There was a time when the big four-oh was the beginning of the dreaded descent into middle age, but that’s no longer the case! Instead, men and women have started embracing the day and looking forward to a celebration worthy of four decades spent alive. Of course, a big celebration must be marked, so our fabulous 40th birthday gift ideas are designed to help you pick the perfect present for the best 40th birthday ever!
What Do You Get Someone For Their 40th Birthday?
What was for some previous generations the gateway to a midlife crisis is seen by today’s 40-year-olds as the Goldilocks birthday. They’re old enough to be mature adults while maintaining something of a youthful exuberance in their approach to life.
After all, it’s the youngest of Generation X and the oldest of the Millennials who are celebrating their big four-oh. Apart from the hippies of the 60s, those two generations have been among the most counter-cultural. Since 40th birthday is a milestone, so you should avoid dashing out and grabbing the first cheesy, cheap, and cheerful thing that catches your eye. There are plenty of other birthdays for something like that.
With all this in mind, we’ve curated a selection of gifts to spoil, pamper, or give that special person a chance to release their inner adventurer or inner child when they turn 40. Find the perfect 40th birthday gift idea with our help.
40th Birthday Gifts for Women
There are some delightful and thoughtful gifts for women turning 40 that are sure to be memorable in all the right ways. What you settle for depends on whether she’s your daughter, sister, best friend, a good friend, or a favourite colleague. If she’s your better half, your wife turning 40 is an excellent time to let her know that she is the sun, the moon, and the stars to you.
Her Own Signature Fragrance
For a perfect gift that is as unique as she is, treat her to an experience at Floris, the royal perfumers based in London. After being welcomed with champagne, she’ll have the chance to choose from an array of scents. Her favourites will be combined into a totally unique perfume just for her.
Fabulous Jewellery
Not all jewellery is romantic. So if that’s something you’re trying to avoid but you like the sound of jewellery, consider items that add a splash of colour and a bit of fun. If she’s not afraid to make bold, quirky statements, consider Chanel’s pink acrylic cocktail ring.
Alternatively, take a slightly muted approach with Ippolita’s gorge Lollipop 18-karat gold multi-stone bracelet. It’s fun and dignified at the same time.
These come in stunning gift boxes sure to impress.
Pampering Spa Treatment
Let her enjoy some time for pampering before celebrating the rest of her special day with an indulgent package at a top spa. She’ll be treated to a blissful facial, massage and other treatments, leaving her feeling well-rested and restored for the festivities ahead!
Wine Preservation
As wonderful as a gift of champagne or a good bottle of wine can be, when it’s empty, it’s empty. For something lasting and practical, give her a beautiful decanter and wine glasses or the Coravin wine preservation system. Pouring wine and preventing what’s left from spoiling has never been simpler or smarter.
Because you really want to spoil her, pair her wine preserver with an exciting wine tasting experience. Whether she’s a beginner or aspiring sommelier, she’ll relish the to chance to learn about her favourite vino while sampling a wide range of blends from around the world.
A Gorgeous Handbag
A woman can never have too many bags. If you want to give her a 40th birthday gift that’s not just another bag, but something that will wow her, go for Yves Saint Laurent’s small Loulou quilted shoulder bag. It’s big enough to hold the essentials, and it goes with anything and everything.
An Opulent Tea
A decadent tea is one of the best 40th gifts for the lady that has it all, or who likes the finer things in life. Book a tea for two or turn it into a real celebration with a group of friends. There are so many options to choose from, from lavish afternoon teas that offer a smorgasbord of cakes, sweet treats, and savoury morsels, to those that feature a selection of cocktails and a decadent dessert trolley.
No Ordinary Scented Candle
Sometimes a scented candle is the way to go, especially when it’s a candle from Fornasetti. Poured into a stunning ceramic vessel, it’s a birthday gift she’ll treasure.
Yoga Breathing Program
Anyone who has reached the age of 40 must have went through quite a bit of obstacles, hurdles and stress in their lifetime. Consider a unique 21-day yoga breathing challenge that can help to reduce stress, improve sleep and even aid with digestion. The program also includes online streaming as well as a breathing guide booklet.
Safe and full of benefits – this 40th birthday gift will come a long way in helping their mental and physical health for another 40 years!
Take Her On Holiday
One 40th birthday gift idea for a short but luxurious break is to take your wife to Avignon. There, in one of the most famous old towns in Provence, France, you can spend some time reminiscing about her life’s adventures to date. She’ll love soaking up the sunshine, breathing in the fragrance of lavender fields, and sampling legendary wines at Châteauneuf de Pape and Gigondas.
40th Birthday Gifts for Men
What’s a good gift for a 40-year-old man? A simple question but tricky to answer! Choosing a gift for a 40-year-old man can be a good time to get creative. Whether he’s into the finer things in life, tech or popular culture, there are plenty of options available.
Ultimate Whisky Tasting Experience
If he’s a whisky drinker, a premium whisky tasting may be just the thing for him. During a tasting masterclass with an expert, he’ll delve into the history of this spirit and learn about the production of a drink that has stood the test of time. It’s his unique chance to taste a range of ultra-premium whiskies, from limited-edition Scotch to Japanese single malts. Combined with perfectly paired nibbles like fine cheese or sashimi and he’ll be in whisky loving heaven.
Home Bar Décor
Another great 40th birthday gift is to get him something for his man cave, especially if he has or wants a home bar. If he needs somewhere to keep his drinks and accessories, think about getting him a drinks cabinet that doubles up as a globe. Or for a bit more fun, get him a drinks cabinet inspired by the famous red telephone box.
Mouthwatering Meat-Lover’s Meal
If he’s a carnivorous creature who can’t get enough of his fillet steak, pork ribs or lamb chops, why not indulge him with a seriously meaty restaurant gift voucher? Since turning 40 calls for something extra special, we recommend treating him and his friends to a traditional Spanish suckling pig feast at the award-winning tapas bar and restaurant, Camino. The event includes a 4-hour slow-cooked pig, mouthwatering sides and a magnum of premium red wine. He’ll think he’s died and gone to meat-lovers heaven!
Discover More 40th Birthday Dining Experiences
State-Of-The-Art Smartwatch
A smartwatch could be one of the best gift ideas for a tech-head. Whether he wants to work on his fitness or just wants to look the part, it doesn’t really matter. There are tons of models on the market these days, but we’re in love with this Gen 5 Smartwatch from Fossil. The stainless steel band combined with the latest touchscreen technology is bound to put a smile on his dial.
Home Beer Dispenser
A beer-drinking birthday boy may appreciate having his own draught on tap, as it were. If so, get him a personal beer dispenser that converts bottles and cans into a creamy pour just like in a pub or restaurant.
Movie Memorabilia
If the man whose 40th birthday you’re celebrating is a film buff, you’re in luck. Depending on what you get, yours could be the gift he doesn’t stop talking about. If he’s a fan of James Bond and board games, the 2020 edition of James Bond 007 Monopoly references all of the films so far.
If he prefers Star Wars, framed mini-cells from one of the film reels may be the way to go. Combine his love of Star Wars and of tech, get him the Star Wars Jedi Challenges AR headset. Appeal to his inner child by gifting him the Lego Star Wars Death Star. With more than 4,000 pieces, it’s the ultimate collector’s piece.
Jam Sesh with Bruce Springsteen
A dream come true for any fan of one of Rock ‘n Roll’s greatest icons. In this a once-in-a-lifetime guitar masterclass, your favourite music fan will spend an afternoon with Bruce Springsteen. As well as getting some tips on how to shred on the guitar from ‘The Boss’, the recipient will walk away with an autographed CD and unforgettable memories.
Funny 40th Birthday Gifts
Retro Sweet Treats
For the 40-year-old with a sweet tooth and a sense of humour, a gift box or even hamper of retro sweets will tickle their fancy. His or her taste buds will take them down memory lane to the days when they bought a mountain of sweets for next-to-nothing at the corner cafe.
Funny ‘Mid-Life Crisis’ Book
For something small and silly to add to a larger gift, a personalised Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis is absolutely perfect. Alternatively, a comic that came out the year they were born is a great birthday gift idea.
You may not need to organise a birthday party but you’ll definitely want to give someone a great gift for their big 4-0. Just how great that 40th birthday gift is depends on your relationship, how long you’ve known them for, their character, and their interests.
Golf Themed BBQ Set
Golfers who also enjoy a good barbeque may get a good chuckle out of a golf-themed barbeque toolset. A quirky but useful gift, it’s sure to raise a smile from the avid BBQer.
No matter who it’s for, remember that forty is a fabulous age. These gift ideas are a great place to start when looking to spoil a special someone and give him or her the best 40th birthday!