Hey there, I am so glad you are here to chat about the best 40th birthday party ideas for women.
If you are on the hunt for incredible 40th birthday party ideas for women, your search is over.
I just turned 40, and 40th birthday parties are happening all around me, and boy oh boy, do I have so many memorable ideas for you!
There are so many incredible 40th birthday themes for her ideas below, and I also threw in some easy party food ideas, 40th birthday party decorations, 40th birthday party games and activities, 40th birthday party supplies, and more.
I know after all this, the hardest part about planning her 40th birthday party is which one to pick. Great news - You can choose more than one!
Let’s get planning her party with the best 40th birthday party ideas for women!
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Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas For Women
40th Birthday Party Decorations
Let’s talk all things 40th birthday party decorations.
I love easy decorations. They are cheap and you can cover a lot of area.
Check out this fun banner, poms, and swirls.
Photo Booth
If there is one thing you have to have for her 40th birthday party, it is a photo booth (photo area). You will be so glad you did.
All your guests will want to join in on the fun.
To keep it simple, use a background like this and then add some party balloons.
Walking Decorations
My craft aunt came up with this one for my dad’s 40th birthday party and we have been using it ever since.
You will need a few of your party guests to help you out with this one.
Make T-shirts with pictures of the birthday girl on them by using this iron on transfer paper.
Use a different picture on every shirt. Your guests will have the best time checking these out.
Pictures
And since you took the time to gather all those pictures of the birthday girl, print some hard copies to put on display.
You can also put together a slide show. Either way, your guests will love checking them all out.
Birthday Party Food
I love hosting and these appetizers and desserts have always been a hit with my guests.
Girl, be prepared to hand out these recipes.
40th Birthday Party Ideas For Women
Surprise Party
If you can keep it a secret, throw her a surprise party. Pair this party with a combination of other party ideas on this list.
40th Birthday House Party
This is my favorite kind of party!
Whether it is inside or out, in the garage, or even in a shed – it is my favorite – so casual and laid back.
Put up those easy 40th birthday party decorations we already talked about and you are ready to rock and roll.
Your backyard is the perfect place to set up these yard games.
Outdoor Movie Night
If the weather permits, throw 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.
What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.
Set out blankets and don’t forget the bug spray!
Dress Like Your Parents
Have your guests pick a picture of their mom or dad then replicate the picture – hair, clothes, and all.
Ask your guests to bring the picture along to the party so everyone can see the comparison.
Potluck
Ask your guests to bring a dish to pass for a birthday potluck celebration.
Mexican Themed Party
When my oldest sister turned 40, a Mexican Fiesta themed party was the obvious choice since she loves a good margarita (me too😊).
We had a huge taco bar, so tasty.
This is a fun piñata for the kids.
All our guests had fun wearing sombrero headbands.
And my sister had the best time wearing this full size sombrero.
Thankfully, my birthday girl sister still agreed to make her margaritas using this margarita machine, they are the best I have ever tasted.
Birthday Brunch
Set up a champagne brunch for your birthday girl. You can’t party (and celebrate her) all day if you don’t start early.
Here are a few easy recipes to put on your menu.
Recipes You'll Love
Roaring 20s
Transform your home into a 1920s Speakeasy.
There are so many dynamite ideas for this on Pinterest.
It is way more fun when the guys dress up like gangsters and the ladies as flappers.
Make sure you write this on the invite.
Here are a few decorations to get you started.
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.
Murder Mystery Party
Maybe you are thinking, a Murder Mystery Party…I am not so sure. Well, if you haven’t tried it, you should!
You will be surprised how everyone will dress up (encourage it on the invite) and play their part.
I have a large family and we have done this for bachelorette parties, Christmas, and a housewarming party.
Check out these premade Murder Mystery Packets (nope, I am not sponsored, but these are complete and so good).
Escape Room
Try an escape room with the birthday girl if she likes solving puzzles.
Brewery Tour
Is beer her thing? Go on a brewery tour (if there is one in your area) or a pub crawl to try different beverages.
Dance Party
Most girls love to dance, and if this sounds like your birthday girl, throw her a dance party.
You can play your own music, hire a DJ, or even find an Elvis impersonator. My aunt did the Elvis impersonator for my dad’s birthday and it was outstanding!
Game Night
One of my older sisters loves to play board games, so we included lots of them at her 40th 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!
Pool Party
If you have a pool or access to one, throw a pool party.
Hayride
Ask your guests to dress like they are in a country music video😊.
If you have been on a hayride before you know how fun it is. And it is simple too.
You can have snacks and drinks, and there will be lots of laughing on this leisurely ride.
Party Bus
If you know the hayride won’t be a hit, rent a party bus to hit the town.
I Love the 80s
Your guests have so much fun dressing up in the 80s theme. The hair, clothes, and makeup – oh my!
We can never escape the 80s!
Hawaiian Luau
A luau is a great way to take a little trip to paradise at home.
Casino Party
Create the casino vibe at your home and host a casino party.
If you would rather, you can always take her to the casino instead. They have everything you need for a great birthday – food, activities, and a hotel stay.
Favorite Color Party
Find out what her favorite color is and have a color party.
Ask all of the guests to wear that color.
Ice Cream Party
An ice cream social is a fun family friendly afternoon birthday celebration.
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.
Make it ahead of time and store it in these freezer-safe containers.
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.
Cocktail Party
Ask all your guests to dress to the nines for a black tie affair. You can stay in for a cocktail party or hit the town, too.
Kiss Your 30s Goodbye
Set out loads of chocolate kisses to help kiss her 30s goodbye.
Prom Throwback
Still looking to get dressed up but don’t want to take it too seriously, have a prom throwback party.
There are loads of prom dresses at thrift stores.
Harry Potter Party
Where are all my Harry Potter fans at? I am one too.
Have a Harry Potter costume party.
There are so many decorations you can find on Amazon. Here are a few to get you started.
Pretty in Pink
Pink or Rose Pink are the perfect colors for a woman’s birthday – so beautiful.
Check out these party decorations.
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Every girl knows the Tiffany blue color instantly. If your birthday girl is all about it, this is the party for her.
Wine Tasting
You can keep this fun activity at home or visit a winery or 2.
I highly recommend hiring transportation if you plan to be out and about. Safety first!
Dress as the 1st Letter of Your Name
It is hilarious to see what your guests come up with.
For example: Amanda – A – Ace Ventura, Pet Detective or Hank – H – Hotdog.
Spa Day
Get your birthday girl some pampering with a spa day.
This makes for a fantastic birthday gift and/or hang out time with the girls.
Tea Party
Host a fancy garden party for your girl and her ladies.
They will all enjoy getting dressed up.
Paris Party
Ooh la la, the city of love!
From the delicious food to the decorations to the effortless way the French dress – this party will be heavenly.
Try and make an Eiffel Tower out of cardboard. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Pajama Party
Invite her best girls over for a pajama party and sleepover. You all can eat too much, drink too much, and stay up way too late.
Take a Cooking Class
Expand your culinary knowledge with a cooking class. You all may find new recipes that you love.
Back in XXXX Party
Theme her entire party around the year she was born.
Think clothes, music, food, hair, decorations, and more.
Karaoke
Is your girl the queen of karaoke? You know what to do.
If she isn't looking to go out, this is a great karaoke machine.
Pirate Party
I know you are raising your eyebrows right now, but hear me out.
Some people love pirates, like the Pirates of the Caribbean kind, and you can get so creative with it. Make it a costume party!
This is a fantastic pirate blow up for your yard.
Here are some fun decorations, too.
Set up your drink coolers to look like treasure chests.
Don’t forget the chocolate gold coins. Kids go nuts over those.
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!
My husband’s sister did this and noted on the invite that they were providing only the dessert.
Guests were responsible for their food and drinks. It is a great way to keep costs down if you are on a budget.
And did I mention, you don’t have to clean anything!
Bowling
Go bowling with family and friends so everyone can join in.
It is a fun way to do an activity, have some food and drinks, and celebrate with the birthday girl.
Go to the Theater
Take her to the theater. There is always an amazing show to see.
My favorite play so far is Singing in the Rain. It rained on stage – so cool.
You can also go to the movies if there is a movie she wants to see.
Scavenger Hunt
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 a list of 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 that 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.
Boat Cruise
A fun way to enjoy the great outdoors is on a boat cruise.
If you live near water and it is the right time of year to be on it, this one is for her.
Take a Trip
Plan a weekend somewhere she has always wanted to go. You know she would love to do this for her 40th birthday.
One of my best girlfriends is going with her college girls to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. I have been there and wowza, it is amazing!
Concert
Get her tickets to a concert. And maybe some earplugs.
How do you plan to celebrate her 40th birthday? Let me know if I missed anything.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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