These 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Wife Have the Wow Factor

If your wife turns 40 this year, then congratulations are in order. Whether she's marking the milestone with a big party or a low-key celebration, it's an opportunity to spoil her with a memorable present. If you're looking for unique and special 40th birthday gift ideas for your wife, then you've come to the right place. We've searched high and low to find the best gift ideas for a wife turning 40, from thoughtful keepsakes that evoke nostalgia to thrilling experiences that'll make the occasion unforgettable. You'll also find a few luxury gifts for your wife on our list if you'd like to splurge on this occasion. Find our favorite picks below.

1. Birth Flower Necklace

Photo: Made By Mary

It's hard to go wrong with a jewelry gift for your wife, especially for her milestone 40th birthday. This symbolic necklace is stamped with her birth month flower and can be stacked with two more discs to represent different family members (think: you or her kids.) Choose from sterling silver, 14K gold or rose gold fill for an elegant accessory she can wear daily.

2. Classic Pajamas

Photo: Lake Pajamas

Pajamas make excellent gifts for any occasion—yes, even your wife's 40th birthday. Elevate this simple gift idea by splurging on Lake's luxe sleepwear. This striped set includes a three-quarter-sleeve top with matching shorts and pants to keep her comfy year-round. Each piece is made from 100% Pima cotton with piping details for a stylish finish.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

3. Personalized Wine Bottle

Photo: Mano's Wine

Wondering what to get your wife for her 40th birthday? A fancy bottle of wine is a good place to start. This personalized bottle from Mano's Wine is etched with her name, date of birth and a short birthday message on the outside, while the inside holds a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. Once she's finished sipping the wine, she can display the bottle as a cool keepsake.

4. Crystal Tennis Bracelet

Photo: Swarovski

Here's one of our favorite 40th birthday ideas for a wife who loves to accessorize: a Swarovski tennis bracelet. This sparkly piece is made with zirconia crystals and comes in four different colors, so you'll likely find a style she'll adore. Pair it with matching earrings for the ultimate jewelry gift for your wife's 40th birthday.

Want to get 10% off? Use Theknot10 code at the checkout.

5. Fresh Flower Subscription

Photo: BloomsyBox

If you're looking for a last-minute 40th birthday present for your wife, fresh flowers are a great idea. BloomsyBox offers a speedy next-day delivery service, so she'll never know you left it so late. But why stop at just one bouquet? Sign her up for a subscription to surprise her with new blooms every week, fortnight or month.

Get 20% off subscriptions and bouquets with the KNOT20 code.

6. Personalized Self-Care Box

Photo: Uncommon Goods

We'll let you in on a little secret: One of the best 40th birthday gifts you can give your wife is time for herself. If she's always looking after others, this pampering gift set will help her prioritize self-care. It's filled with goodies like lavender soap, face masks and lip balm, but that's not all we love about it. You can personalize the box with her name for a thoughtful touch.

7. Apple Watch Accessories

Photo: Goldenerre

When it comes to 40th birthday gift ideas for a wife, jewelry rarely fails. Even if she's not into fancy baubles, she probably wears a smartwatch regularly. Upgrade her favorite accessory with this Apple watch band set. Available in silver, gold or rose gold, it includes a basketweave band and a matching bangle that she can wear separately or stack together for a layered look.

8. Luxury Perfume Set

Photo: Chanel

Shopping for a luxury 40th birthday gift for your wife? Get her some new perfume to start her next decade on a high note. This Chanel perfume set includes the brand's iconic No. 5 fragrance and a body oil that's perfect for scent layering. Bonus: She'll love displaying these elegant bottles on her vanity.

9. Washable Silk

Photo: Lunya

Lunya is our go-to spot for 40th birthday gifts for a wife who loves loungewear. Everything in their sleepwear collection is a dream to wear, including this luxurious Mulberry silk robe, which is available in core and limited edition colors. The fabric is thermoregulating and soft on the skin, while the tie waist belt provides a comfortable fit. It also has pockets and is machine-washable for hassle-free laundering.

First-time customer? Use the FOR-TK code to get 15% off your purchase.

10. Leather Tote Bag

Photo: Cuyana

A versatile tote is a great gift for a wife who's always running errands. This roomy bag is made from Italian leather and has space for everyday essentials like a laptop and a journal, so it's perfect for work and play. Add her monogram to the outside for a more personal finish.

11. Birth Flower Glass

Photo: Uncommon Goods

The best 40th birthday gifts for a wife don't always require a major splurge. This stemless wine glass is a thoughtful (and affordable) option that'll put a smile on her face. It's printed with motifs of her birth flower for a sweet nod to the month she was born. Pair it with a bottle of wine so she can try it out right away.

12. Custom Birthday Candle

Photo: Birthdate Candles

Instead of putting candles on her cake, why not give your wife a personalized flame? This cool candle is inspired by the day she was born and features tarot, numerology and astrology details on the label. It's made from coconut-soy wax and features a custom scent designed especially for her birthday. It's definitely one of the most unique 40th birthday gifts for her.

13. Luxe Hair Dryer

Photo: Dyson

Your wife's 40th birthday is the perfect time to get her something she's coveted for a while, like a Dyson hair dryer. This popular appliance is designed to dry hair quickly while protecting it from heat damage for a softer and smoother mane. Sure, it's a splurge, but when you consider that she'll use it almost daily, it's worth every cent.

14. Exciting Travel Experience

Photo: Tinggly

Experiential gifts are a great idea if you're trying to decide what to do for your wife's 40th birthday. With Tinggly's "Bucket List" package, she can choose from over 8,000 activities across 100 countries worldwide, from surfing lessons in Australia to cooking classes in Italy. There are also lots of options within the US if you're planning a trip closer to home.

Use the TK code to receive 10% off all experience gifts.

15. Trendy Lounge Top

Photo: Lululemon

The athleisure trend is here to stay, which is great news if your wife prefers casual dressing. Surprise her with some luxe loungewear from Lululemon on her 40th birthday. This funnel neck top is made from a breathable cotton blend and features a kangaroo pocket with a hidden phone sleeve. We love the oversized fit that's perfect for layering over leggings.

16. Diamond Huggie Earrings

Photo: Blue Nile

Your wife only turns 40 once, so it's understandable if you want to spoil her on this special day. Her eyes will light up when she unwraps these petite huggie earrings from Blue Nile. They're crafted from 14K white gold and embellished with round pavé diamonds that'll add subtle sparkle to any outfit. They're easily one of our favorite 40th birthday gifts for a wife who loves timeless accessories.

17. Personalized Storybook

Photo: Wonderbly

How cute is this personalized storybook? Inspired by your wife's name and birthday, it's filled with custom pages detailing what you love about her. It also includes trivia about her season, sun sign and birth tree for a fun touch. Add your favorite photos, quotes and messages for a unique 40th birthday gift that'll touch your wife's heart.

18. Comfy Sneakers

Photo: Allbirds

While sentimental gifts are a great option, they're not the only way to impress your wife on her 40th birthday. A pair of Allbirds sneakers is a practical (and sustainable) gift she'll appreciate. These kicks are made from durable cotton canvas and finished with eco-friendly materials, like recycled polyester and foam insoles derived from corn and sugarcane. They're a sporty gift for anyone who loves consciously made products that are comfy and stylish.

19. Faux Fur Blanket Throw

Photo: Cozy Earth

Give her the gift of comfort with this luxurious throw from Cozy Earth. Made from plush faux fur, this five-foot blanket is perfect for relaxing on the sofa or adding extra warmth to your bed. It's a really nice 40th birthday gift for a wife who likes to unwind by binge-watching her favorite show.

Use THEKNOT code to get 30% off selected products.

20. Meaningful Wall Art

Photo: ShareThatParty

After four decades of ups and downs, your wife may feel a little overwhelmed on her milestone birthday. Remind her of why she's so awesome with a piece of meaningful wall art. This custom print features 40 things you admire about her, from her bright smile to her sense of humor and more. The design is fully customizable, so you can include traits that are truly unique to her. Note: The finished piece is a digital file you can print off and frame yourself.

21. Engraved Jewelry Box

Photo: Personalization Mall

Still trying to come up with 40th birthday ideas for your wife? This engraved jewelry box could be the answer. It features a mirrored lid you can personalize with a romantic birthday message and a soft velvet interior to protect her treasured pieces. For a grander gesture, hide a new piece of jewelry inside to surprise her.

22. Cake and Wine Box

Photo: Wicked Good Cupcakes

We couldn't compile a list of special 40th birthday gift ideas for her without some delicious cake. This gift box from Wicked Good Cupcakes puts a cool spin on the tradition, as it comes with two cupcakes in a jar, confetti cake bites and sparkling wine. The set also includes salami, cheese, birthday candles and a party popper for a celebratory finish.

23.Meaningful Necklace

Photo: HopeLoveShine

This minimalist necklace features four interlocked circles to represent each decade of her life so far. Symbolic and stylish, it's a sweet 40th birthday present for your wife that she can wear with any ensemble. Choose from sterling silver or gold vermeil to suit her preferences. Bonus points for the very giftable packaging.

24. Monthly Book Subscription

Photo: Cratejoy

Finding a meaningful 40th birthday gift for your wife doesn't have to be tricky—it can be as simple as taking inspiration from her favorite hobby. If she likes to read, a monthly book subscription will get her excited. Not only will it encourage her to spend time doing what she loves, but it will also help her refresh her reading material. Just choose her preferred genre and the subscription length for a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving.

25. Birthday Gift Box

Photo: GreenandGlowStudio

This curated gift box is a good 40th birthday gift for a wife with a great sense of humor. It's crammed with treats like bath fizzers, soap, lip balm and a stemless wine glass printed with the message: "Forty and fabulous" for a fun touch. It also has a coconut wax candle with a label that reads: "More fun than two 20 year olds." Cute, right?