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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.
Greeting Card for 40th Birthday
OJsensai 40th Birthday Card
Greeting Card for 40th Birthday
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!"
RELATED: Best "Happy Birthday" Wishes for Your Best Friend
Best Personalized 40th Birthday Gift
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
Best Personalized 40th Birthday Gift
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
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.
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40th Birthday Gift for Wine Lovers
Bevvee 39ish Wine Glass
40th Birthday Gift for Wine Lovers
Bevvee 39ish Wine Glass
If they're not thrilled about turning another year older, this humorous wine glass will remind them that age is just a number. The text is etched on so it's durable, and the glass is dishwasher safe.
40th Birthday Gift for the Sweet Tooth
Retro Candy Birthday Gift Box
40th Birthday Gift for the Sweet Tooth
Retro Candy Birthday Gift Box
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.
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Jewelry Gift Under $100
40th Celebration Dangle Charm
Jewelry Gift Under $100
40th Celebration Dangle Charm
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.
40th Birthday Gift for the Chef
Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree
40th Birthday Gift for the Chef
Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree
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.
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
Now 41% Off
Sure, Oh! The Places You'll Go is great for a graduation gift. But this cheeky version of the Dr. Seuss classic is perfect as a 40th birthday gag gift.
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40th Birthday Gift for Your Outdoorsy Friend
Women's Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat
40th Birthday Gift for Your Outdoorsy Friend
Women's Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat
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.
RELATED: Best Gardening Gifts for the Plant People in Your Life
Romantic 40th Birthday Gift for Wife
Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
Romantic 40th Birthday Gift for Wife
Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
Now 20% Off
With nearly 3,000 5-star ratings, plus Oprah's official stamp of approval, you know these pajamas are something special. The luxurious bamboo fabric will become one of the softest things she owns, and the pink color adds a romantic touch if you're giving them to your partner.
Tech Gift for 40th Birthday
Burga Seven Seas Airpods Pro Case
Tech Gift for 40th Birthday
Burga Seven Seas Airpods Pro Case
This AirPod case features one of Burga's best-selling designs and will help protect their tech. If you want to buy more matching accessories, there's also an iPhone case, laptop sleeve, and ring holder available in the same pattern.
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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.
Luxe Jewelry Gift for 40th Birthday
Round Cut 3 Prong Basket Set Pendant
Luxe Jewelry Gift for 40th Birthday
Round Cut 3 Prong Basket Set Pendant
Now 17% Off
If you can splurge, make her 40th birthday a little more sparkly with this classic, round-cut pendant. Depending on your budget flexibility, you can choose from various carat weights, as well as between a Lab Grown Diamond, Moissanite, or a Diamond Nexus patented diamond simulant.
Inspirational 40th Birthday Gift
INSIDE THEN OUT Better Every Day Journal
Inspirational 40th Birthday Gift
INSIDE THEN OUT Better Every Day Journal
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.
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Best 40th Birthday Gift on Amazon
AURA WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Best 40th Birthday Gift on Amazon
AURA WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Pre-load this top-rated digital picture frame with cherished memories from 40 years of a life well lived. The interface is easy to use, and adding photos via the app is a breeze.
Organization Gift for 40th Birthday
Cuyana Half Moon Wallet
Organization Gift for 40th Birthday
Cuyana Half Moon Wallet
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.
40th Birthday Gift for the Homebody
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
40th Birthday Gift for the Homebody
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
This weight of this 12-pound blanket is designed to reduce anxiety and promote more restful sleep. Whether they use it for casual lounging or as their nighttime blanket, the homebody in your life is sure to be obsessed.
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40th Birthday Gift for the Host
Revol Caractère French Porcelain Oval Platter
40th Birthday Gift for the Host
Revol Caractère French Porcelain Oval Platter
Entertainers will appreciate this porcelain serving platter, handmade in France, which features a colorful glaze that comes in four shades. It's impressively durable and safe for the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher.
Funny Book for 40th Birthday
Congratulations, the Best Is Over!: Essays
Funny Book for 40th Birthday
Congratulations, the Best Is Over!: Essays
In this collection of hilarious and heartfelt essays, best-selling author R. Eric Thomas reflects on his past while visiting his hometown of Baltimore. It's an entertaining read that's sure to resonate around the time of their 40th birthday.
Alesandra Dubin
Contributing Writer
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.
Samantha Lawyer
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.