If you’re after a gift that’s fit for a king or queen, go one better and make them a member of the aristocracy. While we can’t guarantee an invitation to tea at Edinburgh Castle, they will be entitled to call themselves Lord or Lady for the rest of their lives…just be careful it doesn’t all go to their heads.
It’s going to be hard to find a vintage that is quite as special as your favorite 40-year-old so why not give them an opportunity to make their own? This wine making kit will allow them to create a bespoke beverage to mark the big occasion. We’re sure it won’t age as well as they will though.
Mornings getting harder? Bedtime getting earlier? They probably won’t want to admit it but they’ll be feeling 40 creeping up on them. Make the transition into middle age a little less exhausting with an extra big dose of caffeine in the mornings. Words cannot espresso how happy they’ll be with this gift, they’ll love you a latte for it.
Everyone likes a nice stiff after-dinner drink, but sometimes you get tired of swearing at strangers and getting in fights with the sheriff. What’s a country boy to do? A great gift for anyone who’s looking to tone it down a notch but can’t give up the taste of that sweet Kentucky nectar. Or anyone who wants an extra special kick to start the day.
They might be feeling frosty at the idea of turning 40 but they’ll love the throwback to their younger years with a snow cone machine. Even if they’re in a bit of a flurry over their upcoming birthday, they can chill out with a classic, refreshing treat. It might be the coolest gift you can get them.
Everyone wanted to be a spy at some point, so whether your 40-year-old is a budding Jason Bourne or a James Bond-to-be, why not get them started with a collection of spy secrets from a former CIA agent? Just as a side note, we are not responsible for any booby traps you fall foul of as a result of the recipient reading this book.
If you know a 40-year-old who’s looking for a bit of a career change, make sure you keep their options open by sending them on a CIA Survival Training Course. Put together by a former covert agent, this survival course will, at the very least, help them endure the tricky territory of middle age and we all know what a minefield that can be.
Give the gift of beautiful views, bucket-list achievements, and especially if they’re afraid of heights, hours of entertainment for you. It veers away from cruel since it’s completely safe, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth watching them rotate between admiring the splendor and clutching the basket while praying in four languages. Especially since they only speak one.
When they’ve got to nearly 40, they’ve probably had their fair share of pushing a vacuum cleaner around and we wouldn’t want to begrudge them some time off on their special day. In fact, if you buy them this gift, they’ll never have to push a vacuum cleaner around again and you’ll probably end up being their favorite person for affording them that luxury.
If you know someone who’s big on taste, we think they’ll love this giant peppermill that will keep their food flavorful for years to come. Not only that, it’s a great talking piece at dinner parties, so it’s particularly useful to have around if they’d rather talk about something bigger than the big 4-0.
A box of food every week probably isn’t the present they were expecting, but they’ll really appreciate the time off having to do the weekly trip to the supermarket for a while. Of course, this isn’t a completely selfless gesture, it also gets you out of doing it too, if you live with the person you’re buying it for.
Give them a gift that will keep them going all day with this tidy little package of an elliptical machine that can fit under a desk. They can burn calories all day long without leaving work. A great way to keep fit for busy people who want to increase their stamina.
Have you ever needed something that you couldn’t find and wished it would just appear in front of you? Well, this is the solution. It makes the perfect gift for a 40th birthday, just as they get to that age where they start to forget where they’ve put things. Now they can simply start drawing themselves new ones. Please be aware that we don’t believe this works for car keys, or glasses, though the latter can normally be found on top of the head.
They may have outgrown their sandpits and toy trucks a fair few years ago but they’ll never grow out of these ones. Let them relive their childhood dreams with a day in the ultimate playground. Crushing cars and taking on obstacles in heavy machinery, the perfect big adventure for your favorite big kid.
You might want to remind them that one of the perks of getting older is that they’re closer to retirement and, of course, they’re going to need to fill their days doing something. A vertical chess set allows them to play games that will last weeks on end, making sure that they can fill their endless vacation without the risks that come with the table being cleared for dinner.
Getting to the grand old age of 40 means that their eyesight may not be what it used to be. Make sure they can still find their way home after dark with a flashlight that really goes the distance. Or in the middle of the day, depending on how bad their eyesight is. Might we also suggest eating a few more carrots?
Reaching 40 is stressful, they deserve to relax. Let them unwind and let the worries slip away in this inflatable hot tub. Even better than a trip to the spa, it’s there for whenever they’ve had a long day or simply fancy a chance to loosen the muscles, and they don’t even have to leave the house.
If they’re turning 40, naturally they’re going to be at least a little bit apprehensive at their senses not being as sharp as they used to be. Calm their nerves with a sensory deprivation session. Whatever the years ahead have in store for them, if they can sit through an hour of absolutely nothing, they’ll be well prepared for hearing aids and magnifying glasses.
People weren’t joking when they said this coffee is the sh#t. The undeniably rich, full-bodied flavor produced by these rare beans has redefined the food chain and flipped the coffee industry on its head. Perhaps one of the most imaginative adaptations of the farm-to-table movement, this coffee product is redefining waste management.
Budding bartender or maestro mixologist on your hands? They’ll love this clever little kitchen gadget to help them make the perfect drink every time. In fact, we think they’ll be so impressed, you’ll never have to make your own drinks again. Ever. And we can’t think of a better reason to buy this as a gift for your favorite 40-year-old.
If they’re losing sleep over turning 40 and running out of sheep to count, NASA has had a real light bulb moment and thought of a way to help with this, er, light bulb! It’s designed to make sure they get the right amount of sleep and, let’s be honest, now they’re getting older, beauty sleep might be getting a little more important.
Different people learn in different ways. Not respecting those differences is a major reason the public education system has failed us so terribly. Some people learn visually, some learn by mimicking, and some learn by beer. This book is for the last group.
Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, or maybe just gives you PTSD. Either way, it’s better than dead. Here’s a book that can help the owner avoid the dead category for a little longer, even when things get hairy. Rough world we live in.
We like this because it looks all sci-fi while also actually being kind of sci-fi. It is a cordless neck and shoulder heating wrap that can warm sore bones for up to an hour per charge. Get them up off the couch and looking like a space villain at the same time.
Are they getting cold feet over getting older? Unfortunately, it’s inevitable but these sheepskin insoles should do the trick to help them feel better about it. Perfect for someone who’s getting older and who’s circulation is inevitably going to get downgraded, leaving them with cold feet, quite literally.
It won’t defend them against the barrage of over he hill jokes they’re going to be subjected to, but it will make sure that they’re prepared for any more sinister situations. Our best advice if you’re buying this gift, though, is to be nice to them for, well, forever after giving it to them.
The ripe old age of 40 is a time when a lot of people start to watch their waistline for the sake of their health. Make the diet a bit more enjoyable with some drinks in disguise, with the help of this clever little keg kit. It’s a great idea if you’re planning a 40th birthday party that’s one-in-a-melon (sorry!) too.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like pizza, so buying them this personal pizzeria will really top their birthday off nicely. Even if they are a bit more health conscious now that age is less on their side, make sure they maintain a well-rounded diet by giving them something that will help them create authentic, stone-baked pizzas, just like the Italians make them.
People love venturing into nature for the near mystical experience of being connected with our pre-civilized roots. We feel a strong, implacable pull toward wild places like the desert and the forest. The problem is, nature really just wants to eat you. This book tells you how not to let that happen.
Kombucha is the ancient art of making tea into something half the people who try it will love and the other half will vomit back onto your carpet. The people who love it are objectively correct, because it makes you live forever (almost). Anyone who has fallen head over heels for it will do the same for you if you buy them this homebrew kit.
Grilling doesn’t have to be a seasonal pastime anymore. This creative addition to your barbeque repertoire will bring the oven to the patio and some deliciously baked goods to the chef’s outdoor menu. The irresistible flavor of brick-oven fare will redefine your backyard and inject some home-cooked aroma into the too often smoky, greasy smells of the charcoal circuit. Who knew cooking out could be so refined?
If they’re anything like us, they’re not wild about some anonymous person manhandling their pork. The problem is, of course, that someone has to turn it into bacon. A make your own bacon kit is the perfect gift for someone who really wants to take control of their lives, starting with the most important parts.
They might feel like their batteries are running a little low as they reach middle age, but at least they can keep their cell phone battery from running low too. This pocket-sized charger is small enough for them to take with them wherever they need to and works brilliantly even when the dark cloud of 40 is looming.
Fondue was all the rage back in the day and if you’re hunting for a vintage gift for a soon-to-be vintage person, this is a modern twist on the old dinner party favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for chocolate or cheese, this is a key ingredient in the perfect recipe for a retro 40th birthday party.
This diffuser will be absolutely essential in helping them relax and they’ll be especially grateful to receive it if the thought of turning 40 is leaving them feeling a little uneasy. It’s convenient and compact enough to be moved around the house so they can use it to help get a restful night’s sleep or to spend a lazy afternoon unwinding on the sofa.
It may have been a while ago but there will still be things that they miss from their younger years. It could be snacks they used to love, a favorite magazine, books or an activity they used to while away their childhood hours doing. It’s a gift that temporarily turns back the clock and makes them feel young again, which will soften the blow of definitely not being young anymore.
They’ll realize how fortunate they are to have you in their life when you send them these delicious treats with a little added wisdom. The choice is yours, whether to fill them with some guidance on getting on a bit or advice on the inevitable fine lines and wrinkles. They’re a unique way to celebrate entering their forties or to commiserate leaving behind their youth.
Lobsters have many, many great qualities, not least among them are their nutritional and flavor profiles. But they’re dumb as dirt, exceptionally slow, and don’t drive. So if it’s inconvenient for you to go all the way to the ocean to find the best lobsters, you’re going to have to get someone to mail them to you. Thankfully, lobster mail is now a reality.
Health is wealth, as they say, and it’s even more important when you get old…older, we mean. This air fryer cuts the calories out of their favorite fried foods meaning they can enjoy them a little more guilt free and without having to spend as much time on the treadmill burning it off.
SodaStreams were a kitchen staple in the 80s so we’re pretty sure they’ll appreciate this updated version of the retro favorite. Much more exciting than simply cracking open a can of Coke, the excitement of choosing their flavor and watching it bubble and brew in front of them will send them straight back to their childhood and make them feel momentarily less old than they actually are.
Who has time for trial and error? Folks today demand fast-acting, proven solutions to their everyday conundrums. A modern stand-in for the tried and trusted Farmer’s Almanac, this back pocket companion is more reliable than your great-grandmother and more concise than an open-ended Google search. Believe it or not, some of the “smartest” solutions have been around for ages.
Don’t let them get embarrassed if they can’t quite think of the word in the middle of a game of scrabble, they’re getting old now, they might need a bit more time to think. The Walk By Scrabble Board will give them plenty of time to reach optimum word powerin between turns. (Disclaimer: We can’t guarantee they’re not sneaking off to read a dictionary).
Perhaps you should pack this with a disclaimer: it’s only for their clothes. We understand that this might be a little disappointing for them, especially if they’re conscious about crow’s feet and laughter lines, but at least they can appreciate crease free clothing to compensate for the inevitability of the aging process.
It’s an idea best executed as soon as possible after their 40th birthday, just to make sure their heart can still take a rousing ride on a rollercoaster. If you know a thrill seeker, an adrenaline junkie or someone who just needs a bit of livening up, a trip to an amusement park is the just the ticket to mark their milestone birthday.
Savor the good times with them while also savoring the good stuff. If you know someone who likes a nice drink every so often, a bottle of their favorite poison that is as old as they are will be a rare treat. With a little luck and planning, they’ll open up the bottle on the spot and share with you.
Help them drift into 40 with a gift that they won’t be able to take their eyes off. Soothing to watch, it’ll take their mind off their inevitable old age and stop their legs going to jelly about it. We’ve been assured that it’s not actually hypnotic, but we’d check on your 40-year-old at regular intervals, just in case, or leave them to it if you’re enjoying the peace and quiet.
They deserve to put their feet up, it’s their birthday and not only that, they’re 40. We understand that as special to you as they are, you maybe don’t want to spend your day waiting on them hand and foot, so improvise with this end table, which will provide them with a constant supply of drinks and provide you with some peace and quiet.
Since the dawn of time, chaos, terror, and death have periodically rained down from the sky. Only the lucky were spared. But now we have weather radios, so you can go inside instead of dying. This one also conveniently charges your phone so the next hurricane doesn’t have to interrupt your game of angry birds.
Everyone loves s’mores so, who wouldn’t love their very own s’mores maker? Perfect for winter months when they’re looking for comfort food but it’s too cold for a campfire, this handy little tabletop alternative is great to bring the fireside food indoors. And they’ll definitely want comfort food at the thought of turning 40.
Even if they feel like they’re running out of gas as they reach 40, it doesn’t mean they have to. This is a brilliant addition to any barbeque and makes sure that the outdoor fun can keep going as long as they can, even if that might be earlier than you think, after all, they probably have a preference for an early night these days.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a rather large fish flying through the air. We think this is a fintastic gift for anyone who appreciates the quirky and the unusual, budding marine biologists or any burgeoning aviators who didn’t quite get off the ground. They certainly won’t be expecting it and it’s probably something they didn’t even realize they wanted.
Sitting on the throne, for lack of a better term, isn’t the place where you tend to feel at your most gallant, but every king or queen needs a loyal knight to serve them and we’ve found just the man for the job. Always at hand when they need him the most, he won’t shy away from coming to their aid in even the most, er, challenging of situations.
Flowers don’t just look nice and fill the air with pleasant aromas, they also carry various levels of symbolism. Much like the zodiac, each month has its own flower variety, reflecting the character of everyone born therein. Or at least, that’s what someone decided a long time ago. And it sure is a nice idea. Regardless of whether the person you’re buying for really is a carnation at heart, or whether they’re more of a Venus fly trap, these earrings are going to look great on them.
If you’re whisking them away for a relaxing holiday to mark their 40th birthday, get the celebrations started before you even get there with these mini cocktail kits. They’re great for making your favorite drinks on the way to your favorite destinations or simply calming some in-flight nerves, whether they’re from the flight itself or the fact they’re turning 40.
The thought of turning 40 might leave them wanting to be beamed up but logic dictates that after a long soak in the bath, they’ll slip on this plush, warm bathrobe and be ready to live long and prosper. An absolutely enterprising gift for any closet or not-so-closet Star Trek fan.
Help them forget about turning 40 and focus more on turning pizza with this counter top creation that will ensure that their favorite food is flawless every time. Sitting neatly on the work surface, it’s simple to use and designed to make sure that dinner tastes as good as it should, you really can’t top this as a present, we think it’ll definitely be an all-round hit in the household.
It’s important that they start to look after themselves a bit more now that they’ve reached 40 and even though they’ll still want to look after their house too, understanding their limits is key. Make sure they’re not stretching themselves too far when they’re doing the housework with this long reach power tool which is perfect for getting into all those hard to get places.
It doesn’t matter how calm they look on the outside, we can almost guarantee that they’ll be at least a little bit stressed at the thought of turning 40. Even if they’re not up for admitting it, they’ll love this scalp massager that they can use to destress and unwind by themselves and retain that cool and collected exterior.
It’s notoriously tricky to not get your nori in a knot, but this will make things so much easier, they’ll be on a roll in no time. There might be something fishy going on with puns here, so we’ll leave you to appreciate the genius in the simplicity of this gift.
Time waits for no man (or woman) especially at their age, so we firmly believe that no man should be waiting for eggs to boil in the mornings either. Make sure that they’re not wasting the precious last days of their youth slaving over a hot stove with this neat, compact and time efficient egg cooker.
Treating someone to a homemade breakfast is a brilliant way to show them how much you love them and even if they’re not looking forward to reaching the milestone age of 40, we think you’ll be able to sweeten them up by starting celebrations early with this waffley good gift idea.
As much as we hate to mention, and we don’t advise you do, they’re not spring chickens anymore and Ben and Jerry probably aren’t the best of people for them to be around. They’ve probably realized this already, so give them a helping hand with their new healthy lifestyle with this marvelous little yogurt maker which will let them create some delicious and nutritious snacks to help make that break up a little easier.
Getting jewelry for a 40th birthday is more or less a guarantee so don’t do what everyone else does and buy them jewelry. Break the mold and go full steam ahead with your gift giving game and get them something to keep their gold glistening and their silver sparkling. With the right amount of care, it should last as long as they have!
This sand-sifting surface will spoil all those beachgoers who crave the UV rays but don’t want little grains messing up their tan lines. Seagulls might not mind the crunch in their stolen ham sandwiches, but those avid beach bums loathe the dusty debris caking up their glossy skin. Even salty seawater is no match for this jumbo play pad. Sand is for the birds!
Polaroids may be dead, but the people who like to use them aren’t. Not all of them anyway. There’s something especially gratifying about holding a tangible photograph, especially in a world dominated by virtual commodities where everything is becoming digital. Having an instant printer on hand means they don’t have to wait for a photo printing company to print their photos from the cloud and mail them by horseback or whatever. And we all know that nobody has time to wait for a horse these days. Oh, and we should also mention: these look way better than Polaroids.
If the thought of turning 40 gives them the shivers, make sure you keep them warm with this clever contemporary gift. It’s a great alternative to candles and can be moved too, making it better than the average fireplace. So, whether they’re relaxing in the bath letting the reality of middle age soak in, or out on the deck enjoying the celebration, they can keep those middle aged chills at bay.
We understand that by the time they reach 40, life will have thrown a lot at them but there’s bound to be a moment in the future where they say, ‘I wish I knew how to do that’ and when they get there, they’ll turn to this well-thought out gift that you were kind enough to buy them.
You’ll be scooping the prize for the coolest present by buying them this sweet little ice cream maker. This clever countertop appliance will let them make a refreshing treat quickly and easily and in as many different flavors as they can imagine. It’s bound to keep them cool in even the most stressful of situations, like turning 40, perhaps.
If humans were meant to fly, the logic goes, we would have been born with wings. Well, logic is an overrated buzzkill. Leaving the earth and relying on your own wits to return in one piece is something everyone should experience. Give the middle finger to gravity and biological destiny.
Nothing quite makes an impression like someone who has a giant tool and knows how to handle it. Get everybody within a half-mile radius drunk in one fell swoop with this absurdly proportioned mixology shaker. A brain-cell smiter of truly biblical proportions.
The morning drinker: one of the most misunderstood fellow citizens. Once imbued with the spark of firewater, they can do anything, especially if it’s delivered with the bold energy rush of caffeine. You think we should eradicate morning drinking? Well, you can kiss all your favorite novels goodbye then, because all great authors are drunk by 10 am. But I guess if you want to try tricking someone out of their morning cup of whiskey, this would be the best way.
If you’re racking your brain trying to think of a perfect gift for someone who’s keen on a little outdoor cuisine, this should solve your birthday present brainteaser. As simple as it is, it’s a flippin’ genius invention that will take their barbeques to the next level and buying it will guarantee your invite to the next one.
