40th Birthday Gift - Son

£500! Good grief, words fail me!

Why on earth would a birthday (even one with a "0" on the end) make ANYONE think that they had to/should spend that amount

What on earth are you thinking of, woman! (Sorry if this offends, but really!)

We gave son and daughter cheques for their 40th, son bought a car and daughter had orthodontic treatment. Daughter also got a framed CD of the number 1 hit from the day she was born. Son got a piece of our old kitchen door, it was where we used to measure him and mark his growth.
It is difficult because by the time they reach 40 they usually have most of what they need.
DIL used her cheque to fund a holiday in Iceland.

No way could I spend £500 on a birthday gift even a special one like a 40th.

My son was 40 last weekend and I wanted something a little unusual but within my budget. I bought him a Buffalo Horn Mug - only for cold drinks, made by the company who make the stuff for Game of Thrones. The mug comes in different large sizes, there are also drinking horns etc. It might be called a Soldier's Mug.
He was delighted with it (believe me, I'd know if he was just being polite) and said he reckoned he'd take it in to use in his office as it was so unusual (and show off to colleagues).

The size I bought holds about a pint and cost about £40. I also tucked £100 into the mug

Don't know if this is any help but for my daughter's 40th we bought her 40 shares in A G Barr the manufacturers of Barr's Irn Bru. She has always loved the drink and now feels justified in consuming copious quantities and encouraging her friends to do the same. She has the framed share certificate hanging on the wall and looks forward to her twice yearly (very small) dividend cheques.

Perhaps your sons have a favourite food or other product and would like to have a stake in the company? It is a gift that keeps on giving year after year.

katey this is a timeous thread for me as I also have a son turning 40 this year - so if you don't mind, I shall be reading the suggestions alongside you

That's a generous amount! And my son and yours have the same special way ...