Gifts for a 40 year old man are actually pretty fun to buy! By this age, he’s both old and sophisticated enough to appreciate a good bourbon or wine or a well-made coat…but secure enough to admit he still loves games and fun. You can go either way with a gift – high-end and classy, or eight-year-old boy. He’ll probably love them both!
Our curated list of gift ideas for 40 year old men is sure to give you several possibilities of presents he’ll enjoy. Here’s to the next 40 years!
61 Creative Gift Ideas for a 40 Year Old Man
From fun games to sophisticated clothes and drinks, here’s a wide range of gift ideas for 40 year old men!
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones
If he’s been getting by with cheap, throwaway headphones until now, the ripe old age of 40 is a great time to get some high-quality headphones! These Bose headphones have three levels of noise cancelation and personalized settings. They’re also Alexa-enabled, so he can just speak and have access to music and information. The sound quality on these headphones is also excellent.
Men's Leather Sandals with Bottle Opener
These sound funny at first, but Reef sandals are great quality, and he’ll love the convenience of relaxing on a deck and being able to open a beer without standing up. These sandals make great gifts for a 40 year old man!
Citizen Eco-Drive Diver Quartz Men's Watch
A watch is a classic, sophisticated gift for a husband, son, or another special dude, and this one is a great choice! This Citizen watch is powered by any light source, so it’s continuously recharging and should run forever without using a battery. It’s water-resistant to 200 meters and holds up to just about anything. Citizen watches are wonderful gift ideas for 40 year old men.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
If you’re looking for 40th birthday gift ideas for men who enjoy mixing up cocktails, these cherries are perfect! The cherries are hand-picked in Oregon, then soaked in Woodford Reserve Bourbon for the perfect blend of sweet and boozy. They make great garnishes for drinks like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. They’re also a tasty treat for an ice cream sundae or other dessert.
Personalized Dopp Kit
Dopp kits (toiletry bags) make great gifts for a 40 year old man who travels, either for work or for pleasure. This kit has cool paint art on a dark blue background and a foil-pressed leather tag on the front that can be customized. It also has a water-repellant lining – very important for storing toiletries!
Zippo Flex Neck Utility Lighter
A man who enjoys grilling, camping, or just sitting by an outdoor firepit will appreciate this Zippo butane lighter! The flex neck and adjustable flame dial mean you can adjust your flame, and it doesn’t go out easily in the wind. There’s a child-resistant safety button and it’s solidly built to hold up for a long time.
Popcorn & Concession Cart
If you’re shopping for a movie buff, or just someone who likes to indulge his inner child every so often, this popcorn cart is one of those great gifts ideas for 40 year old men! He can keep it running in the basement or just pull it out on movie nights to bump up the atmosphere. Either way, he’ll have a blast.
Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds
These ice molds get rave reviews for making circular, 2 ½-inch ice cubes that are perfect for cocktails. Whether he’s serving up an Old Fashioned in a lowball, or a mojito in a highball, these ice cubes suit the occasion. Also…they look really cool.
NFL Game Used Uniform Wallet
If you’re looking for gifts for a 40 year old man who’s a serious football fan, these wallets are made from uniforms worn by football players during actual NFL games. The wallets are officially licensed by the NFL, and each contains a hologram sticker so the owner can look up online and see when the jersey was last worn and other information.
Dior Homme Eau de Parfum Spray for Men
Dior Homme is a popular cologne choice, and its woody floral scent is sure to be a hit. The fragrance includes notes of lavender, iris, and pear with a little cedar thrown in underneath. If he likes the idea of a signature scent, this makes a great option.
100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Movie buffs will love this poster of iconic movies, both as decor for their office or home and as a list they can use. As he watches each movie, he can scratch it off the list and keep track of what he wants to see next. Each time he scratches a movie off the list, a little movie-inspired artwork is revealed.
Nautical Seascape Sling Chair
Now that he’s hit the big 4-0, he’s earned the right to relax in this casual sling chair in the backyard…but still look classy doing it. This nautical chair has a grown-up seascape print, but the casual design keeps things cool.
Canway 65L Travel Duffel Bag
This duffel bag is great for a man who’s turning 40. It’s simple and won’t break the budget, but it still looks put together. There’s plenty of room for clothes for a weekend away or for a trip to the gym, and the bag comes in a variety of colors.
Bulldog Men’s Skincare Kit
It happens to all of us – as we age, we need to start paying attention to our skincare. In fact, 40 can be brutal because you can get both acne and wrinkles, all at the same time! Help him take care of his skin with products that are specially formulated for guys. From soothing shaved skin to washing off oils to keeping his face moisturized, this kit has everything he’ll need.
Custom Map Print
This custom, filled foil map is a gorgeous way to display a meaningful place. You can get a print of the city where he grew up, or where you met, or another city that means a lot to him, and have it made into this foil map to hang on a wall at home.
Titleist Players Golf Bag
If you’re looking for gift ideas for 40 year old men who love golf, this golf bag is a great option! It has two internal zippered pockets and an external pocket, and premium wheels and hardware. The black design with a pop of red is sleek and professional-looking…even if his golf swing isn’t (yet).
Orange Creamsicle Scented Candle
Take him back to his childhood with a candle that smells like a delicious orange creamsicle. The vintage-looking tin isn’t breakable and makes this versatile decor that isn’t too precious. He may even want several of these gifts for a 40 year old man to place in different rooms! Use this gift as a stand-alone or in a “Turning 40” gift basket.
Wool & Cashmere Scarf
Wool and cashmere are both great materials for staying warm! If you’re looking for gifts for a 40 year old man, this scarf is a great top layer for cold weather. The traditional cut and the black color make it a good, neutral option for any outfit.
Custom House Letterpress Portrait Art
This custom house print can bring on some serious nostalgia! Give your brother an artsy picture of his childhood home or your husband a picture of the first house you bought together. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to bring back some meaningful memories for him!
Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass
If you’re shopping for 40th birthday gift ideas for men who enjoy a good glass of whiskey, make sure they sip that whiskey out of a quality glass! This one won the 2006 Queen’s Award for Innovation. The crystal is gorgeous, the short base stand keeps it from toppling, and the glass is lead-free. Sláinte!
Wireless Meat Thermometer
One of the hard parts of grilling is knowing when the meat hits the right temperature. Too soon and the food won’t be safe to eat. Too late, and you’ve got a pile of charcoal for dinner. This wireless meat thermometer constantly monitors the temperature and alerts the chef when the meat is hot enough. It’s one of the best 40th birthday gift ideas for men who love to BBQ!
Personalized Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for gifts for a 40 year old man who likes camping and outdoor gadgets or enjoys his DIY projects, this personalized pocket knife is a unique but useful present! You can have the side of the knife engraved with his name or initials, and it includes a corkscrew, small screwdriver, knife, and several other small tools.
A Craft Beer Club Membership
Craft beer enthusiasts will love this club membership! You can sign up to send him 12 or 24 beers per month from small, independent breweries around the country. Each shipment includes beers from two different breweries from two different areas in the country. He’ll also get tasting notes for each beer, plus recipes to pair them with and a little bit of trivia. This would make a great birthday or even Christmas present for a special guy in your life!
Seashell Succulent Garden
If you’re looking for gifts for a 40 year old man who loves gardening or growing things, this is a great one! Actually, if you’re looking for gifts for a man who has a hard time keeping plants alive, this is still a great gift – succulents are pretty hard to kill. Help him nurture his plant daddy side!
Personalized Apron
Whether he’s a barbeque grillmaster or he enjoys baking with his kids or cooking up a storm, this personalized apron is among the great gifts for a 40 year old man! The apron is sturdy, 100% durable cotton, and it has a custom foil-pressed leather tag. It’s machine-washable, and the copper buckle elevates this to be a very dapper apron.
A 6-Pack Of Curated Wines
A lot of us can appreciate a nice glass of wine, but we don’t necessarily feel confident choosing a bottle ourselves. This wine club takes the pressure off with curated Dinner Party Packs. Get him a grouping of six white, red, or mixed wines and let the wine club do the work of picking out the particular brands.
Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
If you need 40th birthday gift ideas for men, an indestructible flashlight is a great choice. Whether he loves camping, needs it to work on the car, or just wants extra light for outdoor, evening walks, and activities, this one will hold up. The beam illuminates 309 yards (282m), and it has 115 hours of runtime.
Custom Bar Signs
These custom bar signs are made in the U.S. from oak barrels, and each one is unique. They’re 22 inches in diameter and are perfect for hanging in a basement man cave, garage, office, or another spot he likes to hang out.
Leatherette Travel Cigar Case Gift Set With Cutter & Lighter
If you’re looking for gift ideas for a 40 year old man who enjoys a nice cigar, give him a case to save and transport them in! This travel case comes with a cutter and lighter and fits 5 cigars. It zips closed to keep everything clean and in its place while he’s on the go.
Cuisinart Duet Blender/Food Processor
Every man needs a good blender. He’ll find tons of uses for this one – it blends smoothies or frozen cocktails, and the food processor attachment will shred, dice, chop, and more so he can use it for cooking as well. They may not be conventional, but these make great gifts for a 40 year old man! Especially those who do like to cook (at least a little bit).
Queenstown Wool & Cashmere Sweater
As we get older, most of us find ourselves moving away from trendy, inexpensive fashion to investing in classic pieces that stand the test of time. When you consider the cost per wear, an expensive cashmere sweater that lasts for years ends up being a budget-conscious choice…and it looks so much better. Buy him one or several in various colors. Classic cashmere sweaters are wonderful 40th gift ideas for men!
Founding Fathers Whiskey Glasses
If he’s a history buff, these whiskey glasses featuring quotes and images of the Founding Fathers make great gifts for a 40 year old man! You could even pair them with a nice bottle of whiskey for a truly special gift.
Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser
This cold brew maker does, in fact, make cold brew coffee. But it also works as a tea infuser, and he can use it to infuse his water with fruit as well. When it’s not in use making beverages, it also makes an elegant drink pitcher.
As a cold brew coffee maker, it will hold in the freshness and flavor of the coffee for up to two weeks. Fortunately, it’s also dishwasher safe, so it’s not hard to clean.
That's A Horrible Idea Wine Chiller
If you have a friend who was always getting you into trouble (or if you are that friend…) this makes a great gag gift for a 40th birthday! The wine chiller reads, “That’s a horrible idea…what time?” and it serves to keep one bottle of wine cold for hours.
Create Your Own Reel Viewer
Channel his childhood with this reel viewer like the ones that were popular when he was young! In this case, however, you get to choose the pictures he’ll be viewing. You can create a reel with pictures from his childhood or pictures of your relationship with him over the years. Guaranteed to make him smile!
1,000 Places to See Before You Die Book
If he loves to travel, or if he needs inspiration to get out and travel, this book is for him! It lists 1,000 places to see before you die. Rather than being a reminder that none of us is getting younger, hopefully, it’s an inspiration to get out and see the world!
Personalized Record Cutting Board
This tempered glass cutting board features a reproduced classic LP. Get him his favorite record and he can chop his veggies while remembering his favorite songs. The cutting board is unique enough that you can leave it out as decor in the kitchen, even when the board isn’t in use.
Popcorn Sugarwish
Take him back to his Cub Scout popcorn-selling days with a delicious assortment of popcorn! Sugarwish specializes in fancy popcorn and candy, and this assortment of popcorn in three different flavors makes a great present for a coworker or popcorn-loving friend. It would also do well as part of a turning 40 gift basket.
Kingdoms Lawn Game
If you’re looking for unique gifts for a 40 year old man who has a home with a backyard, this lawn game provides hours of fun for him and his friends. It has kingdoms and realms. It has castles and armies. It has balls to chuck at his opponents. Instead of a casual afternoon barbeque, he can turn his next get-together into a quest for ultimate domination and bragging rights. What’s more fun than that?
A Good Bottle of Whiskey
Consumable presents like food and drink are wonderful 40th birthday gift ideas for men because they use them. Plus, you can likely buy the same thing again in a year or two and they’ll be just as happy to get another one. Also, if they’re very nice, they’ll share with you. Saucey delivers a variety of whiskeys and other alcohol – pick your buddy’s favorite!
Single Breasted Overcoat
Like a cashmere sweater, this coat costs a little more, but he’ll have it for years (and it won’t go out of style). It goes with any occasion – he can toss it on over jeans and a sweatshirt or wear it with a suit, and it looks equally appropriate.
Ballparks Bucket List Tracker Wall Art
If his dream is to see a game at every baseball stadium, trackers like this bucket list wall art make great gifts for a 40 year old man! The canvas is delivered with 100 pins, so he can add one to each ballpark after he visits it. It’s art and a to-do list all in one.
Wild Man Grooming Kit
With this gift, he can take care of important skin care rituals like moisturizing and cleansing while smelling like a mountain stream. The Body Butter for after showers has a fir scent, while Mountain Morning aftershave soothes skin and has bacteria-fighting ingredients. The skin care kit comes in a wood crate with moss and dried leaves so he can really feel like he’s bathing in the woods.
Adjustable Weight Dumbbells Set
This set of adjustable weights is great for a home gym or just for him to have on hand to use while watching TV or hanging out. The weights range from 12.8 lbs – 44 lbs and the connecting rod has foam covering for a comfortable hold.
Juniper Bonsai
He can nurture a little life with this juniper bonsai tree, trimming it and cultivating it to grow. The tree looks great on a desk, coffee table, or bookshelf. If he has a stressful job or other worries, bonsai trees make wonderful gifts for a 40 year old man!
Mixology Bartender Kit
If you want gift ideas for a 40 year old man who wants to learn to make his own cocktails, this kit has everything he’ll need to begin. He can make pro-level cosmos and Manhattans with the martini shaker. The set also comes with a double jigger, alcohol mixer spoon, and cocktail cards that show how to make popular drinks. The kit all comes with a wood stand to display it and find everything he needs easily.
Personalized Dog Mug
Looking for gifts for a 40 year old man who’s a proud pet parent? This mug is customizable with a picture of his fur baby and will be sure to cheer him up while he’s having his morning coffee. He can take it to work to show off his pup or even get a series of several mugs with different photos on each.
Kindle
A Kindle makes a great present for anyone who loves reading. The newest Paperwhite is waterproof and holds twice as many books as before. It’s also great for those of us who find our eyesight isn’t what it used to be. You can enlarge the print on a Kindle so that books are just as easy to read as always.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Fitness & Exercise Mat
Yoga is a great exercise for people as they get older. It helps with balance and core strength, and it can also be a great relief for people with high-stress jobs or other worries. Get him a yoga mat and help him find his moment of zen in a crazy world.
The Barbecue! Bible
Steven Raichlen can teach everyone all they need to know about the art of grilling and barbecuing. He covers making the perfect T-bone, along with grilling a variety of other meats and even desserts. More than one person has picked up this book to read just enough to grill up dinner…and then found themselves devouring it like a novel.
Vintage National Park Posters Set
If he loves to head to the great outdoors and is happiest when he’s sleeping on a forest floor, these posters will commemorate that passion for the wilderness. The poster set includes the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Get them framed and he can hang them throughout his house, his office, or bedroom. They make great gifts for a 40 year old man!
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
A good, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is always a good choice for a present. He can set this one outside while he grills, bring it to the beach, or keep it indoors to play music while he’s at home. It’s also compact enough to travel well, and it comes in a variety of fun colors.
Custom Pet Portrait
If he’s a proud dog dad or a cuddly cat parent (or even the owner of a more unusual pet), get him a creative custom portrait of his furry (or scaly…or feathery…) pal. You just upload a picture of his pet to the site, and the artist will make a watercolor-inspired print that he’s sure to treasure.
Weber 18'' Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
There are a lot of fancy grills out there, but nothing beats the charcoal-flavored goodness of a good old Weber grill. Grilling old school – just a man and his coals – also provides more of a challenge that a lot of temperature-regulated grills with all the bells and whistles don’t provide. If he likes to go back to basics, Weber grills make great gifts for a 40 year old man!
Adidas Originals Men's Superstar Sneaker
Speaking of old school, this Adidas sneaker style has been around since 1969, and it still looks fresh and cool. Grab him a pair of these classic sneakers – they go with everything from sweats and shorts to jeans and suits.
PopSockets Grip For Most Cell Phones
This is one of those small presents that is hugely satisfying and useful. Get him a PopSockets grip so he can easily hold his phone or prop it up on a surface. These make great, inexpensive, but very practical gifts for a 40 year old man!
Filson Ripstop Nylon Backpack
Everyone needs a good, sturdy backpack and by the time he’s 40, it’s time to stop looking like he’s going to high school. This ripstop nylon backpack is rugged and has lots of pockets for organizing stuff. A snap on the top keeps everything in place, and the sleek black color just looks cool. Take it climbing up a mountain or on the subway to work.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses
These sunglasses have been cool since Tom Cruise slid across the floor in 1983, and they’re still cool now. What’s more, they have UV protection to guard his eyes, acetate frames that won’t break easily, and polarized lenses to cut down on eye strain. They’re a fashion trend you can pull off in your 20s…and still in your 40s.
Wallet Ninja Credit Card Sized Multitool
This multitool fits in his wallet and has a variety of useful features, including a ruler, a screwdriver, a can opener, and a nail puller. It also fits within TSA guidelines if he’s traveling with one. It’s another of those small, inexpensive presents that he’ll find himself reaching for again and again.
SONY PlayStation 4 Slim Console
He may be 40, with a job and possibly a house and a family, but that doesn’t mean he can’t relax and have fun playing video games! This SONY PlayStation console is slim and lighter than before, with a 1TB hard drive to store games, apps, and more.
Ninja 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate
Cooking gadgets make great gift ideas for 40 year old men who love to cook or want to make sure they’re eating healthy! This indoor grill has several healthy cooking options, including an air fryer, a grill, and a dehydrator for fruits and veggies. He’ll set himself up well for the next 40 years with this healthy gadget.