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40th birthday gifts for him
At forty the best gifts are the grown-up versions of what he already enjoys: a whisky set, a proper multitool, a putting mat for the hallway. Skip the 'over the hill' jokes; they land worse than you think.
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Best overall gift
1. ComboJoy Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch
Included, butane not supplied · 2 · 2 ice ball moulds · 6 flavours
A grown-up upgrade to his evening drink, and something he can show off when friends come round. The listing confirms an oak smoker top, six wood chip flavours, two glasses and two ice ball moulds. The torch arrives empty, so buy a can of butane with it.
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Best treat
2. Garmin Forerunner 165
Built-in · 43mm · Up to 11 days · AMOLED touchscreen
For the man who runs or cycles, this is a serious training watch rather than a step counter. The listing confirms built-in GPS, an AMOLED screen and up to 11 days of battery. It is built around running, so a golfer or swimmer may want a different model.
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Best for golfers
3. LynxFlex Golf Putting Mat Set (270cm)
Indoor and outdoor · 270 x 39 cm · 2 balls, gift box · Two 47cm return tracks
The hallway putting mat from the brief, long enough to practise real distances. The listing confirms 270cm of turf, a ball return and a gift box. At 2.7 metres it needs a long, clear stretch of floor.
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Best for the barbecue
4. ROMANTICIST 29-Piece BBQ Tool Set
Aluminium · 29 · Meat thermometer and mats · Stainless steel
Replaces the odd mix of kitchen tongs and forks most men barbecue with. The listing confirms 29 stainless steel pieces, a meat thermometer and an aluminium carry case. Many pieces are small extras, so the core is the spatula, tongs and fork.
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Best for DIY
5. Enventor 300W Oscillating Multi-Tool
300W corded · Tool-free quick change · 6, 15,000 to 22,000 OPM · 28 pieces
If his idea of a multitool is a power tool rather than a penknife, this cuts, sands and scrapes in one. The listing confirms a 300W motor, six speeds and 28 accessories. It is corded, so he will need an extension lead for jobs away from a socket.
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Best for whisky drinkers
6. Whisiskey Whisky Glass Set
Reusable, freeze between uses · Glasses and whisky stones
A safe pick for a whisky drinker that comes boxed and ready to give. The listing confirms glasses and reusable stones that chill a drink without watering it down. The listing gives few details on glass size or count, so read the product photos before you buy.
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Best budget gift
7. Hoobest RFID Leather Slim Wallet
4.3 x 3.7 x 0.35 inch · Holds 7 to 10 · ID window · RFID blocking
A slim leather wallet to replace the one that has been falling apart since his thirties. The listing confirms RFID blocking, five card slots and an ID window. Capacity tops out at around ten cards, so a man who carries every loyalty card will fill it.
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Best keepsake
8. Arrow Gift Co Back in 1986 40th Card
300gsm matte, FSC certified · 14.5 x 14.5 cm · Blank
The one milestone item worth adding: a card full of trivia from the year he was born, rather than a joke about his age. The listing confirms heavy 300gsm card with a blank inside. It is a card, so give it alongside one of the gifts above.
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How we rank
Chosen from what is selling on Amazon UK in each category on the day we checked, inside the price cap, and only if it was in stock. Ordered by how useful the gift is to the person it is for, then price. We have not handled these products: the write-ups rest on what each listing states. Prices and stock are checked daily.
Prices are Amazon UK and eBay UK at the time we last checked; they move daily, so confirm on the retailer's page. We earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no cost to you. It never changes the order. More about how we work.