With the Mother’s Day holiday fast approaching in the US, I’ve updated my my guide on some of the best gift ideas for women over 40.
With many of us restricted in terms of who we can see, being away from loved ones can be painful, but a gift will let them know you are thinking of them, whether you are looking for your own mother, someone who has been a mother figure to you, your daughter, sister or anyone else you hold dear. Or, you can always show your loved ones this list as a gently hint about what you would like…
This list includes suggestions you’ve left for me in the comments from previous years.
This gift guide is mostly about fashion and items of style. I believe that every woman loves to receive gifts that make her feel more beautiful in many ways.
Gift ideas for women over 50, over 40 or any age: How to choose what to buy
You know your loved one better than anyone, but it can be tricky to keep coming up with new ideas from year to year.
Think about their interests, and about any hints they may have dropped. Is there anything they have admired or said they would like?
Having said that, gifting is a chance to buy something they wouldn’t necessarily have treated themselves to. So I’m sure they will love whatever you choose. Whatever you opt for, it shows you are thinking about them.
Here are my suggestions for gifts for women over 40:
Gift ideas for women: A tote
If you’re like me you like your bags big! A tote is both stylish and practical in every season to carry all the stuff that you need.
I often carry it when I want to take my big and heavy DSLR camera places! You can find a great selection of totes from Nordstrom here.
My recommended pick is this leather tote bag from Nordstrom. It’s timeless, so easy to combine with many outfits.
The gray/beige color is lovely for summer and will be on-trend year after year.
Read our article on the 10 affordable designer handbags in stores now.
Great gift ideas for women: Contemporary jewelry
I strongly believe in the power of modern, contemporary jewelry to really lift up an outfit and make the wearer look modern, fresh and youthful.
And my love for bold, contemporary jewelry is on trend right now. Great jewelry is featured in all the latest runways.
Below is a piece that I love. It mixes several kinds of metals and is a great contemporary necklace that will make every outfit special. If your loved one is working from home currently, a necklace will mean they will look great on those video conference calls!
Of Earth and Ocean pendant necklace
Or, you could opt for a bracelet. This one (below) from Kendra Scott’s jewelry collection features the birthstone of your loved one.
Kendra Scott birthstone bracelet
Or how about a pair of subtle stud earrings?
Tory Burch circle logo stud earrings
Etsy also has some great options. Here are some of my favorite Etsy stores.
Gift ideas for women who have everything: A good book
A good book is always a good idea, particularly right now with so many of us at home and looking for reading material. If you feel life is on hold to some extent right now, it’s great to be able to life vicariously through a biography. Patti Smith’s autobiography is one of my favorites.
if you’re on a journey of self discovery, i enjoyed reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle. She takes you on a powerful journey from a woman who was too conditioned by society and her environment, to a woman who is fully in control of her own life. It’s also a love story between 2 women. Glennon is married to US soccer star Abby Wambach.
Her teachings are very much in line with what I teach in my program on building self confidence.
Or, how about a great cookbook? Many of us have more time for cooking now, and The Vibrant Life Cookbook by Amanda Haas is all about living well and living longer.
Chronicle Books ‘The Vibrant Life: Eat Well, Be Well’ Cookbook
Style & coffee table books
Inspirational biographies or celebrations of style are eye candy to many a stylish woman. If you or a loved one are fans of The Crown, you may like to go behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace with the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly, and find out how she makes sure Her Majesty is always the most visible person at any event.
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly
I have also created a comprehensive list of style books and audio books you can choose from.
Best gift ideas for women: Luxurious pajamas
Pajamas are one of those gifts which can either be boring or beautiful.
It goes without saying that you should go for a beautiful option.
There’s no better feeling than slipping into a stylish pair of pajamas and relaxing with a glass of wine, or a herbal tea, and a book before bedtime.
Papinelle blossom crop pajamas – Saltwater Luxe stripe crop pajama pants – Nordstrom Lingerie short pajamas
There’s also plenty of inspiration in this piece on the most stylish pajamas for women over 40.
Best gift ideas for women who travel
Okay, so it’s pretty doubtful that any of us are going anywhere for a while. However, you can still let your loved one travel in their imagination. Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway is the story of Heidi Eliason, who quit her job, bought a motorhome and embarked on a five-year trip with her dog.
Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway: An RV Travel Adventure by Heidi Eliason
Or how about giving a scrap book so they can put together memories of previous trips?
BBwill Our Adventure Book, DIY Handmade Album Scrapbook
Find out what are the best travel bags to have for vacation and everyday use.
Hand cream
All of us are washing our hands much more than usual and that is taking it’s toll on the delicate skin of our hands. A luxurious hand cream makes a thoughtful gift right now.
Check out our list of the best hand creams for women over 40.
Leggings
Leggings are a woman’s best friend year-round and if you follow our guidelines on how to wear leggings, you will look fabulous in them too.
These leggings are super soft, opaque and have a waist (which is great for flattening and hiding your belly!). Perfect for YouTube workouts or a daily walk.
Yoga wear
Does your loved one do Yoga or Pilates, or go to the gym when she is able to? I’m sure she’d love to look more stylish while exercising. I find if I look good while heading to exercise class, I feel more motivated.
Find out what are the best workout clothes from women over 40.
Perfumes
Ok, this present is not super original but you can’t really go wrong gifting the most popular perfume.
If your loved one already has a favorite perfume and you want to play it safe, while still choosing something a little different, have a look to see if there is a new version of that scent available.
You could buy a classic fragrance which she has loved for decades. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue always reminds me of vacations.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Set
Or try a new fragrance like this set from Guerlain, which has a fresh oriental scent.
Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum Set
Scarves and wraps
Is the woman you want to surprise too fond of her boring black coat? Give her a great scarf to break up the all-black.
A colorful scarf like this silk option is chic and timeless, yet adds interest to your overall look. It would also look lovely with a classic beige trench coat.
Nordstrom floral silk square scarf
A waterfall style wrap or cardigan is very versatile and flattering. Wear while lounging at home, or as outerwear.
Read more on our article on how to wear a scarf.
Shoes
It’s true! Women love shoes. We want them in all kinds of colors, heights and styles. Sneaker style shoes especially are very popular this season, and are always a great option, as are silver or gold flats and brogues.
Would you like to see your woman in a particular kind of shoe? This is your chance to really surprise her. You know her size, so just order some fabulous shoes online.
If you’re looking for some inspiration before making your gift choice, you might want to check out this piece on the top shoe trends for this season.
Recommended shop: Zappos and Nordstrom
A silk top
Quality fabrics are always appreciated. This silk t-shirt from Nordstrom looks like a watercolor painting.
Cape or poncho
I find that a poncho is such a versatile item to wear at any time of year. For winter, you can layer over other knits while, in spring and summer, it can be useful as an evening cover-up when the temperature starts to cool. I love this poncho from Rag & Bone.
A gift like this is also great if you aren’t 100% sure what size to buy as ponchos tend to be one-size-fits-all.
Recommended shop Nordstrom or Yoox
Wrap dress
If you want to buy clothing but don’t know what, you really can’t go wrong with a classic wrap dress.
It’s a universally flattering style that has the bonus of being flexible in terms of sizing as you can tie the belt in different ways.
This Hobbs wrap dress is perfect for summer with its short sleeves and classic print.
Take a look at 40 years of the wrap dress.
Crossbody Bag
Every season, bags have a new shape trend. This time, the biggest trend is the saddle bag.
This bag from Nordstrom has a clean styling and classic versatility that is perfect to partner with any look.
Nordstrom leather crossbody bag
Recommended shop: Nordstrom or Forzieri
A scented candle
If your loved one loves to relax at home, a scented candle is the perfect gift.
A robe
What could be nicer than coming down to breakfast in a beautiful robe? A lightweight robe is particularly useful when traveling as it easily fits into your suitcase for relaxing in your hotel room.
Silk pillowcase
Have you got a silk pillowcase yet? Sleeping on silk helps to keep your hair looking good when you wake up as well as being kind to your skin. It has really helped me reduce the sleeping wrinkles on my face.
Sleep mist
Many of us are anxious at the moment, and that’s natural. Having a bedtime ritual can help you to sleep even during difficult times. This sleep mist with chamomile and lavender creates a calming scent to help you drift off.
Nail varnish
I don’t know about you, but even though I’m not able to see anyone to socialize at the moment, I’m still feeling better about myself when I make sure I feel groomed.
Deborah Lippman nail color set
Also take a look at these 14 self-pampering ideas for when you can’t get to the spa.
A mirror
One item I use almost every day is this mirror. They are not cheap but will save you so much frustration each day as the light is a lot brighter than on most mirrors and you can actually SEE those nasty little hairs that you need to remove.
As my eyes have deteriorated quite badly over the last few years, I have found it increasingly difficult to apply eye makeup or maintain my eyebrows. This mirror makes that so much easier!
I bought the mini Simplehuman mirror which magnifies 10 times! Also available on Amazon. You can buy the bigger one at Nordstrom. The bigger version is great for applying makeup but does not magnify as much as the smaller one.
Wine glass
If you or your loved one loves a glass of wine in the garden during the summer months, an insulated wine glass will keep your favorite tipple at the right temperature.
Corkcicle insulated wine glass
Water bottle
If you’re drinking water rather than wine, perhaps because you’ve gone for a walk or a run, how about an attractive water bottle to take with you?
For exercise
I use this roller every single day. It greatly helps with keeping your muscles subtle and massages my legs, back and shoulders. I also use it to open up my shoulders. If you’re interested, I can do a demonstration at a future date on how I use it.
This roller also helps with cellulite as it evens out the fascia which will help smooth your legs and upper thighs.
It’s my perfect tool to keep injuries at bay, my back and shoulders in check and my legs smooth. Highly recommended!
Trinket case
Pretty and practical. This trinket holder is ideal for keeping rings, earrings and necklaces together after you take them off at night.
A planner
Maybe you’ve noticed, people are living longer.
But living longer doesn’t always mean living your best life. You may know older relatives who are less active, who are forgetful–maybe even isolated, lonely and depressed.
It doesn’t have to be that way, but it does require commitment and consistent behavior to avoid the traps of growing older.
And that’s where Five for Life, and the Five for Life Planner© come in which will help you take five daily actions that will help you live happier for longer.
I’m in the habit to write in my journal every day now, and a planner like this can be really helpful to start your day right. (Want to know about this planner and creator and the business behind it, then check out my podcast with Molly).
Or you could always opt for a more traditional journal.
A wallet
A wallet is always a necessity. This RFID wallet in leather gets better with age (just like the rest of us!) and has plenty of compartments to keep all of your essentials in.
Itslife RFID Blocking Leather wallet
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an easy way to instantly add lots of style to your look. Not too mention that you can easily hide your dark circles after a long night. This black and white option from Kate Spade will add instant chic to your look!
Recommended brand: Kate Spade
Glasses case
Most of us wear glasses of some sort and we need to take them anywhere. This is one accessory that will get a lot of use. And if you want to keep them in one piece these stylish cases will come in very handy.
iPad cases
If you love your iPad as much as I do, you need a good case. And why settle for boring when you can have fun with a print instead.
Phone cases
I definitely need a new iPhone case. This phone case from Kate Spade looks pretty, as well as offering protection if you happen to drop your phone.
Kate Spade New York phone case
A gadget
A Kindle is a great gadget for the avid reader who can’t live without books. Given that it’s not possible to pop out to the shops whenever we want to right now, an e-reader will allow your loved one to read as much as they want to without leaving home.
Selfie stick with tripod
If you want to take better selfies for your outfit photos to upload to your social networks or in my private community, you will need this very affordable selfie stick with tripod.
It’s the one I use for many of my videos and photos. Just pop it on a table and use the remote or the self timer on your phone for the perfect full outfit photograph!
Benro selfie stick with tripod
Wireless earbuds
If you are searching for a present for someone who runs, exercises or likes to have a pair of headphones for airplane travel, these could be a great option.
Wireless charging pad
If the chargers in your household are always disappearing, how about a wireless charger that you can just place your device on top of?
Native Union wireless charging pad
Special chocolates
Many women love chocolates. And this chocolate lover’s gift bucket has more than enough to share.
Dylan’s Candy Bar Chocolate Lovers Gift Bucket
A family night of her choice
Another great idea from my readers is to give her a date night of her choice. Experiences and time spent together are usually the best gifts to give and receive. You can actually be very creative as to how you present this gift!
Even if you can’t be together in person right now, you could always organize a virtual night in together. You could gift a device that makes keeping in touch easier, such as the Amazon Echo Show, which has a big video screen and is easy to use.
Donate for her favorite cause
Why not donate your gift for a good cause? Buy an animal for World Vision, sponsor a child, donate to the Red Cross or provide some microloans through Kiva. It would greatly help others.
I hope I have given you some good ideas.
How about you? What will you be buying the loved ones in your life this year? What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Are there any great gift ideas for women that you think I’ve missed?
Like always, I would be happy to hear your feedback and get your gift ideas for women over 40 as well! What would you like to receive as a gift?
Continue reading:
- The 10 Best Designer Handbags You Can Definitely Afford
- A Present For Yourself: The Best Style Books
- Pajamas For Women: The Best Types Of Women’s Pajamas For Women Over 40
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Some great ideas. But what anout someone who dose not wear jewellery or into “fashion”- yes i am looking at you mother. I plan on buying my mother a few plants. The perfect gift for her.
Do love to receive jewellery as long as it fits my style and with guidance my husband has given me some beautiful jewellery for birthdays and Christmas. I do also love to receive a spa voucher. I love receiving massages or a cranial sacral therapy session so although it’s not necessarily an exciting gift to unwrap, I appreciate its value enormously.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk
You have updated the items haven’t you? As I have been reading through the whole post again. Loving everything. Especially those red heels although I want them in patent leather. I am slowly (after three years… adopting your wisdom as contemporary jewellery and modern shoes/boots to keep up to date. You are so right in that.
All great idea except pajamas. No PJs in my house. lol. The adventurous can substitute lingerie.
A great choice of items Sylvia. I am just going to add something: a lovely holiday! For the last 20 years I have been away at Christmas or just before and accumulated some fantastic memories. If we are away for the actual day we either buy something wherever we are or exchange something small (ie earrings).
Yes you are absolutely right Lorraine. That is the present that my husband always wants. He would rather have experiences than any material things… Like you I’m almost always away at Christmas.
I also prefer experiences to things. Tickets to a play, have me over to dinner, etc. and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
I think once you reach a point where you are old enough to buy your own things, that physical stuff shouldn’t be given. My husband I stopped giving each other stuff years ago, and don’t by for adults in the extended family either. We only give to our teenaged kids and to nieces and nephews.
Very good selection. It confirmed me that I don’t need anything anymore. We are not into presents for Christmas in our family, so I am done. Not very exciting, but relaxing.
Good to hear it Greetje!
Lovely choices, Sylvia! A scarf is always a welcome gift, and I often give jewelry to my sisters. Some very pretty pieces here!
Thanks Patti. Great you like some of my choices.
Why so expensive may I ask good ideas though..
I’ll make sure to add more cheaper options next time 🙂