16 Luxe Gifts Perfect For a 40th Birthday

Nordstrom
Nordstrom
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Turning 40 is the type of milestone that calls for a memorable celebration and an indulgent gift to match. While we can't help with the party planning, shopping is our expertise. If you have a friend, partner, or family member whose 40th birthday is approaching, we have a list of gift options guaranteed not to disappoint. Whether they're a beauty fanatic, wellness enthusiast, homebody, or fashion lover, we've rounded up our favorite gift ideas in every category.

Our own editors have vetted most of these options, with others being a mix of brand bestsellers and celebrity must-haves. Best of all, you can even snag something special on a smaller budget, like fingerless cashmere gloves or a Charlotte Tilbury lip gloss. If you're looking to splurge, we have you covered on that end as well. We've included an LED mask that our editor insists is worth every penny, and pajamas so soft they made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list . . . twice. Chances are, you probably have some of these on your own wish list, and we wouldn't blame you for adding something to the cart for yourself as well. Keep reading to discover our favorite gift recommendations for the soon-to-be 40-year-old in your life.

Best Gloves
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Best Gloves

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves ($33, originally $49)

These fingerless gloves offer a slice of luxury while keeping hands toasty and fingers free. Your giftee will appreciate being able to use their phone or rifle through their wallet without having to take their gloves off first. You can grab them in black or charcoal grey heather.

Best Lip Gloss
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Best Lip Gloss

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss ($35)

For the makeup lover, this lip enhancer was inspired by social media filters and simultaneously nourishes and plumps lips. Made with marine collagen, mustard sprout, coconut oil, and other moisturizing and volume-enhancing ingredients, you can choose between several shades.

Best Sleep Mask
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Best Sleep Mask

Slip Lovely Lashes Pure Silk Contour Sleep Mask ($55)

Anyone with lash extensions will appreciate this silk contoured eye mask. It's made from the highest-grade mulberry silk, making it skin-friendly as well. Studio McGee founder Shea McGee says it's one of her must-haves and mentions that it also works well for taking day naps since the contoured eye bed won't smear your makeup.

Best Facial Contouring Tool
PS Photography | Anvita Reddy

Best Facial Contouring Tool

Skinny Confidential The Mint Roller ($89)

For a facial tool that combines cold therapy and facial massage, this small but mighty option from The Skinny Confidential makes a fantastic gift. It helps to de-puff, tighten, and contour all at the same time. Our editor tested it out and writes all about her experience in this Skinny Confidential The Mint Roller review.

Editor quote: "Although it's primarily a facial tool that helps you appear more sculpted and revived, I actually use it to help with pain relief, too. It has been my go-to for relieving neck and shoulder tension, especially on long plane rides. The indent of the contour roller perfectly hugs my jawline and cheekbones, which feels amazing when massaging out the tension in that area. I use it to relieve headaches and migraines, as well as stuffiness from allergies and irritation." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping

Best Mini Blender
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Mini Blender

Beast Mini Blender ($89, originally $99)

Smoothie lovers will appreciate this compact but powerful blender that's also aesthetically pleasing. The blade attachment can be switched out with the included lid and straw so that you can drink out of the blender without having to transfer it to another cup. Three of our editors put it to the test and write about their experiences in this Beast Mini Blender review.

Editor quote: "While function is obviously a factor, I can't overstate how well designed and beautiful this little blender is. From the fluted vessel to the gorgeous color choices and coordinating cord, it might be the one kitchen appliance I don't hate to leave on my countertop.

Looks aside, it also works like a dream. I use it to blend smoothies almost daily and appreciate how it automatically slows down to allow for the frozen fruit and other ingredients to shift and settle before the automatic sensor revs up again." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, Shopping

Best Temperature Control Smart Mug
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Best Temperature Control Smart Mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug ($110, originally $140)

Give the gift of enjoying hot coffee and tea until the very last sip with this temperature control mug. It's Amazon's bestselling mug for good reason. It offers 90 minutes of heat and defaults to a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit but can be adjusted with the accompanying app — and it remembers the last setting. It wakes up as soon as hot liquid is poured into it and goes to sleep using motion detection.

Best Linen Sheets
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Linen Sheets

Quince European Linen Sheet Set ($130-$190)

If you want to spoil someone with a good set of European linen sheets, Quince offers them at a fraction of the price of its competitors. You can choose between pretty neutrals, saturated tones, and even patterns. Our editor tested them out and gushes about the quality in this Quince Linen Sheets review.

Editor quote: "I'm obsessed with textural bedrooms in muted tones, and linen is one of my favorite fabrics to use. For bedding, it offers that luxe but laid-back, perfectly imperfect vibe — wrinkles just add to the textured goodness. What I don't love about linen bedding is the steep price tag, which is why I was excited to try Quince's European Linen Sheet Set, which costs 42-70 percent less than competitor brands.

These aren't the first set of linen sheets I've owned, so I expected to have to break them in to get past the slightly rough feel of new linen sheets. If you're used to sleeping with a silky sateen cotton or a bamboo sheet set, you might have a moment of regret on your first night, but trust me, these sheets become super soft after a few wash cycles." — AE

Best Robe
PS Shopping | Kyley Warren

Best Robe

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Adult Robe ($138)

Quite possibly the robe to trump all robes — at least in the coziness department — this supersoft and fluffy option is a great way to pamper someone having a milestone birthday. Even famed stylist Rachel Zoe says it's one of her must-haves. Our editor decided to see what all the fuss was about and tested it out. She writes about what makes this robe worth the cost in this Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Robe review.

Editor quote: "The obvious answer is that I love how ridiculously cozy and comforting this robe feels while on — it's genuinely the softest thing in my entire apartment, and oftentimes even feels warmer than some of my larger blankets. The style is made from a plush polyester microfiber material that's irresistibly cozy and somehow manages to relax my body the moment I put it on; literally any tensions within my body become relieved. But the deeper, much more layered answer is that I appreciate just how much this robe has managed to elevate my post-shower routine." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Best Running Shoe
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Best Running Shoe

On Cloud 5 Running Shoe ($140)

For the runner who's turning 40, give them a pair of these light-as-air sneakers that are comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day. The slip-on style of the laces makes them convenient to throw on while the breathable mesh material cuts down on odor.

Best Nonstick Pan
PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Best Nonstick Pan

Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro ($150, originally $195)

This coating-free, nonstick pan relies on NoCo™ technology to create a slick surface that releases cooked food, making it an excellent choice for nontoxic cookware. It can also be used with metal utensils, and features a steam-release lid and a beechwood spatula that can rest on the pan's handle. Three of our editors tested it out and write about their experiences in this Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro review.

Editor quote: "I went with something a bit thicker and more ingredient-heavy: a savory Shakshuka. This recipe includes four eggs, which are cooked in between a blend of chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, and harissa. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to scoop the food out and portion it accordingly to different plates. The dish cooked evenly throughout and the pan was easy to clean after the fact; there were almost no food remnants and anything left could be scrubbed off easily with my sponge. The nonstick pan has quickly become a staple on my oven top and completely replaced every other pan in my kitchen." — KW

Best Long-Sleeved Pajama Set
PS Photography | Anvita Reddy

Best Long-Sleeved Pajama Set

Cozy Earth Women's Long Sleeve Pajama Set ($125, originally $195)

If loungewear is their jam, it doesn't get cozier than this buttery-soft pajama set, which is made from breathable, lightweight bamboo viscose and spandex. These pajamas have landed on Oprah's Favorite Things list two years in a row, and our editor agrees that they're worth every penny. For more details, read her Cozy Earth Women's Long Sleeve Pajama Set review.

Editor quote: "The brand says the pajamas are made from viscose from bamboo, but the material might as well be described as 'slices of heaven.' It's silky and smooth with cloudlike softness, with the ideal amount of slip that allows you to move around without friction. The fabric offers a bit of stretch and flexibility, too. The PJs are warm and cozy yet lightweight and breathable, meaning I can wear them through all seasons of the year." — AR

Best Earbuds
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Best Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds ($160, originally $249)

If they lost one of their AirPod earbuds or are just ready for an upgrade, this version comes with active noise cancellation with transparency mode if they want to still hear their surrounding environment, improved sound and call quality, silicone tips for a customized fit, and more control options. Our editor tested them out and includes her honest thoughts in this Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds review.

Editor quote: "The real benefit to these incredible gadgets, though, is the sound quality. The AirPods Pro have three settings: normal, transparency mode, and noise-cancelling. The noise-cancelling mode is a game-changer. I wore them on a plane, and it was like being in another world. I couldn't hear anything except my music, and that's the dream." — AR

Best Clogs
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Best Clogs

Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog ($170)

Lined with shearling, these clogs are like a warm hug for your feet and are easy to slip on and off. They have an adjustable strap, a contoured footbed for arch support, and a sole that offers good traction. Trust us, cozy footwear makes a fantastic 40th birthday gift.

Best Sound Machine and Sunrise Alarm Clock
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Best Sound Machine and Sunrise Alarm Clock

Hatch Restore 2 Bedside Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock ($170)

For anyone looking to improve their sleep quality, this sound machine and alarm clock hybrid uses gradual light as a more gentle alarm that mimics the rising sun. They can sync it up with the app to access a variety of relaxing sounds and adjust the brightness.

Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker
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Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker

Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker ($220, originally $250)

Every ice cream and frozen treat lover needs this device. It makes it incredibly easy to whip up all sorts of homemade concoctions — whether you're looking to make dairy-free or low-sugar ice cream or just want to experiment with a variety of ingredients, this compact machine can do it all. Our editor tested it out and writes all about her experience in this Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker review.

Editor quote: "It's tall, sure, but it's not wide or bulky, which saves major counter space. But the biggest draw of all is that using it really is as easy as the brand claims. It comes with a booklet containing 15+ Ninja Creami recipes for ice cream, 'lite' ice cream, sorbet, and milkshakes — and after studying all of my options, I opted to test out the Lite Vanilla Ice Cream With Chocolate Chips." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping

Best LED Light Therapy Device
PS Photography | Jessica Harrington

Best LED Light Therapy Device

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device ($455)

If you're looking to wow your loved one on their 40th birthday, why not give them the gift of light therapy treatments at home? This mask has LED red and blue lights that can help to diminish wrinkles and kill acne-related bacteria with just a few minutes of use a day. Our editor tested it out and writes about her experience in this Dr. Dennis Gross LED Light Therapy Device review.

Editor quote: "There are a number of things that I love about the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLight FaceWave Pro. First is the fit. Most LED masks that I've tried slip and slide around on my face, making them only usable when lying down and holding them in place. I can put this one on and go about my day, from watching TV to folding laundry. I also love how easy it is to use. There aren't any overcomplicated settings — you simply press a button and it begins to work its magic. Though LED light therapy takes a little while to see the benefits — Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare recommends you use it for 10 weeks to see results — I feel the blue-light treatment immediately reduces any redness I'm experiencing." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty


Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.