It is time for the 40th birthday party! Life truly is beautiful. This is time to reflect back on your accomplishments, but also on your mistakes, and be grateful for everything. You have deserved to celebrate your existence. Gather your closest ones who have been your company on this beautiful journey and let’s get this party started.
Nowadays the options are numerous. You can celebrate for a few days and still not get bored. When choosing what to do for your special day, consider:
- Your mood and interests
It is your 40th birthday and this is the time to mainly focus on yourself. You shouldn’t worry about other people’s expectations or how to impress someone. Let go of that burden. If people around you truly care about you, they would not mind. If you feel like dancing than go for it! If you just want to relax and have dinner with your closest ones, that is also perfect. If you wish to try something new and crazy, this is the ideal time to do that!
- Guest number and budget
It is great if you can afford an expensive party, but if that is not the case, we also have ideas that are budget-friendly. Guest number also determines the party type, so take that into consideration.
Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party Ideas:
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SURPRISE PARTY
If this is not your birthday and you want to organize a surprise party for someone else, all these ideas are still applicable. Carefully consider what your loved one’s interests are, and in that way decide what type of party to organize. Be sure that the person is free at that time and don’t forget to invite all of his or her other friends and family. And finally, act normal around them so they don’t find out about the surprise. Good luck!
Party ideas
Dinner at a restaurant or at home
Some would think that a birthday dinner party is not that fun, but it all depends on what you make of it. Choosing if you want to have dinner at home or at a restaurant depends on whether you like cooking and organizing everything or you want someone else to do it for you. Your decision also affects your budget, of course.
When we are talking about food, you can stick to some classic dishes you usually eat or you could explore your possibilities a bit. There are various international cuisines you could choose from. Some of our suggestions are:
- Chinese cuisine
- Italian cuisine
- Mexican cuisine
- Greek cuisine
- Indian cuisine
- Thai cuisine
Maybe now is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!
BBQ
If you are in a mood to simple relax and enjoy the beautiful weather with your friends and family, then what better choice than the good old BBQ. Preparing delicious food with the great company around you sound like a promising birthday party.
Picnic
Still interested in celebration outdoors that includes tasty food, but the grill is just not your thing? You could organize a picnic where you bring some homemade food and some drinks and just enjoy the nature. If you have a friend that is musically gifted (or if you are that friend!) they can bring a guitar and play some of your favorite songs.
Spa day
It is finally your birthday and you just wish to relax and pamper yourself. Maybe you could have a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or all of it! Well, you deserve it. Many spa centers offer birthday packages, so you can bring a few of your friends with you.
Wine and cheese tasting
Cheese and wine complement each other and create a perfect harmony. Your senses are, for sure, going to thank you for this experience. You can find a place in your city or nearby where they organize this type of tastings or you could even organize it at your own home.
Movie marathon
Would you take up a challenge of watching your favorite movies for hours? And even better, with the company of your favorite people? Now that’s a real deal. Add some delicious pizza to it, and you are ready. The last thing left is to choose your movies. Here are ideas:
- Marvel movies
- Star Wars
- Indiana Jones
- The Lord of the Rings
- James Bond
- Musicals
- Best Picture Oscar movies
- Meryl Streep movies
Cocktail night
If you want to have a night out, but spice things up a bit, you could go for some cocktails. The same rule applies as with food, the more experimental you are the more fun you’ll get. You could also organize it at home, but you’ll need a long shopping list.
Sports game
You are a true sports fan and you love cheering for your favorite team? Why not spend your birthday in a same manner? Even if that is not the case, you could go and enjoy the exciting atmosphere and pick up some of that good energy.
New course/class
This is for sure one of the most interesting options you could choose. Trying a new skill and challenging yourself is good for personal growth and you can always discover some new interest and hidden talents. We recommend:
- Cooking class
- Pottery class
- New language lessons
- Creative writing lessons
- Music lessons
- Drawing lessons
- Photography class
- Fitness class
- Public speaking workshop
Volunteering day
All of us who are thankful for all we’ve got wish to give back in some way. Helping others makes us happy and gives us purpose. We can also connect with our community and meet new people. There are many ways to try volunteering, so pick something you are most comfortable with. You could go to the animal shelter, soup kitchen, retirement home, Red Cross, or research some other nonprofits in your city. You could also do some work outside any organization, like a local cleanup, or prepare some food for the homeless.
Fundraiser party
This is another way to make a difference. You could turn your birthday in to a fundraiser party. Choose an organization you wish to donate to and tell your friends that instead of buying you a gift they will be donating for this cause. This type of party will leave everybody in great spirits.
Game night
Home party can be a lot more fun if you make it into a game night party. Choose your favorite games and also have some snacks and finger foods and we guarantee you a fun night.
Road trip
If you wish to change a scenery for a bit, you could go for a road trip. Choose some places around your country that you wish to explore, gather your family or your friends and go for it. This is an exciting way to spend your day. Bring some food with you.
Weekend getaway
Similar to the road trip idea, but you can extend it for one more day and have even more fun! Also, you can choose a place that is a bit further.
Book club party
A great idea for book fans. If people around you also enjoy books, you can choose one before your birthday and give everyone enough time to read it. Then, at your party, you can all discuss it, share your opinions and read favorite parts. Tip: choose a shorter read so everyone can do it on time.
Craft party
Do you consider yourself a creative person? Are your friends and family also artistic and expressive? Buy some craft supplies, choose the project type and start making some unique artwork at your birthday party!
Beach/pool party
If you are lucky enough to have your party during summer days, you could have that luxury of taking your party to the beach or a swimming pool. If not, there is also an indoor swimming pool.
Night club
When we were in our twenties, we mostly celebrated our birthdays at nightclubs. Then suddenly we stopped going out that much. Why wouldn’t you remind yourself of that days and go out again? Gather your friends and dance the night away.
Bowling
This is a super fun option, especially if you don’t do it very often, or if you haven’t tried it at all. The nice thing is that kids can also participate. You can form groups and compete with each other, and also order some food and drinks while you play.
Rent a limo
Have you always wished to ride in a limo through the city, but never got the chance? Maybe now is the right time to try it. Also, a bottle of champagne is a must in this case. Now that’s what you call a true luxurious birthday party.
Cinema
If there is a good movie in the theater you could buy a few tickets for your loved ones and head that way. Eating some popcorn, drinking soda and enjoying a good quality movie is a nice way to relax and celebrate your day.
Arcade
Did you use to go to amusement arcade when you were younger? Or if you have kids maybe you still go there, but usually just the children play? Is arcade is entertaining to you, why would you celebrate there? You could revive some old memories and have fun like you used to.
Boat party
If you have a boat then lucky you! But if not, there are boat rental options. You can order some food, bring some drinks, and if the weather allows, even some bathing suits.
Paintball
Here is one for adventurous and competitive types. It is also a great social activity that enables you to form teams and come up with effective strategies. It will be as if you were at a team building event, but with your friends and family instead of your collegues. Get ready for some adrenaline rush.
Escape room
This one is also great for some teamwork skills. It will teach you to think outside the box. You’ll need to find hidden keys, disguised buttons and other type of clues. If you are into mystery-solving you are going to have great fun.
Concert
Check if there is any good concert coming up soon and if yes, book those tickets! Listening to live music, especially to an extremely talented singer or a band, can leave you speechless. You may even give a chance to some performers that you haven’t listened to before.
Brunch
If you are not into dinner party, but you are into food and want to start your birthday party as soon as possible, you should all go for a brunch. Or you can host it at your home.
Sports party ideas
Tennis court
This is a good idea if you have a smaller crew you wish to celebrate with. Start your party with a tennis match and then afterwards go for a drink or some lunch.
Rafting
Adrenaline junkies, what do you think about this one? This is, for sure, a thrilling exercise and you can also enjoy the scenery around you. You must try this at least once in a lifetime.
Kayaking
If you like the idea of water and paddling but with less adrenaline involved, you should try kayaking. This is ideal for relaxation, especially if you normally have a very busy and stressful lifestyle. Kayaking is a perfect getaway from the city noise.
Hiking
This is probably the healthiest way to spend your birthday. Hike will reduce your stress levels and anxiety and you will be in touch with nature.
Running
Whether you are an experienced runner or you just run once in a while, you can choose this type of celebration either way. Of course, you also need friends who love running. Depending on your fitness level, you could do a 5k or a 10k run. If you can do more, than you can even go for a marathon run!
Party Themes
Last thing we need to mention are some party themes. If you are celebrating your birthday at home, or you are renting a venue, you can choose some of these themes to make your regular party turn into a really exciting and unique bash.
Party in a certain color
You can choose your decorations, and even your food, to be in a certain color. This can make your home or venue look more aesthetically pleasing. Some good combinations are: black and white, black and gold, pastel colors, all pink, etc.
Movie theme
If you are a fan of a certain movie you can decorate your place in that manner. From Wild West to superheroes movies, the options are endless.
Travel themed party
For those who love travelling and use every chance to organize some trip, they can even organize their party in that way. If you have a favorite city, you can put up some decorations that make you feel like you are there again. You can also make some traditional dishes of that country.
Use your birthday wisely and make it different from all the previous ones. You should especially do this if you haven’t been out of your comfort zone for a while. Make this milestone an unforgettable experience for you and for your friends and family!
