husband

Plush Robe

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (19)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (20)

Cozy 40th Birthday Gift for Husband

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.

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40th Birthday Gift for Book Lovers

Book Nook™ Reading Valet

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (21)

40th Birthday Gift for Book Lovers

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.

RELATED: The Best Gifts for Book Lovers

'80s Inspired Fashion

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (22)

'80s Inspired Fashion

lululemon 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.

40th Birthday Gift for Him Under $15

Funny Crew Socks

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (23)

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (24)

40th Birthday Gift for Him Under $15

Funny Crew 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.

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40th Birthday Gift for the Chef

Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (25)

40th Birthday Gift for the Chef

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.

DIY 40th Birthday Gift

Pottery With a Purpose 'You're My Favorite' Pottery Kit

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (26)

DIY 40th Birthday Gift

Pottery With a Purpose 'You're My Favorite' Pottery Kit

Inspire their creativity with a 40th birthday present that doubles as a DIY experience. This eco-friendly craft box includes a beginner’s pottery kit, video tutorial, an air plant, and vegan, dairy-free snacks for sustenance, too.

Best Birthday Present for Puzzle Fanatics

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (27)

Best Birthday Present for Puzzle Fanatics

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!).

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Inspirational 40th Birthday Gift

INSIDE THEN OUT Better Every Day Journal

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (28)

Inspirational 40th Birthday Gift

INSIDE THEN OUT 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, self-improvement, and growth.

40th Birthday Gift for a Spiritual Friend

Enchanted Crystal Crystal of the Month Box

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (29)

40th Birthday Gift for a Spiritual Friend

Enchanted Crystal Crystal of the Month Box

For the mystically inclined, a crystal subscription box is the resonant gift that keeps on giving, month after month. This one sends a hand-picked crystal or mineral from around the world each month, along with an information card.

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (30)

Alesandra Dubin

Contributing Writer

Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (31)

Samantha Lawyer

Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas (2024)

FAQs

The Ultimate List of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas? ›

Rubies are the most traditional gift for someone turning 40. A stunning ruby necklace, ring or jewelry pairing are meaningful 40th birthday gift ideas for a wife who loves luxury accessories.

What is the traditional gift for the 40th birthday? ›

Rubies are the most traditional gift for someone turning 40. A stunning ruby necklace, ring or jewelry pairing are meaningful 40th birthday gift ideas for a wife who loves luxury accessories.

What is significant for 40th birthday? ›

What makes a 40th birthday special? A quote from W. B. Pitkin states: “Life Begins at Forty.” The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

How special is a 40th birthday? ›

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style. It's a time to honour the accomplishments and experiences of the past while embracing the exciting journey ahead. Finding a unique and meaningful gift for this special occasion can be a delightful challenge.

What should I get a 40 year old? ›

Jewelry is always a good idea when it comes to gifting, especially for one as important as 40. This mini letter necklace is great for everyday wear and is sure to become a favorite in her jewelry collection.

Why is 40th birthday a big deal? ›

Celebrating a 40th birthday is a big deal. It's a time to honor years of success and overcoming challenges while looking forward to new growth, passion pursuits, and just enjoying life. For this milestone birthday, there are countless ways to mark the occasion.

How do you make someone feel special on their 40th birthday? ›

Cook their favorite meal and dessert for dinner. Do something small, but unexpected, such as cleaning the bathroom, their office, or car. Plan a surprise get-together with friends. (For my hubby's 40th I had friends meet us out and secretly rented a limo to drive us around to all the local hotspots.)

What color represents 40th birthday? ›

There is no specific color that represents a 40th birthday. Unlike milestone birthdays such as the 50th or 60th, the 40th doesn't have a traditional or universally recognized color. However, some people associate the color black with a 40th birthday, as it represents sophistication, elegance, and maturity.

Is 40 a milestone birthday? ›

As mentioned above 16,17, 18 and 21 are often considered milestone birthdays. After that, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays are significant. Some people may celebrate 65th 66th or 67th birthdays as milestone birthdays, due to this being associated with 'official' retirement ages.

What symbolises 40th birthday? ›

BIRTHDAY: The official name for a 40th anniversary is a Ruby Jubilee. a birthday is the anniversary of your birth, so if you wanted to call your 40th birthday a ruby jubilee.

Why is turning 40 so special? ›

Turning 40 often comes with a significant shift in priorities and values. This period allows for introspection and evaluation of past decades, providing a clearer picture of what truly matters. For many, this is a time to focus on personal growth, family, friendships, and passions.

What does turning 40 mean spiritually? ›

Forty is a sacred number. When the number forty appears in the Bible, the reader knows a change is about to take place. In Scripture, the number forty marks a moment of transition, transformation and transcendence.

What makes a good 40th birthday present? ›

For a unique birthday gift, try something custom-made – such as personalised wall art, or jewellery engraved with a heartfelt message. If you want something light-hearted, take a look at our funny or novelty gifts. Alternatively, you can make their day even more memorable by giving them a gift experience.

What do you say for a 40 year old birthday? ›

I hope you have a blast celebrating your big day. Wishing you a very happy 40th birthday. I hope you're surrounded by good friends, wonderful family members, and terrific colleagues. They say life begins at 40, but I think you've been living it up since you were born.

What is the 40th birthday psychology? ›

Whether it's your career, family, or personal happiness, it's the perfect time to figure out your priorities. "Forty is a peak time to re-assess our values," says Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and author Tricia Wolanin, Psy. D. "We may spend it re-aligning and re-adjusting how we opt to live our lives.

Do you bring a gift to a 40th birthday party? ›

Birthday presents for adults are highly optional, certainly not to be expected and never demanded. Miss Manners is relieved to say that you did everything right, including presenting the occasion as a milestone year, implying that its reoccurrence should be delayed for another 40.

What is the traditional color for 40th birthday? ›

There is no specific color that represents a 40th birthday. Unlike milestone birthdays such as the 50th or 60th, the 40th doesn't have a traditional or universally recognized color. However, some people associate the color black with a 40th birthday, as it represents sophistication, elegance, and maturity.

What plant represents 40th birthday? ›

Ruby 40th Rose – 40th Birthday Rose

Its bright red flowers and delicate yet spicy scent is a delight for all the senses, as it blooms in the garden year after year.

What do they say about 40th birthday? ›

"Life begins on your 40th birthday, but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person three or four times." "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." "Every man over forty is a scoundrel." "Happy birthday!

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