When a man turns 40, it’s a big milestone. He has his tumultuous teens and twenties far behind him, but he’s also not quite over the hill. Choosing a gift for your loved one who’s having a 40th birthday can be a bit tricky. You want to get him something special that commemorates this milestone. However, at this point in a man’s life, he probably already has everything he needs or wants. So what do you get a guy who has everything?
How to Choose a 40th Birthday Gift for a Guy
To choose a 40th birthday gift, first, keep in mind your loved one’s interests. If he’s a golfer, get him something he can use to improve his golf game. If he likes to spend time outdoors, get him a piece of helpful camping equipment. They also always say that the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so a delicious food item is another option. A mouthwatering assortment of fruits or chocolates will never go to waste.
For a unique twist on traditional birthday cake, consider a box of cake-shaped pineapples and juicy strawberries dipped in cake batter-flavored white chocolate and topped with confetti sprinkles. It even comes with real birthday candles you can light. You’re never too old to blow out the candles and make a wish! Or, consider a mouth-watering arrangement of fresh strawberries, our signature Swizzle® Apple Fruit Truffles®, juicy grapes, and delectable chocolate dipped strawberries. Topped with cupcake-shaped pineapple slices dipped in white and semisweet chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles, it’s an assortment of tasty treats he’s sure to love. Plus, it comes with a bundle of Happy Birthday balloons for a complete gift that will make his 40th more memorable.
For more amazing and unique 40th birthday gift ideas for men he’ll absolutely love, we put out a call for ideas and curated responses below. (Note: Edible Arrangements® is not endorsing any of the companies or ideas discussed below, but we asked for suggestions to get some different perspectives.) Keep reading to find out what the contributors who responded to our query had to say about the best and most unique 40th birthday gift ideas for men.
Candace Helton
Candace Helton is the operations director at Ringspo. She has always been passionate about jewelry since her teenage days, so she has quit her day job as a marketing manager to pursue this fulfilling career. She’s a mom of two, a massive techie, and a fur parent as well.
“If you don’t know what to give a man on his 40th birthday, a 3D printer solves the problem because he would be able to use it to print anything he wants.
There are lots of projects out there to try, with some of the basic ones including clocks, a light, cups, phone stands, and bowls. There are also more creative projects like a working gun, cable holders, shelves, puzzles, and mechanical planetariums.
There are endless possibilities with a 3D printer. Whether or not your recipient loves to DIY, I’m sure he’d love to try out a few projects on a 3D printer. And once he gets the hang of it, it might become a good kind of addiction.”
Matt Woodburn-Simmonds
Matt, along with his wife, Katie, runs the website Home Coffee Expert, where they share information on all things coffee.
“For the coffee lover, the Barisieur Tea & Coffee alarm clock. Be woken up by the smell of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It has a sleek walnut and black design with an auto-dimming clock face. Set the clock to start brewing your coffee 5 minutes before your alarm, or at 5-minute increments after your alarm goes off. Streamlining your morning routine and filling your bedroom with the delicious aroma of coffee.”
Phil Watson
Phil Watson is the founder of Barbecue Grill Review.
“I highly recommend Hamilton Beach’s electric grill as a present for a 40-year-old guy. It’s the best product to use while having fun with the family. It is packed up with a little package that resembles a suitcase and is taken with you on the go. This grill is easy to wash up. Perfect for folks that need their grilling fix with something light and simple.”
Elizabeth Hicks
Elizabeth is a Co-Founder & Store Manager of ParentingNerd, a place where they promote parent- and kid-friendly products that make your life easier as a parent.
“One amazing idea for 40th birthday gifts for men is this wooden desk organizer. It’s a very sleek-looking product that manages so much of your stuff on the desk in very little space. The watchtower on this organizer allows the user to rack up his watches. Along with this, there’s a phone holder capable of holding a device as big as an iPad. The organizer looks like a wooden tray and has separate compartments which can be used for holding keys, a wallet, and other similar stuff. This rubber-wood organizer costs $59.99.”
Julien Raby
Julien is the owner and founder of Coffee-Works.
“I think nothing is better than a wristwatch as a 40th birthday gift. It would look classy and elegant on the wrist of your loved one. I would suggest every man wear a wristwatch because it is an essential part of his daily attire. An empty wrist makes your outfit appear incomplete. So, give a man a wristwatch for his 40th birthday and complete his look in a classy way.”
Colin Matthews
Colin Matthews is the CEO & Founder of Cookwared.
“I gave my dad this gift pack for his 40th birthday, and he loved it. I love how the entire pack is so economical. It has so much to offer with the pun-ny candle, socks, mug, and a straw. Moreover, the box in which the gifts are packaged is so classy and chic, that when someone receives it they don’t expect such humorous gifts to be inside it. The beer socks are super soft and are definitely my dad’s favorite among all the other items. For me it’s always the small, valuable gestures that matter the most, and this gift box is everything.”
Jill Sandy
Jill is the Founder of Constant Delights, the blog about Home and Gardening. Gardening helps calm your mind and improves your wellbeing.
“The most valuable gift you can give a man is a free day. As we grow older, we have more responsibilities and that’s when we sacrifice our hobbies for other important, daily things. This gets worse when you have kids and then you’re closer to getting a promotion.
That is why I think giving your men a free day – free from all the responsibilities that he had to carry with him – is the best gift you can give him.
He could try out the new game he bought but never had the chance to play, or have a beer with his old friends. At the end of the day, it’s the freedom of choice that makes him happy.
And don’t forget you deserve that gift to yourself too.”
Mark Stephenson
Mark Stephenson is the Editor at HowtoShoe.com.
“A beer-making kit! I would never suggest it had I not seen my dad and uncle enjoying it back in the days. I saw them quarrel about it many times, making sure they didn’t miss a thing in the instructions. And I thought that was fun. We always see those easy mixes of wine and whiskeys, but we never really heard much about brewing beers on our own. So for men who are beer-lovers, this would be a unique gift to give them. I’m sure they’ll love it!”
John Peterson
John Peterson is the editor of Safe Drive Gear.
“What I have in mind that sounds like a unique gift is corrective glasses (with anti-radiation). I assume most of us in our 40s are still working on stuff with our computers or do a lot of reading at home. And not to mention, we all use mobile phones now. It would be great to have those glasses as we anticipate vision problems associated with aging.”
Matt Weidle
Matt Weidle is the Business Development Manager of Buyer’s Guide, every customer’s most trusted site in making smarter purchasing decisions. At Buyer’s Guide, they are committed to bringing the best product recommendations to our audience and customers through their data-driven reviews.
“Bring back the fun in your drinking sessions with the Beeropoly Beer Drinking Game by HomeWetBar. This board game will add spice and awaken your competitive spirit through different sets of beer challenges. Each player should take turns, roll the dice, and take a specific challenge like guessing two truths and one lie, rhyming battle, and putting up your best swag on the dance floor. The last man standing who has avoided elimination will win the reward of drinking from the community cup. So, revive the fun and ‘youth like’ feeling with this party drinking game that will add more memorable nights to your boys’ nights out.”
Michael Haas
Michael is a Co-Founder of Angry BBQ with his wife, Jannah. AngryBBQ is a site focused on everything BBQ-related including recipes, how-to guides, and gear reviews.
“You may be aware that at home BBQ has taken off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some BBQ manufacturers are boasting 400% sales increases vs. 2019. Recent research has found that BBQ’ing at home seems to be more popular with men than women. The world of grilling and smoking has exploded and so have the offerings from the manufacturers. Pellet grills/smokers are one of the hottest trends over the past several years.”
Rex Freiberger
Rex Freiberger is the CEO of Gadget Review.
“If you’re looking for a general gift – perhaps you don’t know the person in question that well or you’re unsure what they’ll like – I’d recommend something practical.
Most people could use more organization in their lives, and as men age, they begin to forget things far more easily. The Massca multi-device valet charging station is a multi-compartment charging station that has space for a tablet and phone as well as standard items like keys and wallets. You can put it by the door and have everything you need right there within reach.
If the man in question enjoys beer and creating things on his own, you may want to consider a home brewing kit. Midwest Supplies makes a good starter kit. Their platinum pro kit is only $100 and includes everything you need to start brewing beer. The only drawback I would say is that the instructions for using all of it aren’t the best, so you will likely need to look up some video tutorials to fully understand the process.”
Jason Akatiff
Jason Akatiff is the Co-Founder of Boundery.
“The best and most thoughtful gift you can give to a loved one is a gift of safety and savings. With our best-selling and most innovative product, the Emergency Power LED Light Bulb, you can do exactly that. It’s the world’s first self-charging, ultra-bright emergency LED light bulb that instantly eliminates the danger of blackouts from your life forever. With a rechargeable built-in lithium-ion battery integrated into its base, the EBULB™ automatically activates in the event of a sudden power outage, lighting your way in the dark and keeping your family safe.”
Paige Arnof-Fenn
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global marketing and branding firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non-profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
“When my husband and a few of his close friends turned 40, the gift they appreciated most was their manly man trip to Costa Rica, which the wives helped plan and organize but did not join (that was our gift). It was an outdoorsy, rugged, active adventure with hiking, mountain biking, camping. Much like summer camp but with alcohol, they had a ball! By 40 you value your time and relationships more than anything else, so the photos and mementos from the shared adventure meant so much more than expensive items or gifts. They are all in their 60s now but still love telling stories about the 40th together.”
Lloyd M. Gallagher
Lloyd is the creator of RethinkingFire.com. He was introduced to the wonderful world of grilling by his family who owned a local bar and grill restaurant. He’s been in the grilling since he was a child and created this site to help newbies adult their way through outdoor cooking. Each year, he works to help his readers with information, recipes, and gear reviews and transform folks into their inner King or Queen of the grill.
“The man in his 40s has successfully managed to navigate his way through his teenage years, the partying of his 20s, and built his career during his 30s.
To help him keep on course and follow his path to success – never drifting away from his goals – an antique compass engraved with his name and birth date is a unique, thoughtful, and thought-provoking gift.”
Chris Vaughn
Chris Vaughn is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the tech, beverage alcohol, and cannabis industries. He’s the CEO of Pacific Consolidated Holdings (PCH), which owns and operates businesses across the Cannabis and BevAlc industries. PCH’s signature platforms include Emjay, one of the leading cannabis delivery and retail operators in California, and Saucey, one of the largest last-mile logistics and delivery platforms for alcohol in the U.S.
“You’re never too old for a little cannabis. Before the mid-life crisis kicks in, give the special man in your life a pack of Sativa pre-rolls. Maybe they’ll remind him of his wild 20s, or maybe he’s always loved to smoke. Either way, giving the gift of cannabis will ensure he has a great time on his birthday, and it will remind him that the party doesn’t stop at 40. You can even get cannabis delivered directly to your home through Emjay, the best cannabis delivery service.”
Stephen Light
Stephen Light is the Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer at Nolah Mattress.
“Ergonomic pillows are the best 40th birthday gift for men. When people age, it is more common for them to experience body pain when waking up. One of the primary contributors to body pain is the absence of ergonomic mattress and pillows, which does not fully support the body during sleep.
Gifting ergonomic pillows has a rippling positive effect on people’s lives – the better their sleep quality, the better their productivity and mood are. Sleep plays a significant role in making people feel rested and rejuvenated, so gifting ergonomic pillows gives your loved one the chance to have a better life quality.”
Courtney Stables
Courtney works for Custom Neon, which sells a stunning range of custom-designed LED neon lights and signs.
“A lot of our custom signs are created for birthday parties and gifts, and we think they make the most unique gift idea for a man’s 40th birthday!
Most are designed to fit in their man cave or home bar, as they add a super retro feel while creating the perfect ambiance. Other items we think go well in a man cave or home bar are vintage records and wall hangings, sports memorabilia, and street signage!”
Timothy Grovenburg
Timothy Grovenburg is the Founder of Easy Company Outfitters.
“For the perfect 40th birthday gift, give him something he can look good wearing and that supports a cause he can feel proud of.
Easy Company Outfitters creates 100% American-made Hawaiian shirts and apparel that help Veterans in the fight against PTSD. Each shirt sold supports surf therapy clinics that use the positive energy from surfing to bring stability and balance back into the lives of Veterans. Our All-American supply chain not only allows our customers to feel confident about the quality of their clothing, but they can feel proud to know their purchase supports local communities across the United States.”
Caroline Lee
Caroline is the growth marketer and co-founder of CocoSign.
“It mostly depends on the recipient of the gift. For instance, if your brother or husband is celebrating his 40th birthday, you can give them something personal, such as a beautiful and timeless wine class or a portable back and neck massager. However, if it is a birthday gift for your male boss, an air purifier or Bluetooth headset might be a perfect gift for him. It should be based on the interests of the person. If he is tech-savvy, give him one of the latest i-watches or gadgets; if he is an avid reader, gift him a book from his favorite writer.
For team members or your peer group, gift them a photo of you two with a nice frame or make a collage with memories of you two during work.
For someone who is an entrepreneur and runs a successful business, you can buy a month or year-long subscription of any business tool for them. Buying a subscription for an OTT platform like Netflix or Amazon Prime can also be a cool idea.”
Brandon Nicholas
Brandon Nicholas works at The Fitness Tribe as a NASM certified personal trainer and fitness nutritionist for weight loss.
“People say 40 is the new 30 – for men, this stage in life is a critical time for previously inactive and unfit men to finally embark on their fitness journey.
What better way to entice a gentleman who recently turned 40 than through fitness equipment gifts that will help make their workout routines more engaging and enjoyable. Here are a few optimal fitness-related gifts for a man’s 40th birthday:
- Athletic Performance Mask – Being active doesn’t give athletes a free pass to disregard public safety protocols. Gift the Zensah Performance Face Mask not only to make sure the recipient won’t be causing a viral transmission but also to motivate him to work out even while wearing a mask. This mask ensures that there will be zero breathing disruption once the wearer is actively exercising, providing extreme comfort no matter how intense the workout or training is. It’s made of a quick-drying material that will absorb sweat and features double straps that wrap around the wearer’s head and neck to keep it in place at all times and to prevent soreness in the ears.
- Reflective Vest – Giving the Nathan Streak Reflective Vest as a 40th birthday present is a great way to remind your loved one that you want him safe during his night-time jogs. This gear is also versatile as it can be used in many other activities like motorbiking. It ensures that the wearer has an uninterrupted and full range of motion for physical activity as it’s made of breathable, lightweight mesh material. The reflective patches surround all the sides of the vest to allow visibility up to 1,200 feet away.
- Chafing Balm – With physical activity comes issues with sensitivity; gifting Squirrel’s Nut Butter All-Natural Anti-Chafe Salve will ensure every athlete is comfortable during their workouts, which can help them perform better and maximize their fitness experience. It prevents painful chafing anywhere on the body and stays on for hours on end, providing the utmost comfort for an athlete. It’s also an effective remedy to heal dry, cracked, or irritated skin, whether it’s caused by working out or not.”
Ashley Kidd
Ashley Kidd is the Co-owner of The Willow Tree Boutique.
“Guys can be so hard to buy for, can’t they? They don’t want much, and they already buy themselves everything they do want. But before you default to a new tie or some boring old packs of socks, try out one of our favorite gifts for the special men in our lives! The Handsome Man Travel Kit from Duke Cannon contains everything he needs to stay comfortable on his next business trip or vacation. This kit contains a lot of the things he does forget, so he’ll appreciate it that much more! Pamper your guy and let him know how much you care on his 40th birthday!”
Meg Marrs
Meg Marrs is the founder of Safer Senior Care, a website dedicated to helping caregivers find the best resources for elderly friends and relatives to allow them to age in place safely and comfortably.
“40 is a big milestone for us all, and even men start to get anxious about the effects of the aging process on our bodies and faces. So why not offer something for their personal grooming routine that most men might not get for themselves, to pamper themselves with?
In an age where most men shower and shave as fast as possible, consider an old-fashioned shaving set, complete with a real shaving brush, a wooden mixing bowl, a razor, and some REAL luxury scented shaving soap for a thick, creamy, skin-caring lather.
It’s great for the skin – and smells heavenly. (The sandalwood is delicious.)
TRUEFITT & HILL are an old traditional gentleman’s outfit based in London, offering high-end, luxury personal grooming items for men, of a style from a bygone age.”
Aaron Haynes
Aaron Haynes is the CEO of Loganix.
“The ideal gift for 40-year-old men is classy, timeless, and elegant. I would always go for these two options: a stylish watch or collector’s item, depending on their hobbies. Most men at this age love to collect things, so they will always appreciate a nice watch or hobby items. In my case, meditation is one of my most passionate interests in the past few years, so I would love to receive that kind of gift. It could be anything – a decorative item, book, candles, cushions, and so on. Knowing someone’s interests and hobbies is a huge plus, especially for this kind of gift.”
Tehsin Bhayani
Tehsin Bhayani is the CEO and Founder of AirMason.
“Here are some of the unique 40th birthday gift ideas that I liked a lot:
- Theragun elite – Traditional massages may not be a safe option right now, but this one is. It’s a handheld massage device that will aid in both stress and workout recovery.
- Flight simulator from Logitech – Since flying has been tricky over the last year, here’s a toy that can take any man to safer skies.
- Ice chest with foosball table from Amazon – If I have this at home, I can invite my friends over, and we can play foosball while drinking ice cold beer.
- 23andMe DNA Ancestry Test Kit – It is not only a unique gift, but it is also a gift that shows just how unique I am. Best of all, this DNA kit can trace my ancestry back through more than 150 countries worldwide.
- Flavair Whiskey Subscription Box – I may not be a whiskey lover, but I might turn out to be if somebody gives me this on my 40th birthday. Anyone who wants to give this as a gift only needs to choose the membership duration so that my loved one and I will be treated to perks such as taster boxes, tasting events, and access to different types of whiskeys, including a gift card that comes with the package.”
Zach Reece
Zach is the Owner of Colony Roofers.
“Tech gifts, in general, are a man’s best friend, apart from dogs. With the digital advancements today, a great tech gift that any man will appreciate is a 3D printer. Most 3D printers go for less than $300 along with their plastic printer filament, and this is perfect for any 40-year old that enjoys getting creative. There are certainly hundreds of models to choose from, one that I’d recommend is the MonoPrice Select Mini V2 which is perfect for beginners, along with its user-friendly interface.”
John Li
John Li is the co-founder and CTO of Fig Loans, a finance lending company from Texas.
“Because birthdays are a double-edged sword, where they can be celebratory events as well as moments that remind a person that they’re getting older, it’s important to make them feel less of their age and give them a memorable experience that removes age out of the equation. That said, here’s a 40th birthday gift that men may enjoy.
Every individual is different. However, the majority of 40-year-olds are not only wiser and more mature, but they also have a profound appreciation for new information, especially in today’s day and age.
The Book of Unusual Knowledge is a great gift for the 40-year-old looking to destress from the noise of their busy work life and gain knowledge from over 700+ pages of wisdom. Nothing speaks unique more than a book full of illustrations, articles, lists, and games on all sorts of subjects. This book is available from Amazon.”
Top 10 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Men
If you’re still in need of some inspiration, here are ten amazing 40th birthday gift ideas for men:
1. Edible® Birthday Surprise Dipped Fruit™ Trio
Featuring white and semisweet chocolate dipped banana bites, chocolate dipped strawberries, and chocolate dipped pineapple mustaches, this assortment of chocolate covered fruit is just what a guy who has everything needs. It’s fun, adorable, and 100% delicious.
Cost: $85.99
2. Edible® Grand Confetti Fruit Cupcake®
This mouthwatering treat is a must-have for any forty year old. It features a custom cake-shaped container filled with chocolate dipped pineapple cupcakes, fresh strawberries, and more.
Cost: $99.99
3. US Vintage Flag Cornhole Game Set
Who doesn’t love a great game of cornhole? This cornhole board features a vintage-style American flag that’s printed right onto the wood.
Cost: $119.98
4. Klarus Upgraded LED Compact Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
Perfect for an avid camper, this tactical flashlight is ultra-compact, lightweight, and rechargeable. Delivering 2000 lumens of output to shed light wherever it’s needed, it can be conveniently charged with a USB Cable.
Cost: $85.95
5. Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker
What guy doesn’t love breakfast sandwiches? This convenient appliance allows you to make a delicious breakfast sandwich will all the toppings, including egg, cheese, precooked meat, vegetables, and more – in just five minutes or less!
Cost: $39.95
This barbecue set includes all the tools a backyard chef needs, including a three-pronged fork, spatula, and tongs. The entire set fits in a durable cotton canvas carrying case, secured with snaps and a brass buckle.
Cost: $54.99
7. Custom Golf Ball Display Case
This shadow box is perfect for storing all of his favorite golf balls. It features a golf cart design, with a laser engraved name on the front of the box.
Cost: $59.95
8. Level 40 Complete 40th Birthday T-Shirt
Got a gamer you’re shopping for? This t-shirt cheekily declares “Level 40 Complete” to make your loved one feel a little bit better about turning another decade older.
Cost: $23.95
This wallet features durable RFID-blocking metal plates and can hold 12 IDs and credit cards. It’s slim, durable, and minimalistic.
Cost: $115.00
When you hit the big 4-0, you need to ramp up your exercise game. This boxing set is perfect for relieving stress and keeping in shape.
Cost: $68.99
The 40-year-old guy in your life will love any of these options for his birthday. Choose something you know he’ll love, because a milestone birthday deserves a great gift!
