Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (2024)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (1)

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The phrase “life begins at 40” is hyperbolic on its face, sure. But there’s truth to it, and people reaching the age of 40 tend to know what they like and what they don’t. That could work to your benefit and make getting them a gift easier.

But your giftee could also be trying something new. Maybe they’re out to cook more, practice more self-care, or make their house feel like more of a home. Think of what they’re into—or getting into—and draw inspiration for 40th birthday gift ideas from there. Here are, yes, 40 to help get you started. They range from the whimsical to the practical, but there should be something here that they’ll appreciate.

1

Best for the Sweet Tooth

Vintage Candy Co. Retro Candy Gift Set

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (2)

1

Best for the Sweet Tooth

Vintage Candy Co. Retro Candy Gift Set

This nostalgic candy box includes 55 pieces of candy from brands popular in the 1980s, including Big League Chew, ZotZ, and Cow Tails. There’s even comes with a newspaper-style insert with info about that decade’s historical happenings.

2

For the Kid at Heart

Random House Books for Young Readers You’re Only Old Once! by Dr. Seuss

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (3)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (4)

2

For the Kid at Heart

Random House Books for Young Readers You’re Only Old Once! by Dr. Seuss

Now 41% Off

If you’re not looking to spend much but still want a cute 40th birthday gift that’ll deliver some laughs upon opening, this Dr. Seuss book is it. It’s sort of like Oh, The Places You'll Go, just with a few more illustrated aches and pains along the way.

More: These Gifts Are Perfect for Any Friend

3

For the Music Lovers

GiftsUnleashed 1982 Cassette Shirt

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (5)

3

For the Music Lovers

GiftsUnleashed 1982 Cassette Shirt

Now 12% Off

You can’t go wrong with a vintage T-shirt. This 40th birthday gift will help them rep their birth year with its charming retro style. If you want to add a little something extra, pair this with their favorite album from their childhood or teens.

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4

For Treating Themselves

Luxe England Gifts Royal Gift Basket

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (6)

4

For Treating Themselves

Luxe England Gifts Royal Gift Basket

If you can’t settle on a single appropriate present they’ll adore, get a gift set. This royalty-themed one includes a coffee mug with a crown lid, a lavender-scented candle, and a bath bomb and shower steamer set for an at-home spa day, as the box says, fit for a queen.

You can write on and frame this printable poster, with the idea being you and family members jot down aspects of your new 40-year-old that you love. Whenever they need a pick-me-up, they can peek at this thoughtful gift. This is a great 40th birthday gift if you all want to go in as a group.

6

For the Puzzler

The New York Times Custom Front-Page Puzzle

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (8)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (9)

6

For the Puzzler

The New York Times Custom Front-Page Puzzle

If they’re a history buff, they'll love this custom puzzle of the front page of the New York Times from the day they were born. Depending on their level of skill at piecing puzzles together, you can choose between a 500-piece or 1,000-piece version.

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7

For the Astronomy Buff

OurLoveWasBorn Customizable Birthdate Constellation Star Map

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (10)

7

For the Astronomy Buff

OurLoveWasBorn Customizable Birthdate Constellation Star Map

Provide the Etsy seller with your recipient’s birth date and location, and they will use charting software to create a personalized sky map design with the exact star and constellation patterns from the moment your loved one was born. It’s a physical representation of their special day that an astronomy lover will appreciate.

8

For the Star Wars Die-Hard

StrictlyBusinessMugs May The Forties Be With You Mug

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (11)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (12)

8

For the Star Wars Die-Hard

StrictlyBusinessMugs May The Forties Be With You Mug

Now 35% Off

Any fan of George Lucas’s galaxy far, far away who’s turning the big 4-0 will appreciate this good luck wish. You might even get a smile out of them before the caffeine kicks in.

9

For a Toast to 40 Years

Mano’s Wine Birthday Circle Etched Wine Bottle

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (13)

9

For a Toast to 40 Years

Mano’s Wine Birthday Circle Etched Wine Bottle

This personalized bottle is one to keep on display or use as a vase even after the wine inside is gone. Plus, that wine is a nice cab sauv. Mano’s Wine has many designs, including zodiac signs, with varying levels of personalization.

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10

For the Astrology Lover

Birthdate Candles Birthdate Candles

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (14)

10

For the Astrology Lover

Birthdate Candles Birthdate Candles

Now 20% Off

Birthdate Candles smell good, but what makes this gift personal is the label, with insight based on your recipient’s zodiac sign and date of birth. It includes a detailed personality description, a tarot card, a ruling number, and a planet.

11

For the Forgetful Forties

Apple AirTag 4-Pack

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (15)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (16)

11

For the Forgetful Forties

Apple AirTag 4-Pack

Now 21% Off

Apple AirTags are great gifts for anyone, but especially for those who need a little extra help remembering where their phone, wallet, or purse is. These digital trackers work by connecting to the Find My network. As long as the tag is connected to what they’ve lost, they’ll be able to see exactly where the item is via a smartphone app.

More: AirTag vs. Tile: Here’s What You Need to Know

12

For Laughs

WildestCloset Things That Age Well Birthday Card

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (17)

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (18)

12

For Laughs

WildestCloset Things That Age Well Birthday Card

Not everyone is thrilled to age another year. But this cheeky birthday card can help them usher in their 40s with a smile. The graphic is printed on recycled paper. Slot a gift card or certificate inside for something extra.

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13

For Whiskey Aficionados

Daneson Whiskey-Infused Toothpicks Gift Set

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (19)

13

For Whiskey Aficionados

Daneson Whiskey-Infused Toothpicks Gift Set

What may seem at first like another boozy gag gift is actually quite the clever and handy accessory. This toothpick set contains four vials with a dozen sticks each, and the toothpicks are each infused with barrel-aged Kentucky bourbon, which imparts a pleasant kick. They’re ideal for stashing in a desk drawer or tote bag for post-lunch teeth touch-ups.

14

For Beauty Sleep

J Jimoo Natural Silk Pillowcase

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (20)

14

For Beauty Sleep

J Jimoo Natural Silk Pillowcase

Help them get a good night’s rest while also protecting their skin and hair with this silk pillowcase. The fiber helps cut down the amount of friction against hair and skin, reducing damage and even help prevent dreaded pillow lines on the face.

15

For Pampered Feet

Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (21)

15

For Pampered Feet

Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat

Give them foot massages without the cost or time commitment of seeing a professional all the time, thanks to this heated foot massager. It has three massage modes, auto shut-off, and a washable, removable cover for clean at-home foot pampering.

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16

For the Pajama Partier

Lunya Restore Short Set

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (22)

16

For the Pajama Partier

Lunya Restore Short Set

There’s just something about a matching set of pajamas that makes you feel put together. Gift this luxuriously soft set from Lunya, which is made from a cotton blend to help keep the wearer cool while they drift off.

17

For Those on Their Feet Constantly

Allbirds Women’s Wool Running Shoes

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (23)

17

For Those on Their Feet Constantly

Allbirds Women’s Wool Running Shoes

If you’re gifting someone who is constantly moving, running errands, or chasing kiddos, they’ll appreciate these comfy sneakers. Allbirds makes its shoes of sustainable, temperature-regulating wool. Possibly the best part is that, if they get too dirty, you can just throw them in the wash.

18

For a Spa-Quality Shave

Oui the People Sensitive Skin Razor

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (24)

18

For a Spa-Quality Shave

Oui the People Sensitive Skin Razor

A razor might seem like a strange gift. But this one is made of sleek stainless steel and nicely weighted. There’s no need to apply pressure as you drag the razor across your skin, and the blades are replaceable.

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19

For the Trivia-Loving Whiskey Drinker

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (25)

19

For the Trivia-Loving Whiskey Drinker

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Now 77% Off

Uncle Nearest’s 1884 is extremely smooth, with notes of caramel and vanilla. The story behind the brand is just as good as the whiskey, though: It’s named after Nearest Green, the first African-American master distiller on record and the man who taught Jack Daniel how to make his own whiskey.

20

For Serious Chefs

Skagerak Dania Cutting Board

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (26)

20

For Serious Chefs

Skagerak Dania Cutting Board

Beautiful cutting boards can often double as counter space, since they’re not eyesores and your recipient won’t mind leaving them out to show off. This one is made from durable teak, and the ridge around the edge is a thoughtful touch to keep liquid from spilling off.

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (27)

Elisabeth Narine

Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Products, where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (28)

Katherine Pittman

Associate Editor

Katherine (Katie) is the associate editor of Best Products, where she gathers unique gift ideas, tests out buzzy products, and puts too many items in her cart for research — her work can also be found on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Oprah Daily. When she isn’t writing, you can most likely find her tending to her 50+ plants, starting a new DIY home improvement project, or playing with her puppy, Olive.

Start Their Flirty Forties Off Right with These 40th Birthday Gifts (2024)
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