Turning 40 years old is still a major accomplishment, and one for sure worth celebrating. After all, any time you have a birthday and your new age ends in a zero, that means a party is in order.
But reaching this milestone can also make you feel like you’re leaving one phase of your life and entering another — one that, at least on the surface, carries with it more responsibilities. These could be financial (making home improvements, managing your 401K investments), familial (raising kids, taking care of aging parents), or even personal (watching what you eat, exercising more).
So while celebrating a 40th birthday is certainly a special occasion, it is also one that brings with it mixed emotions. “The idea of turning 40 can lead to someone feeling ‘old,’” says marriage and family therapist Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, founder of Rachel Goldberg Therapy in Los Angeles. This can manifest itself in ways ranging from feeling anxiety over one’s health to facing an identity crisis, Goldberg says, if the person feels like he or she hasn’t accomplished certain things his or her younger self expected.
Hence, you’ll want to select the best present for a newly minted 40-year-old that both inspires and eases some of their uncertainties. This can include fun bucket list gifts or practical ideas, such as devices that promote good health, for example.
Here are the best gift ideas for every kind of 40-year-old you know.
For Her
1. The World Traveler
Now that she’s 40, this could be the time for her to go to that dream destination she’s always wanted to visit, such as touring European castles or exploring the wilds of Africa. Inspire her to plan another noteworthy getaway with these personalized photo mementos of her prior travels.
2. The Wine Lover
Does your 40-year-old love wine? These wine-centric gifts are fun, tongue-in-cheek reminders that, like fine wine, she only gets better with age. Plus, any of these gifts would be a wonderful addition to your next girls’ night in (and make you the toast of the party).
3. The Self-care Believer
Turning 40 can be worry inducing. It’s a time when a person might look back and reassess their life’s choices. But there are ways to balance out the stress of reaching such a significant milestone. Give her a personalized candle or flowers to prompt her to stop and literally smell the roses, understanding what she has and loving how far she’s come.
4. The Home Chef
Your chef friend will remember her 40th birthday party whenever she sees these personalized cooking accessories. Customize them with her name and birth date as a special touch.
5. The Chocolate Aficionado
Celebrating a 40th birthday should be a real treat, and that includes confectionary indulgences. Help your sweet-toothed friend continue to enjoy the sweet side of life with chocolate candies of all types.
6. The Bibliophile
According to Goldberg, someone turning 40 will likely value all the knowledge they’ve acquired over the years, “which has led them to feel more content in their lives.” Now that she’s turning 40, encourage your friend to keep cracking open all those tomes she still has on her book bucket list with personalized gifts that make reading even more engrossing and engaging.
For Him
7. The Sports Enthusiast
Someone turning 40, Goldberg says, is likely feeling very satisfied with their relationships and friendships at this stage in life. To this person, connecting with friends at the next tailgate or cheering together in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon takes on even more importance. Help your 40-year-old buddy display his fandom for all to see — whether in person or in his living room — with these sports-inspired gifts.
8. The Film Fan
Encourage a film devotee to watch more movies by purchasing him a monthly membership to a theater chain. You can also give him the gift of a classic VHS tape as a gag gift, as your friend is certainly old enough to have watched films on this format. If he prefers staying home and watching movies on a streaming service, get him something to enhance his viewing experience.
9. The Active Man
Being 40 (or older) doesn’t mean you have to slow down; this age is far from over the hill. These gifts encourage your friend to hit the trails, pitch a tent, or try his hand at something new as he enters his new season of life. (Pickleball, anyone?)
10. The Foodie
There are food fans and then there are foodies. If your fresh-faced 40-year-old identifies as the latter, opt for any of these gourmet gift baskets that will have him noshing on new treats in no time.
11. The Beer Lover
How someone feels about turning 40, Goldberg contends, depends on how content they are with their achievements. “It’s a classic ‘glass half full or half empty’ perspective,” she says. Regardless of how they feel about reaching this milestone birthday, you can make sure you keep your beer-loving friend’s glass all the way full with these quirky gifts that celebrate their favorite adult beverage.
