With the holidays fast approaching, your husbands, kids and friends may need some great gift ideas for women so they know what to give you. Perhaps you are looking for gifts for your girlfriends or to buy something special for yourself.
Here is my updated guide on some of the best gift ideas for women over 40.
This list includes suggestions you’ve left for me in the comments from previous years.
Just pass this link on to your loved ones as a subtle hint if you agree with my recommendations!
I am sure that all your loved ones would love to get some great tips and actually get you presents that you love.
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 in recent weeks. Is there anything they have admired or said they would like?
But 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.
Here are my suggestions for gifts for women over 40:
Christmas 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 Tory Burch. It’s timeless, so easy to combine with many outfits.
The burgundy color is very on-trend at the moment.
Tory Burch Robinson Saffiano leather tote
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.
Recommended brand Boden. This is Boden’s glass pearl pendant necklace.
Boden glass pearl pendant necklace
Below is another piece I love. It mixes several kinds of metals and is a great contemporary necklace that will make every outfit special.
Of Earth and Ocean pendant necklace
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 and the four-book series, commonly known as the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante was one of my favorite reads this year.
It all starts with the first book My Brilliant Friend.
Style & coffee table books
Inspirational biographies or celebrations of style are eye candy to many a stylish woman and can inspire her even more.
The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story
I have already created a comprehensive list of style books to choose from. The book “The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story” is already on my wishlist.
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.
I love these poppy print pajamas by Kate Spade. 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: Packing Cubes
Is the person whom you are buying a gift for a notorious overpacker?
You may like to gift her these packing cubes. All of them fit in a carry on suitcase and you can organize your clothes by destination, family member or function.
These are made by my friend Alex and I own these myself so can vouch for their quality.
Find out what are the best travel bags to have for vacation and everyday use.
A great pair of gloves
I don’t know about you, but I love to wear leather gloves in winter. These leather gloves come in many different colors.
With a very affordable price, there is no reason you shouldn’t get a pair for each outfit!
A make-up set
It can be tricky to buy the woman in your life a specific lipstick or mascara unless you know exactly what she usually uses.
I love receiving a make-up palette such as this one from Charlotte Tilbury as there are so many different color options and, not only is a palette great for traveling, but I also get to try new looks.
Charlotte Tilbury – The Uptown Girl Look set
Leggings
Leggings are a woman’s best friend during cold winter months 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!).
Yoga wear
Does your loved one do Yoga or Pilates, or go to the gym? 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.
I’m a fan of Lululemon and like this top below. They make yoga and working-out clothes fun and comfortable!
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.
Or you could choose a prettily-packaged gift set.
Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Eau de Parfum set
Another idea is to choose a perfume in a particularly striking bottle.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum Collector Edition
Scarves
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 is great or go for this floral option which is chic and timeless, yet adds interest to your overall look.
If the woman you are buying for doesn’t particularly like florals, you could opt for a leopard or a graphic print.
Or you could choose a cozy cashmere wrap.
Recommended shop: Nordstrom
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.
Tory Burch ‘Minnie’ ballet flat
Recommended shop: Zappos and Nordstrom
A sweater
Part of Oprah’s picks this sweater will cover you in luxury with 2 favorite materials: silk and cashmere. What woman doesn’t like that!
Check out the best cashmere sweaters in stores now.
Cape or poncho
I find that a poncho is such a versatile item to wear in winter.
So easy to take with you for extra warmth in case you get cold too. I love the burgundy color of this poncho from Treasure & Bond.
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.
Treasure & Bond rib knit poncho
Recommended shop Nordstrom or Yoox
DVF 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.
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 saddle bag from Kate Spade has a clean styling and classic versatility that is perfect to partner with any look.
Recommended shop: Nordstrom or Forzieri
A colorful wallet
This accordion wallet from AllSaints is shaped from calfskin suede that features colorful flowers that tumble across the of-the-moment leopard print.
It has a detachable chain sling so you can wear it like a bag also!
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 at 40+entrepreneur).
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.
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.
Below is the irises design but there are many other designs to choose from.
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 this stylish multicolor case will come in very handy.
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
Phone cases
I definitely need a new iPhone case. And although I’m tempted by all the colorful covers, for my phone I prefer something more practical.
I like a flip cover that always keeps my phone protected. These ones are both stylish and practical.
A gadget
If you’re like me you love your gadgets. I love my iPad Pro which had an attached keyboard and replaces my laptop often as my work tool.
I also use the iPad as my kindle reader and love reading new books on it. I also use it to read all my favorite blogs using the feedly app (you are already subscribed to 40+Style right?). The lightest version of the Kindle is a great gadget for the avid reader who can’t live without books.
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!
A scented candle
If your loved one loves to relax at home, a scented candle is the perfect gift.
Yoke + Ayurveda Apothecary wellness candle
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.
Trinket case
Pretty and practical. This trinket holder is ideal for keeping rings, earrings and necklaces together after you take them off at night.
Anthropologie feather decorative tray
Special chocolates
Many women love chocolates. But, if you are going to buy a box, make sure it’s a special one.
Charbonnel et Walker fine selection in gift box
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.
Fishers Finery pure silk pillowcase
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.
Travel pillow
If your loved one is heading off on a trip soon, how about buying a comfy travel pillow?
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?
Travel passport holder
Another great idea if your loved one is a frequent traveler. This will keep all important documents together.
Date 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!
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 and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
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 this year?
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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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.
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!
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.
All great idea except pajamas. No PJs in my house. lol. The adventurous can substitute lingerie.
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.
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
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.