40th birthday gift ideas

40 Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Her and for Him

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.

40 Thoughtful Birthday Gift Ideas to Give Someone for Her 40th Birthday

You can officially become the best gift giver with one of these—guaranteed.

40th birthday gift ideas

Turning 40 is a big deal—it’s a moment of reflection on who you are, who you were, and who you’re continuing to become. And while we’ve thankfully (somewhat) moved past outdated notions of aging, one’s birthday is still very much a big moment, and one that deserves to be celebrated—and that’s why we pulled together the best 40th gift ideas for anyone who’s reaching that milestone.

So what do you get someone who is turning 40? Something that acknowledges what they love (obviously), something that feels special (yes), and something that they’ll actually use (but maybe won’t buy for themselves). From an amazing coffee table book from their favorite travels to super luxurious skincare and beauty gifts to the best bubbly for that bar cart, there’s something for everyone turning 40. Here, some great gift options for those celebrating their 40th.

40 Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Her and for Him

Funny, creative, and unusual gifts any newly minted 40-year-old will love.

40th birthday gifts

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.

OJsensai 40th Birthday Card

40th Birthday Card

OJsensai 40th Birthday Card

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!”

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