Turning 40 is a big deal — and it deserves a celebration that’s fun, meaningful, and totally you. Whether you’re the type to throw a big bash, host an intimate dinner, or sneak away for a relaxing weekend, this milestone is the perfect excuse to do something special. It’s not just another birthday — it’s a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, all you’ve achieved, and where you’re headed next. So this calls for some 40th birthday ideas.
If you’re stuck on how to celebrate, don’t worry — we’ve rounded up 43 40th birthday party ideas for men and women to help spark some inspiration. Half of them are perfect for foodies (because let’s be real — great food makes any party better), and the rest cover everything from adventure to pampering, themed parties to memory-making experiences.
Whether you want to keep things low-key or go all out with a party caterer, these ideas are flexible enough to suit your vibe. So grab a glass of something bubbly, pull out your party planning notes, and start dreaming up a 40th birthday celebration that feels just right for you. After all, 40 isn’t the new 30th — it’s better. You’re wiser, bolder, and ready to celebrate in style. Let’s make it one to remember.
40th Birthday Party Themes to Celebrate in Style
What better way than with a party that’s full of personality, laughter, and unforgettable moments? Whether you’re planning something classy, wild, nostalgic or just plain fun, the right party theme can set the tone and make everything — from outfits to food and music — come together beautifully. Here are some top 40th birthday party themes to inspire your next big bash:
- 1980s or 1990s Throwback Party
Celebrate the decade they were born in with neon lights, cassette tapes, leg warmers or flannel shirts. Think old-school dance tracks, retro snacks, and classic arcade games or VHS tapes on loop. - Forty & Fabulous Glam Night
Host a red carpet event with sparkling decorations, cocktail dresses, tuxedos and champagne towers. Add a photo booth with glam props and a playlist of diva anthems to match. - Wine & Cheese Garden Party
Perfect for a more relaxed but sophisticated vibe. Set up wine tasting stations, grazing platters and fairy lights outdoors. Add live acoustic music for extra charm. - Backyard BBQ Bash
Keep it casual and fun with an Aussie-style barbecue, esky full of drinks, lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga, and a playlist of their all-time favourite tracks. - “This Is Your Life” Party
Create a party around their life story — decorate with photos from each decade, set up a memory lane timeline, and invite friends and family to share stories or tributes. - Tropical Luau or Tiki Night
Turn your space into a beachy oasis with palm leaves, fruity cocktails, Hawaiian shirts and ukulele tunes. Bonus: serve a whole spit-roasted pig or tropical fruit platters. - Black & White Party (With a Twist)
A classy colour theme where guests wear only black or white, but the birthday person gets to stand out in gold, glitter, or bold colour. Stylish, simple and photo-friendly. - “Forty Shades of Fun” Colour Party
Pick a bright, bold colour and run with it — from decorations and dress code to food and drink. Or go rainbow for an all-colour celebration that pops in every photo. - Casino Royale Night
Bring the thrill of Vegas to your party with card tables, poker chips, faux money, and guests dressed to the nines. Add a martini bar (shaken, not stirred) and a jazz soundtrack. - Pyjama Party or Luxe Sleepover<
Ideal for an intimate and comfy celebration. Think matching silk robes, face masks, snacks, bubbles, movies and maybe even a sleepover if your friends are up for it!
Unique 40th Birthday Gift Ideas
Finding the perfect gift for someone turning 40 can be a fun challenge. By this age, they’ve likely collected plenty of “stuff” — so the best gifts are meaningful, practical, or a little bit cheeky. Whether you’re shopping for a partner, friend, or sibling, these 40th birthday present ideas are all about celebrating their personality, passions, and the fabulous life they’ve built so far. From experiences to luxuries to hilarious keepsakes, here are 12 presents they’ll actually be excited to unwrap.
- A Luxe Robe & Slippers Set
Help them relax in style with a high-quality robe and slipper combo. Think soft waffle cotton, Egyptian terry, or even silk — bonus points if it’s monogrammed. Add a bottle of wine and a good book for the ultimate wind-down gift. - Personalised Birth Year Whiskey or Wine
A bottle of aged whiskey or vintage wine from their birth year is a timeless and sentimental gesture. Pair it with custom glassware engraved with their name or a cheeky “vintage 1985” label. - A ’40 & Fabulous’ Experience Voucher
Give the gift of memories. Choose from things like hot air balloon rides, luxury spa days, cocktail-making classes or a night in a fancy hotel — all themed around living their best life at 40. - Custom Star Map from Their Birth Date
Celebrate their place in the universe with a beautiful star map showing the night sky exactly as it looked the day they were born. You can personalise it with a message, frame it, and give them a celestial piece of art that’s uniquely theirs. - A Monthly Wine or Coffee Subscription
Give a gift that keeps on giving. A monthly delivery of boutique wines, craft beer, premium coffee or even chocolate can turn every month into a mini celebration. - A Custom Comic or Caricature
Turn their life story into a fun piece of art. Commission a cartoonist to illustrate them as a superhero, rock star, or simply showcase all their quirks in a hilarious caricature — great for someone with a good sense of humour. - A Personalised Leather Travel Wallet
For the friend who’s always jet-setting (or dreaming of it), a sleek leather travel wallet with compartments for passports, cards and tickets makes a thoughtful and stylish gift. - A Private Chef for the Night
Bring the fine dining to them by hiring a private chef to cook an unforgettable dinner in their home. It’s perfect for food lovers and a luxurious way to celebrate with close friends or family. - A Retro 80s or 90s Memory Box
Put together a box of throwback goodies from their childhood and teen years — think mix tapes, old-school lollies, vintage games, and Polaroids. It’s nostalgic, heartfelt, and totally fun. - A Mini Zen Garden or Indoor Plant Set
For someone who needs to chill (don’t we all at 40?), a mini desk zen garden or curated indoor plant gift set brings calm and green vibes to their space. - A Signature Scent with Custom Engraving
Choose a luxurious fragrance that suits their style and have the bottle engraved with their name, birthday, or a fun quote. It’s classy, personal, and something they likely wouldn’t splurge on themselves. - A ‘Naughty Forty’ Survival Kit
Put together a cheeky hamper with everything they’ll need for their fabulous forties: funny mugs, hangover remedies, anti-wrinkle cream, chocolate, and a hilarious “I’m 40, now what?” guidebook.
21 Things to Do for a 40th Birthday Party
Looking for unforgettable ways to mark the big 4-0? Whether you’re celebrating with a group, a partner, or solo — this milestone deserves something memorable with some party ideas for your 40th. From indulgent foodie moments to meaningful experiences, here are 21 fun, fabulous and delicious things to do for a 40th birthday.
🍽️ Foodie Birthday Ideas (Perfect for food lovers!)
- Luxury Picnic in the Park
Book picnic catering or pack a gourmet hamper, bring a bottle of bubbly, and set up under a shady tree with comfy cushions, a grazing board and cake to finish. - Host a Formal 3-Course Dinner Party
Dress up, set the table in style and serve (or have catered) an elegant 3 course dinner. Bonus: add paired wines for each course works perfectly with home catering. - DIY Tasting Night (Wine, Cheese or Chocolate)
Create your own tasting menu with local wines, artisan cheeses, or premium chocolates. Add scorecards for a fun twist! - Buffet-Style Backyard Feast
Go big and bold with buffet catering loaded with favourites — think roast meats, seafood, salads, and dessert bar. - High Tea at a Fancy Hotel or Garden Setting
Sip tea (or bubbles) and nibble on dainty cakes, finger sandwiches and scones at a luxurious or scenic spot. - Food Truck Party
Hire a couple of food trucks and invite friends over — tacos, burgers, wood-fired pizzas or ice cream vans bring instant fun. - Progressive Dinner Crawl
Choose 3-4 venues and enjoy entrée, main, dessert and cocktails each at a different location. - Interactive Cooking Class Party
Gather a group and cook something new together — pasta making, sushi rolling or cake decorating make for tasty fun. - Dessert-Only Night In
Cake, cocktails and couch time. Invite friends, serve multiple desserts, and watch old favourites or embarrassing birthday videos.
🎉 More Fun & Memorable Birthday Ideas
- Weekend Getaway with Friends
Book a beach house, wine region cottage or mountain lodge and escape with close friends for a weekend of fun. - Throw a Big Backyard Bash
Lawn games, music, fairy lights, and drinks — easy to organise and super relaxed. - Plan a Themed Costume Party
From ’80s throwbacks to black-tie glam, a dress-up party adds a playful twist to your 40th. - Rent a Private Function Room or Rooftop Bar
Celebrate in style with cocktails, canapés and a killer view. - Pamper Day or Spa Weekend
Treat yourself to massages, facials, bubbles and serious relaxation. - Bucket List Adventure (Skydiving, Hot Air Balloon, etc.)
Cross something off your bucket list! Turn 40 with a bang — or at least a breathtaking view. - Game Night or Trivia Night with Friends
Create a custom trivia game based on the birthday person’s life or pop culture from the year they were born. - Photo Shoot with Friends or Family
Hire a photographer and capture this milestone with stylish, fun or silly portraits. - Hire Live Entertainment or Karaoke
Live band, DJ, magician, or karaoke setup — get everyone involved and laughing. - Memory Jar & Toasts Night
Ask guests to write down memories or advice. Read them aloud with a drink in hand — cue the laughs and tears. - Sunset Cruise or Private Boat Party
Sail into your 40s with a cocktail in hand and the sunset as your backdrop.
