The Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas 2020

It's been said, 40s are the new 30s. Just look to Jennifer Lopez for proof. Though the megastar turned 50 last year, she entered her prime in her 40s. With a rising career, a body fitter than ever, and a presence that can only be achieved through years of trials and tribulations, J.Lo is the embodiment of "This is who I am, take it or leave it."

A woman in her 40s is living in a decade of liberation, free from the chains of always trying to please others and morphing herself to fit into the confines of society's tiny box. With one's 40s comes self-awareness, self-assuredness, and self-prioritization.

And that brings us to celebrating it. Finding the perfect 40th birthday gift for this recently discovered wisdom, be it a birthday gift idea for a sister, friend, or wife, requires thoughtful due diligence and intuition—which to be honest, can be time consuming. Thankfully, we've curated a mix of happy-40th gift ideas that will appeal to all her newfound senses below.

1. Flora Coromandel Scented Candle

Fornasetti modaoperandi.com $230.00 SHOP NOW

Gift her a handmade, porcelain-encased candle that is as beautiful to the eye as it is pleasant to the nose.

2. Tank Louis Cartier Small Yellow Gold

Cartier betteridge.com $8,650.00 SHOP NOW

No better gift than a classic Cartier tank watch to celebrate a momentous 40th. It's a timeless piece she can wear forever.  

3. Bonbonnière

Helle Mardahl modaoperandi.com $395.00 SHOP NOW

Wherever she is celebrating this year, send her a present that enhances her abode as a reminder of your affection.  

4. Feel Good Small Bouquet

POPUPFLORIST thepopupflorist.com $50.00 SHOP NOW

Gorgeous, fresh, and always a delight, this bouquet of fleur also dries to perfection for longer shelf life. 

5. Citron Mille Crêpes

Lady M ladym.com $90.00 SHOP NOW

The chicest cake one can send, Lady M's signature 20-layer crepe cake is enhanced with fresh lemon custard—perfect for summertime.  

6. 18-Karat Yellow Gold Flat Oval Link Bracelet

Antonio Papini betteridge.com $4,000.00 SHOP NOW

A piece of jewelry that will never go out of style (or value), this gold chain-link bracelet looks good stacked or worn alone.  

7. Boost Advanced LED Light Therapy Décolletage Bib

The Light Salon net-a-porter.com $465.00 SHOP NOW

Bring the salon to her with this LED light therapy that uses therapeutic red light and near-infrared technology to stimulate collagen production, fight spot-causing bacteria, and target skin concerns like redness and wrinkles.  

8. Large Standard Singing Bowl Set

Incausa goop.com $185.00 SHOP NOW

Ease her mind with a meditation set that comes with all the tools she needs.   

9. Gift Box of Mini Soaps

Claus Porto modaoperandi.com $70.00 SHOP NOW

Drawing on ingredients from Portugal's lush countryside, Claus Porto soaps have been crafted for more than 130 years and make an attractive gift for even the most discerning of friends.

10. Compact Bifold Grained Leather Wallet

Valextra matchesfashion.com $345.00 SHOP NOW

Made of grained leather and crafted in Italy, this wallet is a gift she can use every day for many years.  

11. Basket Large Leather Tote Bag

Bottega Veneta matchesfashion.com $2,650.00 SHOP NOW

Support her busy lifestyle with a versatile carryall that is as exquisitely made as it is stylish.  

12. Zanzibar

Assouline assouline.com $95.00 SHOP NOW

An escape to Zanzibar, albeit it through pictures, is the best alternative for your wanderlust friend.  

13. Ultimate P.Volve Bundle

P Volve pvolve.com $160.00 SHOP NOW

Let her blissfully forget the bygone days of hard-to-book fitness classes with this ultimate workout set, complete with one-month streaming, so she can exercise in the privacy of her own home. 

14. Griffin Diamond and 18-Karat Gold Pendant Necklace

Azlee matchesfashion.com $3,949.00 SHOP NOW

A necklace with a talisman of a griffin, which symbolizes protection and divine power,  may be the perfect present to guide her through this year.  

15. Medium Liquid Pink Marbled Resin Vase

Dinosaur Designs modaoperandi.com $145.00 SHOP NOW

Brighten her space with this milky-pink marbled vase that looks divine alone or outfitted with some stems.   

16. Porcelain Poppies

Vladimir Kanevsky modaoperandi.com $3,200.00 SHOP NOW

Forget perennial flowers and send her a potted gift that is handcrafted of fine, forever-lasting porcelain.

17. Queenie Floral-Print Silk-Satin Robe

Olivia von Halle net-a-porter.com $920.00 SHOP NOW

A silk robe is always a good idea no matter the occasion; send her one that resembles a kimono with a thicker sash and billowed sleeves.  

18. Azure Foil Olivia Button Earrings

Larkspur & Hawk marissacollections.com $1,100.00 SHOP NOW

For the one who is more inclined to aesthetics of the great pasts, gift her these gorgeous button earrings, which come in an array of colors like this stunning azure.

19. Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Care

Dr. Barbara Sturm olivela.com $175.00 SHOP NOW

Introduce her to Dr. Sturm's famed skin care with the starter set so that she can test which products are suitable for her path to aging gracefully.   

20. Seaside Lunch

Eataly eataly.com $120.00 SHOP NOW

Even if she's not spending her holidays in Positano this summer, send her a bounty that delights her taste buds.  

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