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!
You don’t drink scotch just to get drunk. You drink it to savor the complex, peaty flavors that only come with painstaking attention to detail and patient barrel aging. These toothpicks are infused with that experience. Teach them the joys of proper drinking with this 21st birthday gift.
Ice cream is widely known for its mystical ability to bring joy to all, so you can be assured that bestowing the gift of being able to conjure it from mere ice and cream will go down well. Better still, your 50th birthday recipient will be able to make any flavor they can imagine. Sorcery!
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.
A magical gift that works silently in the background to fill the home with scented mist – just what your 50-year-old has always wanted. Give them this and in a matter of minutes, their home will go from smelling faintly of wet dog, leftover takeout and regret, to delicious oranges, lavender or peppermint.
People say they love camping, but are we 100% sure they don’t just love to eat s’mores? Why not buy them this S’mores Machine so they can enjoy the good parts of roughing it without needing to sleep in a leaky tent afterwards.
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.
New cars come loaded with all kinds of cool features like backup cameras, but what about the rest of us who are still cruising around in our 1998 Cavalier? We have to turn our heads around like some sort of caveman. No need to get left behind as the world races forward, this handy device attaches to any car with fairly minimal effort.
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.
You could buy them a 17 man band that could live in the corner of their den and serenade them every day, or you could just go with this unique piece of furniture that can play 17 instruments at once. Plus this pneumatically controlled Hootenanny can remember how to play 13,000 songs.
Some 30-year-olds have children and this is a perfect gift to…oh, who are we kidding? This one’s for you and the 30-year-old just as much as their children because nothing’s as satisfying as a nice, cold popsicle — except not having to share it.
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.
Chess pieces may look cool, but they’re extremely dated. Here’s a chess board that makes use of something they can relate to: drinking vessels that help them forget everything they hate about their life. Don’t worry, they’ve kept the little horses and whatnot. Now you can just drink out of them.
What better object to have in hand while you’re getting drunk than a grimacing skull to remind you of your own mortality? Rendered in stunningly intricate detail, this guy really comes to life when you fill him up with a colored liquor. Just like someone else you know.
When they hit 30, it’s the prime of their life. Time to start raking in achievements and accomplishing those goals they’ve always dreamed of. So it’s your job to get in the way of that. Bring their productivity to a screeching halt with a gift that’ll have them staring mindlessly for hours.
If there’s anything that can make wine taste better, it’s a little frustration. If you think life in our rapid-delivery consumer culture is just a bit too easy, then teach someone a valuable lesson on their 50th birthday, by making them work more than they anticipated for their reward. You’re not only giving the world’s oldest artisan beverage, you’re helping develop life skills.
Fire pits sure look inviting, but let’s face it, who wants to smell like charred charcoal and smoldering soot when they crawl into bed at night? Experience the beauty of fire with this classy, odor-free design that can complement any extracurricular activity or intimate affair. Toss the pokers and the bellows and clear the table … this stunning centerpiece is on fire!
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.
If they are not living out their childhood sandbox dreams of operating a bulldozer or a backhoe at this age, chances are it’s not going to happen. Tough luck, kid. At least you can let them live that dream for a day by buying them a trip to Extreme Sandbox.
What other diversion affords the opportunity to let out both bloodcurdling screams and unrestrained giggling while indulging in sweet candy treats? Embrace the carefree silliness of youth and give them a little license to check out for a few hours. Responsibility can wait. Slap on that wristband and hop on the ride of a lifetime.
This is a must-have gift for anyone who’s mad about music. Keep the party going far beyond their birthday celebrations with a hootenanny that is as much a throwback to musical traditions as it is an impressive and contemporary work of art. It holds a host of instruments that can play up to 13,000 songs and that’s surely enough to keep them going for at least another 40 years.
Bacon is the official food of the month, every month of the year. Now somebody has gone a step further and made a delivery service with a special kind of bacon for every month. Every time we go a level deeper with bacon it just gets better. Rumor has it Elon Musk is working on a bacon replicating machine. It’s about time he did something useful.
If they didn’t have a germ phobia before, help them develop one before it’s too late. Once you explain how much this vacuum catches that was missed before, they’ll start to notice germs everywhere. Just realize you’ll be hanging out at their house from now on.
Sunflowers are some of nature’s most obnoxiously beautiful creations, and they make a real statement when planted in your yard. Bright yellow and absurdly tall, they grab the attention of every passerby. Almost like standing on the porch and yelling at people, but in a really endearing and pleasant way.
Door harps were traditional Scandinavian ornaments that warded off evil spirits from entering the home and while we’re sure that you know a 40-year-old who’d like to ward off the rapid approach of middle age, we can’t guarantee it can do that. What we can guarantee is that they’ll have a beautifully crafted ornament to greet their guests for years to come.
If there’s one skill that every responsible citizen should have, it’s the ability to access things that aren’t theirs. But you better believe you don’t get there without practice. Some day they’re bound to come across something they want that has been locked away by some other thoughtless and selfish human. Don’t let them approach this dark situation unprepared.
Take them on a walk down memory lane with a box full of toys they used to love, accessories they used to envy, and hairstyles they’d rather forget. Especially the hairstyles. Be sure to include those. And make them open the gift in front of all their friends and family.
If they’re feeling a bit hot under the collar over reaching 40, this near instant popsicle maker will cool them down in a flash. Designed to make popsicles as quickly as possible, they don’t have to waste their time on hot days, because really, they can’t afford to now…
Some things are just inherently adult: finishing taxes a month in advance, owning more than one spare tire, and now this. Show the 30-year-old in your life you care by reminding them how old they are and how, yes, they absolutely do need a separate machine to clean their jewelry. They’ll thank you—right after they pay their bills a month early or whatever other adult things they do.
Chess pieces may look cool, but they’re extremely dated. Here’s a chess board that makes use of something they can relate to: drinking vessels that help them forget everything they hate about their life. Don’t worry, they’ve kept the little horses and whatnot. Now you can just drink out of them.
What better object to have in hand while you’re getting drunk than a grimacing skull to remind you of your own mortality? Rendered in stunningly intricate detail, this guy really comes to life when you fill him up with a colored liquor. Just like someone else you know.
This is a great 40th birthday gift no matter what. It’s interesting and looks nice on wall even if it was a slow news day. But if their birthday happens to coincide with a big banner headline announcing now famous events? Whoa. That would be pretty sweet.
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.
Musical genius is not a prerequisite for this delightful sound machine. Whether it’s cranking out an original score or “Born to Be Wild,” the sweet melodies of this tabletop hurdy gurdy will capture the ears and lighten the hearts of all those who gather ’round for a listen. Add this customizable heirloom to the instrument collection and inspire a newfound appreciation for all things classic.
Back when old people were kids, shadow puppeteering was accepted as a legitimate skill. That meant holding your hands in front of a light to create rudimentary animal shapes on the wall, because there was no internet. These candleholders are a serious step up. Just try making a mature cedar with your hands. Ok, stop. It’s not going to happen.
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.
Nothing creates a sense of urgency like counting the seconds until the time when you can’t count the seconds anymore. The surest way to beat procrastination, this watch doesn’t let you off the hook. Strap it on someone’s wrist, give them a hearty slap on the rear, and tell them to get to work.
Sushi’s great, but not as great as when launched from a cannon. Good news for you – and everyone else within ten feet – it doesn’t have a great deal of firepower, but still helps spice up meals with some unnecessary– scratch that, totally necessary action hero elements.
Know someone who just can't stand waiting a few minutes for their eggs to cook? This gift’s great for hosting dinner parties, brunches, and most importantly, seeing how many eggs they can make in an hour. Careful though, once they realize this machine’s true potential, they may never stop inviting you to brunch. Welcome to the rest of your life: hope it’s EGGcellent.
Their very own Tyrannosaurus skeleton. Enough said. It fits all occasions, and those who disagree can take it up with the dinosaur. Help them earn a reputation as the coolest person in the neighborhood, and when holidays swing around, wrapping it in lights and adding a hat can only earn you Alpha Friend status.
Buy them a couple tickets to a great event or show as a little test. Will they give the extra ticket to you? You just gave them this very thoughtful gift, after all. Or do they keep them both. In which case, maybe they just get a box of chocolates from the drug store next time.
Chess pieces may look cool, but they’re extremely dated. Here’s a chess board that makes use of something they can relate to: drinking vessels that help them forget everything they hate about their life. Don’t worry, they’ve kept the little horses and whatnot. Now you can just drink out of them.
What better object to have in hand while you’re getting drunk than a grimacing skull to remind you of your own mortality? Rendered in stunningly intricate detail, this guy really comes to life when you fill him up with a colored liquor. Just like someone else you know.
They are bound to receive a lot of jewelry for a 30th birthday so break the mold a little and give them something a bit different. We’re sure they’ll want their precious mementos to last a lifetime but won’t want to spend a lifetime cleaning them. An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is the perfect answer to keeping everything sparkling while leaving them free to do whatever 30-year-olds do.
If you want to keep it clean with the jokes about turning 40, why not get them a gift that literally keeps it clean? At the very worst, there’s a bit of a giggle to be had from their weakening immune system being one of the curses of old age, but they’ll just have to suck it up, rather than sweep it under the carpet.
They are bound to receive a lot of jewelry for a 40th birthday so break the mold a little and give them something a bit different. We’re sure they’ll want their precious mementos to last a lifetime but won’t want to spend a lifetime cleaning them. An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is the perfect answer to keeping everything sparkling while leaving them free to cross some things off the bucket list instead.
What better way to say that the pen is mightier than the sword? This knight pen holder will be their most loyal servant in all of their clerical crusades. Whether they’re battling with the bookkeeping or feuding with their filing, help will be at hand. And yes, their grocery lists deserve the royal treatment too.
They’re probably feeling like a bit of a dinosaur now that they’re getting a bit (read: a lot) older. Whether you want to tell them that you found them a friend that understood how it felt to be the same age, or you wanted to make them feel less ancient in comparison, they’re bound to be impressed by the scientific marvel that is the Tyrannosaurus Rex, whatever their age.
Indecisiveness doesn’t tend to improve with age and they might be finding themselves at a bit of a crossroads as they head towards 40. Help them along a little with this really attractive gift idea. Your gift giving credentials will be pointing positively north, especially if you help them avoid a mid-life crisis, however we should warn you, that doesn’t come as a guarantee!
If you know a 40-year-old who’s interested in martial arts, we bet they’ll love a lesson in Tae Kwon Dough for their birthday. In fact, we reckon these ninja-shaped cookies will disappear so fast you won’t even know they were there. Did you see them?
We’re not sure how far the constitution goes as far as ring marks on tables are concerned, but if you know someone who’s passionate about defending their household surfaces then you might just hit a bullseye with this 40th birthday present. This set of heavy duty coasters are as much a conversation starter as they are a conservation effort so we’d definitely take a shot on them if we were you.
Cosy you shall be. Whether they’re a fully-fledged Jedi Master or a proud Padawan, they’ll feel the force when they awaken to put on this snug and warm bath robe. Even if they’re approaching the dark side of 40, you can make sure they do it in style with some official Star Wars merchandise.
The years seem to start to speed up by the time a person’s thirtieth birthday rolls around. Thirty years might not seem like so long. This framed reproduction of the New York Times front page from the day they were born will remind them that 30 years is actually a pretty long time ago.
This is the perfect compromise if you’ve got a bit of a digital dinosaur who wants to let their inner techno-geek take flight. Paper airplanes were a childhood favorite for most people and they can glide into the 21st century with this smartphone controlled version. Essentially a paper drone, they’ll be positively loop-the-loopy with excitement about this modern update on an old school toy.
There are two reasons you’d buy this gift for someone. Either they’ve bought you a gift that you really weren’t too pleased with in the past and you’re returning the favor, or their musical skills are so bad, you need the world’s worst instrument to make them feel a little bit better about it. Whatever your reason for buying them an Otamatone, make sure you’re out of earshot before it comes out of the packaging.
30 is not too old to get hammered once in awhile, but it is too old to get hammered drinking inferior booze. Get their sophisticated adult drinking life started right with a bottle of top shelf liquor that has been aging for as long as they’ve been breathing. They’ll see the light.
21 years is old enough to have matured and mellowed out enough to drink easily from the glass, without the harshness or burn of younger liquors. It is also not too old to be too expensive or too precious to drink. Plus, a 21 year old bottle for a 21st birthday gift is ridiculously perfect, don’t you think?