40 Year Old Birthday Gift Ideas [40 Over The Hill Gifts]

This article may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Privacy Policy.

The big 4-0. They say age is just a number, but there’s no getting around the fact that the start of your fifth decade is a milestone. And one worth celebrating, we say.

And why not? Usually, at this point, we’ve all learned a few life lessons, know how to appreciate the little things and may also be looking forward to expanding our horizons as mid-life officially begins.

Sure the thought of getting older can be a little scary, but maturity also has its rewards. Like wisdom and some really great gifts on your 40th birthday. If someone you know is about to round this significant bend, help them celebrate in style with gifts that will help them enjoy life to the fullest, indulge them and encourage them in their new adventures.

And we gathered a collection of gifts that do just that. Whatever their interests, you’re sure to find something that will make this milestone birthday one to enjoy. Let’s take a look at these 40 fabulous gifts.

Grown-up Kitchenware Gifts

Official grown-ups deserve some kitchenware that will make cooking easier and help them to savor life every day. Here are some sophisticated 40th birthday gift ideas that any 40-year-old will appreciate.

1. Espresso Machine

Sometimes it’s the little things that can really make your day, like savoring a truly great espresso. Help them to brew up a truly great cup with this machine from De’Longhi. It’s the pick-me-up gift that keeps on giving.

2. Chef’s Knife

Anyone that spends time in the kitchen will appreciate a quality knife. This chef’s knife from Shun is made from high-grade Japanese stainless steel and retains its edge over long periods of use. Just don’t make any old people jokes while they’re working with it.

3. Cutting Board

This fancy cutting board is not only useful for chefs, but with its combination of exotic woods and striped design, it’s also stylish. Because finding beauty in everyday life is important!

4. Temperature Control Smart Mug

Anyone can forget about their coffee until it’s cold – not just 40-year-olds. At least that’s the story you can stick to if you like. This Ember mug will keep their drink warm until they finally remember where they put it.

5. Electric Kettle

Beautiful designs that are also practical are something that any 40-year-old will appreciate. This sleek electric kettle will make brewing water for coffee or tea a snap and is a handsome addition to any kitchen counter.

Relaxing Gifts

To help relieve the stress of turning 40 and having to pretend to be excited about the birthday party, these soothing gifts for your best friend will encourage relaxation and hopefully inner peace.

6. Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets help you to relax and have a better night’s sleep. And because this one is made of natural and breathable bamboo fabric, they won’t overheat when they’re trying to catch their Z’s. After all, beauty sleep is important at this point.

7. Hemp Salve

Maybe the 40-year-old you know is super active. Or perhaps, their years are starting to catch up with them. Either way, this hemp salve will help to relax their tired, sore muscles with hemp grown in Colorado. And nope, it’s not just for hippies.

8. Wine Soaps

Then again, one of the easiest ways to relax is a hot bath with a bath bomb and some fancy soap. These vegan bars are artisanally crafted with natural oils (like coconut, olive and shea) and complemented with scents notes from popular wine varieties. They’re an intoxicating gift for all of the senses!

9. Incense Holder

This beautiful, floral holder takes incense burners from boho to high-class design. It is a lovely way to breathe in relaxing scents and think calming thoughts that have nothing to do with turning 40.

10. Personal Fireplace

Is there anything more relaxing than kicking back and watching a fire? With a personal fireplace, there’s no need for a hearth or logs. This mini flame emits an entrancing glow and can even heat some s’mores if you like.

Nifty Gadgets

These techie gifts will make life more efficient and encourage your bday person in their new adventures. It’s all about making the most of your time!

11. Telescope

If the 40-year-old you know is a stargazer or could benefit from focusing on the big picture, a telescope makes a novel gift. Next to the planets and stars, their birthday will seem like small stuff.

12. Tile Pro

Everyone misplaces their stuff, but 40-year-olds may start misplacing it slightly more often. Help them keep track of their gadgets with these easy-to-use finders that can be placed on keys, phones, bags and more. It’s the best gift because it just means there are fewer things they have to worry about.

13. Fitbit

Whether they’re already active or just trying to get in the swing, the Fitbit will help them track their progress and encourage them to keep exercising. Because at this point, the old “move it or lose it” adage is definitely starting to kick in.

14. Bluetooth Speaker

We love the vintage look of this waterproof Bluetooth speaker. For the 40-year-old who loves to rock it old school while still keeping up with technology.

15. GoPro

A fortieth birthday is a great time for expanding your horizons. Help them to capture all of their new adventures with this rugged and waterproof GoPro camera. A birthday present that will help them capture keepsakes for years to come.

16. High Powered Flashlight

For the outdoorsy 40-year-old, a high-powered flashlight will always come in handy for their nocturnal adventures – especially if their sight isn’t what it used to be.

Food & Bar Gifts

Forget party decorations and gag gifts. The 40s are a time to savor life. And these practical gifts will make it extra delicious.

17. Pruneti Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Any foodie or chef will appreciate a good bottle of olive oil. Light and organic, it’s perfect for dipping and salad dressings. Plus, it’s a cheeky way to make sure your 40-year-old is getting their omegas.

18. Gourmet Chocolates

It’s their 40th birthday. If they can’t indulge in some good chocolate now, when can they? You can order up to a 20 piece gift set of this organic and fair trade chocolate with confections including caramel, ganache and gianduja.

It’s a sweet way to celebrate their milestone birthday.

19. Williams Sonoma Taste of Europe Cheese Crate

Late nights at the club may be temporarily halted, but wine and cheese with your friends? That’s always in with the 40-year-olds. These gourmet cheeses from Williams Sonoma are the perfect way to indulge foodies as they start a brand new decade.

20. Beer Brewing Kit

The 40s are the best time to start new adventures, so why not help them experiment with brewing their own beer? It’s a hobby they can definitely get hopped up about!

21. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2015)

It’s hard to go wrong with a good bottle of red. And this highly rated cab from Napa Valley is definitely 40th birthday toast-worthy!

22. Monogrammed Beer Glasses

A grown-up should have a grown-up glass to drink out of — even if beer has been their favorite drink since college. These monogrammed pint glasses add a personal touch and are a classier way to chug their brewski.

23. Wine Glasses

You can never have too many wine glasses. And these hand-blown and lead-free beauties are the perfect gifts to class up a special occasion.

Related: What’s Up With Winc Wine? [Our Review Of Their Wine Service]

Beauty & Grooming

All 40-year-olds could use a little maintenance. Here are a few ways to encourage them in their self-care routine.

24. Oars & Alps Men’s Skincare Kit

For the 40-year-old guy who’s not into skincare, it may be about time that he started. And this natural and cruelty-free line is a good way to be kind to his skin and the planet.

25. Maelove Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum

Skincare fanatics are obsessed with this brightening and hydrating serum to make 40 the new 30. Or should we say 29?

26. Beard Grooming Kit

40-year-olds can definitely still pull off a hipster beard. This organic grooming kit includes beard oil, conditioner, balm and a wooden mustache and beard comb. After all, he should be taking good care of the hair he still has.

27. Silk Scrunchies

She may be 40, but she can still keep up with the latest hair fads. Or should we say retro trends? 90s scrunchies are back, and this set of 5 is made of genuine silk and even comes in a cute silk bag. They’re totally awesome.

Let’s Call It What It Is Gifts

More than anything else, your 40th birthday person could probably use a good laugh. Here are a few fun gifts to make them smile. After all, laughter is the best medicine!

28. 40th Birthday Shirt

This fun unisex t-shirt is a great way to commemorate any 40th birthday. As long as they don’t plan on lying about their age from here on in.

And in case you’re looking for a girlier version, we like this one too!

29. 40 Birthday Mug

For the kids born in the cassette tape era, a coffee mug to commemorate their low-tech origins. So very rad.

30. Beer Sleeves

These beer sleeves are great when you’re drinking to the good old days. Fuzzy as some of those memories may be.

31. Wine Glass

They’re 40, they’re fabulous and they’re probably going to need a drink.

32. Baseball Cap

This vintage high-crown trucker hat looks great on both men and women. And it also gives their delicate skin a little sun protection.

Random Swag

Whether they’re planning to travel or just deserve a gift that will spoil them, these presents will make anyone’s day.

33. Leather Weekender Bag

This good-looking weekender bag has room for your clothes, personal items and special compartments for your laptop and shoes. It’s the perfect companion for a 40th birthday road trip. And hey, it’s never too late for Vegas, baby!

34. Scratch Off Map

Chances are, at 40, your friend or family member has a bucket list. Help them keep track of their travel goals with a scratch-off world map and a special edition map of the United States.

35. Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Staying hydrated helps with brain function. Need we say more?

36. Michael Kors Watch (For Her)

The 40-year-old woman in your life may be all grown up, but she’ll still look pretty in pink. Why not treat her to a birthday card and a designer watch?

37. Michael Kors Watch (For Him)

If he’s going to watch time march on, best to do it with style.

38. Madewell Transport Tote (For Her)

This timeless tote will never go out of style and is sure to stand the test of time. A gift for a loved one that will make turning 40 worth it!

39. Leather Sneakers (For Him)

He may be 40, but he still feels like a kid. Help him rock it old school with a classy pair of leather kicks for his 40th birthday party.

40. Nautical Signal Flag Signs

Does your 40-year-old love the high seas? These nautical signal flag signs are made with MDO wood and painted with high-quality exterior Ben Moore Aura House Paint. Spell their last name using the nautical alphabet and bring a piece of the sea right to their home.

The Start of a New Life

You can try denying it, ignoring it or hiding under the covers, but a 40th birthday won’t go away. We say embrace and enjoy it! We hope this collection of gifts for your birthday person has been helpful.

Yes, the best things in life may still be free. But a hug and a thoughtful gift on your 40th can definitely make the transition a lot more fun.

You might also be interested in: 50 Of The Best Two-Player Board Games [For Any And All Ages] 

Complete List Of 40 Year Old Birthday Gifts:

1. Espresso Machine
2. Chef’s Knife
3. Cutting Board
4. Temperature Control Smart Mug
5. Electric Kettle
6. Weighted Blanket
7. Hemp Salve
8. Wine Soaps
9. Incense Holder
10. Personal Fireplace
11. Telescope
12. Tile Pro
13. Fitbit
14. Bluetooth Speaker
15. GoPro
16. High Powered Flashlight
17. Pruneti Extra Virgin Olive Oil
18. Gourmet Chocolates
19. Williams Sonoma Taste of Europe Cheese Crate
20. Beer Brewing Kit
21. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2015)
22. Monogrammed Beer Glasses
23. Wine Glasses
24. Oars & Alps Men’s Skincare Kit
25. Maelove Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum
26. Beard Grooming Kit
27. Silk Scrunchies
28. 40th Birthday Shirt
29. 40 Birthday Mug
30. Beer Sleeves
31. Wine Glass
32. Baseball Cap
33. Leather Weekender Bag
34. Scratch Off Map
35. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
36. Michael Kors Watch (For Her)
37. Michael Kors Watch (For Him)
38. Madewell Transport Tote (For Her)
39. Leather Sneakers (For Him)
40. Nautical Signal Flag Signs‍