How to Buy 40th Birthday Gifts

As George William Curtis famously said, "Age is a matter of feeling, not of years," so celebrate your favorite 40-year-old's birthday with clever gifts that will make her feel 40 years young. Read on for some unique gift ideas that are sure to be a hit with any birthday boy or girl.

Instructions

1. Feast on a spectacular birthday cake. Neiman Marcus (see Resources) carries a line of out-of-this-world cakes that makes any 40-year-old's mouth water. With cakes shaped like everything from footballs to handbags to seashells, there's something for everyone.

2. Relive a bygone era and show your 40-year-old friend what LIFE was like the week he was born. Through Personalization Mail (see Resources), you can order an actual LIFE magazine-not a reproduction-from the week the birthday boy was born.

3. Customize a pair of Nike Dunks (see Resources) for your favorite 40-year-old athlete. This classic basketball shoe is a perfect birthday gift idea for a fitness buff of any age.

4. Get airborne with a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoma Winelands. Xperience Days (see Resources) offers ideas for all sorts of extreme birthday adventures that are sure to make her heart race.

5. Give your foodie friend a mouthwatering birthday gift with a Chef for a Day. Through Xperience Days (see Resources) the birthday boy or girl takes a private cooking lesson in a trendy New York City restaurant kitchen and prepares a meal for family and friends.