20 Epic Ideas for an Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party (2024)

20 Epic Ideas for an Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party (1)

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When you're approaching a milestone birthday, it's normal to have...feelings. Feelings like, "If I hear 'Lordy Lordy Look Who's 40' or a joke about me being over the hill one more time, I'm gonna lose it." But you're also having feelings like "40 is fabulous!" and "40 is the new 30!" (Which is true, unless you're, say, 30.) So what's the best thing to do with all these emotions? Sure, you could obsess in front of the mirror looking for new gray hairs or spend your days searching online for the newest wrinkle remedies. But you'll be much better served if you focus on throwing yourself into planning mode instead. This birthday calls for a fantastic 40th party spent with all your favorite people. Keep it low-key and sophisticated or go all out and really throw down. It's your day!

If you're the main planner, you can decide what's most important to you. If you love to spend time in the kitchen, then bake up a homemade birthday cake and fix dinner for your friends. But don't hesitate to write a check to a caterer, make reservations at a local restaurant, or call for pizza delivery. It can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want. You'll be so excited that you'll want to keep the party going and start planning (way) ahead with some 50th birthday party ideas or even 60th birthday party ideas. In the meantime, here are 20 ideas that will make turning 40 fun!

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1

Floral 40th Birthday Party

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Host a feminine, floral 40th birthday party with a dogwood theme. Make tea sandwiches and cut them into dogwood shapes using a clover cookie cutter. Set the table with silk dogwood flowers and floral table linens. Make stem straws by cutting dogwood-shaped flowers from watercolor paper. Decorate edges with watercolor pens, punch a hole in the center, and thread through a straw.

Get the recipe.

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2

Sunrise Party Supplies 40th Birthday Photo Booth

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Sunrise Party Supplies 40th Birthday Photo Booth

Gather the props and set up a photo booth. Have your friends take snapshots for the 'gram (#40andfabulous). This glittery setincludes 31 funny and festiveprops to keep the fun going.

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3

40th Birthday 1980s Party

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Convince your friends to dress up in their finest gear from the 1980s and invite them over to a party inspired by the year you were born. Load up a playlist full of hits from 1980 (think Blondie, Kool and the Gang, and Queen) and dance the night away.

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4

FunPartyGamesGifts 40th Birthday Trivia Games

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FunPartyGamesGifts 40th Birthday Trivia Games

Try your hand at these 1980 party games and see who can guess the celebrities born in 1980, the price of common items from 40 years ago, and the answers to other trivia.

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5

40th Birthday Beach Trip

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Because you only turn 40 once! Treat yourself and your significant other to an all-inclusive resort to soak up the sun, sand, and fruity drinks. Or rent an Airbnb with your girlfriends and enjoy a weekend of rest and relaxation. If you're short on time, have a staycation at a local hotel (don't skip the spa treatments!). Start your search with our list of the best beach towns in America.

RELATED: Best Country Beach Songs

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6

AlphaNumericArt 40th Birthday Guest Book Sign

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6

AlphaNumericArt 40th Birthday Guest Book Sign

Have your party guests sign their names around the year you were born for a memento you can hang on your wall for years to come.

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7

40th Birthday Pizza Party

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Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. Invite your friends over for a make-your-own pizza party. Grab pizza crusts (or unbaked dough) from the grocery store, along with a variety of toppings (sauces, cheeses, veggies, and meats), and let everyone make their own. Keep the decor simple with red-and-white-checked tablecloths and paper plates and napkins. Ask your friends to bring a favorite beer or bottle of wine to share.

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8

MaiCaiffe Happy 40th Birthday Cake Topper

20 Epic Ideas for an Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party (10)

8

MaiCaiffe Happy 40th Birthday Cake Topper

Now 25% Off

Make that birthday cake extra special with a festive "Happy 40th Birthday" cake topper.

RELATED:30 Easy Homemade Birthday Cake Ideas

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9

Over-the-Moon 40th Birthday Party

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Find the full moon closest to your birthday (The Old Farmer's Almanac has a complete list here) and plan a moon-themed outdoor party. Decorate with celestial-shaped balloons, and hang lunar lanterns by coating paper lanterns with spray adhesive and brushing with gray and black mica pigment powder. Serve up MoonPies and Moonshiner cocktails.

Get the recipe.

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10

40th Birthday Party Cornhole Tournament

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40th Birthday Party Cornhole Tournament

Call up your competitive friends and host a cornhole tournament! TheCountry Living Autumn Star Cornhole Set will get you started.

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11

40 on the 4th!

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Have a summer birthday? Then throw a patriotic party complete with sparklers, an all-American menu of burgers and hot dogs, and red, white, and blue decor. Let your town's fireworks display serve as the evening's entertainment.

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12

40th Birthday Scavenger Hunt

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Split up into teams for an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. Give each team a list of hints to find different landmarks, and tasks to do at each pitstop to earn points (hit up the karaoke bar and sing a song! take a video of a stranger saying happy birthday! go to the thrift store and put together a 1980s-inspired outfit!), then meet up at the end at your favorite bar for a celebratory drink. Losers buy the first round!

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13

"Float" into 40 Party

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Ice cream socials are not just for the kids! Set up a float party with an assortment of sodas and ice creams. Include some alcoholic options for the adults.

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14

BBBCustom 40th Birthday Girls' Night

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14

BBBCustom 40th Birthday Girls' Night

Talk your best girlfriends into donning these t-shirts and hitting the town with you for your big night. It will be just like your 21st birthday, except you'll be home by 10 p.m.! Or pair the shirts with leggings and sit on the sofa while watching Netflix and eating ice cream.No one will judge you.You're 40!

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15

40th Birthday in the Barn

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Put up your cowboy boots for a barn bash. Deck out a barn with hay bales and honeycombs, and put together a down-on-the-farm menu of Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork, Smashed Buttermilk Potato Salad, and a Bee's Knees Shandy.

RELATED: Summer Country Songs.

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16

40th Birthday Movie Night

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16

40th Birthday Movie Night

Pop some popcorn and invite your friends over to watch movies that (like you!)are 40 years old. Think9 to 5, Blues Brothers, or The Empire Strikes Back.

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17

40th Birthday Garden Party

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Keep your 40th birthday party sophisticated with an afternoon garden party. Set the table with flower frogs, plenty of plants, and a lotta terra-cotta. Stir up a pitcher of Campari Sangria and serve it alongside some finger foods like Chorizo-and-Manchego Crostini, Sweet-and-Salty Feta Cubes, and Bacon Lettuce Cups.

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18

Hatcher lee Hang a 40th Birthday Photo Bunting

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Hatcher lee Hang a 40th Birthday Photo Bunting

Bring the nostalgia with a 40th birthday photo bunting. Attach the photos with removable tape. After the party, the bunting can be taken apart, and photos you want to save can move to frames or a photo album.

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19

40th Birthday Party in the Field

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Okay, so you might not have a blooming sunflower field at your disposal, but you can drag a table outside, decorate it with vases of sunflowers from the florist, and invite your friends for an outdoor celebration. Get fancy and serve up Sweet-and-Smoky Planked Salmon, Whipped Ricotta and Grilled Bread, and Apricot Sparklers.

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20

40th Birthday Fiesta

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Put together a taco bar and host a 40th fiesta. A sl0w-cooker makes the Smoky Slow-Cooker Beef Tacos a breeze. Take it easy on yourself and pick up the sides from your favorite local Mexican restaurant, or go the homemade route and cook up Black Bean-and-Pineapple Salad, Lime Rice, and Pepita Guacamole. Don't forget the chips!

20 Epic Ideas for an Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party (2024)

FAQs

How do you make someone's 40th special? ›

40 Fun Ideas to Celebrate 40th Birthdays
  1. Throw a festival-themed party. ...
  2. See some live music. ...
  3. Book a box at the theatre. ...
  4. Turn life into art. ...
  5. Host a Birth-Year Party. ...
  6. Take on a birthday challenge. ...
  7. Volunteer for a good cause. ...
  8. A night at the movies.
Apr 17, 2023

How do you make an unforgettable birthday party? ›

How to Throw a Great Birthday Party: 10 Ways to Make it Unforgettable
  1. Choose our Best Birthday Ever arrangement to make your birthday party even more special. ...
  2. Create a Guest List.
  3. Pick a Venue.
  4. Choose a Theme.
  5. Decide on a Time.
  6. Send Invitations in Advance.
  7. Have Plenty of Activities.
  8. Serve Some Delicious Snacks.
Nov 2, 2023

What is the traditional gift for a 40th birthday? ›

Rubies are the most traditional gift for someone turning 40. A stunning ruby necklace, ring or jewelry pairing are meaningful 40th birthday gift ideas for a wife who loves luxury accessories.

What is the saying when you turn 40? ›

"Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age."

What turning 40 means? ›

Turning 40, in particular, symbolizes the start of a transformative chapter, brimming with potential for unparalleled growth and new beginnings. The number 40 can be found across religions and cultures as a number that holds significance.

How do you throw a killer birthday party? ›

6 Ways to Throw a Killer Party or Event
  1. Come up with Something New. We all love a bit of creativity, newness, or uniqueness now and then. ...
  2. Give Your Event a Theme. ...
  3. Provide Different Activities. ...
  4. Inspire Your Guests. ...
  5. Send Quirky Invitations. ...
  6. Mix up the Guests.
Jan 13, 2020

What is the 40th birthday known for? ›

What makes a 40th birthday special? A quote from W. B. Pitkin states: “Life Begins at Forty.” The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

How do you throw a 40th party on a budget? ›

12 Creative 40th Birthday Party Ideas On A Budget (2024)
  1. Host your party at a stylish outdoor event venue. ...
  2. Have a birthday photoshoot party. ...
  3. Retro birthday party from your birth decade. ...
  4. Retro birthday party from any decade. ...
  5. Theme it up and plan a murder mystery party. ...
  6. Send out funny invitations.
Feb 19, 2024

Why is 40th birthday special? ›

Turning 40 is a significant milestone in one's life, often associated with reflection, personal growth, and new beginnings. Beyond the sentimental aspects, the occasion also holds intriguing economic implications.

What is the symbol of 40th birthday? ›

Ruby is associated with the 40th anniversary because it symbolizes love, commitment, and protection.

What plant represents 40th birthday? ›

Ruby 40th Rose – 40th Birthday Rose

Its bright red flowers and delicate yet spicy scent is a delight for all the senses, as it blooms in the garden year after year. A 40th Birthday is a milestone to be remembered, and this living gift is the perfect way to do that.

What color is 40th celebration? ›

40th Anniversary: Ruby Red.

Is 40 a significant birthday? ›

As mentioned above 16,17, 18 and 21 are often considered milestone birthdays. After that, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays are significant. Some people may celebrate 65th 66th or 67th birthdays as milestone birthdays, due to this being associated with 'official' retirement ages.

How can I make my husband's 40th special? ›

45 Top Ways to Wish Your Husband a Happy 40th Birthday
  1. Diving with Great White Sharks.
  2. 40 Hours to Choose His Own Adventures.
  3. Fancy 40th Birthday Feast.
  4. Dinner Cruise.
  5. Golf Getaway.
  6. Boat Rental.
  7. Bucket List Bash!
  8. A Very Merry Vacation.

How should men celebrate their 40th birthday? ›

Throw a Themed Party

Now that you are turning forty, it is time to make it significant. At this age, your theme options are not limited, and anything can go from birth-year parties, horror-themed parties, comics, sports, to retro decade parties. Keep your home decorated with theme colors and be ready to go over heels.

How do you embrace being 40? ›

Embracing Self-Confidence and Fearlessness

One of the most empowering aspects of reaching your 40s is the newfound sense of self-confidence that permeates various facets of life. You've faced enough challenges to know that failure isn't the end but rather a learning opportunity.

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