The Best Husbands 40th Birthday Party Ideas on a Budget

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

husbands 40th birthday party ideas

With his big birthday coming up, I bet you are looking for the best husbands 40th birthday party ideas, especially if you are on a budget. Girl, I’ve got you covered!

My husband recently turned 40 and we had the best time celebrating him.  We also have many family and friends who are turning the big 4-0.  This makes me your expert on the biggest variety of 40th birthday themes for him.

I am more than ready to share these epic husbands 40th birthday party ideas, which include birthday decorating ideas, delicious (and easy to prepare) birthday party recipes, 40th birthday activities, and so much more.

Girl, I can’t wait any longer! Let’s jump into the best husband's 40th birthday party ideas.

These are so good that your friends and family will be copying you.


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Best Husbands 40th Birthday Party Ideas

Birthday Party Food


Be the hostess with the most-ess, and check out these delicious and easy appetizers and desserts. 

Your guests will be begging you for these recipes.

40th Birthday Party Decorations


Now let’s talk birthday party decorations. 

I love easy decorations!

Start with a fun banner, poms, and swirls.

Next, check out these 40th birthday party balloons.

And finally, colorful streamers.

These birthday decorations are cheap and you can cover a lot with them.

Photo Booth


You have to have a photo booth.

It is easy to set up and your guests will have fun taking pictures all night long.

Check out this backdrop and these photo booth props.

Walking Decorations


You will need to recruit a few party guests for this one.

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.

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.

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

Husbands 40th Birthday Party Ideas

Surprise Party


If you can keep it a secret, throw him a surprise party.  Pair this party with a combination of other party ideas.

40th Birthday Party Theme


The 40th birthday party theme is about as simple as you can get.

The decorations I mentioned already are the best for this theme.

Birthday Brunch


People are busy! If you can’t find an afternoon/evening for his party, shoot for a morning party and host a birthday brunch.

Try these easy and delicious recipes for your brunch.

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

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.  This is such a hoot!

Backyard Cookout

Fire up the grill for some burgers, brats, hot dogs, chicken, and more.

You can set up these fun backyard games. 

Your guests will have a blast playing these.  Make them more intense by setting up tournaments.

Corn Hole

Ladder Golf

Axe Throwing

Laser Tag

Outdoor Movie

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

This movie projector and screen are so good.

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

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

Bonfire


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

All your guests will enjoy hanging out around it. 

Mexican Theme

Tacos, margaritas, sombreros, 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.

Pool Party


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

Back in X Party


Theme his entire party around the year he was born.

Think clothes, music, food, hair, decorations, and more.

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 Harvey – H – Hotdog.

Murder Mystery Party


If you aren’t sure about a Murder Mystery party, you should try it.  Your guests will get into character more than you think.  You just have to ask them.

We have done these for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and housewarming parties, and even 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).

Cooking Class


Expand your culinary knowledge with a cooking class.  You all may find new recipes that you love.

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).

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.

Guys can dress up like gangsters.

The ladies can dress up as flappers.

Hayride


If you have been on a hayride, you know how much fun this is!

But 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 idea, no big deal.  Rent a party bus for all your (adult) guests and hit up a few bars.

Scavenger Hunt


Set up a scavenger hunt that includes items to find around the area where you live 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, 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 Party


Do you need a family friendly birthday party theme – think ice cream social!

Easily make homemade ice cream with this ice cream machine.  Girl, it tastes so much better than store bought.

You can make it ahead of the party and store it in these freezer safe containers.

On the day of the party, set up a toppings bar/area. Think cookies, candies, sauces, nuts, sprinkles, and don’t forget the whipped cream.

African Safari

Did she just say African safari? 

Yes, I did.

Isn’t that for kids?

Nope, it isn’t!

For my husband’s 40th birthday, we transformed our home to look like a jungle.

Jungle Balloons

Streamers To Match

Huge Jungle Leaves

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


You need this incredible pirate themed blow up for your yard.

Ask your guests to dress in pirate costumes.

Here are some fun Pirate Party Decorations

Kids love these chocolate gold coins.

You can even go so far as to decorate your coolers as treasure chests😊.

80s Theme

Everyone has the best time dressing for an 80s themed party.

The music - oh yeah, it is some of my favorite to party to.

Check out these fun party decorations.

80s Decorations

Party Sunglasses

80s Party Balloons

Harry Potter


Where are all my Harry Potter fans at?  Here, right here, I am one!

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

There are so many decorations you can find on Amazon.  Here are a few to get you started.

Harry Potter Party Balloons

Letters From Hogwarts

Disco Party


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

These photo booth props are amazing.

Favorite Color Party


If he has a favorite color or 2, throw a color themed party.  This one is so easy.

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.

Luau


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

Hawaiian Leis

Fun Umbrella Straws

Photo Banner

Prom Throwback Party


Still looking to get dressed up but don’t want to take it too seriously, have a prom throwback party.

Thrift stores are a great place to find clothes for this.

40th Birthday Activities

Golfing


Send your guy off golfing, it is a fun way to relax and enjoy some fresh air, too.

Be kind and offer to be the designated driver.

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!

Wine Tasting/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.

Bowling


Take your family and friends bowling.

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

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.

Sporting Event


Does your husband have a favorite sports team or event?  

Be generous and get him tickets.

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.

Escape Room


If he likes solving puzzles, try an escape room.

Karaoke


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

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

Concert


Concert tickets make for a fantastic birthday gift.

Bucket List Activity


Does he have a bucket list?  

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

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.

How do you plan to celebrate your husband’s 40th birthday?  Let me know in the comments below.

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


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