40 Best 40th-Birthday Gifts to Ring In the Next Decade

Oh, the places they’ve been! Capture memorable moments with this hand-drawn map that can illustrate up to 14 special places and a corresponding memory (or a funny inside joke perhaps). For the person who has everything, this will be a unique 40th-birthday gift they won’t be getting from anyone else.

Everyone has that friend that smells so good thanks to their affinity for perfume. Gift them this wardrobe of eight mini fragrances that lets them try out scents from vibrant floral to warm amber according to their mood.

Surprise them with a yummy cake at their doorstep and let the birthday party begin. Milk Bar reimagines the nostalgic boxed funfetti variety with tiers of vanilla cake, creamy frosting, and of course, nothing says “happy birthday” like crunchy rainbow sprinkles. PS: The Swiftie in your life will recognize this as the same cake that Taylor Swift had for her recent birthday.

Extra, extra! History buffs will be tickled to unwrap this custom hardcover book that features the New York Times front pages from every year since their birth. Personalize it with the recipient’s name and birthdate on the cover.

If self-care is the theme, a decadent silk pillowcase is an apt choice. This affordable Amazon find is made of 100% mulberry silk, so it helps prevent facial creasing and hair breakage during the night.

You truly can’t go wrong with a lovely candle. Diptyque’s assortment is giftable not only because of the chic black-and-white packaging, but for the luxurious yet not overpowering scents. Fruity and delicate fig is one of its signature bestsellers.

Can’t resist the 40-and-fabulous theme? This delicate friendship bracelet boasts, yes, 40 gold-dipped seed beads for a cute keepsake that they don’t have to take off.

A beautiful throw blanket always makes for a welcome and homey gift. Brooklinen’s striped and fringed version is woven with 100% soft lambswool. It’s functional, and when it’s not in use, they’ll appreciate how it looks draped over the arm of a chair. It also comes in lovely neutral shades.

Make every day feel like a spa day. I mean, who can resist starting and ending their day swaddled in a plush robe—especially when it’s as sumptuous as this one made of soft Turkish cotton? Available in neutrals and unisex sizes, this is a great option to keep in your gifting rotation.

Voracious readers will be thrilled to get the latest Kindle. The most lightweight and compact iteration of the e-reader tablet offers longer battery life, more storage, adjustable front light, and glare-free screen that mimics the look of real paper. Upload a favorite book or add a Kindle subscription to complete the gift.

“I have too many pajamas!” said no one ever. And they definitely won’t say that when they unwrap this dreamy set. With a classic piped design cut in supersoft Tencel-blend jersey, these are sure to make them feel pampered at night.

Amateur cooks and gourmet chefs alike will love this 10-in-1 cookware system. The nonstick pan (with included steamer basket) does it all—from steaming and sautéing to roasting and baking—and in an attractive design, no less. It comes in a handful of neutrals and limited-edition colors too, so you can pick their favorite.

Elevate her every day with a new designer tote bag. With dual compartments, a zippered pocket, and detachable cross-body strap, this pebbled leather tote in a just-right size is as versatile as it is elegant.

Anyone who’s into beauty gadgets will be excited to get this NuFace kit. The compact device uses microcurrent technology to tone, lift, sculpt, contour, and plump the face. Plus, the set comes with products to prime the face for treatment.

If they can’t live without their daily coffee, give their morning routine a jolt of caffeine with this Nespresso machine. With the push of a button, it brews both coffee and espresso. It also comes with a milk frother to create barista-level foamy cappuccinos or creamy lattes, plus a pack of capsules for the perfect gift bundle.

For your friend who appreciates luxe essentials and is always on the go, this duo of travel cases won’t go unused. Made by hand with Argentinian pebbled leather, it holds everything from makeup and medicine to chargers and change. Choose from a bevy of neutrals and rich hues—and it can also be monogrammed for an extra-special touch.

Here’s a splurge-worthy, big-ticket luxury item for the beauty maven in your life. Dry, curl, straighten, smooth—this multistyler hair tool does it all without the extreme heat. The attachments work on most hair types, lengths, and styles (and don’t require any skill), so anyone can enjoy good hair days every day.

Customized gifts reflect the extra care and thought you put into it. A photo book is a meaningful way to preserve the fun memories you’ve shared. This soft-cover version is cute, colorful, and easy to design: Add up to 200 pages, choose from various layout options, and add a foil-printed title.

A designer goodie never fails to impress. Imagine their smile when they unbox this handsome cardholder with the classic Gucci logo and stripes. Crafted with durable coated canvas and pebbled leather, this is a useful accessory that will endure for many years to come.

Did they pick up a bread-making hobby during the past few years? They will delight in this beautiful bread oven from Le Creuset. Like the French brand’s signature cast-iron cookware, this domed baker ensures proper heat distribution for the perfect crust, even color, and delicious flavor.

At-home LED devices are trending right now, and they might like to try this futuristic-looking eye mask (especially if they’re constantly saying how tired they are). It uses red light therapy to target fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, and improve skin tone. The gift of looking more refreshed? Priceless.

Back and neck pains are inevitable (especially when you’re a 40-year-old), and an at-home massage is just what’s needed to assuage aches. This portable massaging cushion features a shiatsu technique, as well as heat and vibration to target and relieve various muscles and locations. It’s the next best thing to a pricey spa gift card!

Jewelry is forever a special way to mark a milestone birthday. Go for classic with a twist such as these textured gold vermeil huggies that will suit almost any style aesthetic.

Serve the pickleball player with this handy (and cute!) bag. With a front racket compartment, water bottle pocket and striped straps, this nylon tote will be a hit with amateurs and pros alike. Monogram it for bonus style points. Hint: There’s also a tennis version if that’s their court sport of choice.

You can't go wrong with a practical traveler tumbler for her or him. Available in tons of fun colors, this has the insulation, stainless steel interior, and durable exterior that's expected from Yeti. You can also customize it with a nickname, initials, phrase, or graphics for a fun twist.

How pretty is this lipstick? She’ll fall for the packaging alone, before she even tries the hydrating and silky formula that leaves a dewy finish for the perfect pout.

Make their every day (and night) a cozy affair with this über-plush throw. It’s generously sized and made with low-maintenance microfiber, so it’s a great gift they don’t have to worry about bringing to the dry cleaners. The soothing neutral colors look luxe in any home too.

A utilitarian gift for all genders, this water-resistant nylon and leather bag will be the one they grab for work (it has a laptop sleeve), an overnight trip (super spacious), or as a carry-on (read: lots of pockets). Monogram it to make it truly theirs.

Sure, they probably already have wine glasses, but do they have these pretty tinted glasses? Color their cabinet with this eye-catching set of stemware, which comes in a range of colors from soft pastels to rich jewelry tones. We love the distinctive midcentury retro mood they’re giving.

No spa basket is complete without face masks. Include a pack of these nourishing honey sheet masks, which are infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to hydrate and protect skin. Instant glow: check!

If they’re taking an epic birthday getaway to kick off their 40s, they’ll appreciate new luggage for their travels. This roomy wheeled duffel will see them through any adventure, thanks to the durable and sustainable construction, sturdy oversized wheels, and padded walls.

Treat them to this quartet of body care products from Malibu-based brand OSEA. Made with naturally derived ingredients and with a focus on seaweed, the scrub, oil, balm, and body butter will exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate for a full-body glow.

What’s better than the gift of sleep? This smart alarm clock helps them achieve restful slumber with its multifunctionality, including nature-inspired sleep sounds, soothing sunrise alarm, dimmable light and more, all in a minimalist design that will look great on the nightstand.

Help them start their new decade from a grounded center. This linen gratitude journal asks for only a few minutes each day to complete the simple guided prompts, which will help the user reflect, embrace mindfulness, and integrate optimism into their daily life.

For your stylish fashion friend, add this new coffee-table book to their library. It explores designer Yves Saint Laurent’s archives and legacy through sketches and never-before-published photographs, and yes–it will look chic on any bookshelf or table.

Skims has plenty of cute, comfy, and covetable items that any woman would love to receive. Take this mini lounge dress made of soft bouclé (styling options: with bare legs or over leggings). It’s snuggly and stretchy, while stripes give it a sporty vibe that’s perfect for chilling around the house.

Studs are a jewelry-box staple, and we’d bet they will love to receive this glittering pair. With cubic zirconias weighing one carat each, they’re a substantial size with an affordable price tag.