Turning 40 can be a great reason for a birthday celebration – its a nice milestone, still plenty of life left, but old enough not to make the mistakes of youth. For someone buying a 40th birthday gift, it can be a nightmare age to buy for. Most milestones are easy to buy for – if you know someone turning 50 or 60, then you probably have a good idea what they would like as a birthday present, but people often struggle for present ideas for someone turning 40. Here are a few suggestions – not all of these suggestions will work for every 40 year old, however, there is bound to be a 40th birthday present idea here that is just perfect.

A Blast From The Past

Things change a lot in 40 years. For someone turning 40, perhaps its a great time to remind them of the ‘good ol’ days’. A lot of stores are starting to introduce ‘retro’ ranges, and there is bound to be something from the recipients earlier years that they are fond of. Perhaps its a children’s tv program from when they were young, or a band they were into as a teen. Whatever it is, a piece of nostalgia is often a great present.

Humour

Whenever someone reaches a milestone birthday, there is always room for a ‘getting old’ joke, and 40th birthdays are no different. This only really works if you are younger than the person turning 40, but as long as it is good natured, then an ‘over the hill’ gift can be a great gift for someone you know well.

Try Something New

It is often said that ‘you are never too old to try something different’, so prove that point with an experience gift. You will have to make sure it is something that is at least similar to their interests, but there is plenty of room for a track day,  a spa day or a climbing weekend as a great 40th gift idea.

Something As Old As They Are

Another popular birthday present is something as old as the recipient. There are plenty of 40 year old whiskeys, brandies and wines out there, which would make a great 40th birthday present for someone who enjoys the odd tipple. Alternatively, how about a match day program from their favourite sports team from the day they were born?

There is no reason why buying 40th birthday presents should be a difficult thing to do. There are a wide range of ideas available, and I am confident you will be able to find the ideal 40th birthday gift, no matter who you are buying for.