Hey girl, I am so glad you stopped by so I can share these dynamite 40th birthday party ideas on a budget with you. Let's save you some money!
As much fun as parties are, they can quickly become expensive. I am here to give you the best tips and tricks for 40th birthday party ideas on a budget – for both guys and gals.
I have a large immediate family with a domino effect of us turning the big 4-0.
As it turns out, one of my sisters and I usually plan every 40th birthday party. With almost 40 people or more attending every party, we are always looking for ways to keep the costs down.
Just because we are talking about 40th birthday party ideas on a budget doesn't mean they are a blast. In fact, these have been some of the most fun and memorable parties I have ever been to. It is all what you make it.
Let’s jump into these 40th birthday party ideas on a budget that you will want to plan!
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Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas On A Budget
Tips For 40th Birthday Party Ideas On A Budget
- Keep It Simple!
You don’t have to have decorations if you don’t want to. I am still going to 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?
Girl, I have you covered. These appetizers and desserts will have your guests lingering near the food table all night. And there will be zero leftovers!
40th Birthday Party Decorations
I know I said to skip the decorations but the ones I am about to mention are cheap and easy.
Start with a fun banner, poms, and swirls.
Next, you can sprinkle in 40th birthday party balloons.
I love streamers. They are cheap and you can cover a lot with them.
Photo Booth
Now it is time to set up the photo booth area. This is a must have and so much fun. Don’t skip it!
Check out this backdrop and these photo booth props.
Your guests will have fun taking pictures all night long.
Walking Decorations
You will need a few of your guests to help you out with this one.
Make T-shirts with pictures of the star of the show on them.
Use this iron on transfer paper.
Try to use a different picture on every shirt. The rest of the guests will have the best time checking these out.
Pictures
And since you took the time to gather all those pictures, print some hard copies to put on display at your party.
40th Birthday Party Ideas 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.
There are lots of decorations for it, I gave you a good start above.
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 any of these yard games.
Axe Throwing (don’t worry, this set is completely safe)
Nope, laser tag isn’t just for kids. Grown-ups have a blast doing this.
Outdoor Movie
Pair an outdoor movie with the backyard cookout or keep it as its own thing. Either way, this one is a blast and can be very family friendly.
Check out this movie projector and screen.
You can set up a movie theater type snack bar with goodies like popcorn, salty and sweet snacks, beverages, and more.
Don’t forget the bug repellant, chairs, and blankets!
Scavenger Hunt
Set up 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 that this should be a possibility! 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.
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.
You should pick up this full sized sombrero for the guest of honor. It’s all for fun.
And you can get these sombrero headbands for everyone else.
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.
Ice Cream Social
If you are looking for a completely family friendly birthday party theme – think ice cream social!
Go all out and make your own 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.
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 with 100% participation.
This site has great murder mystery packets you can buy (not sponsored).
It is a cheap activity for a lot of people!
Luau
You can go for a Luau theme.
These are fun props that all your guests will enjoy.
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).
Guys can dress up like gangsters and the ladies can dress up as flappers.
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 inside our home to look like a jungle.
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
Ask everyone to wear costumes and get decorations to match.
Don’t forget the chocolate gold coins. Kids love these!
You can even go so far as to decorate your coolers as treasure chests😊.
I Love The 80s
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 to party to.
These will help make your party a success.
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.
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.
I hope you found the ideas you were looking for to keep costs down for your party.
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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