35 Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Him and Her

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Unique and traditional presents that are sure to cue the happy tears.

Turning the big 4-o is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated. By now, they know who they are and what they like. Upgrading their home, traveling well, prioritizing their health and finding unique items to make their day-to-day life easier are all key once you hit your 40s. Since a birthday this big calls for the best present money can buy, look no further than our roundup of the top 40th birthday gift ideas.

Whether you're shopping for him or browsing for her, there's a no-fail gift on this list. We found a wildflower bouquet that will never die, a custom birthday book from The New York Times, a scented candle made especially for their birthdate and much more.And if they enjoy practical gift-giving over sentimental picks, we have those too (there's a nifty device to promote a good night's rest, for example).

So, whether you're shopping for a blowout 40th birthday party, an intimate gathering or even a one-on-one coffee date with your BFF to ring in their big year, we have you covered.

She'll love this cute t-shirt that gives a nod to the year she was born. It's made of a soft cotton blend that'll keep her comfy from the gym, to running errands or even a casual meeting with friends.

She'll love this beautiful pop-up card, which is so much more unique than a traditional bouquet. It even comes with a paper standing vase so she can proudly display it long after her 40th birthday.

Once they've hit their 40s, sleep might be a bit more difficult. This light system will train their brain to fall asleep naturally. It claims to reduce the time it takes them to fall asleep in half and will shut off automatically.

RELATED: 10 Best Sleep Aids, According to Doctors and Sleep Experts

Let's face it: Passwords are bound to slip their mind. Luckily, there's a solution. Their important passwords will always be safe with this handy book, which even comes with tabs. Over 29,000 Amazon reviewers have tried it, and most are saying it's a "great product."

These birthdate candles are just too cool. Using numerology, tarot and astrology, each candle is personalized to the receiver, down to a signature scent.

Since they can never get enough of experiences, give them a little motivation to plan a memorable getaway. This inspiring book features 1,000 thrilling adventures for all types of travelers.

Help them celebrate their birthday in style with this custom book from The New York Times. It contains the front page from each year since they were born, wrapped up in a beautiful binding.

Go traditional with these chic sterling silver studs featuring created rubies (they look realistic!), framed by small white sapphires. One reviewer raved about the halo design: "These are very simply elegant. Nicely made and looks expensive."

This set includes everything he'll need to enjoy his nightly glass. Standing three inches tall, the tumbler gives a nod to his birth year and includes four natural granite stones.

Remind her just how great she is with this cute makeup bag. Made of linen and waterproof material, one Amazon reviewer called it "cute and durable."

Share all the reasons you love them with this fill-in-the-blank book that tells their story. It comes with prompts that can be filled out and over 16,000 Amazon reviewers are calling it a "thoughtful gift."

A great gift for the "Star Wars" fan, this stainless steel tumbler is a fun birthday gift they can actually use. "It was an awesome metal cup and it keeps drinks super cold," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

We promise they'll laugh over this hilarious three-ply toilet paper. It's so funny, they might choose not to use it.

This beautiful azalea tree comes aged six years and stands eight to 10 inches tall. It's a fun gift for anyone trying to enhance their garden. Keep in mind that it will bloom between April and May.

Silk pillowcases can do wonders for skin and hair; they reduce frizz and fight wrinkles. This one impressed our labs enough with its comfort, abrasion-resistant fabric and moisture wicking power to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

RELATED: The Best Silk Pillowcases of 2023

Just like the name, they can take this belt bag everywhere. Its thick water-resistant fabric and minimalist style is perfect for jogging, running errands or even a night out with friends.

More unique than a fresh bouquet, this one is built to last. It's made of brass wire, alder wood, paper and glass and can be customized to match her birth month.

This 40th birthday glass cup is cute and useful. It holds 16 oz, will resist scratching and comes with a bamboo lid. They can use it for coffee, tea, beer, or even a cocktail.

Working or watching movies in bed just got easier! Once they attach this nifty shelf to the side of their bed, all of their essentials — their phone, coffee and laptop — will be within reach.

Your BFF will love this hilarious wine bag, which is perfect for a girls' wine night. It's made of linen and will hold the standard wine bottle size of 750ml. "This is a cute wine bag that was perfect for my friend, who recently turned 40. It was exactly as pictured," one Amazon purchaser wrote.

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.

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