40th Birthday Gift Ideas

40^th birthday gift ideas aren't limited to "over the hill" mugs and prank walking canes. A 40^th birthday is a major milestone, and you'll want to put some extra effort into the gift. Here are some suggestions to spark ideas for 40^th birthday presents:

Gifts Associated With the Number 40

• Print and frame a list of 40 things the birthday person has accomplished.
• Print and frame a list of 40 things you love about the birthday person.
• Assemble 40 pieces of gourmet chocolate.
• A gift basket of 40 small items that represent the birthday person's favorite activity. For example, a magazine of the person's hobby, several bath soaps, a candle, a cd of relaxing music and tea bags will please a spa lover. For a golfer, go with a set of golf balls, a golf book, a gift certificate to a driving range, tees, a few protein bars and a power drink.
• A list of 40 reasons to celebrate. Consider writing the reasons on separate cards. Tell the recipient to carry them around and look at a random one when she needs a boost.

Gifts Associated With the Person's Age

• www.oldtimecandy.com has a gift basket with all of the popular candies from the childhood of a 40-year old.
• www.giftsforgeezers.com features a personalized birthday chronicle, which looks like a newspaper and features events that happened on the birth date of the 40-year-old. You can also add your own items about the person's family or other personal events.

Getting Older Gifts
You can give an over-the-hill present if the recipient would appreciate old jokes. Many people, though, don't feel old enough for this yet. "40 and Fabulous" might be a better theme than "you old fart." Of course, if you can make it handy, such as lost key organizers, or a magnetic write erase board for to do lists, this kind of gift might come across as thoughtful. Choose wisely!