The Big 4-0! 25 of the Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas for Men
Turning 40 is a big moment, and it often comes with a celebration to match. If you’re seeking the best 40th birthday party ideas for men, you’re in the right place.
Discover all our go-to favorites for men that want a big birthday bash, sophisticated get-together, or a more casual birthday party. Get ideas for themes, activities, gifts, and more — plus some of our most-loved invitation designs.
25 of the Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas for Men
Party planning is a big task, especially when you’re in charge of a milestone celebration like the big 4-0! To help you find the perfect theme, party supplies, and entertainment, here are our all-time favorite 40th birthday party ideas for men.
For some of these party ideas, we’ve included a matching online invitation. At Greenvelope, we have a wide collection of party invites for adults — in fact, there’s something to match almost every theme! Each 40th birthday party invite design is customizable too. So with a few clicks you can transform any template into a bespoke-feel invitation with your chosen font, colors, envelope style, and wording.
Ready to explore our ideas? Here they are!
1. Host a BBQ Party
Design: Vera Lim
Matching invitation: BBQ Staples Invitation
Invite everyone over for a cookout in your backyard. Supply all the BBQ essentials and cold refreshments, along with space for outdoor lawn games, dancing, or the kids to run around if it’s a family-friendly party.
2. Give a Thoughtful Gift
For a milestone birthday, a sweet gift idea is something they can use as a keepsake — like a scrapbook, memory book, or photo album. Have all the guests collaborate to create a thoughtful 40th birthday gift that lasts.
3. Plan a Weekend Away
If you have the budget for it (or have been saving a while), book a special weekend getaway for the birthday guest of honor and a chosen loved one. Whether it’s a spa weekend, city break, or something based on an activity they enjoy, they’ll be sure to love it.
4. Organize a Themed Party
Design: Owl and Toad
Matching invitation: 80s Night Invitation
A themed party is always fun, especially if the birthday boy can be convinced to go for something bold — like a superhero, retro, or ‘80s party. Find an adult birthday party theme that they’ll adore, then book or DIY the entertainment and 40th birthday decorations (like streamers, banners, balloons, and more.)
5. Host a Big Family Dinner
If family is a big deal to the birthday guest of honor, then make them smile by arranging a big family get-together. Host at home, a relative’s house, or their favorite restaurant, and plan a menu and toast that celebrates everything you love about them.
6. Go Golfing
Are they a big fan of golf? Treat them to a day at their favorite course, or pay for another exciting golf experience — like a meet-and-greet with someone they’re a huge fan of, a private golf lesson, or a membership.
7. Plan a Camp Out
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Matching invitation: Camping Adventure Invitation
You’re never too old to go camping! Gather the supplies and invite a handful of family members or friends along for an evening under the stars. Toast s’mores, sing campfire songs, enjoy a cold beer, and watch the night sky.
8. Host a Casino Night
For a birthday bash that’s exciting and memorable, try hosting a casino night. Create your own DIY experience at home with some popular card games, or ask a party planner to help you put together an authentic experience for this glamorous birthday theme.Â
9. Enjoy a Sophisticated Dinner Party
Turning 40 is the perfect excuse to enjoy a luxurious dinner party, and whether you host at home or opt for a private dining experience, this is a great way to make the occasion feel memorable. Invite a close group of friends to join you for a delicious dinner and pair it with wine, canapes, and good conversation.
10. Throw a Retro Disco Party
Design: Sarah Deters Illustration
Matching invitation: Boho Disco Invitation
Disco parties are all the rage! This party theme has the ideal vibe for anyone that’s not afraid to put their dancing shoes on and live life to the fullest. Provide a retro birthday cake, disco-themed party favors, and set up a photo booth complete with props.
11. Take a Road Trip
Road trips are often a once-in-a-lifetime deal, so let this be the moment you choose to go with them on a road trip to somewhere they’ve been dreaming about — like Las Vegas or New York. Work together to plan the experience, or surprise them if you know them well enough.
12. Visit an Escape Room
Design: Jessie Steury
Matching invitation: Escape Room Invitation
See which of your closest friends is the best at problem solving with a visit to an escape room. This is a great 40th birthday party idea for men that want something interesting and more casual than an elegant dinner or big birthday bash.
13. Plan a Surprise Party
Design: Jen Montgomery
Matching invitation: Retro Surprise Invitation
If you know they’d love it, a surprise party is definitely a winning idea for a milestone year. As the big day draws closer, send secret invites out to loved ones, and prepare all the birthday party decorations while the guest of honor is out. Then, surprise them with a room filled with all their favorite people!
14. Buy Him a Hobby Gift
There’s nothing most 40-year-olds love more than a gift with a personal touch, and the easy way to fulfill that is by buying something for their hobby or interest. If you know the birthday boy well, choose a hobby-related gift that they’ll love — or a gift card for their favorite store.Â
15. Go Wine Tasting
For all the wine buffs out there, a wine tasting experience is a great 40th birthday idea for men (and women!) Head to your local vineyard or ask an expert to join you for a private wine tasting experience at home.
16. Host a Board Game Night
Design: TM Stationery
Matching invitation: Game Night Invitation
Host a classic card or board game night for your loved one’s close group of friends. Order takeout, pour some drinks in, and serve up delicious treats like brownies or cupcakes to keep everyone fueled as they battle it out in board game format.
17. Organize a Murder Mystery Evening
Step back in time or into the future with a themed murder mystery evening with close friends. Select the perfect guest list, prepare a storyline, hand out dress code information, and ask everyone to join you as you figure out whodunnit.Â
18. Plan an Outdoor Movie Night
Celebrate their special day with an outdoor movie night under the stars — ideal if their birthday is in the warm summer months. Set out some comfy seating, rent a projector and screen, and watch their favorite movie(s) on screen.
19. Sing Karaoke Together
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Matching invitation: Karaoke Party! Invitation
Do they love to sing? Host the ultimate karaoke party at home or head to a private karaoke booth in the city. Create a fun playlist of hits, and ask your guests for suggestions on your party invites!
20. Watch a Comedy Show
If the birthday boy’s idea of fun is a comedy night, then book a trip for them and a handful of their favorite people to see a comedian perform. Bonus points if they love to participate and you can arrange for that too!
21. Host a Cocktail Party
Invite your loved ones over for a cocktail party filled with all the classics and your own unique favorites. Hire a mixologist for the night or encourage everyone to have a go at making their own!
22. Play Video Games
Design: Tennie & Co
Matching invitation: Game On Neon Invitation
For a super relaxed way to spend the big birthday, how about a video game night? This 40th birthday idea for men is ideal if they love their PC or console gaming and want to get their friends involved too!
23. Have a Picnic in the Park
Another laid-back 40th birthday celebration idea is a simple picnic in the park. Grab some cozy blankets, prepare and pack some light snacks and refreshments, and arrange to meet everyone in your favorite spot.
24. Plan a Relaxing Pool Party
Pool parties aren’t just for kids. If you or someone else has a backyard pool, then this is definitely a great 40th birthday party idea for men! Add a theme like the 80s, pastels, or tropical, or keep things simple.
25. Host a Garden Party
Design: Robinson Creative House
Matching invitation: Vibrant Floral Arch Invitation
Lucky enough to have a beautiful backyard? Host a garden party for the birthday boy and their loved ones. Add a luxe picnic dinner or BBQ, some live music for ambiance, and plenty of string lighting, and you have a cozy and warm way to celebrate turning 40.
Make that Milestone Birthday Moment Feel Special
Find the perfect way to wish a loved one happy birthday, whether it’s as part of a small group or a big family get-together. Use this guide to put together a 40th birthday they’ll treasure forever!
Get things started with 40th birthday invitations that feel like they were designed with the guest of honor in mind. Choose your favorite invite style inspired by the birthday boy’s interests, customize it to match your celebration, then send it on its way to all their favorite people.
