Checking off items on your holiday shopping list is easy enough when you’re looking for toys for the kids or gadgets for the tech-obsessed young adults in your life. But what about when it comes time to shop for the people on your list who are no longer delighted by games and gadgets? For folks over 40, getting something they don't already have is half the battle—and getting them something they'll actually like make things even harder. Whether you’re shopping for your friends, siblings, parents, or grandparents, we’ve come up with 40 perfect holiday gifts that are perfect for people over 40. And for even more ideas for shopping you can do right from home, check out the 20 Best Holiday Gifts From Amazon at Any Price Point.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | This video doorbell system
AmazonThe best type of home improvements are the ones that give homeowners some well-deserved peace of mind—and it's just icing on the cake when they're easy to install, too. This Ring doorbell makes the perfect gift for anyone looking to bulk up their home security, thanks to its motion sensor HD video cameras, a two-way intercom, and infrared night vision—all of which are accessible from a smartphone or tablet.
2 | This soothing muscle massager
AmazonOne of the cruel ironies of sore, tight muscles is that it’s usually the impossible-to-reach ones that ache the most. Your giftee will appreciate how this handheld massage roller makes it so much easier to reach all over, working out knots, decreasing stiffness, and increasing circulation. And if you’re looking for more thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank, check out the 50 Best Gifts $50 and Under.
3 | These chic martini glasses
AmazonHaving a well-stocked bar means a lot more than just having top-shelf spirits and mixers on hand. These top-of-the-line Riedel glasses are a must-give for anyone on your list who loves to entertain or raise a glass to friends and family, no matter whether they take their martinis dry, dirty, shaken, or stirred.
4 | This coffee & espresso maker
AmazonPersonal preferences can make gift shopping for a coffee fanatic pretty hard, but you can’t go wrong with this Aeropress system. This simple setup is a barista favorite for its ability to make one to three cups of coffee or espresso in about a minute with noticeably less bitter results than a traditional machine. And for more presents for the amateur barista on your list, check out the 25 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers.
5 | This sous vide precision cooker
TargetSous vide cooking may have taken off in the kitchens of high-end restaurants, but these days the home chef on your shopping list can try their hand at it as well, thanks to gadgets like this Anova precision cooker. Not only are the results incredibly tender and delicious, but this surprisingly simple system even has smartphone connectivity, making it easy to find recipes and set the perfect cooking temperature and time for any dish with just a few taps. And if you’re looking for more great items from the Bullseye, check out the 20 Best Gifts to Give From Target.
6 | This comfy spa robe
AmazonWhy give the gift of a single spa visit or treatment when you could let someone feel like they're at the spa every day? These robes are made with a plush microfiber outside and a super soft french terry inside, which will make your loved one feel comfortable and luxurious at the same time.
7 | This easy-to-carry cooler
AmazonThe relaxing benefits of a day spent on the beach or in the park can quickly be lost if you have to worry about lugging around a heavy cooler. This easy-to-carry Pelican Sling Cooler is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoors but hates the hassle of getting there, with thick insulated walls to keep food and drinks cold and a leak-resistant zipper to keep its owner dry.
8 | This wooden cutting board
AmazonLooking for a gift that will get a lot of daily use? This beautiful cutting board—from chef-adored Viking brand, no less—made from naturally bacteria- and water-resistant Acacia wood, is designed to be easier on knives. The fact that it looks beautiful on any countertop or kitchen island is just a bonus.
9 | This Amazon Echo Dot
AmazonShopping for folks who aren't super tech-savvy, but would like to be, has gotten a lot easier, thanks to products like this Echo Dot. This edition makes a great replacement for a traditional alarm clock, with voice-activated access to Alexa features, streaming music, and weather information—along with the added benefit of being able to ditch that sleep-disturbing phone from their bedside table.
10 | This musical sleep mask
Uncommon GoodsFor most people, getting a good night’s sleep if the greatest gift they could ask for. This cordless, cushy mask has Bluetooth connectivity, making it perfect for lulling yourself to sleep with relaxing music. It’s also a great gift for anyone looking to catch some shut-eye while traveling! And if you’re looking for more great items to help you catch 40 winks, check out these 20 Better Sleep Essentials That'll Have You Waking Up Well-Rested Every Morning.
11 | This insulated wine thermos
AmazonPacking a bottle of wine for a picnic, the park, or the pool usually yields lukewarm results—literally. Luckily, this Hydro Flask bottle is double insulated and the perfect size to keep their favorite bottle of white, rosé, or chilled red at the perfect temperature for up to 24 hours.
12 | This portable car jump starter
AmazonSometimes, the best gifts are the ones that you hope the recipient will never need—but still find useful if they do. This portable Halo Bolt pack fits just that description, capable of jump-starting a car up to 217 times on a single charge—as well as keeping their laptop, phones, and tablets charged in the meantime.
13 | This eco-friendly apron
AmazonBuying a gift for a home cook doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget on a set of fancy knives or an expensive appliance. This simple crossback apron is made from upcycled denim and cotton scraps and designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day long.
14 | This Portal TV videophone
Best BuyLooking for a gift that can help you connect with someone you love? This Alexa-enabled Portal TV makes video calling effortless, with automatic pan and zoom functions that will keep you within frame as you freely move around the room. You can even use it to watch your favorite shows together!
15 | This electric pasta maker
AmazonHave you ever wanted to be able to provide someone you love with endless heaping bowls of fresh spaghetti? Then look no further than this Philips pasta maker, which automatically kneads and extrudes two to three servings of fresh pasta in just 18 minutes with none of the mess and fuss of traditional machines. Users can also get creative and add ingredients like eggs, herbs, or vegetable juices into the mix to make their own signature noodles!
16 | This versatile travel pillow
AmazonNo one wants their loved one to step off a plane feeling tired and groggy. Gifting them this Infinity Pillow is a great way to make sure they can catch some sleep while on the go, providing both softness and support in a way that those small, re-used airplane pillows never could.
17 | This leather passport case
Bloomingdale'sBeing a disorganized traveler is a recipe for disaster. Help your loved ones skip town without forgetting anything by gifting them this handsome travel documents carrier, which has space for their passport, boarding pass, baggage claim card, and ID, all while keeping their personal information safe with RFID blocking technology.
18 | This coconut hand cream
NordstromAnyone over 40 on your shopping list probably already has a skincare routine for their face. But what about their hands? This ultra-hydrating coconut-oil-infused cream can soften rough skin in seconds, leaving their hands and nails feeling silky smooth and refreshed.
19 | This fruit and vegetable juicer
AmazonGetting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables isn’t always as easy as we’d like it to be. Luckily, this easy-to-clean juicer is a fast and simple way to get that daily dose of vitamins and minerals, creating an 8 oz. cup of juice in just five seconds. It’s also compact enough to live on the counter without taking up too much space.
20 | This 2020 appointment calendar
AnthropologieShopping for someone who never quite got around to setting up their Google Calendar? This beautifully designed analog calendar from Rifle Paper Co. is a perfect gift for anyone who could use a little organizational assistance, complete with spaces to write down appointments and mark off important dates.
21 | This cold brew tea set
The Tea SpotNeed a gift for someone who loves a good cuppa? This cold brew tea set allows users to make their own brews at home that have even more nuanced flavors and aromas than hot steeped tea. All they have to do is add their favorite loose leaf, let it sit overnight, pour, and enjoy!
22 | This comprehensive wine atlas
AmazonJust because someone has a cellar full of wine doesn’t necessarily mean they know the difference between a Merlot and a Montepulciano. This recently updated version of the wine industry’s most essential reference book includes maps and histories of famous growing regions around the world, making it easy to put all that talk of terroir into practice.
23 | This travel-friendly gadget organizer
AmazonThere’s nothing quite as frustrating as opening your carry-on bag in search of your phone charger only to find a massive tangle of wires. This sleek carrying case gets rid of the mess with compartments for all of those cables, charger bases, and even a faux fur-lined pouch for safely storing a phone or smartwatch while on the go.
24 | This living composter
Uncommon GoodsCountertop composting stations are often an eyesore, and almost always smelly. This thoughtfully designed unit, on the other hand, eliminates odors and can process over two pounds of food a week, which is roughly enough to keep up with most of the scraps in a three-person household. The best part? You can spread the easily removed compost next to your plants or in pots and watch them happily grow.
25 | This cashmere sweater
EverlaneGetting through harsh winter weather requires the right kind of sweater. Why not make it a luxurious-feeling cashmere one? This crew sweater from popular minimalist designer Everlane is oh-so-soft, well-fitted, and a fraction of the cost that cashmere usually goes for.
26 | This electric knife sharpener
AmazonThe problem with buying fancy, expensive knives is that they will all eventually become just as dull and useless as cheap ones. Luckily, you can help keep your friend's kitchen investments in top condition with this chef-quality electric knife sharpener that will have those blades slicing as smoothly as the first day they bought them. And it’s not just for butcher knives, either: This model can also touch up serrated, pocket, and sporting knives.
27 | These powerful binoculars
TargetLooking for a great gift for a nature lover? Help them take in the view with these lightweight Barska binoculars, which have a quick zoom feature that’s perfect for hiking, hunting, bird watching, and even astronomical viewing.
28 | This Mexican hot chocolate set
Uncommon GoodsTraditional Mexican hot chocolate is one of the best pick-me-ups for anyone looking to warm up during the cold winter months. This kit includes a handmade pitcher, hand-carved molinillo whisk, and pre-mixed chocolate packets that make this decadent and refreshing beverage super easy to prepare at a moment’s notice.
29 | This wooden walking stick
The GrommetNothing can clear your head quite like a nice walk through nature. This lightweight walking stick, handcrafted from a solid piece of pine, is a great all-natural way to add an extra bit of support for any avid day hikers or trailblazers.
30 | This family-friendly portable charger
AmazonHaving a backup charger for your phone isn’t helpful if it’s already drained every time you go to use it. This PowerCore charger is big enough for the entire family, holding enough charge to juice up multiple phones or tablets for at least five full charges—it can even power a laptop!—meaning whoever receives it will never find themselves living in fear of that low battery warning again.
31 | These kabob grilling baskets
Uncommon GoodsGrilling small vegetables usually involves a lot of grief over messy skewers and mushrooms dropping to the coals beneath the slats. Luckily, these handy grill baskets remove the need for sharp sticks, make flipping super easy, and are the perfect gifts for anyone who fancies themselves a bit of a pitmaster.
32 | These comfy wool clogs
AmazonHave someone on your list who's on their feet all day? These Stegmann clogs are made with wool that will keep their tootsies both warm in the winter and cold when it's hot outside. And thanks to their treaded sole, they’re the perfect gift for anyone who is looking for something they can wear both around the house and out running errands.
33 | This travel makeup and cosmetic bag
AmazonKeeping cosmetics organized while traveling can take a surprising amount of effort—but it doesn't have to. This well-designed machine washable bag comes in a variety of colors with plenty of easily accessible compartments, meaning everything will be just where they put it when they step off the plane—and limiting those burst foundation and smashed powder incidents in the process.
34 | These stackable glass storage jars
Joseph JosephA well-organized kitchen is a happy kitchen. These thoughtfully designed glass storage jars will keep dry storage neat, tidy, and compact thanks to a space-saving stacking stand that allows immediate access to everything.
35 | This instant print camera
Bloomingdale'sSure, your phone is great for taking photos if you’re looking to post them in your Instagram story. But what about someone who isn’t into social media? This simple point-and-shoot camera lets its owner print memories as they happen so they can share them the old-fashioned way. No computer connection, ink cartridges, or toner needed!
36 | These vintage-style glasses
AmazonLooking for a fashionable gift for someone over 40 that's not too trendy? These classic aviator Revo sunglasses are a perfect present for both men and women who want to look effortlessly stylish look every time they leave the house.
37 | This easy-to-use journal
AmazonEven though journaling has taken off as a popular daily habit, the idea of taking so much time out of any 24-hour period to write can be daunting. Luckily, this journal streamlines the process by providing a structured format to boost happiness in just five minutes, including listing gratitudes and daily priorities, naming three amazing things, transcribing inspiring quotes, reciting a daily affirmation, and forming an end-of-day reflection.
38 | This bedside water carafe
Uncommon GoodsSure, that huge glass of water on the nightstand may seem like a good idea as you’re going to bed, but it’s never fun mopping up the inevitable middle-of-the-night spill it will lead to. These artistic handmade carafes, on the other hand, are both a great way to quench that bedtime thirst as well as liven up any space.
39 | This kitchen standing mat
AmazonAll the cooking and cleaning that happens in the kitchen is hard enough as it is. Giving your favorite chef a well-deserved break with these padded mats, which can reduce tension and keep anyone comfortable while standing for long periods of time. They're also a great addition to any laundry room or office!
40 | These cozy lounge pants
AmazonSure, those sweatpants they’ve held on to since college may feel comfy, but they're not exactly a great look at brunch. And those traditional joggers that don't look quite so silly paired with a button-down aren’t so great to wear to bed. These Saxx Lounge Pants, on the other hand, fit loosely through the seat and legs for easy movement, making them a great choice both for sleepwear and lounging around the house.
