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 And while we’ve thankfully (somewhat) moved past outdated notions of aging, one’s birthday is still very much a big moment, and one that deserves to be celebrated—and that’s why we pulled together the best 40th gift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

What do you get people for their 40th? ›

40th birthday gifts & ideas

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 gift can I buy for a 40 year old woman? ›

Because of these changes, some popular gifts for 40 year old women become items such as scented candles, cozy fleece blankets, fuzzy home slippers, home beauty kits, a fully paid spa session which she can redeem with a friend or two.

What represents 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? ›

It's always courteous to give a gift when you're invited to a birthday party unless the host specifically states not to give a gift. Gift cards, paying for the meal or buying a drink are some great suggestions for an adult, and if you're still in doubt, ask the host for some reccomended suggestions. Yes!

How much money is appropriate for a birthday gift? ›

But if it's a birthday gift for a close friend or family member—or for a milestone birthday, like turning 18 or 75—it's not uncommon to spend in the $50 to $100 range.

What milestone is 40th birthday? ›

The 40th birthday is significant because it represents a major turning point in a person's life! It is a period of introspection during which one can take stock of their accomplishments and life experiences while also gazing eagerly toward the future!

What should I do for my wife's 40th birthday? ›

Taking your wife on a trip for her milestone birthday is one of the best ways to make the celebration memorable and spend quality time together. You could go on a romantic couple's getaway, a big family vacation, book a cruise, or send her on a girl's trip with her friends.

What is the greatest gift a woman can give herself? ›

The greatest gift a woman can give herself, is self esteem. Remember no one can bring you down UNLESS YOU ALLOW THEM too.. ~MzzTLove.

How to impress a 40 year old woman? ›

Show the older woman you're invested in who she is as a person by asking her questions about herself and taking an interest in her hobbies. Attract her attention by presenting yourself well: maintain proper hygiene and a good sense of style.

What a 40 year old woman wants in a man? ›

Maturity is key

By 40, many women work long hours in their careers. Therefore, it is much more meaningful to be with a mature man who knows what he wants in life. Time is precious and these women do not want to waste it on immaturity, games, and fights while all they want is someone they can enjoy life together.

What turning 40 means to a woman? ›

Turning 40 is a significant milestone; in your 40s, you will start to be able to do some things for yourself. Your children are hopefully older by now, which will free up extra time for you and your hobbies and interests. You would be more settled in your career and the work path you want to take.

Why is 40 a significant age? ›

Turning 40, in particular, symbolizes the start of a transformative chapter, brimming with potential for unparalleled growth and new beginnings. The number 40 can be found across religions and cultures as a number that holds significance.

Is there a color for 40th birthday? ›

There is no set color for 40th Birthday's, but turning 40 is also known as being "over the hill". I've seen a lot of "over the hill" decorations that use the colors black with silver or black with gold, but again, there is no set color for any birthday age.

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.

What color is 40th celebration? ›

Ruby Red

Do we celebrate 40th birthday? ›

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.

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