While some people may say that "40 is the new 30," the reality of turning 40 hits some individuals hard. Turning 40 is the unofficial marker for middle age, which may trigger thoughts of self-worth, re-evaluating one's life, pondering health concerns that once seemed unimaginable, and reflecting on what the remaining decades may bring. Or the person turning 40 may have a tremendous sense of humor and security and will take this birthday in stride. All of this should be taken into consideration when choosing a gift.
Reflect the milestone of 40
An "over the hill" coffee mug may be funny to everyone except the person who unwraps the novelty gift. Plus, such a token is rather obvious, since the person you know turning 40 is probably one of numerous friends about the same age, meaning you've already been to plenty of parties where people wear black armbands and swap "over the hill" mugs and bottles of Geritol.
Instead, consider gifts that reflect your friend's personality. A music lover might enjoy a CD mix of 40 songs by a favorite band, or 40 free downloads from an online music store. A $40 gift card to a bookstore makes a perfect gift for a bookworm. A chocolate lover won't be able to resist a basket with 40 individually wrapped gourmet chocolates. As an added touch, you could compile a list of 40 significant things that occurred the year your friend was born, or perhaps share 40 reasons your friendship with this person has made a difference in your life.
Gifts that respect their age and indulge their dreams
People turning 40 have had a few years to ponder what's important in their lives. Chances are, their interests and tastes are well-cultivated by now, and if there are certain things they want, they probably have bought them. The trick to giving the perfect gift to a 40-year-old is to build on that person's interests and perhaps encourage him to follow through on long-held goals.
You might consider a book that highlights changes in people turning 40. It's a time to take stock of a life lived thus far, and you may find that many of your 40-something friends are recommitting themselves to the dreams they set for themselves 20 years ago---or pursuing new goals.
An evening tutorial with a professional chef makes a nice gift for the aspiring cook.
Many cities sustain small winemaking and beer-brewing businesses where amateur vintners and brewers can make their own wine and beer. For the cost of a couple of cases of good beer, you can send a friend out for an evening so he can make his own.
So if you know someone who has talked often of scuba diving off the coral reefs of Australia, buy a book on the subject and wrap it with a pair of flippers to underscore the point. Audio instruction programs on CD are a perfect gift for the lifelong learner. Know a woman who wants to learn to speak French, but spends two hours a day commuting in her car? Buy a CD course in conversational French.
Single parents turning 40 have precious little time to themselves. Consider the gift of baby-sitting for an evening---either offer to do it yourself or pay for a sitter so your friend can enjoy a few hours of freedom.
Classy, elegant and understated
People often mark milestones with sentimental gifts designed to last a lifetime. An engraved, personalized item makes a thoughtful gift that is likely to be enjoyed for many years. Fine writing instruments can be engraved with names and dates. Money clips and purses can be monogrammed, as can such clothing items as belts, sweaters, dress shirts and sporting apparel.
And while there may be some lingering misconceptions that gift cards are an impersonal way to give a present, the reality is that people with a passion for certain interests really enjoy shopping for items that enhance their hobbies and pursuits. Just load a gift card with the cash amount you feel comfortable with, then slip the card in an envelope and sign a note. You have the satisfaction of knowing your 40-year-old friends will get something they really want.
Tags: perfect gift, turning have, your friend, gift card, over hill