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.
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!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend giving him these funny socks in the morning so he can wear them throughout his birthday. They're also subtle enough that he can wear them long after the celebrations end.
Experienced chefs know that Meyer lemons are a key ingredient for many drinks, condiments, and desserts. This plant will produce the lemons when put near any window, and as a bonus, the white flowers it grows are a natural air freshener.
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.
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.
40th Birthday Gift for Coffee Lovers
On The Rox Drinks Vintage 1983 Coffee Set - Bamboo Lid & Glass Straw
40th Birthday Gift for Coffee Lovers
On The Rox Drinks Vintage 1983 Coffee Set - Bamboo Lid & Glass Straw
This cup set can be used for any beverage, but it's especially great for iced coffee since it comes with a sealed bamboo lid and glass straws. It's customized with their birth year, and includes fun facts to read while they sip.
At a time ripe for reflection, this daily guided journal is designed to help the recipient nurture the best version of themself. It has a prompt for each day, intended to promote self-love, self-improvement, and growth.
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.
If your budget allows, this carry-on suitcase from Monos will upgrade their luggage to include all the bells and whistles they could possibly need. It features a dent-resistant polycarbonate shell, TSA approved lock, and 360 degree turning wheels, plus a variety of fun colors to choose from like Sage, Purple Icing, and Banana Pudding.
Anyone who's turning 40 is sure to experience a rush of emotions when gazing at this cassette print. The tapes showcase some of the best and biggest artists from 1983.
Funny 40th Birthday Gift
You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children
Funny 40th Birthday Gift
You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children
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.
This is no ordinary jigsaw puzzle. Completing it will assemble a front page of TheNew York Times from a special date in history (like their birthday!).
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.