40 Thoughtful Birthday Gift Ideas to Give Someone for Her 40th Birthday (2024)

40 Thoughtful Birthday Gift Ideas to Give Someone for Her 40th Birthday (1)

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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 And while we’ve thankfully (somewhat) moved past outdated notions of aging, one’s birthday is still very much a big moment, and one that deserves to be celebrated—and that’s why we pulled together the best 40th gift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.

For the One with a Bar Cart

Castle & Key Harvest Seasonal Gin

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For the One with a Bar Cart

Castle & Key Harvest Seasonal Gin

Now 45% Off

This gin, with notes of dark berries and cinnamon, is ideal for a delicious co*cktail or just a good ol’ gin and tonic. Plus, it’ll look beautiful on her bar cart.

For the One Who Loves a Good Night In

Knesko Women’s The Luxe 4-Treatment Face Mask Kit

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For the One Who Loves a Good Night In

Knesko Women’s 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.

For the One Who Is Hair Obsessed

T3 Featherweight StyleMax

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For the One Who Is Hair Obsessed

T3 Featherweight StyleMax

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

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For the Coffee Lover

Rambler 30 oz Tumbler

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For the Coffee Lover

Rambler 30 oz Tumbler

Is this tumbler the sexiest of gifts? Maybe not. Is it going to be something she uses for forever? Absolutely. Yeti cups keep things cool or hot for hours (I can personally attest), so if she’s a distracted coffee sipper, all the better.

If you’re going super luxury, a timepiece is your best bet. And this Vieren one, made by a Toronto-based duo, is gorgeous.

For the Wanderluster

Assouline Publishing Capri Dolce Vita

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For the Wanderluster

Assouline Publishing 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.)

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For the One Who Loves Her Birthday

Birthdate Birthdate Candle

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For the One Who Loves Her Birthday

Birthdate Birthdate Candle

Now 17% Off

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.

For the Bubbly Popper

RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass

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For the Bubbly Popper

RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass

Upgrade her stemware with the best of the best—Riedel. These champagne flutes will get a lot of use.

For the Euro Traveler

Hotel Lobby Candle Paris Nuit Candle

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For the Euro Traveler

Hotel Lobby Candle 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.

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For the Self-Care Girlie

Saint Jane Deep Sleep Bath Salts

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For the Self-Care Girlie

Saint Jane Deep Sleep Bath Salts

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

For the Rosé Lover

Chateau Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rosé

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For the Rosé Lover

Chateau Sainte Marguerite 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.

For the co*cktail Maker

Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin

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For the co*cktail Maker

Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin

This strawberry smash gin from Sipsmith is made with Wimbledon strawberries, in partnership with Wimbledon. Perfect for tennis lovers, strawberry lovers, gin lovers, or just, you know, someone who loves a good drink.

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For the Martini Lover

Filthy Martini Kit

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For the Martini Lover

Filthy Martini Kit

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

For the Skincare Obsessed

SHAYDE Overnight Glow Up Sleeping Mask

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For the Skincare Obsessed

SHAYDE Overnight Glow Up Sleeping Mask

This overnight mask from SHAYDE beauty lifts away dead skin along with excess oil while improving uneven tone and texture—all while you sleep.

For the Homebody

AERA Home Diffuser

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For the Homebody

AERA Home Diffuser

This diffuser is basically a really chic air freshener, and they can control all the levels (and when it goes on and off) from their phone.

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For the On-the-Go Traveler

Away The Carry-On

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For the On-the-Go Traveler

Away 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.

For the Beauty Gal

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

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For the Beauty Gal

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

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

For the Home Chef

Caraway Cookware Set

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For the Home Chef

Caraway Cookware Set

Now 20% Off

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

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For the Tea Lover

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

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For the Tea Lover

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

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

For the Hostess

Our Place Let’s Dig In Conversation Game

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For the Hostess

Our Place Let’s Dig In Conversation Game

This conversation card game from Our Place lets you dig deeper over a shared meal (or wine night) with friends—and it’s a great hostess gift if you’re asking me.

40 Thoughtful Birthday Gift Ideas to Give Someone for Her 40th Birthday (2024)

FAQs

What is the traditional gift for a 40th birthday? ›

Rubies are the most traditional gift for someone turning 40. A stunning ruby necklace, ring or jewelry pairing are meaningful 40th birthday gift ideas for a wife who loves luxury accessories.

How do you make someone's 40th special? ›

Outdoor and Adventurous 40th Birthday Ideas
  1. Plan a Day of Adventure Sports. Gather your friends and take them rock climbing or zip-lining! ...
  2. Organise a Game Championship. ...
  3. Plan a Camping Trip. ...
  4. Have a Beach Party. ...
  5. Plan a City Break. ...
  6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride. ...
  7. Go to a Game. ...
  8. Visit Haunted Houses in Your Area.
Mar 12, 2024

What makes a good 40th birthday present? ›

Mark the milestone with a bit of luxury – think birthstone necklaces and fancy watches. Or go for something unusual – how about a book made just for them? We've also got special hampers you can fill with anything from craft beers to delish chocolate treats.

What is significant for 40th birthday? ›

What makes a 40th birthday special? A quote from W. B. Pitkin states: “Life Begins at Forty.” The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

Do you bring a gift to a 40th birthday party? ›

Birthday presents for adults are highly optional, certainly not to be expected and never demanded. Miss Manners is relieved to say that you did everything right, including presenting the occasion as a milestone year, implying that its reoccurrence should be delayed for another 40.

What plant represents 40th birthday? ›

Ruby 40th Rose – 40th Birthday Rose

Its bright red flowers and delicate yet spicy scent is a delight for all the senses, as it blooms in the garden year after year.

What do you get people for their 40th? ›

According to Choa and the 12 other cool people we spoke to — all of whom have marched past the milestone themselves — the best 40th-birthday gifts can be things to help one stay calm and relaxed or allow for a bit of self-pampering, items that let the recipient further indulge in a favorite pastime (like a nice cutting ...

What color represents 40th birthday? ›

There is no specific color that represents a 40th birthday. Unlike milestone birthdays such as the 50th or 60th, the 40th doesn't have a traditional or universally recognized color. However, some people associate the color black with a 40th birthday, as it represents sophistication, elegance, and maturity.

Why is 40th birthday a big deal? ›

Celebrating a 40th birthday is a big deal. It's a time to honor years of success and overcoming challenges while looking forward to new growth, passion pursuits, and just enjoying life. For this milestone birthday, there are countless ways to mark the occasion.

What does turning 40 mean to a woman? ›

At 40, many women begin to notice that their lives are changing. This is the time in a woman's, mother's, and/or wife's life where her plate is the fullest. Her kids may be at the age where she worries the most. They are starting to date, drive or even go to college or leave the nest.

What is the symbol for 40th? ›

Ruby is associated with the 40th anniversary because it symbolizes love, commitment, and protection. What does ruby symbolize? Generally, ruby represents love, passion, protection, prosperity, and courage.

What do they say about 40th birthday? ›

"Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." "Every man over forty is a scoundrel." "Happy birthday! At 40, your body may not always do what you want it to do but your mind is as sharp as ever.

What is a 40th celebration called? ›

Ruby jubilee, for a 40th anniversary. Golden jubilee, for a 50th anniversary. Diamond jubilee, for either a 60th or 75th anniversary. Sapphire jubilee, for a 65th anniversary.

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