“Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.” Victor Hugo
40th Birthday Parties aren’t always happily celebrated, a lot of people begin to feel that they are getting older, and as one news article I read recently pointed out, ‘at age 40, both the brain and body start to slow’. All jokes aside though, everyone tends to feel differently about their 40th. Some people love it, stating they feel more comfortable in their own skin than ever before, and others pretend it isn’t happening to avoid the realization that they are indeed coming up to their 50′s.
So with all of this in mind, what do you get someone for a 40th birthday gift?
40th Birthday Gifts For Men
With men, it’s easy to just go the safe route when it comes to 40th birthday gifts. And by the safe route I am talking a shaving kit in a nice wooden box, some nice cuff links, BBQ equipment, books, tools or perhaps a wallet. If you are not very close to the birthday man in question, it’s normally a good idea to go with a ‘safe option’.
But if you are that special someone or a family member, you could put a little more thought into it. Are you both always busy with the kids? Why not schedule in a baby sitter for the night and take him out on a special date night. Make sure you are eating somewhere that serves his favorite type of food and drinks, and give him a small but well thought out gift to mark the occasion.
Men don’t normally hide their interests and hobbies, so if you know the man well you should already have an idea of the things he loves to do. Investigate what he doesn’t already own that revolve around those interests, and your birthday shopping just got a whole lot easier!
40th Birthday Gifts For Women
Just like with men, there is a safe route for women too. That means massage vouchers, skin products or lotions, romantic dinners and books (a beautiful cookbook can be a wonderful present if she loves cooking and baking).
But if you’re that special man in her life, let me give you a handy tip. Women will tell you what they want with multiple tidbits and small cues long before their birthday. They might not even realize they are doing it, as they will just see something they love and tell you about it.
A few months before her 40th birthday is coming up, start listening for those small cues. It might happen whilst walking past a shop front and she will suddenly exclaim, ‘Oh, I love that!’ or ‘That’s beautiful’ or even ‘I would love one of those!’ The best advice to be given is to start listening closely during shopping expeditions or walks together.
When she opens it she will:-
- Love the present
- Remember she made a comment to you about it months earlier
- Love you even more for paying close attention and getting her the perfect gift
Funny 40th Birthday Gifts
Now these types of gifts tend to mean cups, t-shirts, aprons with funny slogans or quotes. They are a good choice for children to give to Mum or Dad, or for gifts from office colleagues, or even second cousins. But if you are closer to the birthday person then what I just mentioned, my belief is that you can do a lot better than that.
Some people love to make references to being ‘over the hill’, or will give a walking stick, fake diaper, false dentures etc as a joke. This can work well if the birthday person is a real prankster or has a great sense of self deprecating humor. If you just think it will be ‘funny’ but are not actually sure how the receiver will take it, then you had better go and choose something else.
Final Thoughts
Turning 40 is a big deal, just like the decades prior it is yet another milestone to chalk up on the age tally. Some will want to make a big celebration of it, and others will want something quiet with close family. If they are having a grand party bash, and you are a guest, then at least bring a small gift with you, even if it just a bottle of wine or an item for the house.
Although, as you get older I think better company is always more appreciated than lavish presents.