24 Fun 40th Birthday Celebration Ideas For Her

If there is one thing you have to have for her 40^th birthday party, it is a photo booth (photo area).  Trust me, do NOT skip this!

You will be amazed that even those camera shy guests will have a blast with this.

If you want to keep it simple then go with a background like this, add some easy to blow up balloons, and don’t forget those amazing photo booth props.

I know you can take pictures with your phone but if you are looking for something a little bit more fun and different, check out this Instax Camera.  Your guests can have a hard copy to put on their fridge.

What is any party without food?  You have to feed your guests! 

I have 3 easy and delicious appetizers and desserts that your guest will gobble right up and want the recipe for. 

Trust me, you won’t have anything left if you make these!

Appetizers

Texas Caviar Dip

Warm Buffalo Chicken Dip

Pickle Roll Up Dip

Desserts

Sheet Pan Cookie Bars

No Bake Chocolate Truffles

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Honestly, this is my kind of party!  Whether it is inside or out, in the garage, or even in a shed – it is my favorite.

The backyard is the perfect place to set up any of these yard games.

Bean Bags

Lasso Golf

Axe Throwing

Laser Tag

Nope, laser tag isn’t just for kids.  Grown-ups have a blast doing this.

If her birthday is in the summer, I highly recommend throwing an outdoor movie night.  It is a kid-friendly way to spend an evening with friends.

Check out this movie projector and screen.

Set up a snack bar with all the sweet and salty goodies.

Don’t forget the bug spray though!

One of my older sisters loves to play board games so we included a “game night” at her 40^th birthday party.

Pictionary and Catch Phrase are great games for a crowd.

If you have other games that are incredible for a crowd, let me know in the comments below!

2 summers ago, my oldest sister turned 40 and she loves a good margarita (me too😊) so having a Mexican Fiesta themed party was the obvious choice.

We had a huge taco bar, got a pinata for the kids, fun sombrero headbands for lots of people to wear, and even a full size sombrero for her.

Thankfully, my birthday girl sister agreed to make her margaritas – which are the best I have ever tasted.  She tells me that it is mostly due to this margarita machine.

If you live in rural America like me, you know how fun a hayride is.  And it is simple too.

You can have snacks and drinks, and there will be lots of laughing on this leisurely ride.

Maybe you are thinking, a Murder Mystery Party…I am not so sure.  Well, if you haven’t tried it, now is the time!

I have a large family and we have done this for bachelorette parties, Christmas, and even a housewarming party.

And you know what, everyone dressed up and played their part.

Check out these premade Murder Mystery Packets. (not sponsored)

Of course, you can always go with the classic 80s theme.  Guests have so much fun dressing up in the 80s theme.

Here are some fun decorations to get you started.

80's Theme Swirls

Party Sunglasses

80's Theme Balloons

Travel back in time by transforming your home into a 1920s Speakeasy.

There are so many dynamite ideas for this on Pinterest.  It is way more fun if you ask the fellas to dress up like gangsters and the dolls as flappers.

Here are a few decorations to get you started.

Party Balloons

1920's Party Decor

Black and Gold Tinsel

We did this for my sister’s bachelorette party over 10 years ago, along with a murder mystery party, and we all still talk about it.  One of my favorite parties ever.

You can go for a Luau theme if you aren’t feeling the 80s.

These are fun props that all your guests will enjoy.

Hawaiian Leis

Fun Umbrella Straws

Photo Banner

If you are looking for an afternoon kid-friendly party idea – try an ice cream social.

Don't even think about store bought ice cream.  Instead, make your own with this easy to use ice cream maker.  You will never want to have store bought ice cream again.

Luckily you can make it ahead of the party day and store it in a freezer-safe container.

On the day of the party, set up an ice cream toppings bar with all the sauces, candies, fruit, and nuts you like.

Don’t forget the whipped cream and sprinkles.

Keep it as simple as possible and reserve a party room/area at a restaurant.  You don’t have to clean anything!

My husband’s sister did this and noted on the invite that they were providing only the dessert.  So, guests were responsible for their food and drinks.  It is a great way to keep costs down if you are on a budget.

One of the most “girly” birthday ideas on the list – visit a winery.

You can rent a party bus or other transportation if you don’t want to impose on anyone having to be a designated driver.  Safety first people!

Get your birthday girl some pampering with a spa day.  This makes for a fantastic birthday gift and/or hang out time with her girls.

Doing a bowling birthday party isn’t just for kids.

It is a fun way to do an activity, have some food and drinks, and celebrate with the birthday girl.

This is also a great kid-friendly party!

Little getaways are a great way to recharge.  I know she would love to do this for her 40^th birthday.

Make it a weekend with as few or as many guests as she wants.

Is your girl the queen of karaoke?  You know what to do.

If she isn’t looking to go out, this is an incredible karaoke machine to have.

Relaxing girlfriend time on the beach is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Grab some dinner afterward.  I know I am always a bit hungry after a day at the beach.

Another fun way to soak up some sun is on a boat cruise.

If you live near water and it is the right time of year to be on it, this is one you have to consider.

I know a few ladies who love golfing.  If this sounds like your birthday girl, hit the links.

Set up a scavenger hunt for the birthday girl and all her guests.  These are a blast.

Split the guests up into teams, give them what they need to find, explain the rules, and send them off.

We did this for one of my sister's bachelorette parties and the girls were nuts about it.  

A few of the rules we had were the girls either needed to bring back the items or take a picture of the item with someone in the group needing to also be in the picture.  We also set a time limit.

Take her to the theater.  There is always an amazing show to see. 

With so many concerts happening, I know there is one that your birthday girl wants to see.

Host a La-Tea-Dah garden party for your birthday girl. 

This is a fun way to let all her ladies get fancied up for the afternoon.

I have to say, I am not a gambler, like not at all, but it is fun to go with friends now and then.  This is a fun celebration idea if you have a smaller group.

What is great about casinos is everything is right there – food, activities, and a hotel stay.

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