Your best friend reaching their 40th birthday is a significant life milestone that deserves to be celebrated properly and commemorated with the perfect gift and finding the perfect gift can seem like a daunting challenge.

To this end, we have curated an exclusive collection of gift ideas that are bound to impress. From unique and personalised mementos that capture the essence of their personality to luxurious items that pamper and delight, we have included gift suggestions for every budget, preference, style and occasion. You will not only find the most sought-after gifts but also actionable tips on how to choose something that resonates deeply with the recipient. So, whether they are tech aficionados, style connoisseurs, or thrill-seekers, we’ve got something that will tick all the boxes.

The gifts you will find in our guide are more than just simple items; they are experiences, memories, and tokens of appreciation that reflect the significance of forty years well lived. Without further ado let’s dive into the top 40th birthday gift suggestions for your best friend. 

Unique and Personalised Gifts

A 40th birthday is a significant milestone, one that calls for a gift that is just as special. Personalised gifts are perfect for such an occasion, offering a unique touch that is both meaningful and memorable. Here are 15 bespoke gift ideas, each carefully chosen to celebrate four decades of life, love, and laughter.

  • Custom portrait painting: Commission a local artist to create a portrait that captures the essence and personality of the recipient. This artwork can become a cherished keepsake in their home
  • Engraved jewellery: Choose a piece like a bracelet, necklace or ring and engave it with a significant date or a personal message; it’s the perfect choice for both men and women. Find a plethora of 40th birthday jewellery in a wide range of colours and finishes in our pages
  • Personalised family tree artwork: A beautifully illustrated family tree can be a touching tribute to their life and the people closest to them
  • Bespoke cushion covers: Get cushion covers customised with names, dates, or a favourite quote to add a personal touch to their living space
  • Customised wine glasses: Engrave wine glasses with the birthday person’s name or the date of their 40th birthday for a personal twist on a classic gift
  • Tailored recipe book: Compile a book of their favourite recipes, or recipes from friends and family, personalized with anecdotes or photos
  • Monogrammed robe: A high-quality bathrobe with their initials monogrammed offers comfort and luxury every day
  • Personalised map: A custom print of a map showing a location significant to them, such as their birthplace or a favourite vacation spot
  • Custom star map: Create a print of the night sky on their birth date, a stellar way to commemorate the day they were born
  • Engraved watch: A classic watch engraved with their initials or a short message can be a stylish and sentimental gift
  • Personalised playlist and speaker: Compile a playlist of songs that have been meaningful throughout their life and pair it with a Bluetooth speaker
  • Custom pet portrait: If they have a pet they love, a custom portrait of their pet can be a delightful and heartfelt gift
  • Bespoke bookends: Handcrafted bookends are all the rage lately and they can add a personal touch to their library or study area
  • Personalised golf balls: If they love golf, personalised golf balls with their name or a special message can make their next game extra special
  • Custom puzzle: Turn a favourite photo into a puzzle for a fun and personalised gift that they can enjoy putting together

Experience Gifts

Turning 40 is a significant milestone and what better way to celebrate it than with an exciting and memorable experience? More often than not the best gifts aren’t items but experiences people share with their loved ones, creating memories for the future. Break up the norm and opt to gift them an experience, even better a shared one:

  • Hot air balloon ride: Treat them to a breathtaking view with a hot air balloon ride over beautiful landscapes, offering a serene and picturesque adventure
  • Wine tasting weekend: Arrange a visit to a renowned vineyard for a weekend of wine tasting, vineyard tours, and relaxing stays in charming accommodations
  • Spa retreat: Gift a day or weekend at a luxury spa where they can unwind with massages, facials, and relaxation pools
  • Cooking class: Book a cooking session with a professional chef specialising in their favourite cuisine, combining fun, learning, and delicious food
  • Theatre tickets: Send them to see a hit play or musical, offering an evening of top-tier entertainment
  • Adventure sports day: For the thrill-seeker, organise a day of adventure sports like skydiving, paragliding, or bungee jumping
  • Personal shopping experience: Arrange a day with a personal shopper who can help them refine their style and add some luxe new pieces to their wardrobe
  • Gourmet dinner cruise: Enjoy a dinner cruise that offers stunning views along with a gourmet meal, perfect for a scenic and luxurious dining experience
  • Golfing: Book a round of golf at a prestigious golf course, providing a splendid day out for a golf enthusiast
  • Art workshop: Enroll them in a workshop where they can learn painting, pottery, or another form of art from skilled instructors
  • Luxury car rental for a day: Let them drive their dream car for a day, offering the thrill of high-speed luxury
  • Private movie screening: Rent out a cinema for a private screening of their favourite film, complete with popcorn and a group of friends
  • Weekend getaway: Organise a weekend getaway to a countryside cosy bed and breakfast or a seaside resort
  • Sailing lesson: Gift a day of sailing with a qualified instructor, ideal for someone who loves the water
  • Concert tickets: Snag tickets for a live performance by their favourite band or artist, ensuring an energetic and memorable night out

Budget Gifts Under £50

If you’re on a tight budget, fret not – there are tonnes of wonderful gift ideas for sub £50 that won’t break the bank and are sure to impress. We have curated a list of the best budget 40th birthday gifts:

  • Personalised mug: Gift a customised mug with a funny quote or a photo of a cherished memory, perfect for their morning coffee
  • Quality wine bottle: Pick a bottle of their favourite wine or something special within the budget, which they can enjoy on their birthday or save for another occasion
  • Book by their favourite author: Choose a novel or a biography from an author they love, or a bestseller that aligns with their interests
  • Gourmet chocolate box: Select a box of fine chocolates, which offers a little luxury and indulgence without a hefty price tag
  • Candle-making kit: For someone who loves DIY, a candle-making kit can provide a fun and creative activity, plus the end product to enjoy at home
  • Plant in a decorative pot: Choose a low-maintenance indoor plant in a stylish pot to brighten up their home or office space
  • A stylish scarf or beanie: Pick a high-quality scarf or beanie in a colour or pattern that suits their style, ideal for keeping warm and fashionable
  • Board games: Gift a classic or trendy board game that they can enjoy with family or friends, perfect for game nights. Most board games cost under £40 so you’re golden
  • Subscription to a magazine: opt for an annual magazine subscription that aligns with their hobbies and interests
  • Fitness class pass: Buy a pass for a series of yoga, pilates, or fitness classes at a local studio
  • Cookbook: Choose a popular cookbook full of recipes that they can experiment with in the kitchen
  • Custom keyring: A personalised keyring with a heartfelt message or meaningful date will make for the perfect practical gift with a personal touch 
  • Art supplies: if they are into painting or drawing, consider gifting quality art supplies like sketch pads, pencils, or oils
  • Personalised phone case: Order a phone case that’s personalised with a photo or design that they would love
  • Spa essentials set: Put together a set of spa essentials like bath bombs, face masks, and body lotion for a relaxing at-home spa day.

Luxury Gifts

If budget is of no concern then splurging for a luxury gift for their 40th birthday will surely impress them. Below you can find some high end, luxury gift suggestions that that range anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds to a few thousand:

  • Swiss watch: a high end swiss watch from a brand like Omega or Rolex is a timeless gift that they can in turn pass on down to their children in the future
  • Fine jewellery: Choose a piece of jewellery from a luxury brand, such as a Tiffany necklace or a pair of Cartier earrings which they will cherish for the years to come
  • Luxury handbag: A designer handbag from Louis Vuitton or Chanel makes for a timeless and stylish gift that is sure to impress
  • Bespoke suit or dress: Gift a tailor-made suit from a renowned tailor, or a custom made dress
  • High-end perfume or cologne: Select a signature scent from luxury brands like Jo Malone or Creed, which offer exclusive and distinctive fragrances
  • Gourmet hamper: Assemble a hamper filled with luxury goods such as fine wines, artisan cheeses, and premium chocolates
  • High end DSLR camera: For the photography enthusiast, a professional-grade camera from Canon or Nikon can open up a new world of creativity
  • Art piece: Purchase a piece of art from an acclaimed artist or gallery, adding a touch of sophistication to their home decor
  • Luxury spa package: Book a comprehensive spa package that includes massages, facials, and other pampering treatments at a top spa
  • Premium spirits collection: For the connoisseur, curate a selection of premium spirits, including aged whiskey, fine rum, or boutique gin
  • Exclusive experience day: Arrange a day of exclusive experiences such as a private vineyard tour, a helicopter flight, or a cooking session with a celebrity chef
  • High-tech home gadget: Upgrade their home with the latest in technology, such as a smart home system or a high-end sound system
  • Leather goods: Gift a set of luxury leather goods like a wallet, belt, or gloves, crafted from the finest materials
  • Golf club membership: A membership to an exclusive golf club can offer not just access to premier facilities but also a fantastic social environment

Funny and Quirky Gifts

If it’s a 40th birthday gift for a best mate or a relative with a sense of humour, then a quirky and novelty gift could be th perfect gift and it will bring a smile on their face. Discover 15 entertaining and whimsical gift ideas that are sure to inject some laughter into the celebration.

  • Personalised comic strip: Create a custom comic strip featuring the birthday person as the superhero of their own funny story
  • Novelty socks: Gift a set of socks with humorous prints or jokes that reflect their personality or interests
  • ‘Over the hill’ survival kit: Assemble a playful survival kit with items like joke books, age-defying beauty products, and fun gadgets
  • Custom bobblehead: Have a bobblehead made in their likeness, a quirky and fun nod to their personality
  • Funny quote book: Choose a book filled with witty quotes or comical observations about turning 40
  • Hilarious board games: Find a board game that’s known for provoking laughter and good times, perfect for game nights
  • Joke toilet paper: Gift toilet paper printed with jokes or funny images, sure to be a hit even in the loo
  • Sarcastic t-shirts: Pick a t-shirt that sports a sarcastic remark or a funny quip about being 40
  • Age-related mugs: Choose a mug that jokes about getting older, perfect for their morning tea or coffee
  • Whoopee cushion chair pad: Give a classic whoopee cushion integrated into a chair pad for an unexpected laugh
  • DIY ugly sweater kit: Provide a kit for creating an intentionally tacky sweater, great for a laugh and a crafty evening
  • Funny face coasters: These coasters with hilarious facial expressions can be used at parties or gatherings to add a touch of humor
  • Personalised spoof newspaper: Create a fake newspaper page announcing a ludicrous fictitious event involving the birthday person
  • Quirky plant pots: Gift a plant pot with a funny face or shape that can bring a smile every time they water their plant
  • Nostalgic candy box: Fill a box with candies from their childhood, with a funny note about how these were popular ‘back in the day’

Finding the Perfect 40th Birthday Gift

Finding the perfect 40th birthday gift for your best friend is not easy, but with a bit of thought and creativity, you can pick a gift that truly resonates with their interests and aligns with their personality and it will be cherished for the years to come. 

The best way is to consider the recipient’s interests and hobbies. Are they into technology, fitness, or perhaps culinary arts? Aligning the gift with their passions is a surefire way for them to appreciate and use the gift you give them. 

Next, think about the significance of the milestone. A 40th birthday is a major event, so consider gifts that commemorate this special occasion, such as personalised items or something truly unique that normally they wouldn’t think of buying themselves. Experiences can also make fantastic gifts, offering memories that last far longer than physical items. If the person is someone close to you, you may even opt for an experience that you can both share and create memories together. Whether it’s a relaxing spa day, a thrilling adventure sport, or tickets to a show, these are gifts are an excellent way to celebrate their 40th birthday. 

Lastly, don’t overlook the power of a sentimental gift. Something that evokes nostalgia or that celebrates your relationship can be incredibly meaningful. This could be a custom piece of art, a photo book of memories, or even a playlist of songs from significant moments in their life.

You can find plenty of personalisable gifts on our pages, from necklaces and coin rings to cufflinks and engravable hip flasks, there’s something for everyone!