What Gift Should I Get My Best Friend for Their 40th Birthday? 20 Thoughtful & Fun Ideas They’ll Love

Let's take a look at the top 20 40th birthday gifts your Bestie will love!

A stunning wooden keepsake box, crafted with a custom 40th birthday design. Strong, timeless, and made to hold the moments that really matter.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is the gift for a bestie who treasures memories. Imagine handing it over at their birthday dinner, already filled with old photos, inside jokes written on notes, and little souvenirs from your adventures together. As they open it, they’ll laugh, maybe tear up, and realise you’ve bottled up decades of friendship in one beautiful box. For a milestone birthday, this isn’t just storage — it’s your friendship, wrapped up in wood and love, ready to carry them into the next chapter.

A delicate 18K gold necklace engraved with your bestie’s unique birth flower. Elegant, meaningful, and wearable every day.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This isn’t just jewellery — it’s a little piece of them captured in gold. Imagine your friend unwrapping it and immediately holding it up against their outfit, grinning because it feels so them. It’s the perfect mix of stylish and sentimental, especially for a friend who loves meaningful accessories. Every time they put it on, whether for work, a night out, or just day-to-day, it’s a reminder that you chose something personal, symbolic, and perfect for their milestone.

A premium leather keyring, stamped with their initials and hiding a favourite photo inside. Subtle, stylish, and deeply personal.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is for the friend who’s always on the go — keys in hand, life moving fast — but who deserves to carry something that makes them smile every day. Imagine their face when they see their initials in bold on the outside, then flip it open to find a photo of you two together inside. It’s the kind of gift they’ll carry everywhere, and every time they grab their keys, they’ll think of you. For their 40th, it’s not flashy — it’s meaningful, practical, and heartfelt.

A handmade crochet succulent in a little pot, shaped with a heart to radiate positivity. Quirky, colourful, and made to last forever.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This one’s for the friend who always lifts the mood. Imagine handing it over with a cheeky grin, saying, “Because you’re my daily dose of sunshine.” They’ll laugh, set it on their desk, and every time they glance at it, they’ll feel that warm “you get me” vibe. At 40, when real plants are a chore and everything else fades, this little forever-plant is proof your friendship is the one thing that doesn’t.

A bold wooden tankard that looks like it belongs at a Viking feast. Strong, rustic, and absolutely unique.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: If your bestie loves a good laugh — or a good drink — this is their birthday toast upgrade. Picture them raising this beast of a mug at their 40th party while everyone else clinks wine glasses, and the whole room cracks up. It’s fun, memorable, and destined to become their mug for every celebration to come. At 40, they deserve a gift that makes them feel legendary, and this tankard is exactly that.

A premium leather journal personalised with their initials, designed with refillable pages. Smart, stylish, and built to last through all of life’s chapters.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This one’s for the bestie who’s always dreaming big, jotting ideas, or scribbling notes. Imagine handing it to them with a message already written on the first page — something funny, heartfelt, or even a little advice for their 40s. They’ll smile every time they pick it up, knowing it came from you. It’s not just a notebook — it’s the start of their next chapter, and the reminder that you’ll be part of every one.

A personalised tin designed to store baked goodies, customised with their name. Charming, practical, and full of nostalgia.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: If your bestie loves baking — or loves eating what others bake — this tin is a winner. Imagine gifting it already filled with their favourite biscuits or brownies, and watching their face light up. It’s not just a tin, it’s a promise of cosy nights in, sweet treats, and laughter shared over tea. At 40, it’s about the simple pleasures, and this gift turns every bake into a memory made sweeter by your thoughtfulness.

A ceramic mug printed with a collage of your favourite photos together. Bright, fun, and full of memories in every sip.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is for the bestie whose morning coffee is sacred. Imagine them opening the box and instantly spotting a photo of the two of you from that holiday, that festival, that night out you’ll never forget. They’ll laugh, maybe snort, and proudly show it off to everyone. Every cup of tea or coffee becomes a trip down memory lane, turning an ordinary moment into a reminder of the 40 years they’ve lived — and the decades of friendship still ahead.

A pair of sleek cufflinks customised with photos — understated, stylish, and packed with meaning.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is for the bestie who dresses sharp or loves a touch of detail. Imagine their surprise when they realise those classic cufflinks actually hold a photo — maybe of you two as teenagers, or a favourite holiday snap. Suddenly, every time they wear them to work or an event, they’re carrying your friendship with them. At 40, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about celebrating the journey, and these cufflinks let them wear it proudly.

A sleek, rotating organiser designed to keep make-up, skincare, or desk essentials neat and accessible. Stylish, space-saving, and practical.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: For the bestie who loves their beauty routine — or just loves staying organised — this gift hits the sweet spot. Imagine them unwrapping it, instantly spinning it around with a grin, and planning where everything will go. It’s fun, functional, and a little upgrade that makes everyday life feel more put-together. At 40, it’s less about clutter and more about keeping life sharp and stylish — exactly what this gift delivers.

A handcrafted stand made from rich walnut wood, built to hold gaming controllers and headphones. Sleek, solid, and designed for gamers who take pride in their setup.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: If your bestie is still smashing out late-night gaming sessions, this is a milestone-worthy way to celebrate it. Imagine them proudly organising their kit, finally giving their gear the display it deserves. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I get you — and your hobbies still matter at 40.” For the gamer bestie, this isn’t just an accessory, it’s a badge of pride, and they’ll think of you every time they sit down to play.

A handmade bouquet of crochet sunflowers — vibrant, cheerful, and designed to last forever.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: Flowers are classic, but these last longer than a milestone friendship. Imagine handing them a bouquet that doesn’t wilt — one they can keep on display as a daily reminder of the joy you bring to each other’s lives. For the bestie who brightens every room, this bouquet is pure sunshine. At 40, it’s not just about marking the day — it’s about celebrating their spirit, and this gift does exactly that.

A striking chronograph watch with a genuine leather strap — timeless, stylish, and built to stand out.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is for the bestie who deserves something bold. Imagine them unwrapping it at their party, slipping it onto their wrist, and instantly feeling upgraded. It’s more than just a watch — it’s a symbol of hitting 40 with confidence, success, and style. Every time they check the time, they’ll remember you were the one who marked the milestone with something lasting and luxurious.

A handcrafted wooden recipe organiser, personalised with their name or initials. Practical, charming, and designed to become a kitchen staple.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: For the foodie bestie or the one who treasures family recipes, this is a heartfelt choice. Imagine giving it with a couple of your own recipes already tucked inside — your famous brownies, or that meal you always cook together. It’s more than storage — it’s a gift of tradition, connection, and shared memories. At 40, it’s a reminder that the best recipes in life are the ones shared with people you love.

A luxury leather bucket bag, soft to the touch and designed to carry everything with effortless style.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: If your bestie loves fashion, this bag is the milestone upgrade they’ll adore. Imagine their reaction as they feel the leather, realising it’s theirs, and then immediately styling it with their favourite outfit. It’s practical enough for daily use, but elegant enough to feel indulgent — the perfect mix for 40. Every time they sling it over their shoulder, they’ll feel spoiled, celebrated, and grateful for the friend who knows them so well.

A beautifully crafted wooden docking station that keeps phones, watches, wallets, and keys all in one place. Stylish, organised, and practical.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: At 40, life can get busy — this docking station is a little slice of calm. Imagine your bestie unwrapping it, instantly picturing it on their desk or nightstand, and grinning at how sleek it looks. For the friend who always misplaces things (or the one who loves being neat), this is thoughtful, functional, and stylish. It’s a gift that says, “I want to make your life easier,” and that’s exactly how they’ll feel every time they use it.

A clever wooden tray that slides onto the arm of the sofa, with a built-in phone stand. Perfect for cosy nights in.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: If your bestie lives for Netflix marathons or wine-and-chat evenings, this is the ultimate upgrade. Picture them settling in with their glass of wine safely perched and their phone propped up to scroll while you laugh together. It’s simple, fun, and instantly makes their downtime feel more luxurious. For a milestone like 40, it’s about comfort — and this gift delivers it.

A compact leather organiser bag — chic, functional, and perfect for keeping essentials close.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is for the friend who’s always on the move but hates carrying a giant handbag. Imagine them opening it, instantly checking how their phone, wallet, and lipstick fit inside, and declaring it their new go-to. It’s practical but feels like a treat, the kind of thing they’ll use daily and thank you for every time. At 40, it’s about smart, stylish choices — and this ticks both boxes.

A dainty pendant necklace featuring their birthstone — colourful, personal, and elegant.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: Jewellery always hits, but birthstone jewellery? That’s personal. Imagine gifting them this necklace during a heartfelt toast, explaining why you chose their stone — symbolic, meaningful, and uniquely them. It’s the kind of piece they’ll treasure, wear often, and tell everyone, “My best friend got it for me for my 40th.” Romantic? No. Deeply thoughtful? Absolutely.

A personalised wooden memory box, engraved with a best friend design and made to hold the story of your friendship.

Why it's the perfect gift for your Best friend's 40th: This is the ultimate bestie gift. Imagine handing it to them, filled with photos, old notes, ticket stubs, and little inside-joke treasures you’ve saved over the years. They’ll laugh, cry, and feel more loved than ever. At 40, when life feels like a milestone, this box is proof of everything you’ve built together as friends. It’s not just a birthday present — it’s a celebration of your bond.

Ordering is easy! Here are the simple steps to place your order online with Make Memento:

1. Choose your gift.
2. Complete your purchase.
3. Sit back and relax while we make and deliver your gift!

Ordering your birthday gift is a breeze with Make Memento. We offer local UK delivery, ensuring your gift arrives promptly and in perfect condition. You can relax knowing your gift is on its way to your loved one without any hassle. For more details on our delivery options, visit our UK delivery page.

Ready to make your Bestie's birthday unforgettable? Start shopping now and find the perfect 40th birthday gift for your Best Friend at Make Memento! Visit our online store today and make their birthday extra special with a birthday gift they'll love.