They say 40 is the new 30, and today’s 40-year-olds certainly aren’t looking for “over-the-hill” presents. While someone in their 20s might appreciate the latest trend or viral gadget, many people turning 40 are more interested in gifts that enhance their everyday lives. Whether they’re investing in their health, refreshing their home, learning a new skill or simply making life a little easier, the best gifts strike the perfect balance between practical and fun.
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, a wife who enjoys self-care or a friend who works from home, these 40th birthday gifts will definitely leave a lasting impact.
Best 40th birthday gifts under $25
Are they a movie buff? This poster filled with 100 classic and iconic films will give them a goal they’ll be excited to achieve by the end of the year.
Candles are a great classic gift, but if you want to spruce up a gift basket, try throwing in a candle warmer as well. Not only is this a safe and super cute bedside item, but it also has a timer option, letting you choose how long it runs.
Help her start the new decade with a bright foundation. Made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera and jojoba oil, the brand says this serum soothes, nourishes and hydrates the skin. "It provides a healthy glow" and "keeps my skin looking and feeling young and healthy," wrote one reviewer.
Upgrade her shower routine with this product that’ll make it feel a bit more luxe. Former Shop TODAY editorial page Ellen Abraham loves this and says, “It’s an affordable luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin smooth. With the signature Moroccanoil scent, this product is one of the best body washes for gentle and sensitive skin.”
Every home chef needs a great cast iron skillet to make delicious stews and desserts. Deputy managing editor Jess Bender has had her skillet for years and says, “For the quality you’re getting, the price point is a major steal compared to similar versions that are available on the market.”
Best 40th birthday gifts for women
The best things in life come with sparkles, and this palette does not fall short. Abraham uses this and says, “This timeless eyeshadow palette has everything you need for everyday looks and glammed-up styles.”
Any essentials you'll need are right here in this kit, from body wash to face cream. It's perfect for a loved one who's constantly on the go, with handy packaging that makes it easy to transport anywhere.
The Comfy Original
Someone who's always cold deserves a wearable blanket. The Comfy fits pretty much everyone and can be worn indoors or outdoors. It provides extra comfort with high-quality sherpa and can also be used as a pillow.
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.
One of the best accessories a woman can have is a good bag that she can take from day to night. Look no further than this option from Katie Loxton. It's large enough to fit the essentials, but small enough not to be an inconvenience. It comes in three colors and, if you want to take it one step further, you can have it personalized for the special recipient!
These lightweight hoops are a timeless staple, sure to thrill any gift recipient. Made with 18-karat gold, they're tarnish-free and perfect to wear at the office or at a nice dinner.
Lovers of historical dramas, Anglophiles and the royal family will adore this regal tea set. It comes with an elegant 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!
You can never go wrong with a pair of tortoise sunglasses. These are classy, elegant and versatile, which means you can pair them with everyday ensembles. They also come with a one-year warranty.
Looking for a high-quality product she will use time and time again? This product proves to be the best at-home chemical peel that is the perfect reset at the end of her day. Not only does it help fade hyperpigmentation, but the brightening, antioxidant-rich berries also leave skin feeling fresh and glowy. "I use this peel weekly and it has transformed my skin. It is best paired with a hydrating moisturizer or serum and a face oil," says Abraham.
A good cup of coffee can make any day that much better. If they consider themselves a coffee connoisseur, this affordable espresso machine makes a great gift. Deputy managing editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”
Many Shop TODAY editors are fans of Paige DeSorbo’s brand Daphne because they create comfy and fun sleepwear. This duster robe — described by the brand as being “or everyone who has ever wanted a full-length version of their favorite oversized tee” — is made with 100% pima cotton and is the perfect cozy gift for someone special.
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.
“I’ve been wearing this cuff bracelet for the past few weeks and just love how simply elegant it looks,” says editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. “I wear it everywhere from the office to dinners with friends and even while traveling, and get compliments on it wherever I go. I like to pair it with the Knot Crossed Ring from the same collection. The quality you’re getting at this price is incredible,” she raves.
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.
Jewelry is always a great gift idea! This piece is part of Mejuri’s newest collection and is great if they like to wear both gold and silver jewelry. The dainty necklace looks great layered with other necklaces or on its own.
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% grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk, according to the brand, for the ultimate comfort during their slumbers.
Best 40th birthday gifts for men
If they are outdoorsy or always in the garden, this small but mighty multi-tool is a great gift they can keep on their keyring or belt. It's home to 10 tools, including scissors that can cut weeds and small branches.
If he's often traveling, gift him this plush neck pillow that will support his neck throughout 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.
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.
Complete his work-from-home setup with this smart mug. No need for him to pause the video on his virtual meetings to reheat or make a new cup 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!”
Let him score in style with these personalized golf balls. The set includes personalized golf balls, custom tees, a divot tool and poker chips to use as markers for the avid golfer looking to impress his teammate.
Upgrade their closet with this original hand-woven long sleeve shirt. It is made with a thicker material and so it is a great option for fall weather. They can even wear it on their big 40th night out!
Shoppers can't get over these AirPods Pro 3 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
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.
After a certain age, they may find themselves geeking out at the thought of upgrading their current soap dispenser for something more innovative. We tested out several automatic options for our Ranked series, with this brand scoring strong marks on everything from response time to durability.
West Coast-based designer Tenisha Wilde creates stunning pieces that look a lot 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.
Goldbelly ships meals from some of America’s most iconic restaurants. Any pizza lover will swoon over this tasty gift.
If you want to gift them something both meaningful and useful, try a personalized stationery set. This one comes with notecards, calling cards and a notepad. Plus, the brand offers plenty of beautiful design options to choose from so you can choose the one that best suits the birthday person.
Make special milestones last with this unique gift idea for the jewelry lover. This kit comes with three pre-sized impression waxes that you put your impression into (think a finger, a pet's paw, a flower, etc...), and then you send it back to the company to cast and polish for you. Shop TODAY associate editor Annie Shigo loves this kit: "I make jewelry on my own and love how easy this kit is. It is a really special gift from the heart."
This is an ideal option for someone who likes to do things more than have them. Your lucky recipient gets to pick which experience they’d like from a long list of great, unique options. The experiences include such activities as a helicopter night flight over the Las Vegas Strip, ziplining in Hawaii, and a Ferrari driving tour to the Hollywood sign.
This custom birthday charcuterie board will make any cheese-lover’s heart soar at the sight of it. With an array of different cheeses, dips, and crackers, it’s sure to make someone’s 40th birthday a very special one.
I own the oval gold locket necklace from the brand and it is one of the most special pieces for me. I placed two pictures with my dad inside and it reminds me of our moments together every time I show someone. You can make it personal and engrave a message on the back of the locket.
How we chose the best 40th birthday gifts
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best gifts for 40-year-olds out there. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list including 21-year-olds, 20-year-olds, 19-year-olds, 18-year-olds and seniors.
