If you have a friend or loved one who is about to reach their 40th birthday (or another milestone), I have a fun and creative gift idea to share with you today!
This week I turned 40 years old. To be honest, I’m really not sure how I feel about that; it could take up a post all in itself.
For my 40th birthday gift, my Mom sent me the cutest thing! It was such a fun and unique idea that after I had opened a couple of the packages, I thought, “I HAVE to stop and take pictures of this!” It was such a nice idea that I wanted to share it with you here today.
40 Gifts for 40 Years; DIY Gift Idea
Last week 2 big boxes showed up in the mail. I set them aside to open on my actual birthday.
What is in My Birthday Box
Inside each box, I found individually wrapped and numbered gifts.
The gifts were numbered 1-40. One gift for each year.
The first few gifts were framed photos of significant times in my life, my wedding, my kids being born, and a few of me as a baby.
The rest of the gifts were all things that I had done or liked to do. There were paintbrushes, crayons, kitchen gadgets, travel charms, notebooks, candy, and all kinds of other fun things. I was seriously so touched by all of the efforts and thought that she put into the gift.
The last gift was 40 one-dollar bills that were bound together like a notebook (you can get them at the bank ask!). Something tells me this will get spent on fabric 🙂
After I opened a few gifts, I waited until the kids all got home so they could help me open the rest. They got such a kick out of seeing what was in all of those packages!
Tips for Creating a 40th or Other Milestone Birthday Gift
My mom created this gift for me for my 40th birthday. However, you could use the same idea to create a gift for other milestone birthdays.
One: You Don’t Need to Buy 40 Gifts
The year my husband turned 50, I gave him 5 gifts. Each gift represented a decade of his life. For example, I got him a hat for his boat to represent his 40s, and retro cereal boxes to represent his early years.
Two: It Can Be Budget Friendly
Shop the dollar section, or DIY a few of the gifts to help you stretch your budget for the gift. Include things like their favorite candy or magazine.
Three: Take the Time to Wrap Each Gift
Part of what was so special about this gift was the care that my mom took while she was packaging it. She took the time to wrap and number each gift individually. She used her Cricut machine to create her numbers, but you can also buy number stickers.
Things to Put in a Birthday Box
If you’re stumped for ideas for what to put in the box, here are a few suggestions.
- Recipient’s favorite candy
- Old photos in cute frames
- $1 bills individually packaged
- Art supplies
- Makeup or perfume samples
- Christmas ornaments from some of their favorite travel destinations.
- A small handmade scrapbook
- Favorite drink or soda
- Fresh flowers
- Seeds (if they like to garden)
- Gift cards to their favorite restaurants (package in a DIY Gift card holder to make it a bit more special)
Kathryn Gagne says
Happy Birthday to you and I wish you many more. Your mom’s “gifts” of 40 gifts was just the best! People usually think of the “40 Over the Hill” stuff but this is just wonderful.
Hugs to you & your Mom
Kathy
Kathleen OGrady says
Happy Birthday to you! That is such a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Opening each surprise and finding a memory that went with it had to be very touching. I hope your day is filled with joy.
Sarina says
Happy Birthday! I love all those little gifts. You’re mom’s so amazing and fun! But Thanks for sharing them with us. Such an absolutely, adorably, thoughtful gift idea!
Lynne Tilley says
This is wonderful, isn’t it? I actually did the same thing for my sister on her 50th birthday and she loved it. She had done something similar on my 40th birthday. I collect hearts, all kinds of things in heart shapes, and she had a box with 40 heart-shaped/themed items. So thoughtful, and such fun to open. Happy Birthday to you!!! 40 is a great milestone, and the best years are still to come.
Katy says
Aww, what a lovely idea! Happy birthday 🙂
Louise Ambrosi says
What a wonderful idea and so thoughtful – well it’s clear that you get your creativity and inspiration from your mom! My husband and I both turn 40 this year – he’s first in a month’s time – I wonder if I’d be able to find 40 male-type items to wrap up in time!! But it’s a super idea and thanks for sharing. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Gretchen says
What a beautiful and thoughtful idea. I would love to do this for my kids someday. Hope you had a wonderful birthday! 40 looks great on you 🙂
Rebecca @thisfineday says
That is the sweetest thing EVER. What a thoughtful mother. I wonder if I can pull something like this off for my mom’s 60th… Thanks for the post. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🙂
Holly Casos says
This is the sweetest, most thoughtful gift I have seen in a long time. My heart just swelled with love as I read this. I hope I will remember this for when my girls turn 40! Happy Birthday!!
Jodi says
Happy Birthday – what a beautiful gift 🙂
Katherine says
Happy Birthday!
What an amazing gift idea! Looks like the perfect way to start a new decade. Celebrate and enjoy!
Elise says
This is…SO… SWEET!! I’m so easily choked up– I felt tears reading this! Goodness.
Happy birthday to you! Mine was May 19th — yay! Go taurus!
I just discovered your blog & have been reading through all of your awesome tutorials, but this just needed to be commented on. As Mike Myers’ character, Linda Richman, used to say: “I’m a little verklempt. [waves hand] Talk amongst yo’selves..”
Andrea says
Love, love, love this idea!
Where did the decorative boxes and pretty wrapping supplies come from?
I want to do this for my daughter’s 40th.