40th Birthday Celebration Ideas
This birthday deserves an epic celebration! These 40th birthday celebration ideas are the best ways to mark this milestone. You’ll love how the Birthday Ideas in this list make turning 40 the best age yet!
Turning 40 is a big deal for so many people because they say it’s the age where they finally stop caring so much about what people think.
Whether that’s true or not, it’s definitely a fun age because, as the song goes, you’re “old enough to know better/but still too young to care.”
These birthday party ideas tie fun and carefree with grown-up and mature (and everything in between). And if you’re struggling to think of a theme for a 40th birthday, you’re in the right place!
I love helping people plan parties! So, I did all the hard work for you. I found the best 40th birthday party ideas and put them here for you.
I’m also going to share my best party-planning tips and answer some of the biggest questions people ask me. If you’re stuck in a party-planning rut, this post is for you!
Best 40th Birthday Themes
Turning 40 is a lot different from any other age. By now, the birthday girl or boy knows themselves. They know what they like, and what they don’t, and they have a bunch of memories behind them (with a lot more ahead!).
So, what kind of themes fit this milestone?
Start out by thinking about the personality of the person who’s turning 40. Incorporate their favorite colors. Were they in a sorority? What is their favorite movie?
If they love music, then make it all about their favorite genre.
Or, bring back the icons they loved as teens. Make a Caddyshack party or 1980s theme. These are really easy to put together.
Remember, it’s all about the person that is turning 40! What are they into right now? Make that the theme. It can include random things like sports or tropical glam. If you’re looking for more inspiration check out these 30th Birthday Celebration Ideas for more party themes.
If you can’t decide on a theme, don’t let it get you down or distract you from planning the party. Some of the best parties don’t have a theme.
I included cake and decoration ideas that don’t really match a theme. Pick and choose your favorite things and celebrate that person in your life.
Where To Buy Party Supplies
Where is your favorite place to buy party supplies for a 40th birthday party? I get asked this a lot.
As you browse the cakes and party supplies in my list, look for the black “continue reading button.” That will lead you directly to places where you can buy them.
My two favorite places to buy party supplies are Amazon and Etsy. I love supporting small businesses on Etsy!
If you’re going to shop on Etsy, give the creators about a month to send you what you ordered. Always communicate with them, but give them time. Some ship quickly, others don’t.
If you’re on a time crunch, then take advantage of the two-day shipping from Amazon Prime. It’s so fast and saves you so much time!
Party Drinks
After you plan the theme, decorations, and food, it’s time to plan the party drinks. Here are some of my favorite birthday party drinks. You can make almost all of them into mocktails, too.
- 25 Luau Party Drinks to Complete Your Celebration
- 18 Watermelon Cocktails
- 21 Non-Alcoholic Party Drinks
- The Best Green Alcoholic Drinks
- The Best Fun Summer Cocktails
Are you still looking for something specific? Use the search bar on my site to type it in. I might have just what you need for this 40th birthday party.
Are you ready for the list of 40th birthday celebration ideas? Here is the entire list!
40th Birthday Celebration Ideas
Turning 40 is a major milestone that calls for a celebration filled with joy, style, and unforgettable moments. This special birthday is not just about marking another year but about embracing the journey and creating memories that reflect your personality and passions. From luxurious themes and creative activities to heartfelt gestures and unique experiences, explore these inspiring ideas to plan a celebration that’s as extraordinary as you are.
A Themed Party combines the fun and camaraderie of a sorority sisterhood with the celebration of a milestone birthday. Think nostalgic college vibes with themed decorations, sorority-inspired games, and lots of festive cheer.
A sophisticated celebration that pairs rich, aged Scotch whisky with an assortment of fine chocolates. The event features a tasting experience where guests can savor the distinct flavors of premium Scotch alongside gourmet chocolate pairings.
This party features an elegant and mysterious atmosphere with guests wearing stylish masks and formal attire. The décor includes sophisticated colors, dramatic lighting, and opulent touches like rich fabrics and sparkling accents.
Another birthday party that features pink and orange colors in a contemporary style. The décor combines bold, fresh hues with sleek, modern design elements to create a lively and stylish atmosphere for celebrating a milestone birthday.
A rustic and lively celebration with a focus on classic Southern charm. Picture a venue decked out with wooden accents, string lights, and bluegrass music setting the mood. The decor often features plaid patterns, vintage bourbon bottles, and a touch of country flair.
A glamorous celebration set in the world of the 1920s! The venue is decorated with art deco elements, featuring gold and black colors, feathered centerpieces, and sparkling lights. Classic cocktails like martinis and champagne are served, and jazz or swing music.
A playful golf-themed decorations, nods to the classic comedy, and fun, golf-related games and activities. Think vintage golf decor, funny quotes from the movie, and a relaxed, lighthearted atmosphere that captures the spirit of the film.
Fiesta blends with floral decorations with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The party features a mix of bright and pastel colors, comfortable seating, and an overall laid-back vibe that celebrates turning 40 in style.
Features a nostalgic celebration with the vibe of the 1990s hip-hop scene. The event is decorated with colorful graffiti, classic rap album covers, and bold patterns reminiscent of the era. Guests might dress in baggy jeans, oversized jackets, and snapbacks, while the music plays iconic rap hits from the 90s.
A fun, retro-themed celebration that brings the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the 1980s to life. Think neon colors, big hair, and classic arcade games, with music from iconic 80’s artists creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Guests often dress in flashy, vintage outfits, and the décor features elements like cassette tapes, boomboxes, and retro video games.
A birthday party blends a fun dinosaur theme with a celebration of reaching a milestone age. Think vibrant decorations featuring dinosaurs, fossil prints, and prehistoric elements, combined with a lively atmosphere to mark the special occasion.
This Football-Themed Party celebrates the milestone with a sports twist. Decorate with team colors, jerseys, and footballs. Serve game-day snacks like nachos and wings, and include football-themed games and activities.
A cozy, elegant at-home 40th birthday dinner features a warm, inviting atmosphere with carefully selected dishes and decorations that reflect the guest of honor’s tastes. The table is set with sophisticated touches, such as fine china, candles, and fresh flowers.
A party where each course of a meal is paired with a different beer to enhance the flavors of both the food and the brew. The event typically includes a selection of dishes and corresponding beers chosen to complement each other.
A chic celebration that combines the lush, exotic elements of a tropical paradise with elegant, glamorous touches. Think bright, bold colors, tropical flowers, and sparkling accents. The decor often features lush greenery, gold or metallic details, and sophisticated table settings, creating a fun and upscale atmosphere.
Designed to add a touch of glamour to any celebration, making it perfect for milestone birthdays or anniversaries. The piñata is filled with treats and small toys, and it’s meant to be broken open for a fun party activity.
Guests enjoy games like poker, blackjack, and roulette, often using play money or chips. The atmosphere is lively, with elegant decorations, and the event may include entertainment, music, and themed food and drinks.
A fun and interactive way to enjoy a barbecue. It features a spread of grilled meats, sides, and toppings that guests can customize to their liking. You set up a variety of ingredients and let everyone build their perfect BBQ plate.
Elegant gathering set in a lush garden. It features delicate teas, dainty finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet pastries. Guests enjoy the tranquil setting, surrounded by blooming flowers and greenery, while sipping tea.
A fun gathering where neighbors come together for a brunch while enjoying a painting activity. Guests can savor a variety of brunch foods and drinks while they paint on canvases, guided by an instructor or following their own creativity. It's a relaxed, social event blending art with a tasty meal.
Celebration with a Mexican theme, marking the milestone of turning forty. Expect lively decorations, colorful papel picado banners, and festive mariachi music. The menu often includes delicious Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas, with a fun atmosphere for dancing and socializing.
Typically, it features a selection of sparkling wines, a variety of fruit juices like orange, grapefruit, and pomegranate, and garnishes such as fresh fruit slices and herbs. The kit often comes with stylish glasses and instructions for mixing,
Think of a beautifully decorated space with string lights, chic table settings, and tasteful floral arrangements. Guests enjoy refined food and drinks, with a focus on classy, gourmet options. The ambiance is both stylish and comfortable, creating a memorable celebration in a charming backyard setting.
Combines the charm of rustic, country-style decor with the laid-back vibe of denim. Think of a warm, inviting setting with wooden accents, vintage-inspired decorations, and casual, yet stylish, denim-themed touches.
A blend of lively colors and elegant Tuscan-inspired decor, celebrating the milestone with style. Think rich, warm tones, beautiful table settings, and gourmet Italian cuisine. It’s an event marked by both chic sophistication and festive energy.
Did you enjoy this list of 40th birthday celebration ideas? If you did, then please remember to pin it to Pinterest. That way you can find it when you need it!