The Best Gifts for 40-Year-Old Women (Even the Most High-Maintenance One)

If you’re shopping for a 40-year-old woman – whether it’s your best friend, sister, or yourself – you already know she’s probably not easy to impress. By this age, we know what we like, appreciate quality over quantity, and we aren’t afraid to buy ourselves what we want. 

So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a woman who has impeccable taste (and maybe a little high-maintenance energy), I rounded up the best options at every price point, from luxurious splurges to thoughtful under $50 finds.

My friends and family would tell you that I’m very hard to shop for but I can tell you that’d be excited to receive anything on this list.

I HIGHLY recommend shopping for the holidays early this year to make sure you can get gifts under the tree in time. I also love to shop early every year so that I can enjoy it so much more and can focus more on enjoying the holiday season once it arrives. And many of the gifts below may be discounted this week for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which is another great reason to place your orders sooner rather than later!

Best Gifts for Women

Top 3 Picks

If you’re short on time or overwhelmed by choices, start here. These are the three gifts that any 40-something woman will love, no matter her personality or lifestyle.

1. Jenni Kayne Anything

If she doesn’t already own something from Jenni Kayne, this is your sign. The Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan or Shearling Moroccan Slippers are classics for a reason. I own the slippers and a sweater from there are they are next-level luxurious — and have lasted me for five years and counting.

2. Mejuri Jewelry

Mejuri makes minimal, timeless, and high-quality jewelry without the designer markup. They have gold hoops, dainty necklaces, and stackable rings that are perfect for gifting since they’re simple and even those who are extremely picky will like most of their designs. I own both the Sapphire Huggies and the Satellite Necklace and have gifted both to friends. More of my Mejuri favorites are rounded up here.

3. A Classic Purse

A leather crossbody or structured tote is a gift she’ll use for years, and if you get a unique shape, it may be one she doesn’t already have (Cuyana and Sezane make great options). Choose a neutral color like taupe, ivory, or cognac for a classic option.

Luxury Gifts

If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or simply want to go big, I promise you that no one will be sad about getting one of these.

• A Chanel Bag (or Similar Designer Splurge) – A forever piece that says “you’ve arrived.” If a Chanel isn’t in the budget, look for vintage or preloved options (which I actually prefer), or go for a Celine, YSL, or Polène bag for that same elevated aesthetic. The Real Real and Fashionphile are reputable places to shop for preloved designer bags.
  
• A Classic Watch – You can’t go wrong with a sleek, minimalist watch if the has more classic, timeless style.  Think Cartier, Michele (like this beautiful watch at Neiman Marcus), or Nordgreen for varying price points. I also have this gorgeous two-toned watch from Tory Burch that’s a bit lower price point. 

• Ring Concierge Jewelry – There’s a reason they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Tommy got me diamond studs similar to these for an anniversary and they’re something I always look forward to wearing. If you want to shop online, Ring Concierge is a reputable store. I also own these diamond huggies from there, and they’re truly stunning.
  
• Cashmere Sweater – You can’t go wrong with a luxe cashmere sweater from Jenni Kayne, Quince, or Naadam. It’s timeless, soft, and versatile. You can even get luxury options under $200.
  
• Espresso Machine – The Breville Barista Express or a sleek DeLonghi espresso machine transforms her kitchen into a European café. If she wants one that’s more hands-off, the Jura makes remarkable espresso and lattes with one button. You could pair it with pretty glass mugs for bonus points, but honestly, there’s no need.

Under $200

These mid-range gifts hit the sweet spot – high quality, thoughtful, and indulgent without being over the top.

• Lounge Set or Robe – I have multiple lounge sets and robes that I use every single day. My favorite all-weather robe is from Weezie, and my favorite winter one is the Cozy Robe from LAKE. And my favorite loungewear is from LAKE, hands down. I love the Relax Jogger Set too. (Size up if you’re on the fence.)

• Cute Mahjong Mat – A playful, aesthetic gift she can enjoy with girlfriends. Throw in these mahjong tiles and you’ve got a complete set.
  
• Personalized Tote – A monogrammed canvas tote (think the Paravel Cabana Tote or the Mark & Graham Canvas Tote) is both functional and personal. This is something I don’t own and would personally be excited to get!
  
• Rabbit Fur Fingerless Mittens – My content manager gave me mittens just like these last year after I borrowed hers on a trip to Utah and fell in love. She generously gifted me a pair for Christmas, and they’re so soft and glamorous, but still practical. 
  
• Rothy’s Cozy Clogs – These are not your average slippers. These are stylish enough to wear out, but comfortable enough to wear all day inside.

Under $50

Affordable doesn’t have to mean boring. These thoughtful small gifts are perfect for friends, teachers, sisters, or stocking stuffers.

• Beauty Sets – From Rhode lip gloss + blush duos to mini perfume samplers from Lake & Skye one, these are fun and probably something she wouldn’t buy herself. Nordstrom and Sephora are the perfect places to grab these.

• Tortoise Wine Glasses – A fun, chic upgrade to her bar cart that’s guaranteed to earn compliments. I own these and love them, and gave them to my son’s preschool teachers last year. (More Amazon gift ideas here!)
  
• Affordable Jewelry – BaubleBar and Electric Picks make high-quality jewelry that doesn’t feel cheap. These gold huggies are so dainty, beautiful, and right at $50.
  
• Furbish Ornament – Whimsical, colorful, and perfect for the woman who loves her holiday décor. And they’re definitely unique and feel personal. (They make pillows too if you like this idea but have a bit more to spend. I have this needlepoint pillow in my office.)
  
• ESV New Testament Set – A thoughtful gift for the Christian woman who probably already has way more devotional books than she can get through. I like taking these to church when we’re studying through one book of the bible vs. toting my full-size bible (which gets heavy when I’m already loaded down with my son’s diapers and water bottle).

Home

If she is the person who is always curating her house or re-styling her bookshelves, give her another option to add to the mix. It can feel overwhelming to gift home items to a woman who loves decorating, but it doesn’t have to be. Just make it elevated and unique vs. cheap and standard. 

• A Fun Vase – Choose a sculptural or colorful one like this vase from Lulu and Georgia that looks beautiful even when it’s empty.
  
• Elegant Wine Glasses – Gift her a high-end set (Estelle or Zwiesel) for those cozy nights in.
  
• Candle – The Hotel Lobby Candle line feels sophisticated and smells like a five-star stay. I’ve owned multiple and love them. 
  
• Embroidered Pillowcases – Personalized linens always feel special. This is something I never buy but have loved receiving as gifts. You could also personalize towels (these are my favorite).
  
• Fellow Tea Kettle – A design lover’s dream, this Fellow kettle is modern, sleek, and surprisingly practical. It heats water shockingly fast and is pretty enough to leave out but sleek enough to easily tuck away in a cabinet.

Beauty

By 40, she knows what works, and she’s likely serious about skincare (you know I am – here’s my skincare routine). These gifts don’t require her to give up her favorite serum, but elevate a routine she already has. 

• ZIIP Halo – A microcurrent device that actually works to lift and firm the skin. Worth the hype.
  
• Vieve Lipstick – Created by a makeup artist, these shades flatter mature skin tones and feel incredibly creamy. The packaging is pretty too – this is my favorite to use and gift!
  
• Red Light Mask – Helps with fine lines, texture, and glow, perfect for the skincare device. I own two and like the CurrentBody red light mask best.
  
• T3 AireBrush – A salon-quality blowout at home, minus the arm workout. I’ve owned multiple brands and models, and this specific Airebrush is the one you want.
  
• Eyeshadow Palette – Think YSL, Vieve, or Tarte – pigmented, blendable, and flattering on everyone.

Jewelry

Jewelry always feels personal, but it doesn’t have to be predictable. Mix classic and statement pieces to match her style.

• Unique Earrings – Try the Silver Bezel Jolie Earrings or Olive Crystal Remy Earrings from Tuckernuck.
  
• Adjustable Ring – Rings can be hard to buy unless you know her size, but that’s where adjustable rings come in. I’ve gifted Susan Shaw’s adjustable ring to multiple people and plan to gift Sezane’s Celia Ring and Raja Ring to a few friends this year. 

• Statement Earrings – Get her a unique pair she can wear daily or something sparkly for special occasions. These gold knot earrings Heaven Mayhem are a perfect daily gift, and I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t like them. For a sparkly pair, I’d be elated to get these pear drop earrings from Aurate.
  
• Simple Necklace or Classy Bracelet – Dainty gold chains, pearls, or tennis bracelets are timeless and hard to get wrong, especially if they have an adjustable length. You can’t beat this satellite necklace (both the look and price point) or this classic tennis bracelet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still unsure what to choose, go back to the top three picks, because every woman loves some Jenni Kayne, timeless jewelry, and a beautiful bag.

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• Gift ideas for your parents
• Gift guide for Toddlers
• Amazon gift ideas
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