These Hilarious 40th Birthday Gifts Are Exactly What Your Friend Needs

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Even those not inclined toward a big blowout birthday party have to concede that the 40th birthday is worth celebrating. Four decades on this planet is a major accomplishment — the least you can do is get 'em a birthday card, right? But why do the least ... when you can do the most? The best 40th birthday gifts range from sentimental, thoughtful tributes to funny t-shirts to useful household items.

Our favorite gift selections are from Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Anthropologie, and more retailers. We have gifts under $100, under $20, and even a couple under $10. Get one thing or get all the things — just get something you know they'll love. And while they're considering how to celebrate their 40th birthday, start planning how you can make their day extra special. First idea: an extravagant girls' trip to Las Vegas. Not in the budget? How about a trip around the chain restaurants in your town to score a bunch of birthday freebies? Once you're done shopping and plotting, it's then time to think about what your birthday message to them will be on Instagram.

Long story short, we've got so many ideas on how to make your wife's, husband's, friend's, parent's, coworker's, or sibling's 40th birthday the absolute best. Start with these gift ideas, and keep exploring our site for more celebratory inspo.

May the Forties Be With You Tumbler

The Star Wars nerd will love this mug, a nod to the iconic line: "May the force be with you."

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Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo

All aboard the gua sha train! This handy little tool smooth lines and calms puffiness, especially when paired with Pink Moon's signature facial oil.

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Birthday Gift Box of Nostalgic Candy

Even if they're not still as big of a sweet tooth as they were in the '80s, they'll be delighted to open a box of the most popular candy from their childhood. The 1984 version is filled with classic treats like Nerds, Airheads, and those little sugar-button things.

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Romanticize Your Life Baby Tee

You know what never goes out of style? A cool t-shirt. This cropped option will remind her — and everyone around her — to live life to the fullest.

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Funny Best Friend Birthday Card

The beauty of this card is that it can be given for any birthday past 29 and have the same effect.

RELATED: Simple and Sweet 'Happy Birthday' Wishes for Your Best Friend

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Essential Apron

Aprons for dads can skew a little cheesy — and not in the good, melty way. This option from Hedley & Bennett, however, is trendy with just a touch of silliness.

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40 & Fabulous Gift Basket

Looking for an all-in-one gift? This turquoise gift basket includes a tumbler, a candle, soap, a bath bomb, and more to help her ring in a new decade of self-care.

RELATED: Best Clothing Subscription Boxes to Gift Friends

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Birthday Wishes Flower Cake

Getting flowers for someone who's not really a flower person? Get a cake! Er, sort of. 1-800-Flowers makes cool floral cakes in a variety of colors, including this coastal-vibes pattern. It also comes with a balloon — so festive.

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Trophy Husband Whiskey Glass

Looking for a small gift that'll make him chuckle? Go for this whiskey glass. It's great on its own, but even better paired with some whiskey stones.

RELATED: More Gifts for Him That He'll Love Forever

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Kiota Delicate Pendant Necklace

It doesn't matter how much jewelry she has, she could always use more! This 24K gold-plated heart pendant is handcrafted in Kenya with responsibly sourced materials and also comes in silver, if that'll go with more of her earrings and bracelets.

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Funny Birthday Wine Bags

Planning to pick up a bottle of wine on the way to the surprise 40th party? Just order one of these bags on Amazon to make your gift extra special.

RELATED: Funny Gift Ideas for the Guys in Your Life

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Club C 85 Vintage

Throw it back to the '80s with one of the most popular shoes of the decade: Reebok's Club C 85 Vintage. The unisex sneaker is back in style and comes in 11 colors.

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Customized Spotify Acrylic Plaque

For $10, it doesn't get much better than this personalized acrylic plaque. Choose from several birthday-friendly designs and have it shipped within 10 days.

RELATED: Best Gifts for Her Under $50 That Don't Look Cheap

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Skin School Kit

If getting an anti-aging skincare set won't offend her, Clinique's popular "Skin School" kit is the way to go. The three products are packed with ingredients proven to repair, regenerate, and renew skin. (It also comes with a 4.7 rating on Ulta, which is high praise.)

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How Not to Become a Crotchety Old Man by Mary McHugh

Is he already exhibiting the characteristics of a grumpy old guy? Stop those signs in their tracks with this funny book — also available for burgeoning crotchety old women.

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A Dozen Reasons You're My Friend

If sentimentality is her love language, opt for a jar of customizable chips. Select a dozen messages (from 50 options) to be printed on wooden tokens; she can pull one out whenever she's feeling down and remember why she's the-bomb-dot-com.

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Upgraded Beard Grooming Kit

Tens of thousands of Amazon reviewers have given this grooming kit five stars, saying it's a great value for all the products included. He'll get tools like scissors and a brush, along with two types of hydrating oil, conditioner, and more.

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Birth Month Flower Scarf

If she loves celebrating her birth month but already has a jewelry box full of birthstone necklaces and a cupboard full of zodiac-themed mugs, opt for a floral scarf featuring the designs of watercolorist Juliet Meeks.

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4-in-1 Dimmable LED Night Light & Charger

Looking for a birthday gift for a coworker, boss, brother, friend, or just about anyone with a smartphone? This popular charger triples as a dimmable nightlight and a portable speaker. It says, "I don't really know what you like, but I care about you enough to get you something cool."

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Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater

Of all the sweaters J. Crew makes — and they make a lot of sweaters — this cable-knit number is the one with the most glowing reviews. Buyers say it's super-soft, versatile, and works in any season. Not in love with the white? It comes in four other colors.

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Dimmable Flower Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer

This vintage-style lamp would be cute on its own, but it just so happens to be attached to an adjustable candle warmer. There are 11 colors, but this neutral blush would look good in any room.

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Thundercats Classic Logo T-Shirt

If they were born in 1984, chances are high that they grew up watching Thundercats. They'll love this shirt even more than Snarf loves Lion-O.

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Blossom Drop Earrings

Ivory is just one of seven colors to pick from with these top-rated earrings from Anthropologie. The unique design will improve just about any outfit, whether you go with blue, coral, or mint.

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Cross Bracelet for Women

If faith has been a part of her journey, this cross bracelet will be a subtle reminder of her commitment.

RELATED: Christian Gifts to Celebrate Their Faith

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The Original Phin Kit

If they've mastered Parisian espresso and have a whole freezer full of Columbian blends, feed their appetite for quality brew with a Vietnamese coffee starter kit. The kit from Nguyen Coffee Supply allows you to choose from ground or whole beans and three delightful blends. (Note: You'll have to buy the mug separately.)

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Eden Sunflower Bouquet

Fresh flowers remain one of the most popular long-distance gifts, and the Eden bouquet from The Bouqs Co. is one of the company's most beloved. Featuring sunflowers, carnations, and roses, this arrangement will look great in their kitchen.

RELATED: How to Make Flowers Last Longer: 9 Pro Tips From Florists

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Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles

These runners from Allbirds are comfortable, water-repellant, and trendy as heck. They come in 13 colors, several of which are on sale!

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39ish Wine Glass

If they're not thrilled about turning another year older, this humorous wine glass will remind them that age is just a number. The text is etched on so it's durable, and the glass is dishwasher safe.

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New York Times Custom Birthday Book

This unique book, which features covers of The New York Times from every birthday they've had, has over 1,000 five-star reviews. Customers loved the quality, which is fitting for a coffee table book, as well as how it sparked conversation.

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Makeup Bag

This waterproof bag is perfect for storing makeup or other essentials like tech accessories and toiletries. It offers a sweet reminder of their birth year, and how special they are to you.

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"You Still Look 21" Candle

This candle derives its humor from a cheeky message printed in the style of an optometrist's chart.

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40th Birthday Card

This thoughtful and affordable (under $6!) card includes fun facts to take them back to their birth year — from popular TV shows, to hit songs and the price of basic household items. One happy customer wrote, "I love this card, it definitely brought back memories to the gifted! My only wish is they made this exact card for every birth year!"

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TOLOCO Massage Gun, Deep Tissue Back Massager

With four decades under his belt, he's bound to have a few aches and pains that this portable massager can alleviate. It comes well-tested with over 39,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and features multiple speeds and 10 different massage heads.

Everywhere Belt Bag

If they're nostalgic for '80s fashion, they'll be thrilled that fanny packs are back in style (now labeled as belt bags). This one from Lululemon is water-resistant to keep all their belongings safe no matter the conditions.

RELATED: Top-Rated Belt Bags for All of Their Essentials

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Vintage-Inspired Tee

This humorous vintage-inspired tee feels custom since it celebrates the recipient's year of birth. It's budget-friendly at under $20 and is available in a range of colors and styles to choose from.

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Anxiety Self-Care Box

If the recipient of your gift deals with a lot of stress, this self-care box could offer some much-needed healing. Each box comes with a curated selection of products that provide tools and activities for anxiety and other mental health challenges.

RELATED: Best Cozy Gifts for Everyone on Your List

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You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children

Sure, Oh! The Places You'll Go is great for a graduation gift. But this cheeky version of the Dr. Seuss classic is perfect as a 40th birthday gag gift.

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New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle

This is no ordinary jigsaw puzzle. Completing it will assemble a front page of The New York Times from a special date in history (like their birthday!).

RELATED: Best Personalized Gifts and Unique Gift Ideas

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Vintage 1984 Coffee Set - Bamboo Lid & Glass Straw

This cup set can be used for any beverage, but it's especially great for iced coffee since it comes with a sealed bamboo lid and glass straws. It's customized with their birth year, and includes fun facts to read while they sip.

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Better Every Day Journal

At a time ripe for reflection, this daily guided journal is designed to help the recipient nurture the best version of themself. It has a prompt for each day, intended to promote self-love, self-improvement, and growth.

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