The best 40th birthday ideas are those that are personal and have special meaning to the birthday celebrant. Whether your spouse, friend, or family member is celebrating their 40th birthday, you have a special vision to ensure the celebration is a success because of your close relationship with the person. Think about experiences you’ve shared together, places you’ve visited, or funny stories you’ve heard the birthday girl or boy describe for inspiration on 40th birthday ideas and themes. The celebrant’s favorite hobby, sport or sports team, collectible, or food and drink can all pave the way for a fun and memorable 40th birthday party idea or gift.
To surprise or not to surprise for 40th birthday ideas?
Some people like surprises while others don’t, so think about how your friend or family member would prefer to enjoy their special day before planning an elaborate party. Would they be super surprised by a 40th birthday party or would they be traumatized? Does your special loved one enjoy celebrating with lots of close friends and family by their side or would you prefer a quiet gathering?
Personalized Inspiration for 40th Birthday Ideas and Party Themes
Once you’ve decided on the type of celebration you’re going to host, you now need to zero in on a theme. Think and consider carefully what your guest of honor really likes. What is your favorite hobby: shopping, television, soccer or baseball, technology, cooking? What places have they traveled that they adored? – The beach, the mountains, the golf courses, Europe or other countries, the amusement parks like Disney? Make a list of possible topics, and then under each one, think of items that might be associated with those things. For example, if your guest of honor loved a recent trip to Mexico, you can complement it with sombreros, luminaries, margaritas, and Mexican food and music. Do they just love football and the NY Giants? Then decorate your venue in red and blue, and ask guests to wear Giant t-shirts to the party. The food can be fun football food like wings, chili, potato skins, and beer. Make a marker with a score of 40 – 0!
Top 3 Categories of 40th Birthday Gift Ideas
Maybe you’re attending a 40th birthday party for a close friend or family member and need a super cool gift idea. These are my favorites for affordable gifts and splurges:
Give an Experience –
Tickets to sporting events, a spa day, a gift certificate for dinner, wine tasting, tickets to Broadway plays
Splurge: Weekend getaway to sightsee the city, spa, beach, or local golf.
Big Splurge: Fantasy Camp for the favorite sports team.
personalize it
Personalized items like an engraved iPad, a photo album with pictures of your loved one from baby to now, a treasured collectible engraved gold golf club, a charm bracelet or pendant,
Splurge: High-end writing instrument such as Mont Blanc pens.
Big Splurge – Designer briefcase or tote personalized with the celebrant’s initials.
forever Young
Turning 40 makes everyone aware that they are getting older, so give the gift of youth. For the ladies, gift certificates for special facials, a new hairstyle, or a complete makeover will be a welcome treat. For men, a health club membership, special exercise equipment, or special and tasty prepared meals will help promote a healthy start to the new decade.
Splurge – Gourmet Spa Weekend Getaway
Super Splurge: Bodywork, Facelift – Lift, Cut, Shrink