40th Birthday Gift Ideas for People Celebrating Midlife in Style

They say 40 is the new 30. And as with any transitional moment in life, there can be pressure to commemorate the occasion in a big way. From little indulgences that enhance their everyday routine to more generous offerings that they’ll treasure for years to come, finding the right gift is part of the fun.

If their drink of choice is a Martini, try Versa’s bottled take on the classic cocktail. The brand recommends chilling the bottle for at least 30 minutes before building over ice, serving with olives and a dash of brine to make it dirty, or simply with a twist. $75/versacocktails.com.au

Not only is this moisturiser housed in the most beautiful bottle, it’s scented with Officine Universelle Buly’s signature subtle fragrance. The lightweight body milk can be used all over and works to soften, soothe and nourish skin. $77/mecca.com

For the hostess with the most-est, Maison Balzac’s cello-shaped apron is the perfect dinner party accessory. The linen design matches the Sydney brand’s whimsical take on homewares – the rest of the La Danse collection brings plenty of theatrics to the table. $79/maisonbalzac.com

Slip’s silk pillowcases don’t just add a luxe touch to bedding sets, they can also help skin and hair by limiting moisture loss. The smooth texture reduces the friction that can cause you to wake up with frizzy or tangled hair. And the cool touch also keeps hot sleepers more comfortable. $99/theiconic.com.au

Bed Threads might be best known for its range of linen sheets, but the Aussie brand also offers an elevated collection of tablecloths and dining-table essentials. The rust colourway pairs well with napkins in earthy hues like terracotta and turmeric for summer spreads. $120/bedthreads.com.au

Emma Lewisham’s eponymous skincare line has amassed a loyal following since launching in 2019. Known for its signature purple packaging and efficacious products, the New Zealand brand offers this set of minis as the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to take their skincare routine up a notch. $145/emmalewisham.com.au

Australian fragrance house Goldfield and Banks uses local botanicals to create its collection of scents. From citrusy and fruity to woody and earthy, the brand is known for its high concentration of fragrance, which lasts all day. Gift a sample set and let them choose their favourite before buying a full size. $239/sephora.com.au

Baina’s towels are a favourite among Broadsheet editors. And when the antipodean brand introduced a bathrobe to its range earlier this year, it became an instant wishlist item. If your friends and family are anything like us, they’ll love you for adding to their bathing routine with a luxe terry robe. $275/shopbania.com

P Johnson’s tailoring is a cut above the rest. And the brand’s woven silk twill scarves are endlessly elegant. The square design can be worn tied at the nape of the neck with their favourite blazer or even wrapped around the handle of a classic tote bag. $295/pjt.com

Frequent flyers will love July’s signature carry-on suitcase. It comes equipped with an ejectable battery with USB and USB-C docks, holding enough power to charge phones and laptops on the go. And you have the option to personalise the case with their initials or a picture of their pet. $325/july.com/au

Green thumbs will obsess over Garden Glory’s luxury hoses. The chicest addition to their backyard, this gift may well repay you with fresh cut flowers or veggie patch produce in due time. $329/gardenglory.com

There’s an artful quality to Dinosaur Designs’ Paradise leaf earrings. The colourful resin style is accented with golden brass details and brings an air of relaxed glamour to outfits. $330/dinosaurdesigns.com.au

Caffeine fiends will love you for amping up their morning routine with Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro. There’s a choice of 60 settings that offer the perfect texture for any brew: French press, filter or espresso. $349/breville.com/au

This textured take on a traditional signet ring is part of Sarah & Sebastian’s debut men’s collection (but it can be worn by anyone). It’s offered in sterling silver or 10-carat yellow gold and comes finished with a polished square face. The linear pattern that trims the design is inspired by a tyre tread – a motif found throughout the range. $380/sarahandsebastian.com

There’s nothing better than a new pair of PJs. But Maison Essentiele’s classic striped shirt and pants are more special than the usual sleep attire. Made from crisp cotton, the unisex styles are core to the Sydney brand’s offering of elevated home essentials. $380/maisonessentiele.com

Curio Practice’s handwoven blankets are the definition of everyday luxury. They’re made from merino wool and come in bold checked designs to fit queen- and king-sized beds – but we think they look equally chic thrown across a sofa. $530/curiopractice.com.au

A kitchen icon, Kitchenaid’s stand mixer is a must-have for bakers. Picking the right colour might be the hardest decision you’ll make – is the gift receiver a classic cream person or into one of the 15 other colours? Fingers crossed they repay you with freshly baked bread and cakes for years to come. $670/kitchenaid.com.au

Gozney’s ovens bring woodfired pizzas to backyards big and small. The brand’s latest launch is the most compact design yet. It’s perfect for setting up on apartment balconies, shared gardens or inner-city courtyards. The “plug and play” set-up means this oven is ready to go as soon as they unbox it. Just pop in the batteries and plug in the gas. Plus, one of Gozney’s key selling points is that you can cook a pizza in about 60 seconds. Make sure you secure a standing invite to any future pizza nights. $1199/au.gozney.com

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