• A 40-year old man deserves a special gift.Lauren Burke/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The reward of watching a man's face light up as he opens a special 40th birthday gift is one every gift giver wants to experience. While many men can be difficult to shop for, take his hobbies and interests into consideration, and you'll likely have a present that goes over well. The more significance an item has for the man, the more special it will be to him.
  
  

Special Day

• Men often enjoy experiences more than material items. If your husband or boyfriend is turning "the big 4-0," plan a special day together doing things he enjoys. Take him somewhere he's always wanted to go or try an adventuresome experience like skydiving or boxing. End the day by cooking a special meal for him or dining at his favorite restaurant.
  
  

Create a Gift

• Often, some of the most special gifts are not something purchased, but something created by the giver. This shows that a great deal of time and consideration went into the present. Utilize your talents to make something for the new 40-year old. Bake him a batch of the cookie recipe you've perfected, paint him a picture to hang over his fireplace or design a custom graphic that you'll print on a T-shirt. Chances are there's some type of talent you have that can be used to create a memorable gift.
  
  

Jewelry

• Signify the relationship that you and the birthday guy share with a special piece of jewelry. Have a ring or bracelet monogrammed with the 40th birthday date, your anniversary date or the date you met. For the man who isn't into jewelry, cufflinks, a lapel pin or a tie-tack provide alternatives.
  
  

Donation

• Does the 40-year old care deeply about a specific cause or nonprofit group? Instead of giving him a gift directly, donate to his favorite charity in honor of his birthday. This special gift shows him you care about his passions and want to help. If you don't have much money to donate, offer to go with him to volunteer with the group.