Hey there, I am so glad you stopped by today to chat about the best 40th birthday themes for him.
With his big birthday right around the corner, I bet you are on the hunt for memorable 40th birthday themes for him, am I right? Girl, look no further!
My husband recently turned 40 and we had a blast celebrating him. We also have many family and friends who are turning the big 4-0. This makes me your expert on the best variety of 40th birthday themes for him.
Along with all of these 40th birthday themes for him, I have some birthday decorating ideas, amazing (and easy to prepare) party recipes, birthday activities, and so much more for you.
I can’t wait any longer to jump into the best 40th birthday themes for him, can you? Let’s go!
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Best 40th Birthday Themes For Him
40th Birthday Party Food
If you plan to host, you need food. I am talking about good food! The kind your guests will want the recipe for.
Girl, you have to check these out. These appetizers and desserts will have your guests hanging near the food table all night.
40th Birthday Party Decorations
Now that we have the food covered, it is time to amp up your party with some 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 all these decorations. They are cheap and you can cover a lot with them.
Photo Booth
You have to have a photo booth area. It is so easy to put together and is a blast too. Please 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
Ask a few of your party guests to help you with this.
Make T-shirts with pictures of the birthday boy on them.
Use this iron on transfer paper.
Try to use different pictures on every shirt. The rest of 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 boy, print some hard copies to put on display at your party.
40th Birthday Themes For Him
40th Birthday Party Theme
This theme is about as simple as you can get. And it is the reason you are celebrating the birthday boy.
There are lots of decorations for it, I gave you a good start above.
Backyard Cookout
Have a backyard cookout.
Fire up the grill for some burgers, brats, hotdogs, chicken, and more.
You can set up these fun backyard games. You know your guests will play these!
Axe Throwing (don’t worry, this set is completely safe)
Laser Tag (If you buy more than 1 set, they are all compatible)
Outdoor Movie
As the sun sets on your cookout, start up an outdoor movie. This one is a blast and is very family friendly.
Check out this movie projector and screen.
Set up a movie theater type snack bar with goodies like popcorn, salty and sweet snacks, beverages, and more.
Don’t forget the bug repellent, chairs, and blankets!
Bonfire
You can also set up a bonfire at your house party or outdoor movie night.
All your guests will enjoy hanging out around it.
Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that includes items to find around the area where you live or even at your 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.
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.
Hayride
If you have been on a hayride, then you know this is something you should consider! It is incredibly fun!
If you haven’t been on one, now is the time.
Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on. The hay will itch your legs.
Party Bus
If you aren’t into the hayride, no worries. Rent a party bus for all your (adult) guests and hit up a few bars.
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.
Game Night
Who doesn’t love a good game night? You can play board games or 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 family friendly birthday party theme – think ice cream social!
Make your own ice cream with this ice cream machine. Girl, it tastes 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.
Surprise Party
If you can keep it a secret, throw him a surprise party. Pair this party with a combination of other party ideas on this list.
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. It was a hit every single time with 100% participation.
This site has great murder mystery packets you can buy (not sponsored).
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 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 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.
Dress As The 1st Letter of Your Name Costume Party
It is hilarious to see what your guests come up with.
For example: Amanda – A – Ace Ventura, Pet Detective or Hillary – H – Hotdog.
Pirate Party
You need this pirate blow up for your yard and ask everyone to wear costumes.
Don’t forget the chocolate gold coins. Kids love these!
You can even go so far as to decorate your coolers as treasure chests😊.
80s Party
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 - oh yeah, it is some of my favorite to party to.
These will help make your party a success.
Disco Party
Leisure suits, Afro hair, and of course a disco ball are just the start of a fantastic disco party.
Favorite Color Theme
If he has a favorite color or 2, throw a color themed party. This one is so easy.
Luau
A luau is a great way to take a little trip to paradise at home.
Black Tie Affair
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.
Prom Throwback
Still looking to get dressed up but don’t want to take it too seriously, have a prom throwback party.
Harry Potter
Where are all my Harry Potter fans at? I am one too.
There are so many decorations you can find on Amazon. Here are a few to get you started.
Ask your guests to dress for it.
40th Birthday Activities
Golfing
Here is an all afternoon or day event for your guy and a few friends.
Golfing is a fun way to relax and enjoy some fresh air, too.
Be kind and offer to be the designated driver.
Camping
Does he love spending time in the great outdoors? Ask a few people to go camping with you.
You can spend your time hiking, biking, trap shooting, hanging out by the campfire, and so much more.
Sports Team
Does he have a favorite sports team? Do you see where I am heading?
Get him tickets.
Destination Travel
Plan a trip for the birthday boy to somewhere he has always wanted to go. It is the perfect time for a celebration vacation.
Wine Tasting or Brewery Tour
Book a party bus (or something like it) and go wine tasting or on a brewery tour. The party bus lets everyone drink if they want.
Karaoke
After a few drinks, anyone will do karaoke. I have seen it😊 and I am sure you have too.
Escape Room
Try an escape room with the birthday boy if he likes solving puzzles.
Concert
Concert tickets are a fantastic birthday gift.
Fancy Restaurant Dinner
Line up a cocktail party at a posh restaurant.
Or you can go to his favorite restaurant. Whichever works best for you.
Dinner Boat Cruise
Book a dinner boat cruise and let someone else take care of the whole party for you.
It is a great way for you to enjoy every second of the birthday party with him.
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 boy.
Bucket List Bash
Does he have a bucket list? Let him pick something from it and you take the planning from there.
So, which theme(s) do you think you will go with? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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