40 Actually Impressive 40th Birthday Gift Ideas
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Happy birthday to you! If you have a 40th birthday coming up, it’s time to celebrate a new chapter of life. You most likely have a wish list of items you’ve meant to treat yourself to but haven’t added to your cart yet. Or maybe you “don’t need anything” for your special day. Well, that’s about to change because we rounded up the best gifts for you.
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Whether you’re getting ideas to shop for yourself or you’re creating a list to send to friends and loved ones, we have ideas for every taste, hobby, and interest. If you’ve been eyeing a new handbag, we found a gorgeous customizable pick from Mark & Graham. If you’re an avid tennis player, you can always suggest new outfit staples from Alo Yoga. And if you appreciate being recognized on your special day, we also discovered a beautiful bouquet for under $80.
So, whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, keep reading to find the best 30 40th birthday gift ideas.
Top 10 40th Birthday Gift Ideas at a Glance
Best Overall: Pro Flowers Sweet As Can Be Bouquet, $75
Best Birthday Mug: MIP Fabulous 40 40th Birthday Gift Ceramic Coffee Mug, $22
Best Pajama Gift: Cozy Earth Short Sleeve & Pant Bamboo Pajama Set, $190
Best Skincare Gift: YSE Beauty Molly’s Morning Ritual, $255
Best Monogrammed Gift: Mark & Graham Montauk Raffia Crossbody Bag, $99
Best for Those Who Love Tennis: Alo Yoga Match Point Tennis Skirt, $68
Best Gift for Cooks: Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, $195
Best Splurge Gift: Apple AirPods Max, $549
Best for Coffee Lovers: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, $490, was $700
Best for Homebodies: Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Stripe Duvet & Pillow Sham Set, $109
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Pro Flowers & Walmart are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
BEST OVERALL
Pro Flowers Sweet As Can Be Bouquet
$75
Flowers are always thoughtful, so make sure you purchase the best. This bouquet from Pro Flowers is packaged with fresh stems and vibrant colors—all of which smell divine.
BEST BIRTHDAY MUG
MIP Fabulous 40th Birthday Gift Ceramic Coffee Mug
$22
Don’t underestimate the power of a good birthday mug. This $22 one lets them know you’re thinking of them on their big day. Plus, it treats them to a much-needed hot brew when they wake up to a birthday surprises.
BEST PAJAMA GIFT
Cozy Earth Short Sleeve & Pant Bamboo Pajama Set
$190
Cozy Earth, an Oprah-approved brand, is known for its cooling pajamas that are soft and breathable. This set is made with Bamboo and viscose, making the pjs perfect for any season. You can snag them in 8 colors and in sizes XS to XXXL.
BEST SKINCARE GIFT
YSE Beauty Molly's Morning Ritual Routine
$255
Start their 40th year off with a new morning ritual that involves luxurious skincare. This YSE Beauty Molly’s Morning Ritual AM Routine includes everything you need for all-day glowing skin. You get A Take It Off Gel Cleanser that removes dirt, grime, and buildup without leaving your skin feeling depleted of nutrients. One of Your Favorite Ex Exfoliator Pads, packed with glycolic acid, PHAs, and action to remove dead skin cells. The Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum and a SKin Glow SPF 30 Primer.
BEST MONOGRAMMED GIFT
Mark & Graham Montauk Raffia Crossbody Bag
$99
Mark & Graham’s Montauk Raffia Crossbody Bag just launched, and it’s a must-have for anyone with a summer birthday. The bag is crafted with a vintage-looking travel trunk. It boasts a raffia exterior and striped cotton lining. The bag is paired with bold red straps and gold hardware for added details. The best part? You can add a monogram to personalize the bag, too!
BEST FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TENNIS
Alo Yoga Match Point Tennis Skirt
$68
Are you in search of a gift for a tennis lover? Surprise them with a new tennis wardrobe, perfect for the court. And the best part, you don’t have to search far for stylish options, because Alo has got you covered. The tennis collection includes everything from swing dresses to comfy shorts, and this limited-edition Match Point Skirt — all designed with the highest quality materials for maximum comfort.
BEST GIFT FOR COOKS
Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro
$195
No matter how old you’re turning, the Always Pan is a welcomed gift for those who love spending time in the kitchen. The pan is made with the brand’s nonstick technology, which is coating-free and made without PFAS. It’s also fully clad in stainless steel that can withstand up to 1000°F.
BEST SPLURGE GIFT
Apple AirPods Max
$549
These Apple AirPods Max are definitely a splurge, but they’re worth every penny. They provide noise-canceling listening sessions with crisp and clear sound. The headphones also pair easily with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV. Plus, they have a dynamic, stylish design.
BEST FOR COFFEE LOVERS
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
$490 $700 30% off
Calling all coffee lovers! The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista looks like a work of art on your kitchen counter — it has a sleek, stainless steel body and a touch of precision brewing. The machine holds the Vertuo line capsules, which craft espresso and coffee drinks.
BEST FOR HOMEBODIES
Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Stripe Duvet & Pillow Sham Set
$109
The Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Stripe Duvet & Pillow Sham Set is an excellent way to refresh the birthday person’s space instantly. Not only does it brighten a room, but it’s also comfortable, soft, and durable.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
$165
This electric kettle makes it easy to whip up a cup of tea in mere minutes. Fellow Stagg’s EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle appliances feature a stylish gooseneck design that gives a controlled pored. It also has a “variable temperature control with dial knob from 135°F to 212°F,” per the brand.
Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
$68
If you’re looking for a unique gift to celebrate a 40th birthday, make sure to grab the Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag. You can fill the bag with other Lululemon gifts, which they can use for going to the gym or traveling.
Vacation Eau de Toilette
$60
Vacation has some really good SPF and merch. Oh yeah, and this light and airy fragrance that’s reminiscent of sunscreen, the beach, and tanning oil. Trust us, whoever you gift this to will be obsessed with this scent.
Nest New York Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Scented Classic Candle
$48
Nest candles permeate every room in your home for hours. They have delicious scents housed in stunning jars. Each candle comes in various sizes: 2 ounces ($20), 8.1 cones ($48), and 22 ounces ($82).
Aēsop Essential Body & Hand Care Duo
$66
The Aēsop Essential Body & Hand Care Duo might seem like a simple gift, but it’s one of the best presents to give. Not only does it include a Refresh Body Cleansing Slab, but also a shopper-loved Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm for soft and soothed skin
Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist
$16.95
You can never go wrong with picking up a gift from Bath & Body Works. Grab fragrant mists, body washes, and lotions like the beloved Japanese Cherry Blossom mist.
MoCuishle Neck Massager
$40 $50 20% off
It’s important to treat yourself to some relaxation, especially after a stressful day. This handy neck, shoulder, and back massager works to release tension and knots. It also has a heating feature that makes it even more soothing.
Burt's Bees Classics Set
$25
Burt’s Bees Classics Set includes six of the brand’s bestselling items, including A Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve, Original Beeswax Lip Balm, Res-Q Ointment, Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream, and a Coconut Foot Cream to nourish and soften skin.
TYMO Cordless Porta Pro Hair Straightener Brush
$90
This straightening brush from TYMO is my new favorite hairstyling tool, and I plan to gift it to everyone this year. It cuts my straightening time in half and leaves my curly, frizzy hair sleek and shiny. I also love the smaller design, which makes it a breeze to travel with. Plus, it also doesn’t make your hands feel fatigued while doing your hair.
Ivory Paper Co. 2024-25 Weekly/Monthly Planner in Clementine
$12
Ivory Paper Co. is a female-founded business that offers some of the best paper goods, like this wire-bound planner. It has a gorgeous clementine print and plenty of room to keep your daily to-dos and notes in one spot.
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50
$44
If you have a friend who’s passionate about SPF, stock them up with plenty of Supergoop!. We love this brand new Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50, which protects skin while adding light coverage.
POOLSIDE x Hotel Lobby Candle Duo
$120
This POOLSIDE x Hotel Lobby Candle duo is a unique gift idea if you’re stumped on what to wrap up for some new special. Poolside is known for its roughly crafted straw bags that keep you in a vacation state of mind regardless of the season. The brand teamed up with Hotel Lobby, another luxurious brand that produces the most fragrant candles, to help create this bundle.
Trader Joe's 5 Items or Less Cookbook
$24 $27 11% off
Cookbooks are another 40th birthday gift idea. They’re useful, easy to wrap up, and they double as a decor piece in the kitchen.
Charles & Keith Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag
$96
Gift a new bag on their big day. Luckily, you don’t have to spend hundreds on quality tote, because Charles & Keith offers plenty of options. The brand’s bags look like they’re straight off a designer shelf without the luxury price tag — like this internet-famous slouchy tote that comes in three colors and is just $96!
Design Imports 50"x60" Woven Throw Blanket
$15
Available in 10 colors, this $15 Design Imports 50″x60″ Woven Throw Blanket is a cozy deal. “This is a beautiful throw that adds just the perfect amount of style to our living room without being too bulky,” a Target shopper wrote. “Also, it functionally keeps you nice and cozy if you get a bit chilly while relaxing. You won’t be disappointed!”
The J.Crew Gift Card
$25+
If you’re not sure what clothing they love, make things easy and pick up a J. Crew gift card. Gift cards are the best because the person receiving the gift can treat themselves to the items they really love. You can load the card with amounts $25 and up.
Baublebar Bennett 18K Gold Tennis Bracelet
$88
The Baublebar Bennett 18K Gold Tennis Bracelet is under $100 and does not skimp on any details. The bracelet features a strand of Cubic Zirconia crystals paired with an 18k chain.
Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check Large Flower Pot
$59
The Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check Large Flower Pot is a classic gift that last looks stunning with any decor theme. You can also plant an easy-to-care-for plant in the pot to really impress them.
Uncommon Goods Grow Anywhere Calamondin Tree
$65
For the plant mom, this tree from Uncommon Goods is so thoughtful. It grows anywhere and produces fruit that’s a “natural cross of kumquat and a mandarin orange; their sour fruit and sweet, edible peels (with enticing notes of apricot, tangerine, lemon, pineapple, and guava) are staples in Filipino and Malaysian cuisine,” the brand says.
Recess Design Your Own Recess Paddle
$128
Calling all pickleball lovers! If you haven’t found aa set of paddles you love, put this design your own paddles from Recess to your birthday wishlist. You pick how many paddles you want, the text, prints, and more.
Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation and Skin Brush Collection Duo
Level up her skincare and makeup routine with these elite Anisa brushes. The fact that they’re a little splurge-y and likely not the kind of thing she’d get herself is exactly why you should gift her with them: They make lotion and foundation application so much more seamless, guaranteeing smoother, all-over coverage.
La Mer The Concentrate
There’s a reason why this serum has reached cult status: It harnesses the powers of La Mer’s Miracle Broth formula, creating an ultra-rich barrier treatment for skin. It’s spendy for a single bottle, but I’ll always have at least one in my bathroom cabinet—it’s my go-to whenever my skin feels blah or I’m experiencing inflammation. I can count on it to rejuvenate my complexion in a few days.
Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
If you’re looking to spend for her special birthday, this is *the* gift to give someone who’s invested in their wellness. A single session can increase blood flow and circulation, which in turn boosts your mood and brightens your complexion. There are so many benefits to sweating it out, and with the Higher Dose at-home blanket, you don’t have to schlep to the nearest spa to achieve them.
Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum
Forget eyelash extensions and endless appointments with brow specialists: Get her the Augustinus Bader lash and brow serum, a growth treatment that uses potent ingredients to boost lash and brow growth with consistent use. “It’s literally a miracle in a bottle,” one Sephora shopper says.
Clare V. Ciao Oversized Sweatshirt
Gift her the Cool Girl sweater from Clare V.: It’s perfectly oversized (Gen Z-approved), is the most eye-catching cobalt, and will make her feel wonderfully French.
Lunya Washable Silk Bias Slip Dress
What happens when sexy meets actually functional. This slip night dress by Lunya is made with washable silk, but looks entirely delicate. It’s designed for comfort: the non-slip silicone straps don’t budge, even if you tend to toss and turn at night, and the silk material and low back cut gives it a summer-friendly breathability. Oh, and it’s gorgeous to boot.
Message Mullen Slides
These quiet luxury slides provide arch support and style, while simultaneously being water-friendly (you can absolutely wear them to the beach). I tested this all of last summer, bringing them to Mexico with me, and I was so impressed by how well they wore and how put together they made me feel (and look!).
Quince Australian Shearling Clog Slipper
No need to spend over $100 on an UGG Tasman slipper when you can get the dupe from Quince for half the price (and the quality is just as good!). Crafted from premium suede leather and 100 percent Australian shearling, she’ll feel on-trend and cozy all the time.
Phlur Discovery Perfume Set
I always get a little nervous about going all-in on a single perfume for someone: fragrance is so personal! So far, I’m in love with every single perfume I’ve been lucky to test from Phlur (my favorite though? Father Figure). Let your giftee fall in love with the scent that she most identifies with by getting her this discovery set with all the top hits like the viral Missing Person (smells like: longing), Tangerine Boy (smells like: summer), Not Your Baby (smells like: floral with an attitude), and yes, Father Figure (smells like: figs and sandalwood).
Arabhi London The Organic Cotton Shirt Dress
My favorite place to go for unique outfits I know I’ll never see on anyone else is Wolf & Badger, a curated online marketplace that sells dresses, tops, pants, and out-of-the-box quirky gifts. This is perfect for the friend in your life who seems to have everything. I’m eyeing this gorgeous wear-whenever green cotton dress that’s ideal for summer, but you can find so many other picks on W&B’s site.
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Before you go, check out these chic cookware brands that give Le Creuset a run for its money:
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