Re: gift for a 40 year old woman
not sure how much you are looking to spend but....
my sis is about that age...she is into jewelry (preferably diamonds), designer bags, gadgets (ie iPhone, blackberry, iPods etc)....spa gift certs are always nice as well.
P.S judging by this thread I have come to the conclusion that men do not have the slightest clue as to what they should gift women. tsk tsk what a shame!