Turning 40 is a pretty awesome milestone: You already have a decent sense of who you are, your finances are relatively stable, and if you have kids, you’ve probably found your groove with this whole parenting thing.
By that 40th trip around the sun, most people probably already have most things they “need,” so a birthday gift is an opportunity to shower them with plenty of things they wouldn’t spring for themselves. From practical to over the top, here are 24 birthday gifts for the big 4-0 that will make you a hero.
It’s about time to upgrade from the squeeze bottle of Dove, or worse, that bar – and make showering more luxe. Keep the bottle right in the shower and feel like you’re at a posh spa every time you lather up.
Got kids who play sports? You, my friend, are about to spend a lot of time on the sidelines. Which is awesome when it’s a gorgeous fall day and the sun is shining, definitively less awesome when it's 17 degrees and the kids are in overtime. With this chair, you won’t care either way.
This monogrammed AirPods case means that no one can “mistake” yours for theirs. And they look fancy.
Wear it with pride, child of the ‘80s, and make sure everyone knows you didn’t get it at a vintage store (cause you look so young, obv) — you actually lived through it. You earned this fashion statement.
For the right, slightly goth recipient, this may be the most magical gift they’ve ever received. These campy “skulls” are made from fireproof material, so you can make like Genghis Kahn and throw them into the blaze during your next fire pit night.
Give the gift of supreme organization with an app-powered label maker. With this tiny gadget you can tackle pantry chaos or make return address labels for your holiday cards: Choose your own adventure.
Built-in heating pads and oscillating pressure is the ocular pleasure you didn’t know you were missing. This eye mask is foldable and the headband is adjustable so you can share — if you must.
It’s the little things that make the biggest difference — like a crumb-free keyboard, once and for all. Keep this little guy close at hand and hoover to your heart’s content.
Serious about great coffee? Us too. This warmer assures that your cuppa maintains perfect temperature, even after that morning meeting that went 30 mins long. Oh, and it charges your phone too.
For the next-gen in crafts and DIY, spring for a laser cutter. From custom acrylic name signs to macaroons with your monogram on them, this machine is massive fun for the creatively inclined.
Who says you have to be pregnant to use a body pillow? A full-length cushion, which can be covered in any case to match with décor, will support an aging (yes we said it) body in all the right places.
Nugget ice is just superior to frozen water in any other form. Full stop. This countertop machine ensures a steady supply.
Even if your recipient has a cleaning team come every other week, this can help stay on top of pet hair and other crumbs during the off week. An app helps to map the home, and then all that comes next is to set this little guy free – he’ll make sure all the dog hair and cereal crumbs are gone by the time the birthday boy or girl gets home.
Waterproof and sandproof, this gift seems more expensive than it is. At 20 inches by 7 inches, it fits all the beach essentials from a towel and sunscreen to flip flops and a phone charger.
The gift of a paddle board is the gift of pure relaxation and fun. This one is inflatable, which means it's infinitely portable and can be easily stowed in a trunk and at at the ready for impromptu paddles.
This lip mask is a game-changer. If there is someone on your list who has yet to be converted to this soothing, healing, salve – you are about to make them very happy.
Way less expensive than that “other” brand, this massager has thousand of positive reviews on Amazon. Great for after a run, first thing in the morning, or simply to alleviate tight, tired muscles from sleeping the wrong way.
Not just for teenagers, imagine how fun the next neighborhood hangout will be with photo artifacts in hand21` . Just like old-school Polaroids, these images are ready in seconds and yes, the camera even has a selfie setting.
The foodie on your list probably already has an ice cream maker. But do they have a yogurt maker? Healthier and incredibly delicious, you can make 17 different flavors at the same time.
Goodbye junky airline earphones. This transmitter allows travelers to plug in and then connect wirelessly with their headset of choice. What’s more, it makes sharing a breeze: everyone can watch the latest adventure flick together on family vacations.
Upgrade their daily alarm with this lovely and well-priced swap. Better yet, plug the phone in across the room — this clock won't vibrate as texts from mom come in.
There is some weird truth to the fact that as you get older, you pay more attention the birds in your yard. We don’t know why this is true — it just is. Whether the 40-year-old on your list has become a birder or just wants to peep the horizon now and again, these 10x42 binoculars are comfortable and durable.
This mini-projector is compact and portable, making it the perfect to pack on a camping trip. Project on the inside wall of the tent or string a sheet up for plein air viewing. It even comes with a remote control.
It may feel like the world’s laziest contraption – but it may also be the world’s most awesome. Imagine being under the covers while reading, and how annoying it is to uncocoon and click the page advance. But a remote tucked into your giftee’s palm, safely snuggled under the blankets? Pure bliss.
