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 and trendy gifts, people celebrating their 40th birthday are often more focused on upgrading their lifestyle on some level nowadays. Whether they're focusing on their fitness routine, revamping 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.
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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.
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.
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.”
Candles are a great classic gift, but if you’re wanting to spruce up a gift basket try throwing in a candle warmer as well. Not only is this a super cute bedside item, but it also lessens your candle’s smoke emissions when its burning.
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 essential you'll need is 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 its handy packaging that makes it easy to transport anywhere.
If her makeup brushes need an upgrade, this blending brush is for her. “I’d heard so many friends talk about Artis brushes,” says Shop TODAY deals 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.”
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.
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 to not 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 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!
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 all the time? 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, the brightening, antioxidant-rich berries 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.
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.
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.
Vera Bradley is a classic brand she's probably grown up with and will always have a special place in her heart. This quilted weekender is roomy enough to take on short trips and made with nylon it is pretty durable for travel days.
A good cup of coffee can make any morning or day better. If they consider themselves a coffee connoisseur, this affordable espresso machine makes a great gift. Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
Shoppers can't get over these AirPods Pro 2 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
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 pick scoring strong marks on everything from response time to durability.
"It’s been over eight months and me and my husband still symbolically high five each other over the best purchase we’ve made for our new home to date," said one of Shop TODAY's freelance writers about this quick-drying bath mat made from diatomaceous earth material. "There hasn’t been any stains, smells, mold, or mildew to contest with; in fact, it might be the most well-behaved item in this entire house."
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.
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.
Goldbelly ships meals from some of America’s most iconic restaurants. Any pizza lover will swoon over this tasty gift.
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 editorial assistant 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 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 one’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 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.
