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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30 BEST PERM HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN TO CHOOSE FROM

Looking to add some volume, texture, or a touch of drama to your hair? A perm can be a fantastic way to achieve a new and exciting look. Whether you’re going for a classic spiral perm or a modern beach wave, there’s a perm style out there to suit every taste and hair type. In this guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best perm hairstyles for women, offering inspiration and tips for choosing the perfect style for you.

BLONDE PERM HAIR WITH THIN DEFINED CURLS

It’s no surprise that permed hair is especially popular among those with loose natural textures. This treatment enhances your hair’s natural definition and texture beautifully. By leaving a gel cast on small, thin curls, you can achieve a sleek, wet look without needing to use any water.

GRAY PERM BOB WITH BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS

If you’ve reached the age of gray hair, you likely remember when perms meant super-tight curls. Thankfully, times have changed! Nowadays, you can enjoy a perm that results in beautifully textured loose waves without any of the unwanted kinks.

NATURAL LOOKING MID-LENGTH PERM HAIR

This perm offers a more natural look than traditional styles, making it a great choice for those who love big, curly hair. While frizz can be a concern, using gentle cleansers and moisturizing conditioners makes natural-looking permed hair easy to manage. Best of all, it complements all face shapes!

SIDE-PARTED LOB WITH TOUSLED CURLS

A tousled curly perm is a fun, carefree style to consider for your next look. Try parting your hair deeply to one side, allowing some curls to fall into your face for a playful peek-a-boo effect. Embrace the messiness—imperfect curls add to the charm!

ASYMMETRICAL TOUSLED PERM BOB

Women with thick, wild hair should lean into their natural texture and embrace their individuality. Permed hairstyles are a fantastic choice! Let your curly ringlets shine as your crown, cascading forward in a playful peek-a-boo style. Ash brown is beautifully complemented by white-blonde highlights that weave through each loopy curl, adding depth and dimension.

LONG LAYERED PERM HAIRSTYLE

Do you gaze at your long wavy hair and feel it lacks that extra “oomph”? This often happens because long hairstyles prioritize length over bounce and shape. A light perm can enhance your natural curl pattern while maintaining your length, giving your long brown hair a luxurious, voluminous appearance. Plus, bronze highlights add a beautiful shimmer!

TOUSLED WAVY PERM BOB

A bob haircut is an excellent base for a perm. Whether you choose a wavy perm or loose curls, you’ll enjoy a cute hairstyle that requires minimal styling. If you have a favorite product, just apply a dab to enhance your look, and you’ll be ready to shine all day!

LONG DARK WAVY HAIRSTYLE WITH HIGHLIGHTS

If you have naturally fine hair that could use some lift, consider a body wave to add extra texture and volume. If you’ve experienced tight spiral perms, you know they can shorten your hair significantly as curls spring up. Instead, opt for looser, wider curls to maintain length while still achieving bounce and visual interest. This black curly hairstyle will look healthy and shiny!

BOB WITH THIN ROOTS-TO-ENDS PERM CURLS

Not a fan of large, thick ringlets? Thin, abundant curls can give you the same volume as bigger curls. You can achieve this look with a diffuser attachment or opt for a perm for a low-maintenance style that’s easy to manage.

SHORT BOB WITH BODY-BOOSTING CURLS

The modern bob is more about waves and tousles than sleek, straight lines. A perm adds a fresh twist to this classic cropped style, while a body perm offers natural root lift that lasts all day. Keep the layers simple, as your new curls will provide all the volume you need!

LOOSE WAVE PERM

Beach wave perms and spirals instantly add volume to fine hair. If you’re aiming for a shorter look, opt for bouncy curls. For a more casual and effortless vibe, beach waves are the perfect choice!

BEAUTIFUL PERM LOB FOR GRAY HAIR

This stunning gray permed hair exudes a youthful vibe. The white side part beautifully frames the face and adds flattering height for an elongated look. Lowlights introduce a natural touch of color, enhancing the overall fullness and depth.

SHRINKING CURLS

Perfect for medium-length hair, these spiraled curls start loose and tighten toward the ends. The subtle blonde highlights add depth, making your hair appear twice as full—yes, please!

SILVER FOX PERM

Silver hair already makes a bold statement, but you can elevate it even more with a voluminous head of giant curls! This permed style, created with a large rod, results in stunning big curls that bounce beautifully all around.

MEDIUM LAYERED CURLS WITH BANGS

This medium perm features adorable, shaggy ringlets that reach the collarbone. Golden blonde highlights define each tendril, while curly bangs beautifully frame the face. Tighter curls are especially flattering on medium-layered hair.

SHOULDER-LENGTH ASH BLONDE PERM HAIRSTYLE

A short hair perm is an excellent way to boost your hair’s natural volume. Fans of tight curls are heading to salons for this style. When choosing the right length for a perm, remember that you can expect at least half an inch of shrinkage as a general rule of thumb.

LARGE LOOSE PERM CURLS

If you have a classic style and love big, loose permed looks, you’ll adore these large, bouncy curls. Loose spiral perms aren’t for the faint-hearted—you’ll want to rock this hairstyle with the confidence of an ’80s pop star! To keep your perm looking natural, gently run your fingers through your hair to separate the curls.

BLACK LAYERED PERM WAVES

Wavy perms provide a fun twist to straight hair, adding body and life to flat strands. These natural-looking, shiny locks can be parted on the side or in the middle to suit your mood. Plus, the length is perfect for styling into a bouncy ponytail or a loose, curly updo!

HIGHLIGHTED PERM LOB HAIRCUT

Perm hairstyles are both versatile and stylish. This curly perm features bouncy curls with added texture at the top. The dark roots are beautifully complemented by blonde highlights, which enhance depth and make the spirals truly stand out.

LONG BLONDE BALAYAGE SHAG WITH PERM WAVES

Every girl dreams of having permanent waves that look natural, so why not try a beachy wave perm? This style for long hair exudes shaggy, 1970s vibes, especially when paired with a bright blonde balayage. Embrace the look by letting your natural roots show—it’s all part of the charm!

THE TRADITIONAL PERM 2.0

Nowadays, women with perms are showcasing fresh ways to style them while staying on-trend. These skinny, bright blonde curls add movement, giving volume, depth, and body to shoulder-length hair while beautifully accentuating your face.

PERM BOB WITH LARGE CURLS

If you’re after a short hair perm with big curls, this pretty, slightly tousled chin-length bob is a perfect choice. Shapely tendrils frame the face, adding a sassy edge to this feminine hairstyle.

OFF-CENTER CURLY HIGHLIGHTED HAIRSTYLE

There are various types of perms, so you’re not limited to super kinky ringlets. A wavy perm at shoulder length offers a lovely option. Part your hair slightly off-center to allow those loose curls to fall naturally where they may.

BEACHY BLONDE WAVES

Nothing captures the boho beach babe vibe quite like long blonde waves! This wavy perm is ideal for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, natural look that’s full of volume and personality. TIP: Adding layers can help reduce any unwanted poof!

SPIRAL PERM STYLE FOR FINE HAIR

This modern perm is incredibly wearable and can be styled with a deep side part, which softens features and complements your look while creating a narrowing effect on your face shape. Opt for a spiral perm to achieve these classically curly tresses!

PERMED BOB

Don’t shy away from volume or texture in short, permed hairstyles! With a great cut shape, you won’t have to worry about it feeling “too curly.” Embracing this look is a fantastic way to keep your perm feeling fresh and modern.

MEDIUM PERM HAIR WITH HIGHLIGHTS

Medium-length hair offers a variety of curl pattern options, allowing for both tight and loose curls. If the curls feel too heavy around your face, you can pin back curly bangs to showcase your facial features beautifully.

OVER 40 PERM LOB FOR GRAY HAIR

Loose curls are both voluminous and flattering for most women, framing the face and neck while adding height for an overall lift. A side part, face-framing layers, and peek-a-boo bangs further enhance this effect, creating a beautifully balanced look.

SHOULDER-LENGTH MEDIUM PERM CURLS

These bouncy shoulder-length curls feel fresh and modern, far from outdated permed styles. This mane looks healthy and free of frizz, while subtle highlights add definition and texture, enhancing the overall volume and thickness.

DYNAMIC IRREGULAR PERM WAVES

Curls are anything but regular and symmetrical; their charm lies in their delightful unpredictability. A perm will give you permanent waves, and thanks to the irregularity of curls, you can enjoy a completely new hairstyle every day!

CONCLUSION

A perm can be a fun and exciting way to transform your look. With so many different styles to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect perm for you. Whether you’re looking for something classic, trendy, or low-maintenance, consider incorporating a perm into your hairstyle routine. Remember to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best perm type and techniques for your hair. With proper care and styling, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting perm.