They say 40 is the new 30, but when it comes to gifting, people can sometimes confuse the decades. While people in their 20s are expecting popular, trend-related gifts, people celebrating their 40th birthday are often more focused on upgrading their lifestyle on some level. Whether they're focusing on their fitness routine, upgrading their home decor or improving their financial skills, 40-year-olds want gifts that are fun and youthful, yet useful.
Searching for the perfect present for your family member or friend? We're here to help you get started with this list of 40th birthday gift ideas for men and women that will delight every kind of celebrant.
No matter if you're shopping for a golf-loving husband, wife who enjoys self-care or friend who works from home, these 40th birthday gifts will definitely leave a lasting impact.
Best 40th birthday gifts for women | Best 40th birthday gifts for men | Unique 40th birthday gifts for her| Creative 40th birthday gift ideas
Best 40th birthday gifts for women
InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Help her start the new decade with a bright foundation. Made with witch hazel, lavender and other botanicals, the brand says this ultra-cleansing toner will help fight against signs of aging. "My skin looks hydrated and smoother instantly so glad I tried this product," wrote one reviewer.
AOA Studio Paw Paw Collection Gift Set
If she's the type who loves staying at home, she will appreciate all the beauty goodies. It comes with slippers, a highlighter set, a handheld mirror and more.
Anthropologie Grecian Bust Pot
For plant moms looking to upgrade their indoor garden, this Grecian-inspired planter will give a touch of glamour to their greenery. The hand painted pots come in two different sizes to improve their blooming activities.
Dearfoams EZ Feet Scuff Slipper
Her feet will be singing the moment she slips into these cozy slippers after her big birthday party. These slides are made with 100 percent Australian sheepskin lining with plush cushioning.
Artis Fini Cosmetic Brush
If her makeup brushes need an upgrade, this blending brush is for her. "I'd heard so many firends talk about Artis brushes," says Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown. "I tried it and I'm so happy — it's the perfect tool for blending. Superior to any other tool I own."
The Comfy Original Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket
Someone who's always cold deserves a wearable blanket. The Comfy fits about anyone and can be worn indoors or outdoors. It provides extra comfort with high-quality sherpa and can be used also as a pillow.
Bala Bangles
If free weights at the gym aren't making her feel the burn, give her a cardio boost with these stylish elastic bands. Bala Bangles have quickly become a bestseller for their versatility — she can wear them on her wrists or ankles, or add them to a bag for extra weight.
Sahira Jewelry Design Daria Hoops
Jewelry is a classic birthday gift, and these gold hoops are the perfect addition to her accessory repertoire. The earrings are made of a tarnish-free material and can easily match with her regular wardrobe rotation.
Katie Loxton Capri Canvas Belt Bag
For the fashion-forward lady in your life, give her a chic purse that she can wear day and night. The bag is made with canvas and a a luxe vegan leather material. As a bonus, you can personalize it for just $7.
Sweejar Store Porcelain Tea Sets British Royal Series
Lovers of historical dramas and the royal family will adore this regal tea set. It comes with a feminine teapot, teacups, saucers, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher and a stainless-steel tea strainer. Now that's a great way to spill some tea!
Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag
This quilted weekender is roomy enough to take on short trips and made with a water-resistant polyester to help stand up against stains.
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
If she still gets the newspaper regularly delivered to her, she'll appreciate this custom book from The New York Times. The collection features the front pages from every year since their birth, so it'll be a great conversation starter for whoever flips through it.
Aerangis Discovery Journey Gift Set
If one candle isn't enough, then this set will whisk her away to a whimsical paradise. It comes with three signature scents, a complimentary wick trimmer, candle care card and scent story card for a sublime aromatherapy experience.
Lilysilk Trimmed Silk Women Long-Sleeve Pajamas Set
For the woman who needs more beauty sleep in her life, give her this luxury pajama set from Lilysilk. The lightweight set is made with 100 percent grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk for the ultimate comfort during their slumbers.
Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant
This atypical alarm clock from Hatch will surely help night owls secure some much-needed zzz's. The sleep assistance will help her program her night routine better and eliminate any distractions. Plus, it combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, meditation app and an alarm clock for the ultimate zen environment.
Best 40th birthday gifts for men
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
If he loves traveling, gift him this plush neck pillow that will support his neck through his journey. The Ostrichpillow offers a 360-degree design for ultimate comfort and is made with high-quality memory foam that'll bring him to dreamland during even the bumpiest turbulence.
Personalized Bourbon Barrel Flight with Glasses
For the man who loves to entertain, this bourbon barrel flight will elevate his hosting skills. It comes with four glasses where he can serve his favorite scotch or display it on his coffee table.
Mark & Graham Personalized Ball Gift Set
Let him score in style with these personalized golf balls. The set comes with a dozen tees, balls and pencils for the avid golfer looking to impress his teammate.
Samsonite Omni PC Hard-Side Expandable Luggage
Upgrade his travel gear with this 20-inch expandable carry-on luggage. It's scratch-resistant, thanks to the micro-diamond polycarbonate casing, and there are mounted TSA locks on the side to protect his belongings.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug²
Complete his work-from-home setup with this smart mug. No need for him to pause the video on his virtual meetings to take a sip when he can keep his beverage warm for longer. One customer raved about this cup because it "truly keeps my beverage at the same set temperature long enough for me to enjoy every last drop and at my pace!"
Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Wireless Headphone
If he seems to always be on a call, this headset is the perfect gift to keep them focused. He will feel the difference the minute he blocks his ears with this wireless headset featuring noise-canceling powers.
AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case
Shoppers can't get over these AirPods for their noise-canceling features and modern design. If the man in your life needs a new way to listen to music, this gift is a plus. The pair is sweat- and water-resistant — ideal for avid runners or gym buffs.
Unique 40th birthday gifts for her
Mockins Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp
Help them brighten up a room with this set of salt lamps, which the brand says are designed to promote a healthy and relaxing atmosphere at home.
Ten Wilde Name Plate Necklace
West Coast-based designer Tenisha Wilde creates stunning pieces that look way more expensive than they are. This gold-dipped necklace will hold a special place in anyone's heart — customize it with a name or initials.
Birdies The Phoebe Customized Slippers
Pick up a pair of Birdies' popular Phoebe slippers and customize them with her initials for a super special gift. (The brand also has a new basket-woven style of the Phoebe that's great for warm weather.)
Bandolier Embossed Croc Pouch
Could she use an everyday accessory that helps her pare down the essentials? This popular zip pouch is perfect for just the phone and credit cards. She can use a strap she already has or grab one of the brand’s.
Creative 40th birthday gift ideas
100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Help them make this the year they finally see all 100 iconic films on this list.
Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set
Dinner at home takes on new meaning when they have a fondue pot waiting for them for dessert. It comes with four skewers, a dipping tray and a serving tray.
Vintage Candy Co. 40th Birthday Retro Candy Gift Box
Send them on a trip down memory lane with this retro-inspired assortment of nostalgic sweets, including Fun Dip, Laffy Taffy and Big League Chew.
Goldbelly Subscription
Goldbelly ships meals from some of America's most iconic restaurants. If they've ever been to Russ & Daughters or even Shake Shack, they'll love this tasty gift.
Lettuce Grow The Farmstand
If they're regulars at the farmer's market and know all their local growers, they'll appreciate this all-in-one stand that essentially sets them up to grow their own greens. The Farmstand makes it easier than ever to grow vegetables indoors, and reviewers are finding it much easier than traditional gardening. "I've found myself excited to get home from work to see how much my plants have grown during the day. I've never been so excited to eat a salad in my life."
