Hey there, I am so glad you are here to chat about the best 40th birthday theme for her.
If you are like me, planning a party means going all out and this 40th birthday party is no exception (even if you are on a budget). You have to check out these ideas for a 40th birthday theme for her.
40th birthday parties are happening all around me, including hosting a party for my sister a few weeks ago, so I know all the most unforgettable 40th birthday theme for her ideas.
There are so many incredible 40th birthday theme for her ideas below but I also threw in some easy party food ideas, 40th birthday party decorations, 40th birthday party games, 40th birthday party supplies, and more.
I know after all this, the hardest part about planning her 40th birthday party is which theme to pick. You can pick more than one!
Let’s get planning her party with the best 40th birthday theme for her!
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Best 40th Birthday Theme For Her
Birthday Party Food
I love hosting and these appetizers and desserts have always been a hit.
These will have your guests lingering near the food table all night.
40th Birthday Party Decorations
Now that we have the food covered, let’s talk about 40th birthday party decorations.
The great thing about decorations is that you can do just a few or get completely crazy. I usually land somewhere in the middle (leaning heavily toward the crazy).
Start with a fun banner, poms, and swirls.
Next, you can sprinkle in 40th birthday party balloons.
I love streamers and balloons. They are cheap and you can cover a lot with them.
Birthday 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.
If you want to keep it simple then go with a background like this, add some birthday balloons, and don’t forget those incredibly fun photo booth props.
Birthday T-Shirts
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. Use this iron on transfer paper.
Try to use a different picture on every shirt. Your guests will have the best time checking these out.
Birthday Pictures
And since you took the time to gather all those pictures of the birthday girl, print some hard copies to put on display.
40th Birthday Themes
40th Birthday House Party
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 – 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.
The backyard is the perfect place to set up these yard games.
Axe Throwing (This set is completely safe for anyone)
Laser Tag (I am not steering you wrong here)
Outdoor Movie Night
If the weather permits, 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.
What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.
Set out blankets and don’t forget the bug spray!
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!
Mexican Fiesta
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, 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 still agreed to make her margaritas using this margarita machine – these are the best I have ever tasted.
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.
Roaring 20s
Transform 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 guys to dress up like gangsters and the ladies as flappers.
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.
Hayride - Country
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 - City
If you know the hayride won’t be a hit, rent a party bus to hit the town.
80s Theme
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!
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).
Favorite Color Theme
Ask her what her favorite color is and have a color party.
Ask all of the guests to wear that color.
Luau
A luau is a great way to take a little trip to paradise at home.
Pirate Theme
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.
You can find pirate yard blow-ups, wear costumes, and of course, put up lots of decorations.
Have your drink coolers be treasure chests.
Don’t forget the chocolate gold coins. Kids go nuts over those.
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.
40th Birthday Activities
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!
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 really wants to see.
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.
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.
Visit a Winery
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!
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 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 a Trip
Plan a weekend to somewhere she has always wanted to go. You know she would love to do this for her 40th birthday.
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.
Beach Day
Let her soak up the sun on a beach somewhere and grab some dinner afterward.
Boat Cruise
Another 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.
Tea Party
Host a fancy garden party for your girl and her ladies.
They will all enjoy getting dressed up.
Go Golfing
I know a few ladies who love golfing. If this sounds like your birthday girl, hit the links.
See a Concert
Get her tickets to a concert.
And maybe some earplugs. She is old now.
Go to a Casino
Even though I am not a gambler, it is fun to go with friends now and then.
What is great about casinos is everything is right there – food, activities, and a hotel stay.
Let me know if I missed anything.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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