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20 BEST 40TH-BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO RING IN THE NEXT DECADE

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and the perfect gift can make it even more special. The best 40th-birthday gifts reflect the recipient’s personality and interests, ensuring they feel truly appreciated on their big day. Whether you’re shopping for a best friend, a hard-to-please family member, or a partner who seems to have everything, we’ve got something to impress them.

For a hassle-free option, a curated gift set is always a winner—especially if it includes indulgent beauty finds. Prefer a more personal touch? Create a themed gift box tailored to their interests, whether it’s a spa-inspired self-care kit, travel must-haves, or cozy home essentials. Personalized gifts, like a custom book or monogrammed accessories, show thoughtfulness and effort, making them extra meaningful. If you’re looking to go big—perhaps with a group gift or a luxurious splurge—an upscale item will leave a lasting impression.

Our golden rule for gifting? Choose something they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves but would be absolutely thrilled to receive. From thoughtful presents for women to fun finds for men and sentimental treasures for loved ones, our gift guide takes the guesswork out of shopping. Just don’t forget to top it off with a heartfelt, handwritten card they’ll cherish forever.

INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C TONER – $12.55 (AMAZON), $20.00

Give her skincare routine a refresh with this brightening toner. Infused with witch hazel, lavender, and botanical extracts, it helps cleanse and hydrate while combating signs of aging. One reviewer raved, “My skin looks hydrated and smoother instantly—so glad I tried this product!”

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSER – $20.00 (AMAZON, SEPHORA, MOROCCANOIL)

Treat her to a little luxury in the shower with this ultra-hydrating body wash. Former Shop TODAY editor Ellen Abraham describes it as “an affordable luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth.” Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this cleanser is a must-have.

AOA STUDIO PAW PAW COLLECTION GIFT SET – $25.55 (MISS A), $31.60

For the homebody who loves a little pampering, this set is a beauty lover’s dream. It includes cozy slippers, a highlighter set, a handheld mirror, and more for the ultimate self-care experience.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MINI SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE – $29.00 (ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS, ULTA, SEPHORA)

A makeup essential for everyday looks or glamorous nights out. Featuring warm and shimmery tones, this palette is a favorite among beauty lovers. Ellen Abraham says, “This timeless eyeshadow palette has everything you need for both natural and bold styles.”

DEARFOAMS EZ FEET SCUFF SLIPPER – $37.99 (WALMART)

After a long day, her feet will thank her for these ultra-cozy slippers. Made with 100% Australian sheepskin lining and plush cushioning, they provide ultimate comfort and warmth.

THE COMFY ORIGINAL OVERSIZED MICROFIBER & SHERPA WEARABLE BLANKET – $41.99 (AMAZON), $49.99 (QVC), $54.99

For someone who’s always cold, this wearable blanket is a game-changer. It’s oversized, ultra-soft, and perfect for lounging around the house—or even staying cozy outdoors.

BALA BANGLES – $55.00 (AMAZON, TARGET)

These stylish, adjustable weights add extra resistance to workouts, whether worn on wrists or ankles. A favorite among fitness enthusiasts, Bala Bangles are perfect for elevating her cardio sessions.

SAHIRA JEWELRY DESIGN DARIA HOOPS – $58.00 (SAHIRA)

A timeless jewelry piece, these tarnish-free gold hoops are a perfect addition to her accessory collection. Simple yet stylish, they’ll complement any outfit effortlessly.

ARTIS FINI COSMETIC BRUSH – $65.00 (HSN)

If she’s looking to upgrade her makeup tools, this premium blending brush is a must-have. Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown says, “I’d heard so much about Artis brushes—I tried it, and it’s hands down the best blending tool I own.”

SWEEJAR STORE PORCELAIN TEA SET – BRITISH ROYAL SERIES – $69.99 (AMAZON), $75.99

For lovers of historical dramas and elegant tea parties, this stunning tea set includes a teapot, teacups, saucers, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, and a stainless-steel strainer. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and conversation.

STILOSA ESPRESSO MACHINE BY DE’LONGHI – $75.99 (TARGET), $83.99, $99.95 (QVC)

A coffee lover’s dream! This compact yet powerful espresso machine makes barista-quality coffee at home. Senior Partnership Editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”

RENÉE ROULEAU TRIPLE BERRY SMOOTHING PEEL – $88.50 (RENÉE ROULEAU)

This antioxidant-rich peel helps brighten and even skin tone, making it a skincare essential. “I use this peel weekly, and it has transformed my skin,” says Ellen Abraham.

VERA BRADLEY WEEKENDER TRAVEL BAG – $101.25 (VERA BRADLEY), $135.00

Spacious, stylish, and durable, this quilted weekender bag is perfect for quick getaways. Made of nylon, it’s lightweight yet sturdy—ideal for frequent travelers.

AERANGIS DISCOVERY JOURNEY GIFT SET – $110.00 (AERANGIS, ETSY)

If one candle isn’t enough, this set offers three signature scents, a wick trimmer, and a scent story card for a luxurious aromatherapy experience.

NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM BIRTHDAY BOOK – $125.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

A thoughtful keepsake, this book compiles The New York Times front pages from every year since her birth—perfect for history buffs and nostalgic moments.

HATCH RESTORE SMART SLEEP ASSISTANT – $169.99 (HATCH)

For the woman who needs better sleep, this all-in-one device combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, and meditation app to create the ultimate nighttime routine.

LILYSILK TRIMMED SILK WOMEN’S LONG-SLEEVE PAJAMA SET – $185.00 (LILYSILK)

Made from 100% grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk, this ultra-luxurious pajama set is perfect for beauty sleep in style.

OSTRICHPILLOW GO NECK PILLOW – $69.00 (OSTRICHPILLOW, AMAZON)

Ideal for frequent travelers, this memory foam neck pillow offers 360-degree support for restful sleep—even on the most turbulent flights.

PERSONALIZED BOURBON BARREL FLIGHT WITH GLASSES – $85.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

For whiskey lovers and entertainers, this handcrafted bourbon barrel flight comes with four tasting glasses—perfect for a refined home bar setup.

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG² – $121.99 (AMAZON), $127.99 (TARGET), $149.95 (QVC)

No more cold coffee! This smart mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. One happy customer shared, “It truly keeps my beverage at the same set temperature long enough for me to enjoy every last drop at my own pace!”

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10 TALL PERENNIAL FLOWERS

Tall perennial flowers are a fantastic way to add height and structure to your flower garden. They work wonderfully at the back of borders, helping to conceal unattractive fences while also providing added privacy. Here are 10 stunning and easy-to-grow tall perennials to consider for your garden.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN (RUDBECKIA HIRTA)

Black-Eyed Susans are vibrant yellow perennials that can reach heights of up to 3 feet (90 cm). They thrive in full sun and benefit from regular deadheading to extend their blooming period. To prevent overcrowding, it’s recommended to divide them every 3 to 4 years.

Alliums

Alliums are striking tall perennials from the onion family, known for their large purple flower heads made up of numerous small blooms. These flowers can reach heights of up to 4 feet (120 cm). They thrive in full sun and typically bloom in late spring to early summer.

African Lily (Agapanthus)

Agapanthus is a clumping perennial that produces beautiful bluish-purple or white flower heads, reaching heights of up to 4 feet (120 cm). It thrives in full sun in cooler climates or partial shade in warmer regions. To maintain healthy growth, Agapanthus can be divided every two to three years, once the plants have finished flowering.

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

Red Hot Poker, also known as Torch Lily or Poker Plant, is an excellent choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your garden. These striking plants can reach heights of up to 5 feet (150 cm) and spread up to 3 feet (90 cm) wide, so they require ample space to thrive. They grow best in full sun and can be divided in the fall to promote healthy growth.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flowers are striking red perennials that attract hummingbirds to your garden. Although they are short-lived, typically lasting 3 to 4 years, they self-seed easily, ensuring new plants will flourish each year. These plants usually grow between 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) tall, but can reach up to 6 feet. They thrive in both part shade and full sun, and are also deer resistant, making them a great addition to your garden.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus, also known as Sword Lily or Gladdies, are vibrant perennials that grow 3 to 4 feet tall and come in a variety of bright colors, including pink, purple, red, cream, yellow, and orange. Depending on your climate, Gladiolus can be grown as annuals or perennials. In areas with freezing winters, the corms can be dug up and stored indoors until spring, while in warmer climates, they can be left in the ground over winter. These plants may require staking to protect the flower spikes from strong winds. Gladiolus also make stunning additions to flower arrangements, and the stems can be cut once the lower flowers start to bloom.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxgloves are beloved perennials known for their tubular flowers that line the stems. These flowers come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, yellow, white, and red. Foxgloves thrive in full sun or part shade, but in hotter climates, they may need some afternoon shade to prevent stress. While they self-seed readily, removing dead flower spikes can help prevent unwanted plants from sprouting in your garden.

Delphinium

Delphinium is a stunning tall perennial that can reach 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in height. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, and are excellent for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Delphiniums thrive in full sun, with protection from strong winds, and can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)

Delphinium is a stunning tall perennial that can reach 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in height. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, and are excellent for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Delphiniums thrive in full sun, with protection from strong winds, and can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.

Hibiscus

Delphinium is a stunning tall perennial that can reach 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in height. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, and are excellent for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Delphiniums thrive in full sun, with protection from strong winds, and can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.

CONCLUSION

Tall perennial flowers can add drama and vertical interest to your garden. With their towering presence and vibrant blooms, they can serve as focal points, create privacy screens, or form stunning backdrops for other plants. By carefully selecting and placing these majestic flowers, you can transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking haven. With proper care and attention, these magnificent plants will bring years of beauty and joy to your landscape.