Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas

Make their big day extra special with one of these thoughtful and heartfelt 40th birthday gift ideas.

Over the hill is so outdated. 40 is the new FABULOUS and fabulous should always be celebrated with the best 40th birthday gift ideas.

Not to say that the special person in your life approaching the big 4-0 won’t be a little panicked about this big birthday milestone. It is a time to reflect on all they have accomplished and of course look forward to the future.

This kind of transitional birthday deserves a super special birthday gift for her or him. So we have got you covered.

And if you want to take it a step further we have some awesome fun adult birthday party ideas too.

Table of Contents

40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Her

1 — Jo Malone Candle

Stylish and minimalist, this Peony and Blush Suede Candle will elevate any space with its delicate scent.

2 — Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

Speaking of elevation, this sleek pour over kettle will elevate any morning coffee routine. The beautifully balanced, minimalist design has a base that displays real-time temperature and heating progress.

3 — Clare V. Colorblock Belt Bag

For all our 80s babies turning the big 40, this Clare V Belt Bag is a modern take on the classic 80s inspired silhouette affectionately referred to as a “fanny pack”.

4 — Barefoot Satin Pajama Set

They say with age comes wisdom and any wise person knows the importance of sleep at 40! This cozy chic pajama set is like sleeping in a hug and should be a wardrobe staple.

5 — Glossier You Eau de Parfume

The ultimate personalized gift… give her the gift of her own personalized scent. The Glossier perfume is the ultimate personal fragrance.

It melts into the skin, smelling different on everyone. Mostly it smells like you, soft, warm and familiar.

6 — UrbanStems Bouquet

Every woman appreciates the beauty that is a bouquet of flowers. The UrbanStems growers choice features hand chosen peony stems sure to make her smile.

Even better, it’s available for next day delivery which makes it perfect for a last minute gift idea.

7 — Milk Bar Birthday Cake

Let them eat cake! Nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a birthday cake and this classic funfetti cake from Milk bar is the best of the best.

Send it to your favorite birthday guy or girl. Available for next day shipping too. If you prefer to go the homemade route, our Funfetti Birthday Cheesecake is always a win!

8 — Fabulous Forty Milestone Birthday Bracelet

This dainty yet chic bracelet is a creative 40th birthday gift idea for someone who loves jewelry. And trust us, all women don’t mind being gifted something shiny and pretty.

The Fabulous Forty Bracelet features 40 beads that are dipped in 14k gold, one for each remarkable year of life!

9 — Milestone Beaded Earrings

Gift her with a pair of festive milestone beaded earrings. It will be one less thing for her to shop for when she’s planning her 40th birthday party outfit.

10 — Ugg Scuffette Slipper

The gift of comfort is always a good idea. A pair of good “house shoes” is not only the ultimate in cozy comfort but also stylish and practical and can transition to being worn out of the house too.

11 — Personalized 40th Birthday Gift Box

Does your birthday girl live in a different city? Mail her a personalized 40th birthday gifts for her box set. This gift set comes with a personalized mug and matching coaster, an 8 oz. scented soy candle, and an engraved sugar spoon.

12 — Mind Over Batter: Baking Therapy

Experiences make great gifts, especially classes! This online cooking class is 75 minutes with master baker and licensed psychotherapist Jack Hazan.

Whip up a luscious cake and learn how to use baking to stir up all kinds of good vibes. Once they determine that baking is good for their soul they can whip up some of our Copycat Banana Bread or Mini Baked Donuts.

13 — Uncommon James Earrings

Girls got GOALS, and these Goals Hoops from Uncommon James are a bestseller for a reason. Classic and timeless jewelry is always a good idea when it comes to gifts.

14 — Unique Clutch Bag

40th birthday gifts are meant to be extra special, and there’s nothing one-of-kind like this unique acrylic clutch. She’ll surely get so many compliments, AND it’s a steal for under $50.

15 — Bespoke Embroidered Cosmetics Bag

The ultimate in elegance in one customizable and personalized cosmetic pouch. The Bespoke pouch from Mark and Graham was designed with everything in mind.

16 — Cheeky Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler

If she’s got a sense of humor, then she’ll love this “Is you 40?” travel tumbler. Made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, her drink will stay cold for 9+ hours or hot for 5+ hours.

17 — Wine Tote Bag

Gift her favorite bottle of wine or champagne inside this stylish faux leather wine tote bag. She can reusable it again when hiking, camping or going to a picnic. It makes not just a great 40th birthday present but one that is perfect for any special occasion.

18 — Money Tree Plant

For your plant loving lady, send her a money tree plant to add some good Feng Shui to her home. And hopefully, the indoor plant will bring good luck and fortune to the new year.

19 — Aesop Industrious Kit

Refresh and nourish her hands with an Aesop Industrious Kit. This gift set includes 2 cleansers—one for beside the sink, one for use on the go — and a hydrating balm.

20 — Happy Birthday Swap Gift Card

Make her birthday wish come true with a Happy Birthday Swap gift card. It’s like a bunch of gift cards in one so she has many places to shop at.

She can redeem the gift card at all the participating merchants: AMC Theatres, Gap, Lowe’s, Outback Steakhouse, Subway, The Cheesecake Factory, Ulta Beauty and more.

Unforgettable 40th Birthday Ideas for Him

21 — New York Times Custom Birthday Book

Commemorate his newsworthy birthday with a collection of the New York Times’ front pages from each year since his birth with the New York Times Custom Birthday Book.

Creative and customizable, it is a special keepsake for your special guy.

22 — Personalized Jerry Can Mini Bar

Six cans, one bottle, two glasses, and 1 pack of snacks equals one amazing birthday for your favorite 40 year old guy. He can pack it all in this personalized Jerry Can that serves as his own minibar.

23 — Dior Sauvage Cologne

Dior says this fragrance is inspired by a man that is true to himself, and there’s nothing ringing in a new decade of life like being your authentic self. Dior Sauvage Cologne has a fragrance story that is raw and noble all at once.

24 — Cloudnova Sneaker

For the guy on the go, these Cloudnova Sneakers are a blend of comfort and style. Comes in a variety of colorways.

25 — Star Wars 40th Mug

Nothing is better than coffee but a mug with a funny pun is always a close second. His morning will be out of this world with this fun Stars Wars 40th mug.

26 — The Bacon Crate

That’s right…your eyes did not deceive you. The Bacon Crate is not only very real it is very very cool and sure to please your meat lovin’ man’s heart.

27 — Build Your Own Barrel Smoker

We love a good DIY around here and this build your own smoker is dubbed the greatest DIY smoker of all time.

Boasting a 16 gallon, double open-ended barrel, this kit comes complete with all the drill bits, stencils, and hardware that he’ll need to construct a quality smoker.

28 — The Daily Stoic

Insightful reflections for your favorite guy, the Daily Stoic has 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and The Art Of Living. Nothing is sexier than personal growth in our humble opinion.

29 — Ray Ban Sunglasses

A classic wayfarer look for your classic guy. These Ray-Ban Erika Classic sunglasses are a staple for everyday wear.

30 — Watch Box

If he collects watches or just needs to organize his dresser this personalized watch box is sleek and sophisticated. You could take it up a notch and include the glasses or even a vintage watch.

31 — TUMI Wallet

Well-organized design and easy convenience are what this smart wallet is all about. Built from finely textured leather for elevated appeal it is a wonderful gift for your best guy.

32 — Leather Poker Set

Up the ante on his birthday and his next poker night with this luxe Leather Poker Set. An impressive gift for poker enthusiasts, this heirloom-quality set is perfect for game nights at home.

33 — Cigar and Whiskey Set

A gift for the old fashioned man, this classic cigar and whiskey set features a wood tray and gold accented glass to make a statement.

34 — Golf Bag Tag and Tee Holder

No birthday boagies here with this 2-in-1 bag tag and golf tee holder. The perfect accessory for your golfer on the go that can remind you of him when he’s out on the greens.

35 — Carhartt Insulated Backpack

For your outdoors man, this Carhartt Backpack fits 24 cans and features an insulated base compartment that keeps food and drinks cold, and a large main compartment for carrying gear and accessories.

36 — 40th Birthday Funny Toilet Paper

Looking for unique 40th birthday gifts for him? Or a funny gag gift for your birthday friend, husband or family member? Gift him with this hilarious 40th birthday novelty toilet paper.

37 — Personalized 40 Reasons Why We Love You Poster

The best 40th birthday gifts are the ones that are sentimental and personal which is why we love this 40 Reasons Why We Love You Poster. Customize it with why you love you (and others) love this birthday guy.

38 – Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Upgrade his home gym with this highly rated adjustable dumbbell set that also features barbells, kettlebells, and push-up stands.

39 — Funny 40th Birthday Socks

Make him laugh with these hilarious non-slip socks. Plus, they’re subtle enough to wear to work… unless he kicks backs and takes off his shoes at the office…