40th Birthday Present Ideas Melbourne

Looking for the best 40th birthday present ideas in Melbourne? Whether you’re shopping for your partner, your best friend or yourself, Melbourne’s buzzing creative scene makes it the perfect place to celebrate this major milestone. From hands-on pottery and cocktail making to personalised resin art and pasta classes, these experience gifts turn a regular birthday into an unforgettable one. Skip the socks and last-minute bottle of wine—these thoughtful and exciting activities will make turning 40 feel like a true celebration.

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Wheel Throwing Taster Class: Clay Soirée

4.9 (582)

3 years in business

Runs regularly

Abbotsford

1 to 16 guests

$75 - $95

Beginners Wheel Throwing Workshop

4.9 (522)

Runs regularly

Pascoe Vale South

1 to 8 guests

$80 - $100

Perfume Making Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (189)

2 years in business

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 12 guests

$143 Now $125

Gold or Silver Ring Making Class

4.9 (146)

Runs regularly

Fitzroy

1 to 13 guests

$225 - $748

Silver Letter Ring Workshop

5.0 (771)

5 years in business

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 4 guests

$195

Introduction to Glassblowing Workshop

4.9 (69)

Runs regularly

West Footscray

1 to 30 guests

$230

Wheel Throwing Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (791)

4 years in business

Runs regularly

Burwood & Brunswick

1 to 18 guests

$110 - $119

Mindful Pottery Wheel Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (394)

6 years in business

Runs regularly

Box Hill South

1 to 20 guests

$99 Now $79

Private Wheel Throwing Workshop with Glazes

5.0 (37)

4.9 (596) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Box Hill South

1 to 4 guests

$139 Now $119

Glass Bauble Workshop

5.0 (476) (for this teacher)

4k followers

Runs regularly

Coburg North

1 to 30 guests

$190

Modern Kintsugi Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (72)

Runs regularly

Docklands

1 to 15 guests

$100

Dessert Candle Making Workshop

5.0 (115)

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 16 guests

$100 - $140

Organic Silver Ring Making Class with Stones

5.0 (78)

Runs regularly

Blackburn

1 to 30 guests

$159 - $169

Gold Charm Bar and Workshop: Design Your Own Jewellery

5.0 (147)

Runs regularly

South Yarra

1 to 20 guests

$85 - $99

Barista Coffee Making and Latte Art Class

4.9 (218)

Runs regularly

North Melbourne

1 to 10 guests

$118

Tufting 101 Class: Create Your Own Custom Rug

4.9 (113)

Runs regularly

Carlton

1 to 8 guests

$250

Turkish Lamp Mosaic Class in Melbourne

4.9 (1,429)

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 40 guests

$69 - $179

Dumpling Cooking Class

5.0 (275)

11 years in business

Runs regularly

Abbotsford

1 to 60 guests

$99 - $298

Introductory Glassblowing Workshop

5.0 (397)

15 years in business

Runs regularly

Coburg North

1 to 6 guests

$385

Four Week Woodworking Course for Beginners

5.0 (148)

11 years in business

Runs regularly

Heidelberg Heights

1 to 6 guests

$620 - $640

Beginners Hand Building Clay Workshop

5.0 (93)

Runs regularly

Pascoe Vale South

1 to 8 guests

$60 - $90

Cocktail Making Class

4.9 (128)

Runs regularly

South Yarra

1 to 50 guests

$50 - $75

Gin Making Masterclass

4.9 (127)

10 years in business

Runs regularly

North Melbourne

1 to 20 guests

$185

Bonsai Class for Beginners

4.9 (118)

Runs regularly

South Yarra / Mobile

1 to 45 guests

$120

Beginners Wheel Throwing Workshop: Mud and Merlot

4.9 (200)

Runs regularly

Brunswick & Burwood

1 to 18 guests

$129 - $134

Beginner Wheel Throwing Workshop

5.0 (189)

3 years in business

Runs regularly

Braeside

1 to 25 guests

$109 - $119

Fused Glass Christmas Gift Workshop

4.9 (17)

4.9 (1k) (for this teacher)

Only 2 dates left

Caulfield

1 to 10 guests

$155 - $175

Fluid Art Workshop: Dutch Pouring

4.9 (276)

5 years in business

Runs regularly

Richmond

1 to 10 guests

$93

Ceramic Painting Experience: Clay Soirée

4.9 (304)

3 years in business

Runs regularly

Abbotsford

1 to 15 guests

$75

Beginners Leadlight Workshop

5.0 (45)

Runs regularly

Preston

1 to 6 guests

$195

Japanese Cooking Class

4.9 (75)

11 years in business

Runs regularly

Abbotsford

1 to 40 guests

$197 - $354

Ceramic Paint and Sip Workshop

4.7 (52)

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 30 guests

$79 - $129

Latte Art Class for All Levels

4.9 (86)

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 6 guests

$110

Fused Glass Vase Workshop

4.9 (228)

Runs regularly

Caulfield

1 to 10 guests

$165 - $198

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

4.8 (442)

Runs regularly

Collingwood / Mobile

1 to 100 guests

$59 - $129

Glassblowing Workshop: Taster

5.0 (63)

15 years in business

Runs regularly

Coburg North

1 to 6 guests

$145

Barista Skills Beginners Class

5.0 (80)

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 6 guests

$114

Spanish Cooking Class

4.7 (15)

4.9 (49) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Carlton / Mobile

1 to 30 guests

$160 - $175

Private Hand Building Workshop with Glaze and Firing

4.7 (28)

Runs regularly

Box Hill South

1 to 8 guests

$128 Now $109

Silver or Gold Ring Making Workshop

4.7 (15)

4.8 (532) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Collingwood

1 to 8 guests

$198 - $398

Water Marbling Workshop

5.0 (127)

Runs regularly

Kensington

1 to 15 guests

$125

Natural Perfumery Class

4.9 (28)

4k followers

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 25 guests

$189

Paint Your Pet Class

4.9 (195)

Runs regularly

Kew / Mobile

1 to 36 guests

$80

Silver Spinning Ring Workshop

5.0 (182)

5 years in business

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 4 guests

$225

Christmas Terrarium Workshop

4.6 (12) (for this teacher)

5k followers

Runs regularly

Burwood East

1 to 50 guests

$75 - $80

Paint and Sip Class: Painting Partners

4.9 (230)

8 years in business

Runs regularly

Port Melbourne / Mobile

1 to 50 guests

$59

Chocolate Making Workshop

4.8 (108)

8 years in business

Runs regularly

Malvern

1 to 12 guests

$169

Dried Floral Christmas Wreath Workshop

4.9 (64)

Runs regularly

Pakenham & Mount Evelyn

1 to 40 guests

$89 - $119

Stained Glass Workshop: Leadlight Panel

5.0 (41)

Runs regularly

Windsor

1 to 6 guests

$250

Paint and Sip Class in the Dark©

4.9 (660)

8 years in business

Runs regularly

Port Melbourne

1 to 45 guests

$59

Private Wheel Throwing Workshop for Two

5.0 (105)

Runs regularly

South Yarra

1 to 2 guests

$150

Floristry Design Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (241)

Runs regularly

Malvern East

1 to 20 guests

$92

Tipsy Terrarium Workshop: Make and Sip

4.9 (378)

Runs regularly

Brunswick / Mobile

1 to 100 guests

$130

Polymer Clay Earring Making Workshop

4.9 (53)

Runs regularly

Docklands

1 to 12 guests

$115 - $135

Knife Making Class: Forge a Knife

5.0 (54)

7 years in business

Runs regularly

Cheltenham

1 to 4 guests

$600

Serene Terrarium Workshop for Beginners

5.0 (48)

5.0 (265) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Docklands

1 to 12 guests

$95

Silver Jewellery Making Workshop for Beginners

5.0 (405)

Runs regularly

Kyneton

1 to 5 guests

$145 - $150

Resin Cheese Board and Sip Class

4.6 (113)

Runs regularly

Bentleigh, South Melbourne & Alphington

1 to 40 guests

$125 - $220

Blacksmithing Class for Beginners

5.0 (98)

7 years in business

Runs regularly

Cheltenham

1 to 4 guests

$180

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

5.0 (5)

5k followers

Runs regularly

Prahran

1 to 30 guests

$95

Splash Paint Workshop

5.0 (25)

5.0 (111) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

West Melbourne

1 to 13 guests

$69

Beginner's Kintsugi Workshop

5.0 (279)

7 years in business

Runs regularly

Melbourne

1 to 12 guests

$135

Cut and Paste Collage Workshop

5.0 (1,107)

4 years in business

Runs regularly

Brunswick

1 to 30 guests

$85 - $95

Beginners' Glassblowing Workshop

5.0 (29)

Runs regularly

St Kilda

1 to 5 guests

$330

Beginners Leadlight Course

5.0 (32)

5.0 (78) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Preston

1 to 6 guests

$170 - $190

Essential Oil Perfume Making Workshop

4.9 (60)

3 years in business

Runs regularly

Kew

1 to 30 guests

$75 - $95

Floral Mini Cupcake Decorating Class: Secret Garden

4.9 (32)

Only 2 dates left

Camberwell

1 to 18 guests

$130

Tea Blending Workshop

5.0 (112)

Runs regularly

Brunswick

1 to 30 guests

$55 - $65

Intro to Pottery Wheel Workshop: DIY Style

5.0 (8)

4.9 (51) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Box Hill South

1 to 2 guests

$69 - $79

Casual Mosaic Class

5.0 (312)

Runs regularly

Caulfield / Mobile

1 to 30 guests

$69 - $90

Vietnamese Cooking Class

4.9 (45)

4.9 (851) (for this teacher)

Runs regularly

Abbotsford

1 to 20 guests

$197 - $354

Lost Wax Casting Course

5.0 (15)

Runs regularly

Fitzroy

1 on 1

$264

Looking for more options? Please message us or call us on 0488 839 505, and we'll quickly organise a class for your group

40th Birthday Present Ideas

Gift a specific class, or let them choose: Choose a class on this page, or get a gift card to let your recipient select from our 14,000+ in-person and online classes, experiences and craft kits.

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Satisfaction guaranteed: Your gift card is covered by our 100-day money-back happiness guarantee.

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Reviews from our gift recipients

Samantha Maisey • Nov 2025

Spanish Tapas Cooking Class

Wonderful evening. Riki was an excellent teacher, the food was delicious. Bought the tapas class as a birthday present for my churros-loving husband….he was in food heaven.

Meg Fraser • Nov 2025

Buttercream Cupcake Decorating Class

I gave my son a present and this was the result, it was very fun and would definitely recommend it for others!

Shanthi Pillai • Nov 2025

Perfume Making Workshop for Beginners

Teacher was fantastic! Best gift I've received in a long time. This was such a fun experience

Fiona Shaw • Nov 2025

Six-Inch Cake Decorating Class for Beginners

Teacher was very helpful and very talented making look so easy. We made with fresh cream and butter cream also in the stars put on and taught to do. Made in colour pink my favorites and put a clear + more

Greg Stephenson • Nov 2025

Jewellery Making Class: Make a Silver Ring

What fun this was! We went with no idea of what we wanted and came out of the class with rings we will treasure! ‘Tutu’ was very helpful and explained the steps clearly. We now have great gift ideas + more

Linh Dang • Nov 2025

Tufting Workshop for Beginners

The tufting class is super fun, even for newbiews like us. We got to choose our own design, get to do at our own pace. The teacher is very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend this class to everyone, + more

Jennie Sparke • Nov 2025

Japanese Zen Terrarium Workshop

Great workshop! This was a gift for my besties birthday :) Loved the explanation and the individual feedback ensuring we got the balance right in our terrariums. At one point I had a lonely plant (ha ha) + more

Jennifer O • Nov 2025

Resin Art Class: Cheeseboard and Coasters

The whole process was very easy - redeeming the gift card and booking. The class was a lot of fun and teacher very helpful. Highly recommend

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40th Birthday Gift Ideas Melbourne

Top 40th birthday gifts in Melbourne for 2025

Melbourne is overflowing with creative experiences that make for unique birthday ideas that are fun, meaningful and made to last (just like the memories).

For food lovers, there’s no shortage of tasty adventures. Send them on a pasta making or BBQ workshop, or treat them to a chocolate class that ends in indulgent, handmade delights.

Got a friend who’s into slow living and mindful moments? Pottery classes, ceramic painting sessions and resin art workshops offer hands-on relaxation that taps into their creative side.

For something a little indulgent, try a DIY candle workshop, cocktail class or wellness experience. These luxe gifts are all about treating yourself while learning something new.

And if you’re planning a group celebration, there’s nothing better than a paint and sip night, where you can laugh, create and raise a glass to turning 40.

Whether it’s an introvert’s retreat or an extrovert’s extravaganza, there’s a Melbourne experience gift that fits perfectly, and you won’t need wrapping paper or a backup plan!

A woman smiles while decorating a cake for a birthday celebration

Meaningful 40th birthday present ideas for her

She’s entering her fabulous forties and deserves a birthday gift that’s thoughtful, empowering and a little bit indulgent. These Melbourne experience gifts strike the perfect balance between fun and meaningful.

Pasta making – A hands-on culinary adventure that’s fun, delicious and perfect for foodies who love learning new skills. Pasta making classes are a fun twist on the traditional birthday dinner and are fun for big groups to celebrate together.
Watercolour painting – A gentle, creative way to unwind and express herself. This gift is ideal for a relaxing solo session or intimate bonding time with close friends.
Ceramic painting – She’ll enjoy decorating ready-made ceramic pieces with colour and style. At the end, she’ll walk away with a unique handmade creation to adorn her living space. It’s like two gifts in one!
Candle making – Sure, you can buy her a scented candle, or you could let her design her own! She’s in control of the fragrance and style and will finish up with a custom candle she can light whenever she needs a calming moment.
Resin art workshop – A bold, beautiful way to play with colour and texture, she’ll leave with a unique creation and a new creative spark! If the birthday girl loves a cheeseboard, get her making her own resin board at a workshop.

These hands-on gifts aren’t just fun, they create space for self-expression, connection and joy. Because turning 40 isn’t the end of the fun—it’s the start of something new!

Two women celebrate a 40th birthday with making a resin board

Unique 40th birthday gifts for him

When “I don’t need anything” is his go-to phrase, it’s time to think outside the (gift) box. These Melbourne experiences are made for the hands-on, the curious and the guy who’s ready to make his 40th one to remember.

Cocktail making – From shaking to stirring, he’ll learn to mix classic and custom drinks in a lively, social setting. This gift is perfect for 40th birthday parties.
Pottery – Give him the chance to get his hands dirty (in the best way) while making something functional and cool.
Woodworking – Perfect for the DIY lover, this class offers tools, techniques and the satisfaction of building something from scratch. It may even spark a new hobby in his 40’s.
Leatherwork – Forget buying him a belt or wallet, let him make his own! This gift is a rugged and rewarding experience gift for the man with style.
BBQ classes – Level up his grill game with expert tips and mouth-watering recipes. Plus, the birthday boy can enjoy a sit down feast at the end with all his mates! The perfect gift for anyone who claims the tongs at every cookout.

These activities are more than just hobbies, they’re stories, experiences and memories that stick long after the birthday candles are blown out.

Cocktail making birthday celebrations

Why Melbourne experiences make great 40th birthday ideas

Melbourne is made for memorable moments. From its hidden laneways and cosy studios to bustling markets and waterfront spots, it’s a city that turns experience gifts into something magical.

Want to treat someone special? Book them a spot in a ceramics workshop in Fitzroy or a pasta-making class in Carlton. Planning a group birthday celebration? A cocktail class in a bar or a cooking class in X will go down a treat!

These classes are led by local makers and artists, which means your gift supports Melbourne’s creative community too. Plus, there’s nothing to wrap! Just show up, join in and enjoy the day.

So if you're wondering what to get for a 40th birthday gift in Melbourne, skip the traditional gifts and go for something more exciting, more thoughtful and way more fun!

A group celebrates a birthday at a pottery class