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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40 BEST FALL HAIR COLORS TO TRY THIS SEASON

Autumn is a time of transformation, not only in nature but also in our fashion choices. As the leaves change hues, so too can our hair. The season’s cooler temperatures and cozy atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for experimenting with new hair styles and colors. From rich, warm tones to cool, edgy shades, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 40 of the best autumn hair and color ideas to inspire your next transformation.

AUBURN HAIR COLOUR

Looking to refresh your hair this season? Consider a beautifully rich auburn shade to bring your look to life. This deep auburn hue complements a variety of skin tones and eye colors, making it a perfect choice for a vibrant and stunning transformation.

MULTI SHADES OF CARAMEL

If you’re a brunette considering lighter shades, give this look a try. Copper caramel offers a stunning multi-tonal effect with rich hues of copper, dark gold, and caramel or honey. The front face-framing strands feature a subtle strawberry tint, adding a bold and eye-catching element to this gorgeous hair color.

Red Chestnut hair

If you have dark hair, there are plenty of autumn color options to consider. From rich chestnut (like the stunning example below) to dark chocolate, auburn blends, brown caramel, warm caramel, or dark caramel highlights, these shades will elevate your hair game this season.

Stunning Illuminated Brazilian Brunettes

Here’s another gorgeous multi-tonal look. The hair starts dark at the roots and gradually transitions to lighter shades of golden brown and blonde. The blend of colors is stunning, with the face-framing caramel blonde adding a bold, statement-making touch.

Red Velvet Hair

If you’re into bold colors, this hair idea is a must-see. A deep, almost-burgundy shade of red is a trending choice for the fall season. The rich tones are stunning, and it’s a chic way to add depth to dark hair, as the red hue creates a beautifully blended look.

Velvet caramel

If you’re searching for a stylish color and glam hairstyle to try this season, this idea is for you. Featuring long, voluminous waves in a rich caramel shade, this look is both trendy and stunning. The color adds depth and dimension, while the waves make it perfect for any occasion.

Golden blonde face frame highlights


Being a brunette is amazing, and there’s so much you can do with it. Brunettes can have a lot of fun with hair color, like this look below, which features multi-tonal blondes. The bright blonde at the front face-framing pieces really adds a vibrant touch and lights up your whole look.

Bright blonde face framing

Check out this stylish bronde look! The hair starts dark at the roots and transitions into a beautiful bronde shade—a stunning blend of brown and blonde. The color looks natural and vibrant, with the face-framing sections adding extra brightness. This would be a fantastic choice for summer, especially with waves that give a beachy vibe.

Golden and honey shades for brown hair

If you have dark brown hair and want to transition to golden blonde, check out this stunning color idea. The hair starts dark at the roots, gradually shifting to light blonde and finishing with a rich golden blonde at the ends. This color blend creates a warm, golden look with beautiful honey tones.

Scandi Blondes


Just like its name suggests, Scandi blonde captures the natural, sun-kissed blonde look of Scandinavian women. If you have dark hair and are considering a switch to Scandi blonde but are unsure about the result, check out this stunning example. The hair starts with dark roots and transitions beautifully into a platinum blonde, blending perfectly with curtain bangs and waves. This icy, radiant color will make you stand out all winter long.

Timeless ombre highlights

Being a brunette is fantastic, and there are so many ways to refresh your look. Consider this brown ombre hair idea with multi-tonal blonde highlights. Blonde highlights are timeless and beautiful, and these warmer tones will look stunning year-round, especially during the fall and winter.

Brunette with copper highlights

Here’s a stunning hairstyle and color idea perfect for fall. This gorgeous brunette with copper highlights will definitely turn heads. It’s a versatile color that looks amazing on everyone. If copper isn’t your style, you can opt for other blonde shades that will look just as fantastic.

Caramel Brown

Here’s another stylish option for autumn: a textured light brown caramel shade. This warm and trendy caramel color works beautifully with long hair, blending seamlessly from dark natural roots to rich brown caramel. It’s a color combo that’s hard to resist!

Brown and blonde

Looking for blonde hair inspiration? Check out this stunning transformation from natural brown to blonde. The hair starts dark and gradually transitions to light blonde and golden blonde with expertly placed highlights. It’s a beautiful color shift from brown to blonde, creating a trendy and stylish look.

Brunette with highlights

If you want to keep your brunette base but refresh your look for autumn, consider this beautiful idea. The hair starts with a deep dark color, then adds golden caramel highlights around the mid-lengths and front frame. This edgy and trendy style brings a fresh update to your brunette look for the new season.

Bronde bob

Can’t decide between blonde and brown? Try bronde shades! There are so many stunning bronde options to explore. Here’s a stylish example that transitions from dark brown to bright, golden blonde. This chic bronde bob perfectly blends both shades for a sophisticated look.

Light copper

Here’s a beautiful hairstyle and color idea: a subtle light copper blonde ombre that seamlessly blends with a painted bronde neutral tone. The combination creates a uniquely gorgeous effect.

Blonde Layeres

Looking for fresh blonde hair color inspiration? Check out this cute idea that combines beautiful platinum blonde with a more subtle golden blonde. Each shade is blended through a darker natural base, creating a stunning gradient effect.

Chestnut brown

With long, beautiful hair like this, chunky highlights can detract from its natural beauty. Instead, the colorist wisely chose a soft ash brown base with subtle chestnut highlights, enhancing the main color and adding a radiant shine in the sunlight.

Ash brown with subtle pink

Ash brown is always a soft and feminine choice, and here’s a stunning example. The hair starts with a dark root color and transitions into a light ash brown shade with subtle pink highlights. This beautiful color combination is complemented by a lovely layered haircut.

Beauty balayage

Balayage offers incredible versatility, allowing you to blend a variety of shades while still maintaining a natural look. If you’re seeking new hair color inspiration for autumn, we have a fantastic option to explore. This stunning style features lighter blonde shades for a wintry effect, contrasted with darker tones, creating a beautifully dynamic look with effortless movement.

Creamy Soda Tones

Can you believe this dreamy hair only requires foiling twice a year? To achieve this color, Paris Rose Hair Artistry used full off-the-root foils, shadowed the roots, and toned the ends with a level 9 for those perfect creamy soda tones.

Blonde Bobs

Styling short hair can be a lot of fun! For a more relaxed, beachy look, curl your hair while leaving the ends softer.

Blonde lob haircut and colour

This medium haircut with a stunning blonde color is perfect for simple, on-trend hairstyles. It’s easy to maintain—just wash and air-dry, especially if you have a slightly wavy texture.

Soft volume ponytail

This hair color is truly stunning. If you’re looking for a glamorous makeover, check this out. The beautiful blonde shades, combined with the waves and the ponytail, create a stylish look with added volume. The color perfectly complements the haircut, making it a standout choice.

Brazilian Brunettes

Here’s another amazing brunette hair color that will blow your mind. If you’re considering sticking with brunette or exploring blonde shades, this look might just convince you to try it. This hairstyle features medium-length brown hair with beautiful blonde highlights.

Brown and Caramel Hair Colours

Looking for a stylish brown hair color? Check out this chic look with golden caramel highlights. The warm caramel tones are perfect for fall and winter. This medium-length brown hair features caramel highlights around the front frame, creating a beautiful duo that complements each other perfectly.

Vanilla Blonde

Here’s another stunning blonde hair color that blends various shades on a layered haircut. The roots begin with a darker, almost dirty blonde, transitioning to a lighter blonde from the mid-lengths and fading down.

Caramel highlight layered hair cut

If ombre and bold highlights aren’t your style, consider this option. Here’s a medium-length hairstyle with thin caramel highlights. The subtle highlights create a natural and elegant look, adding a touch of glamour and giving your hair a beautiful lift.

Summery hair colour

Here’s an amazing summery brown hair color with highlights—perfect for brightening up your brown locks. We love the haircut and style; it’s ideal for summer and will give you a beautiful sun-kissed look.

Scandi Blonde Hair Colour

With so many stunning blonde tones to choose from, our next feature is Scandi blonde. This style starts with a slightly darker blonde at the roots, transitioning to a light blonde shade. It’s a beautiful look, and these warm tones will be perfect year-round, especially in the fall and winter.

Fall hair colour

Here’s another great hairstyle for transitioning from late summer to fall. This idea features a medium-length layered cut with subtle, thin blonde highlights. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to incorporate blonde into their look in a subtle and stylish way.

Bob bronde with highlights

If bright blonde isn’t your style, consider this balanced hair color that’s neither too bright nor too dark. This stylish look features a bob haircut with highlights, striking the perfect middle ground.

Blonde with waves

Don’t underestimate the power of foils. No balayage, freehand painting, or root stretching here—just one powder lightener and one gloss toner. The key to achieving the perfect blonde is understanding the depth of color level for toning.

Bronde natural looking hairstyle

We’re blown away by this gorgeous layered haircut and color. If ombre and bold highlights aren’t your style, consider this option: medium-length hair with caramel highlights. These subtle highlights offer a natural, elegant look, adding a touch of glam and giving your hair a beautiful lift.

Beige Blonde with strawberry subtle

Considering a new blonde hair color? With so many tones to choose from, it can be tough to decide. Check out this unique shade: dark roots transitioning into light blonde with subtle strawberry and beige tones. This beautiful hairstyle features warmer hues that will look stunning all year round, especially in the fall and winter.

Delicate and sophisticated

Dark brown hair with blonde highlights exudes delicacy and sophistication. Various shades of golden blonde are seamlessly blended throughout the wavy lengths.

Gorgeous golden bronde

Here’s another stunning example of highlights and lowlights that create endless depth. This autumn-perfect hair color blend combines rich browns with subtle blonde tones, mimicking the beauty of autumn leaves.

Golden caramel

Here’s another beautiful hairstyle that will brighten up your brown locks with warm golden caramel highlights. These highlights add a lovely lift and brightness to your hair. The layers further enhance the cut, adding texture and dimension to complete the look.

Brown with subtle warm blonde

Love subtle blonde? If you’re looking for a new hairstyle and fall hair color, check this out! This gorgeous look features brown hair with warm blonde highlights. It’s perfect for those who want to maintain their brunette base while incorporating a natural blonde style.

CONCLUSION

As the leaves change hues and the air grows crisp, autumn offers the perfect opportunity to transform your look. So, don’t hesitate to embrace the season’s beauty and experiment with your hair. Whether you choose a classic fall look or a bold new trend, the results are sure to be stunning.