Budget Friendly 40th Birthday Themes For Her
Hello, I’m glad you stopped by to chat about these unforgettable 40th birthday themes for her.
Are you looking to host a banger of a party and for the best 40th birthday themes for her? You have come to the right place.
I just turned 40, along with family members and friends (at least I am not alone in this!), and boy oh boy, do I have so many dynamite 40th birthday party ideas for you!
Along with loads of memorable 40th birthday themes for her, I couldn’t help but throw in some easy party food ideas, 40th birthday party decorations, 40th birthday party games and activities, and more.
After checking out all these themes, the hardest part about planning her 40th birthday party is which idea to pick. Great news – You can choose more than one!
Let’s get planning her party with these fabulous 40th birthday themes for her.
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Best 40th Birthday Themes For Her
Before we jump into these amazing 40th birthday themes for her, I have to tell you about a few things that will rock her day no matter which theme you pick.
Treat the Birthday Girl
Start her 40th birthday off with a few special things like making her favorite breakfast, putting together a care package with all her favorite things, or detailing her car.
Write her a letter telling her all the wonderful things you love about her. Try to get 40.
Birthday Party Food
I love hosting and if you do too, then check out these party recipes.
These appetizers and desserts have always been a hit with my guests. They are quick and easy to make. These can also easily be doubled or tripled.
Appetizers
Desserts
40th Birthday Party Decorations
When it comes to decorations, easy is the way to go. That is exactly what these 40th birthday party decorations are. They are cheap and cover a lot of surface area, too.
This fun banner, poms, and swirls are a great start.
Add these fun 40th birthday party balloons.
And finish up with colorful streamers.
Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth area to capture all her birthday fun.
It will take hardly any time at all with these easy decorations.
This Instax Camera will help you create a picture wall that your birthday girl and guests will love to look at all night long.
You can also check out this portable photo printer that connects with your phone.
Birthday T-Shirts
My crafty aunt did this one for my dad’s 40th birthday party and we have used this idea ever since.
Ask a few of your party guests to help you.
Make T-shirts with pictures of the birthday girl on them. This iron-on transfer paper makes this whole project easy.
Use a different picture on every shirt.
Birthday Girl Pictures
Since you took the time to get all those pictures of her, print some hard copies to put on display.
Or you can fill up this digital picture frame. Trust me, you will love having it in your home after the party.
We Love The Birthday Girl
Set up an area where your guests can write a little note about what they love best about the birthday girl.
Use Sticky Notes and put them up so everyone can read them. Tag board works great!
She will have the best time reading these.
Video Tribute
Request your guests to send in a short video wishing her a happy birthday and then you can put them all together (or ask someone better at it than you to help).
Have this wonderful tribute running during the party.
40th Birthday Themes For Her
Surprise Birthday Party
How good are you at keeping a secret? Throw her a surprise birthday party.
There are so many great themes below that will be amazing with a surprise party.
40th Birthday House Party
This is my favorite kind of party!
Whether inside or out in the yard, in the garage, or even in a shed – it is my favorite – so casual and laid back.
Put up these easy 40th birthday party decorations and you are ready to rock and roll.
Your backyard is the perfect place to set up these yard games.
Potluck
If you have a large crowd coming, ask everyone to bring a dish to pass. I can guarantee they won’t mind because everyone loves to show off their best recipe.
Outdoor Movie Night
Have an outdoor movie night. It is a kid-friendly way to spend an evening with friends.
This movie projector and screen are so good.
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 chairs and don’t forget the bug spray!
Bonfire
You can also set up a bonfire at your house party or outdoor movie night. Your guests will enjoy hanging out around it.
Birthday Brunch
You can’t party and celebrate her all day if you don’t start early.
Set up a champagne brunch for your birthday girl. A Bloody Mary bar works, too. Or maybe Irish coffee is more your jam.
Here are a few easy brunch recipes.
Barbie Theme
If she loves Barbie – with all the hot pink – this party is for her!
Dress Like Your Parents Theme
Ask your guests to pick a picture of their mom or dad, then replicate that picture – hair, clothes, and all.
Tell everyone to bring the picture along to the party so everyone can see the comparison. This is hilarious!
Dress As The 1st Letter Of Your Name Costume Party
It is hilarious to see what your guests come up with.
For example: Becky – B – Bob Ross or Harvey – H – Hotdog.
Spa Day
Get your birthday girl some pampering with a spa day.
This makes for a fantastic birthday gift and she can hang with her girls.
Mexican Theme
When my oldest sister turned 40, we threw her a Mexican Fiesta themed party because she loves a good margarita (me too😊).
Set up a huge taco bar with all the fixings.
This margarita machine makes the best margaritas! They are so hard to resist.
Pick up this full-sized sombrero for the birthday girl because hey, it’s all for fun.
These sombrero headbands will be fun for everyone else.
And to keep the kids busy for a while – a piñata (or 2, depending on how many kids you have at the party).
Roaring 20s
Transform your home into a 1920s Speakeasy.
There are so many easy ideas for this on Pinterest.
It is way more fun when you invite your guests to dress up – the guys dress up like gangsters and the ladies as flappers.
Escape Room
Try an escape room with the birthday girl if she likes solving puzzles.
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 people!
Brewery Tour
Or is beer her thing? Go on a brewery tour (if there is one in your area) or a pub crawl to try different beverages.
Game Night
If she loves games, do a board game/casino night theme.
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!
Casino Party
Create the casino vibe at your home and host a casino party. Check out these dynamite poker chips and playing cards.
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.
Murder Mystery Party
If you are looking to solve a puzzle right at home, try a murder mystery party.
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.
Dance Party
Most girls love to dance, and if this sounds like your birthday girl, throw her a dance party.
You can play your music, hire a DJ, or even find an Elvis impersonator. My aunt did the Elvis impersonator for my dad’s 40th birthday and it was outstanding!
Kiss Your 30s Goodbye
Set out loads of chocolate kisses to help kiss her 30s goodbye.
Here is a fun birthday balloon banner.
Luau
Head to paradise with a luau.
Pool Party
Do you have access to a pool – hello pool party!
Favorite Color Theme
If she has a favorite color or 2, throw a color themed party.
Decorations and attire can be all about her favorite color.
If she doesn’t have a favorite color, then you can go with the classic 40th birthday colors of black, gold, silver, and navy blue.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Every girl instantly knows that Tiffany blue color. If your birthday girl is all about it, this is the party for her.
Fancy Tea Party/Outdoor Picnic
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.
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.
Black Tie Affair – 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.
Pretty in Pink
Pink or Rose Pink are the perfect colors for a woman’s birthday – so beautiful.
Check out these party decorations.
Superhero Party
Superhero parties aren’t just for kids.
Prom
Still looking to get dressed up but don’t want to take it too seriously, have a prom party.
There are loads of prom dresses at thrift stores.
Back in XXXX Party
Theme her entire party around the year she was born.
Think clothes, music, food, hair, decorations, and more.
Ice Cream Social
If you are thinking family friendly then you have to consider an ice cream party.
Don’t even think about store bought ice cream.
Instead, make it with this easy to use ice cream maker. You will never want to have store bought ice cream again.
Easily 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.
Hayride/Country Living
Ask your guests to dress like they are in a country music video😊.
If you have been on a hayride before, then 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.
80s Party Theme
Your guests have a blast dressing up in the 80s theme. The hair, clothes, makeup, and of course the neon!
Crank up those 80s tunes.
Here are some budget friendly party decorations.
Disco Party
Leisure suits, Afro hair, and of course a disco ball are just the start of a fantastic disco party.
And speaking of disco balls, these disco ball fringe backdrops will look groovy as your photo booth backdrop.
Your guests will have fun with these photo booth props.
Harry Potter Theme
Does she love Harry Potter? Have a Harry Potter costume party.
There are lots of fun decorations. Here are a few to get you started.
Pirate Theme Party
I see you 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.
40th Birthday Activities for Women
In case you didn’t get enough with the 40th birthday party themes and are looking for some fun activities to include, I have you covered.
Cooking Class
Expand your culinary knowledge with a cooking class. You all may find new recipes that you love.
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.
Camping
Does she love spending time in the great outdoors? Ask a few close friends or family to go camping with you.
Spend your time hiking, biking, trap shooting, and hanging out by the campfire.
Cabin
You can also book a cabin. There are so many that will hold a larger group these days.
Fishing
Book a guided fishing trip.
You could also spend a few hours on the lake near you.
Bucket List Activity
Everyone has a bucket list. What is on hers?
Let her pick something from it and you take care of the planning.
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!
Fancy Restaurant Dinner
Set up a cocktail party at a posh restaurant. It can be for a crowd or just the 2 of you, ooh la la.
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!
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.
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.
Extreme Sports
Skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip lining – oh my! If she is looking for a rush, this is it!
Remember, you don’t have to do it too. You can just be the supportive driver.
Helicopter Tour
Let her get a different view of a favorite city or the breathtaking great outdoors with a helicopter tour.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride is an adventure that she will never forget and there is nothing else like it. If you have not been on one, I can’t recommend it enough.
Golfing
Let her hit the links with her ladies.
Be kind and offer to be the designated driver.
Sporting Event
Does she have a favorite sports team? Get her tickets.
Go big or go home and book a hotel too.
Destination Travel
Plan a trip for the birthday girl. Where has she always wanted to go?
It is the perfect time for a celebration vacation.
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.
Supercar Track Day
My brother-in-law did a supercar track day for his 40th and he has been nuts about it ever since. If she is into cars, this should be at or near the top of the birthday activity list.
Go Karting
If the super track is too much for her, take her go karting instead. It is not just for kids and guys.
Concert
Get her tickets to a concert. And maybe some earplugs.
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.
Comedy Night
Hit up a comedy club for a night full of laughter.
How do you plan to help her celebrate her 40th birthday? Let me know if I missed any dynamite ideas.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
This post was all about the best 40th birthday themes for her.
