Hey girl, I am so glad you stopped by to chat about the best 40th birthday ideas for husband on a budget.
This is a huge birthday for your guy and I know you’re on the hunt for epic 40th birthday ideas for husband on a budget. Because who doesn’t love a good deal?
I love planning and hosting parties, but I am also the one who likes to keep the costs down. With having a big family, things can get out of hand in a hurry.
Girl, these 40th birthday ideas for husband on a budget are so much fun that everyone will want to copy you, and no one will know you didn’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it.
There are ideas for your husband's 40th birthday party that can be celebrated at home, out and about, with small groups or a crowd, and everything in between. I know you will find the perfect way to celebrate your husband's 40th birthday.
Let’s jump into the best 40th birthday ideas for husband on a budget that he will want to repeat for future birthdays.
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Best 40th Birthday Ideas For Husband On A Budget
Tips for 40th Birthday Ideas For Husband on a Budget
- Keep It Simple!
You don’t have to have decorations if you don’t want to. I will still shout out my favorites below though, just in case you want to spice things up.
You also don’t have to do party favors. What do people really do with those things anyway?
- Don’t have a large guest list.
I get it girl, if this is unavoidable. My family is huge, remember – 40 people in the immediate and growing.
- Spend the time to make food.
Catering and buying premade food is expensive.
- If your friends and family offer to bring food – let them.
Like I said – FOOD IS EXPENSIVE!
- Adults – BYOB.
Adult beverages are also crazy expensive and sometimes people take advantage when they are free.
I am not saying you can’t supply anything – offer to have 1 or 2 things on hand. If your guests want something different then they can bring it.
- Have your party at a restaurant.
Rent a party room. Let your guests know there is a menu they can order from with the understanding that they will be buying it.
Supply some desserts.
This is how my sister-in-law celebrated her 40th birthday and it worked out great.
Birthday Party Food
Remember how I just got done saying you should make the food to keep costs down?
Here are some of my favorite appetizers and desserts that are so easy to whip up and perfect for gatherings. They are so delicious that there are never any leftovers.
40th Birthday Party Decorations
These party decorations are budget friendly and cover a lot of area.
Photo Booth
If you only want one decoration for your hubby, make it a photo booth area.
It is a blast for everyone.
You can keep it pretty simple or go all out. The easiest way to keep it simple is to decorate an area with streamers (give them a twist and they look great) and some party balloons.
These are a few easy photo booth items that won’t break the bank.
Birthday Boy Pictures
Print pictures of your husband from as many previous birthdays as possible and hang them up everywhere.
They are not only fun for guests to check out but your husband will like seeing them as well.
T-Shirts
Do you like to get crafty? These decorations are right up your alley then.
Grab some white t-shirts and iron on transfer paper.
Pick out the best photos of your husband, even from when he was little, and print them on the iron on transfer paper.
Ask a few guests, or even your kids, to wear them on his birthday or at his birthday party.
Don’t be surprised to see this idea at your friends’ parties in the future.
40th Birthday Ideas For Husband on a Budget
By far, the best way to keep your budget low is to have this 40th birthday party at your house. I have loads of ideas and themes to share with you to do just that.
If you hate hosting, I get it. It isn’t for everyone. There are great ideas further down to take your party to a different location.
40th Birthday Party Theme
This theme is as simple as you can get.
Check out all those cheap and easy decorations I mentioned above.
Mexican Fiesta
Having a Mexican theme party is always a hit.
No one can resist a taco bar and margaritas.
What kind of taco shells do you like – hard, soft, or a bag of chips?
I have to say, margaritas aren’t my first drink of choice unless it is at a party like this and I know my sister is making them using this margarita machine.
Backyard Cookout
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.
Fire up the grill for some burgers, brats, hotdogs, chicken, and more.
The backyard is the perfect place to set up yard games.
Axe Throwing (don’t worry, this set is completely safe)
Laser Tag (Nope, laser tag isn’t just for kids. Grown-ups have a blast doing this.)
Outdoor Movie Night
Have an outdoor movie with the backyard cookout or keep it as its own thing. Either way, this one is so fun and family friendly.
Check out this movie projector and screen.
You can set up a movie theater snack bar with goodies like popcorn, salty and sweet snacks, beverages, and more.
Don’t forget the bug repellent and blankets!
Ice Cream Social
If you are looking for a completely family friendly birthday party theme – think ice cream social!
Make your ice cream with this ice cream machine. Girl, it is so much better than store bought that you will only want homemade from now on.
Make it ahead of the party and store it in these freezer safe containers.
The only thing you will have to set up on your party day for this is the toppings area. I am talking cookies, candies, sauces, nuts, sprinkles, and don’t forget the whipped cream.
Dress Like Your Parents
Ask your guests to pick a picture of one of their parents and recreate the photo – hair, clothes, and all.
Have them bring the photo along so you all can compare. This is a hoot.
Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that includes items to find from your area or home.
We love doing these and always have these 2 rules.
There is a time limit. The teams must have photo proof of the item with a team member in the picture.
Hayride
If you have been on a hayride, I do not have to convince you this is dynamite for a birthday activity! Incredibly fun!
If you haven’t been on one, now is the time. Just bring a blanket to sit on. The hay will itch your legs.
Roaring 20s
Having a Roaring 20s theme party will never get old because there is something for everyone.
Transform your place into a Speakeasy (there are tons of easy and cheap ideas on Pinterest).
Game Night
Who doesn’t love a good game night? Whether we are talking board games or playing cards, everyone will have a great time.
Catch Phrase and Pictionary are great if you have a few people or a large group.
Check out these poker chips and playing cards if you are in the market.
80s Theme
No one can resist dressing up for an 80s themed party, even though the style was pretty terrible if you ask me.
But the music is some of my favorite.
Murder Mystery Party
You will be surprised at how into your guests will get when you host a murder mystery party.
We have done these for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and housewarming parties, and have even done one at Christmas. Every single time, it was a success and everyone joined in.
This site has great murder mystery packets you can buy (not sponsored).
It is a cheap activity for a lot of people!
Luau
Go for a Luau theme.
These are fun props that all your guests will enjoy.
African Safari
Did she just say African safari? Isn’t that for kids?
Yes, I did and no, it’s not!
For my husband’s 40th birthday, we transformed the inside of our home to look like a jungle with festive balloons, huge fake leaves, and jungle colored streamers.
My kids helped make animal masks.
And then we got these animal masks for other kids to wear.
The guys had the most fun because we set out a bunch of Nerf guns so they could go on a safari to hunt all the animals. The kids couldn’t get enough either.
Pirate Party
Find some pirate blow ups for your yard, ask everyone to wear costumes, and get decorations to match.
Pick up these chocolate gold coins. Kids love these!
You can even go so far as to decorate your coolers as treasure chests😊.
Favorite Color Theme
If the guest of honor has a favorite color or 2, throw a color themed party. This one is so easy.
Go Out To Eat
Keep it as simple as possible and reserve a party room/area at a restaurant. You don’t have to clean anything!
Like I said earlier, 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.
Bowling
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 person.
This is also a great kid-friendly party!
Tell your guests ahead of time what you will be paying for and they have to pick up the rest.
Which birthday party ideas will you be trying?
Let me know in the comments below if I missed anything and I will be sure to add it.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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