Unique Guys 40th Birthday Party Ideas

Hey girl, I am so glad you stopped by to chat about the best guys 40th birthday party ideas.

guys 40th birthday party ideas

With his big 4-0 right around the corner, I bet you are searching for dynamite guys 40th birthday party ideas. You've come to the right place.

My husband recently turned 40, and we had the best time celebrating with him. But he isn’t the only one in our lives celebrating this milestone birthday. With all these birthdays, I have so many guys 40th birthday party ideas for you.

These totally epic guys 40th birthday party ideas fit any budget (I love a good deal).

I have also included 40th birthday decorations, easy and delicious birthday party recipes, 40th birthday activities, and so much more for you.

Let’s jump into the best guys 40th birthday party ideas so you can get started planning your party.


My post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure.



Best Guys 40th Birthday Party Ideas

40th Birthday Party Decorations


Birthday party decorations aren’t just for kids.

I love easy birthday decorations that are cheap and cover a lot of space and these fit the bill.

Fun Birthday Banner, Poms, and Swirls

Birthday Balloons

Colorful Streamers

Birthday Photo Booth


Create a way to capture all the birthday fun with a "photo booth" area.

It is easy to set up, and your guests will have the best time taking pictures.

This backdrop is easy. And these photo booth props are so fun to use.

Wearable Decorations


Ask some of your guests to wear some specially made t-shirts.

You will have to make these, but they are easy.

Make T-shirts with pictures of the birthday boy.

Use this iron-on transfer paper.

Try to use a different picture of your birthday boy throughout the years on every shirt.

Pictures


And since you took the time to gather all those pictures of the birthday boy, print some hard copies to put on display.

You can place them so they look like a giant number 40.

You can also add tons of pictures to this digital picture frame instead of printing them.

Birthday Party Food


Is this party going to be held at your home? You have to check out these delicious and easy appetizers and desserts.

Your guests will be begging you for these recipes.

Guys 40th Birthday Party Ideas

Surprise Party


Are you good at keeping a secret? Throw him a surprise party.

Any of the themes and activities below can pair with this.

40th Birthday Party Theme


The 40th birthday party theme is about as simple as it gets.

These birthday decorations are all you need.

40th Birthday Banner, Poms, and Swirls

Birthday Balloons

Colorful Streamers

Birthday Brunch


Does it seem that everyone is extra busy these days or is it just me?

If you can’t find an open afternoon or evening for his party, shoot for a morning party – a birthday brunch.

Set up a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings. You can have mimosas too.

Here are a few easy and delicious recipes for your brunch.

Dress Like Your Parents


Ask your guests to pick a picture of their mom or dad, then replicate that picture – hair, clothes, and even the pose.

Request that your guests bring the picture along so everyone can see the comparison. This is such a riot!

Backyard Cookout


Get the grill going for burgers, brats, hot dogs, chicken, and more.

Fill your backyard with these fun games. If you put them out, they will be played with.

Axe Throwing

Corn Hole

Ladder Golf

Laser Tag

Outdoor Movie


As the sun sets on your cookout, start up an outdoor movie.

This movie projector and screen are great.

Set up a movie theater snack bar with goodies like popcorn, individual salty and sweet snacks, and beverages.

Don’t forget bug repellent, chairs, and blankets!

Bonfire


You can also get a bonfire going at your cookout or outdoor movie night.

Who doesn’t love a good bonfire?

Mexican Fiesta


Tacos, nachos, margaritas, sombreros, tequila, and more!

No one can resist a taco bar and margaritas.

What kind of taco shells do you like – hard, soft, or a bag of chips?

This margarita machine makes the best margaritas! They are so hard to resist.

Get this full-sized sombrero for the birthday boy because hey, it’s all for fun.

And you can get these sombrero headbands for everyone else.

Don't forget a piñata for the kids. It is an easy activity that will keep them busy for a while.

Pool Party


If his party happens to land in the summer and you have access to a pool – hello pool party!

Back in XXXX Party


Plan his party around the year he was born.

Think clothes, music, food, hair, and decorations. It is easy to look up all this info.

Dress as the 1st Letter of your Name


It is hilarious to see what your guests come up with.

For example, Brad – B – Bob Ross or Rebecca – R – Rabbit.

Kiss Your 30s Goodbye


Set out loads of chocolate kisses to help him kiss his 30s goodbye.

Roaring 20s


A Roaring 20s theme party never gets old because there is something for everyone.

Transform your place into a Speakeasy (there are tons of ideas on Pinterest).

We did a Roaring 20s theme Murder Mystery party for my sister’s bachelorette party about 10 years ago, and we are still talking about it.

The ladies can dress up as flappers and the guys can dress up like gangsters.

Murder Mystery Party


If you haven’t done a Murder Mystery party, you should try it.

Ask your guests to dress their part and they will be more than ready to get into the character you assign them.

We have done these for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, housewarming parties, and even one at Christmas. It was a hit every single time with 100% participation.

This site has great murder mystery packets (not sponsored).

Hayride


Do you know someone with a wagon? Bring on a hayride.

You can have food, drinks, music, and good company.

Bring a blanket to sit on; otherwise, the hay will itch your legs.

Party Bus


If you aren’t into the hayride idea, no big deal. Rent a party bus and hit up a few bars.

Scavenger Hunt


Create a scavenger hunt that includes items to find around your neighborhood or even at your home.

If you are renting a party bus, plan a few stops for your scavenger hunt😊.

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.

Game Night


Who doesn’t love a good game night? You can play board games or cards.

Catch Phrase and Pictionary are great if you have a small or large group.

These are great poker chips and playing cards, which make for a great gift too.

African Safari


Did she just say African safari?

Yes, I did.

Isn’t that for kids?

Nope, not at all!

For my husband’s 40th birthday, we transformed our home into a jungle with the help of the following decorations.

Huge Jungle Leaves

Jungle Balloons

Streamers To Match

The kids love wearing these animal masks.

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”.

Ice Cream Party


Are you looking for a family friendly party idea? Try an ice cream party.

With this ice cream machine, you can make the party extra special by making your own ice cream.

Save yourself some time and stress on the day of the party and make it beforehand. Store it in these freezer safe containers.

Set up a toppings bar/area with all the cookies, candies, sauces, nuts, sprinkles, and of course, whipped cream.

Star Wars Party


May the 40s be with you!

If your guy loves Star Wars, this is the party for him.

Star Wars Party Decorations

Harry Potter Party


Or does he love Harry Potter instead?

Ask your guests to dress as their favorite Harry Potter character.

Here are a few Harry Potter decorations to get you started.

Harry Potter Party Balloons

Letters From Hogwarts

80s Theme


No one can resist dressing up for an 80s themed party.

The music, the hair, the neon!

Check out these budget friendly party decorations.

80s Decorations

Party Sunglasses

80s Party Balloons

Pirate Party


If you want to do a pirate themed party, then you need this incredible pirate themed blow up for your yard.

Ask your guests to dress in pirate costumes.

Your drink coolers can be decorated as treasure chests😊.

Put up a few Pirate Party Decorations.

Kids love these chocolate gold coins.

Disco Party


Leisure suits, Afro hair, and of course a disco ball are just the start of a fantastic disco party.

Your guests will have fun with these photo booth props.

Favorite Color


This one is so easy.

If he has a favorite color or 2, throw a color themed party.

Ask your guests to dress in that color.

Cocktail Party


Your guests can dress to impress for a black tie affair. Whether you stay in for a cocktail party or hit the town is completely up to you.

Prom


Still looking to get dressed up, but don’t want to take it too seriously (or spend that much money), have a prom throwback party.

Thrift stores are a great place to find prom attire.

Hawaiian Luau


A luau is a great way to take a little trip to paradise without leaving home.

Hawaiian Leis

Fun Umbrella Straws

Photo Banner

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! I am all for that.

My sister in law did this and put right on the invite that they were providing only the dessert.

Guests were responsible for paying for their food and drinks. It is a great way to keep costs down if you are on a budget.

You know what? Everyone was cool with it!

And did I mention, you don’t have to clean anything!

Bowling


Bowling is a fun way to do an activity, have some food and drinks, and celebrate with the birthday boy.

Golfing


Let your guy hit the links with his buddies.

Be kind and offer to be the designated driver.

Sporting Event


Does your husband have a favorite sports team? Get him tickets.

If you want to get really crazy, book a hotel too.

Bucket List Activity


Everyone has a bucket list. What is on your guy’s?

Let him pick something from it. Then you take care of the planning.

Escape Room


If solving puzzles is right up his alley, try an escape room.

Wine Tasting/Brewery Tour


Book a party bus (or something like it) and go wine tasting or on a brewery tour. No worrying about having a designated driver.

You can also do a tasting party at home.

Cooking Class


Expand your culinary knowledge with a cooking class.

You all may find your new favorite recipe.

Camping


Does he love spending time in the great outdoors? Ask a few close friends or family to go camping with you.

You can spend your time hiking, biking, trap shooting, and hanging out by the campfire.

Destination Travel


Plan a trip for the birthday boy. Where has he always wanted to go?

It is the perfect time for a celebration vacation.

Karaoke


After a few drinks, anyone will sing karaoke. I have seen it😊 and I am sure you have too.

If you want to stay in, try this fun karaoke machine.

Concert


Concert tickets make for a fantastic birthday gift and activity.

Fancy Dinner Restaurant


Line up a cocktail party at a posh restaurant. It can be for a crowd or just the 2 of you (ha cha cha).

Or you can go to his favorite restaurant.

Dinner Boat Cruise


Book a dinner boat cruise. It is a great way for you to enjoy every second of the birthday party with him.

How do you want to celebrate your birthday and your hubby's too? Let me know in the comments below.

I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.


This post was all about the best guys 40th birthday party ideas.