40 Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Her and for Him
Funny, creative, and unusual gifts any newly minted 40-year-old will love.
Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
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.
This candle derives its humor from a cheeky message printed in the style of an optometrist's chart.
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.
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!"
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.
Crate Joy 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brooklinen 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.
Revol 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.
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
Cozy Earth 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.
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.
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.
RELATED: The Best Gifts for Book Lovers
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.
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.
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.
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