40 Gift Ideas That Are Perfect for a 40th Birthday

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

While each year calls for celebration, there are certain age milestones that deserve extra special recognition, and that includes finding the perfect 40th birthday gift. New year, new decade, new you. So what does one get someone (or themselves) who is nearing their big day? Maybe you’re on a tight budget, or perhaps she’s a new mom; whatever the case, gifting can be a head-scratcher. Don’t know where to start? You’re in luck. To guide your search, we’ve rounded up 40 unique gifts for a 40th that any recipient is guaranteed to love.

She could be a cook, a traveler, a hostess—or maybe she’s all three. No matter what she’s into, there’s something for everyone. Find our best gift ideas for a 40th birthday below.

Long Sleeve Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Set

If she’s never had a pair of soft, quality pajamas, this is an excuse to get her some. These are so comfortable.

Block Print Travel Pouch Set

Whether she’s a frequent traveler or just likes to stay organized, she will love this cute set of printed pouches. You can even personalize them with her monogram, so she’ll never lose track of what’s hers.

Stemmed Wine Glass Set

This is the type of gift that she may never buy for herself, but will treasure forever. Perfect for displaying, they come in a variety of beautiful colors.

Wonder Oven

This tiny oven is so petite, she’ll be thrilled to know it’s also extremely functional. Do everything from baking to air frying, toasting, and more.

Jackie Small Shoulder Bag

A timeless designer bag will always, always, ALWAYS be the ultimate gift. (Well, that and jewels.)

Kindle Paperwhite

For the reader or aspiring reader, a Kindle allows her to carry multiple books at once without the bulk.

Ambient Lighting Palette

Any makeup lover will get excited about receiving a palette from Hourglass. The innovative powders, loved by many, offer a gorgeous glow.

The Essential Capsule

The Essentials Set from Brightland is the ultimate gift for the home cook. It includes two olive oils, plus champagne and balsamic vinegars. She’ll want to start cheffing something immediately.

Classic Whip SPF 30

It will feel like the 80’s again, thanks to this nostalgia-inducing sunscreen. She’ll be transported back to her childhood with the scent and retro cannister.

Mini Uppercase Letter Necklace

Jewelry is always a good idea when it comes to gifting, especially for one as important as 40. This mini letter necklace is great for everyday wear and is sure to become a favorite in her jewelry collection.

All Around Travel Tumbler

40oz for 40 years! This useful gift will keep her beverage of choice cold all day long.

Pure Silk Pillowcase

No worrying about bed head here; this ultra-luxurious silk pillowcase will make her look and feel like a million bucks.

Casa Pop Up Desk

If she is short on space or works from home, this innovative gadget has everything she needs to get the job done. It comes with a wireless trackpad and keyboard, and when not in use, can be folded back up and placed on her bookshelf.

Bold Pearl Drop Earrings

Everyone needs a great set of pearl earrings, and these give a bit of an updated look to the classic.

Capri Dolce Vita

This book is perfect for every jetsetter or wanderluster, and other cities are available to make a full set, should you want. For even more of a luxury gift, add an airline gift card to get them one step closer to their next trip. (Friends, if you’re reading this, I’m a Delta girl.)

The Carry-On

You see Away luggage everywhere because it’s just good—solid construction that fits a ton of stuff and an array of colors. Gift her the gift she just won’t get herself.

Ring

The Oura ring is a chic wearable that tracks everything from sleep patterns to workout results to fertility and periods (and it’s much easier to wear every day than a watch).

Featherweight StyleMax

This featherweight hair dryer from T3 is not only super light, it is super powerful—and makes drying hair a breeze.

Birthdate Candle

With countless 5-star reviews, this birthdate candle is sure to be one of her favorite gifts. It combines numerology, astrology, and tarot insights specific to her date of birth.

Cozetta Slide Slipper

Who doesn’t love a fluffy pair of slippers? These ones from UGG will be her favorite pair.

The Luxe 4-Treatment Face Mask Kit

This Knesko mask set includes a collagen mask from its bestselling collections: Nano Gold Repair to rehydrate, firm, and lift; Diamond Radiance to brighten and energize; Rose Quartz Antioxidant to calm and soothe; Black Pearl Detox to clarify and rebalance. Her skin will be glowing.

Paris Nuit Candle

You may not be able to take her to Paris, but you can bring Paris to her with this candle that features scents of black musk and mahogany.

Deep Sleep Bath Salts

These ultra luxurious bath salts from Saint Jane feature magnesium and hyaluronic acid to encourage deep sleep and great skin.

Fantastique Rosé

You don’t even need to wrap it! This gorgeous bottle houses delicious rosé by Sainte Marguerite en Provence Rosé, which fearures notes of raspberry and citrus.

Martini Kit

This Filthy Martini Kit features olive brine, pimento-stuffed olives, blue cheese-stuffed olives, and stainless steel cocktail picks so she can live out her Mad Men-esque dreams.

Large Clear Cosmetics Case

A Calpak cosmetics case is a godsend for travel and organizing products at home; it fits so much.

Cookware Set

Update her cookware with this cute set that can keep up in the kitchen. It comes in a ton of colors (and minis!).

Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

She’ll absolutely love this electric kettle that’s both aesthetically pleasing and works like a charm.

Scrabble Deluxe Edition

This deluxe edition of Scrabble is chic-ified in a palette of white, black, tan and taupe, with raised tile grooves, and features a natural wood cabinet with a built-in lazy susan. The set includes four tile racks, deluxe scorebook, pencil, and sand timer.

Brut Rosé

You can’t go wrong with bubbles. This rosé champagne has fruity notes with nice minerality—a.k.a. it’s a good bottle to be shared.

YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Spray

This YSL fragrance is everything you want in a fragrance—sexy but can be worn every day, with scents of lavender, citrus, and musk. It’s gorgeous and will get a ton of compliments. (I should know—it’s my go-to.)

Deluxe Trio

This home line by Courteney Cox is amazing—it smells good and looks sophisticated. Upgrade her bathroom with this set that includes hand wash, hand lotion, and a candle.

Weighted Silk Sleep Mask

A weighted silk sleep mask is not only super luxe but also super usable—it helps the body relax and rest into a deeper sleep.

Warrior Mat

Upgrade her yoga routine with the non-slip mat everyone raves about.

Flameless Lighter

This flameless, electric lighter is ideal for lighting candles—pair it with her favorite candle and you’ve got the perfect gift.

Essential Body & Hand Care Duo

This soap and hand balm set is truly two little luxuries she’ll love.

Snake Plant

A snake plant is basically indestructible, and this one comes in a cute planter that’s shipped straight to their door.

Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

These noise-canceling headphones are great and work just as well as some pricier options. (Pro tip: Pair it with a Spotify gift card.)

Summer Sampler

Boxed wine? For a birthday? When it’s this chic, the answer is absolutely. This Juliet sampler pack includes rosé and sauvignon blanc and is perfect for the sacred glass of wine (okay, maybe two) at night since boxed wine lasts much longer than opening a bottle of wine.

Pure Wool Throw Blanket

This throw is super cute and perfect for naps on the couch. In other words, it’s a fantastic gift.

You Might Also Like

• The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

• 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)