Even though you know him well, when it is time to give a gift to your husband for his fortieth birthday, it may still be difficult to find a husband gift idea that he will truly appreciate and enjoy.

Men are often practical thinkers and appreciate hands-on gifts that they can use on a daily or weekly basis ...

It's important to give him something that he'll actually use. Men are often practical thinkers and appreciate hands-on gifts that they can use on a daily or weekly basis rather than decorative items which may be humorous or cute, but are likely to sit on a shelf and be forgotten.

At the age of 40, maybe your husband is ready to try something new.

First consider your husband’s personality, hobbies and interests. Also, consider those things he may be interested in but hasn't yet had the opportunity to try. At the age of 40, maybe your husband is ready to try something new. Think about what sorts of magazines, books or television programs he views. This will give you some clues about the subjects that interest him most.

If he prefers nature and outdoors magazines, books and television shows, even if he currently is not active in outdoors activities, he may appreciate a gift that will help him express this part of his personality. If he is new to outdoors activities but is interested in them, get him lessons in fly fishing or orienteering. These lessons are available at local outdoor gear stores as well as State and National park systems. Take him to a local climbing gym and learn to rock climb together.

Put your Sherlock Holmes hat on and discover what his hidden interests are.

Put your Sherlock Holmes hat on and discover what his hidden interests are. Perhaps he's interested in art or jewelry making. Give him a beginner’s kit with a set of basic tools and instruction manual. Register him for a class at an art school or community college. If it seems that he has no particular hobbies, think about activities that he used to do when he was younger.

Now that he is 40, some gift ideas for your husband could be those that allow him to go back in time to enjoy things he once enjoyed as a younger man or boy. Consider what types of sports he was involved with in high school or college. Find out what types of toys he played with as a younger boy. Purchase vintage items that would remind him of his childhood such as model cars, airplanes or sports memorabilia. Give him a jersey from his college or high school sports team.

If your husband enjoys spectator sports, give him tickets to an upcoming event along with a jersey or hat from his favorite team.

If your husband enjoys spectator sports, give him tickets to an upcoming event along with a jersey or hat from his favorite team. On the other hand, your choice of gift can let him know that he can be more than a spectator and get involved in a sports league in his own town. True, at 40 he may never be a professional ball player, but he can get the same thrill of excitement that comes from participating in team sports through local leagues.

Every town has community league sports which may include tennis, soccer, flag football and softball. He can still put that uniform on and feel young again even at age 40. If he doesn’t already have a gym membership, this would make an excellent gift that would give him an outlet for physical activity. He can also use his new gym membership to improve his health and avoid some of the aches and pains of growing older.

... continuing to learn is what keeps us young.

There are many other gift ideas for your husband to consider, but remember that continuing to learn is what keeps us young. Try to find a class that he can participate in to develop some of his interests such as cooking gourmet dinners or learning martial arts. Once you determine what his new hobby may be, get him gear and accessories he can use to better enjoy that hobby. For the new gourmet cook, an apron with a professional chef’s skillet and some gourmet cooking oils would be appropriate.

For the new martial arts enthusiast, how about a new uniform with a gym bag, water bottle and towel? If his interests are more cerebral in nature, give him language lessons or a gift certificate to his favorite book store so he can select just the right book.  

When considering gift ideas for your husband, remember that you know him best. If you cannot think of something that you are certain will please him, then come right out and ask him. Gifts do not always have to be a surprise to be appreciated and enjoyed. He will be more pleased to receive something he truly wants and needs than a surprise gift that he would secretly rather return to the store.

Tags: 40, 40-year-old, 40th, birthday, fortieth, husband