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more 40th birthday ideas for men
the idea
DASHINGLY AGED TO PERFECTION
If you’re looking for a quick and easy ‘out of the box’ solution, these Dashingly Aged to Perfection party supplies have a nice vintage feel and feature a masculine wood grain pattern, gray plaid stripes and Kraft paper print. Check out the full range here
Update 2023: The seller of these items has temporarily ceased trading so the links below have been disabled. I do not know when or if they will return.
This photo booth backdrop, available here, could also double as a backdrop for a dessert / buffet table to help create a focal point for your part decorations.
Alternatively, hang one of these horizontal banners above the table with this pennant banner swagged across the front of the table—or vice versa. Check out the banners here.
The range includes lots of other party supplies, such as table runners, drinks straws, cupcake toppers, gift bags, invitations, party hats, photobooth props, and lots more.
the idea
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Evocative of the Victorian belief in British stoicism, the Keep Calm and Carry On motivational poster produced by the government in 1939 in preparation for World War II has become synonymous around the world for keeping a ‘stiff upper lip’, exercising self-restraint in the expression of emotion, and remaining calm in the face or adversity.
So, what better party theme for someone who might be freaking out about turning 40!
This design can be applied to a range of different products to kit out your party. To do this, click on one of the products that features the design, such as this tapestry here, scroll down to ‘Transfer this design onto another product’ and click on ‘View All Products’.
Once the design has been applied to your chosen product, you might then need to use the blue ‘customize’ button to change colors or resize the design to the best fit for the product.
Note that I changed the background color to blue (color ref #1B2C65) and moved the text nearer to the top of the tapestry to allow space to position a table in front without it obscuring the design.
I’d suggest using a ‘tapestry’, available here, (shown below in blue but you can choose any background color) as a backdrop to a dessert / buffet table, which will create a focal point for your decorations. I’d recommend hanging a metallic silver foil curtain, available here, behind to fill an entire wall.
Complete the look with a fitted table cover, available here, for a clean, modern feel and a few bunches of helium balloons either side and you won’t really need many more decorations. You can buy them by color here, along with balloon weights and helium tanks, or check out some of the three-color balloon bouquets available here that include confetti balloons (just browse individual seller’s stores for your desired color bouquet).
Alternatively, if you’re on a tighter budget, you can create a smaller backdrop by applying the design to a ‘banner’ like the 3ft x 5ft one below.
Remember: If you use a tapestry as a backdrop for a dessert / buffet table to create a focal point for your decorations, it can also double as a photo booth backdrop later on in the evening. Just move the table out of the way once people are done eating and there’s enough blank space under the design for people to gather for photos; which will make a nice background/heading for all the shots.
You can also roll-out the same design across all your other party supplies, such as paper plates, beer and wine bottle labels, and paper napkins. Just follow the instructions above for transferring the design to other products. It’s these simple little touches that tie everything together that will give your party a slick, professional feel—and it’s the kind of attention to detail that guests notice.
There’s also a number of Keep Calm invitations, available here, which you can customize with your choice of color or text, or you can you transfer the design to a number of 40th birthday gifts, such as guest books, T shirt, mugs, baseball caps, and more.
You could also go all-out with the British theme and serve Gin Tonics, Afternoon Tea (Tea served with delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes), Fish & Chips with mushy peas (battered fish with fries wrapped in newspaper, use these newsprint deli wrapper sheets here), sticky toffee pudding, spotted dick, and trifle.
Check out traditional British recipes here for more ideas There are also lots of fun British party supplies available here, or check out various British themed printables here.
the idea
THE MANLIEST MAN BASH
I came across this article on Buzzfeed where they threw a lumberjack themed ‘Bro-dal’ Shower, because apparently those are a thing now(?!), and it gave me the idea for a tongue-in-cheek party theme; The Manliest Man Bash.
Think beer, bacon, steak, cigars, whiskey, sports, cars, and more beer—in fact, throw in any stereo-typically manly thing you can think of. Because it’s done in such a knowingly ironic way, it can be as over-the-top and overtly masculine as you like. Grrrr.
There are a few different lumberjack / beard / mustache party invitations aimed at adults, available here. Unfortunately, the ‘Manliest Party Ever’ invitation shown below have been discontinued but I’ve left it here for inspiration because I think it, along with the ‘Manly Men Doing Things That Men Do’ invitation, available here, both capture the tongue-in-cheek tone you want to aim for.
This customizable plaid tapestry, available here, would make a great backdrop to a dessert / buffet table to give your party decorations a focal point. Alternatively, you could use this 4′ wide x 50′ long wood-effect decorating paper, [discontinued], to create a backdrop and combine with a plaid table cover, available here, and maybe a plush animal head, available here, for a bit of fun.
Check out my various Pinterest boards for manly themed bites to serve, in particular Party Food: Beer, Party Food: Jack Daniels, Party Food: Hot & Savory, and Party Food: Stations Hot.
One quick and easy fix for party food is to set up a Chili Bar (check out my Pinterest board Party Food: Hot Food Stations here for more ideas).
You can then use these plaid themed pots, available here, as bowls or these plaid themed party supplies, available here.
Alternatively, there’s even some fun tree trunk themed plates, available here, that would fit well with the lumberjack vibe.
There are lots of printable lumberjack signs and food tent labels, available here, and because you can customize the text you can play up the ‘manliest man bash’ theme a little more.
Another fun touch is to use these lumberjack (available here) or beard (available here) cake toppers, available here, or these photo-based ones (shown below with a kid’s photo, but you can use one of the birthday boy), available here.
Finally, stock up a some cheap fake beards, available here, to give out as party favors—or send one out with each of your party invitations to really grab guest’s attention.
the idea
vintage dude
This Vintage Dude; The Man, The Myth, The Legend is another ready-made solution with a tasteful design if you just want a quick and easy solution.
For general Vintage Dude party supplies, such as plates, napkins, table covers, balloons, and garland banners, check out the range here.
However, you can also pick up the full-length photo-booth backdrops shown below (customizable for any age), available here, which you could also use as a backdrop to a dessert / buffet table to create a focal point for your decorations, then clear the table away later in the evening to use it as a photo-booth backdrop.
Alternatively, you can also get smaller banners (the example below shows one in red meant for a 50th birthday), from the same supplier. I quite like the way they’ve displayed this on a wood background; it gives it a rustic, masculine feel, which you can recreate using this wood-effect decorating paper, [discontinued], and a few rustic props, such as tin buckets filled with ice, nuts, old leather books, beer tankards, and wooden crates.
You can also get matching invitations—with or without photos of the birthday boy—available here, along with welcome signs to display at the entrance, available here, or ones that feature facts about the person, here. All of these items can be customized for any age.
This design also includes other party supplies, such as bottle labels, cake toppers, stickers, and gift tags, check them out here, or a matching T shirt, available here, which would make a great 40th birthday gift. While not part of the same collection, these The Man, The Myth, The Legend balloons, would also work well with this design. Check them out here.
the idea
old lives matter
I thought this tongue-in-cheek nod to the Black Lives Matter logo was kind of an amusing way to gently poke fun at somone getting older without all the usual ‘old as dirt’ cliches. So, if the birthday boy has a sense of humor, this theme might be a good fit.
This design can be applied to a range of different products to kit out your party. To do this, click on one of the products that features the design, such as this T shirt here, scroll down to ‘Transfer this design onto another product’ and click on ‘View All Products’.
Once the design has been applied to your chosen product, you might then need to use the blue ‘customize’ button to change text or resize the design to the best fit for the product.
Note that I moved the text nearer to the top of the tapestry to allow space to position a table in front without it obscuring the design.
I’d suggest adding it to a ‘tapestry’, shown below, to use as a backdrop to a dessert / buffet table, which will create a focal point for your decorations. I’d recommend hanging a metallic silver foil curtain, available here, behind to fill an entire wall.
Complete the look with a fitted table cover, available here, for a clean, modern feel and a few bunches of helium balloons either side and you won’t really need many more decorations. You can buy them by color here, along with balloon weights and helium tanks, or check out some of the three-color balloon bouquets available here that include transparent confetti balloons (just browse individual seller’s stores for your desired color bouquet).
Alternatively, if you’re on a tighter budget, you can create a smaller backdrop by applying the design to a ‘banner’ like the 3ft x 5ft one below.
Remember: If you use a tapestry as a backdrop for a dessert / buffet table to create a focal point for your decorations, it can also double as a photo booth backdrop later on in the evening. Just move the table out of the way once people are done eating and there’s enough blank space under the design for people to gather for photos; which will make a nice background/heading for all the shots.
You can also roll-out the same design across all your other party supplies, such as paper plates, beer and wine bottle labels, and paper napkins. Just follow the instructions above for transferring the design to other products.
It’s these simple little touches that tie everything together that will give your party a slick, professional feel—and it’s the kind of attention to detail that guests notice.
Tn addition to party supplies, you can also add the design to some fun 40th birthday gifts, from guest books and T shirts, to baseball caps and mugs.
the idea
this kid is Forty
This supplier has an excellent range of tasteful designs—in numerous color schemes and patterns—all of which can be customized for any age birthday.
Products include invitations, welcome signs, banners, centerpiece sticks, cake toppers, party signs, straw flags, wine / water labels, cups, food tent, favor tags, customized menus, napkin wraps, thank you notes, and more. Check out the full range here
the idea
blue
I particularly like this blue and black collection, available here , and this navy and gray collection, available here from the same designer, both of which can be customized for any age.
the idea
40 rocks
I’m not typically a big fan of jokey milestone birthday themes, like ’40 rocks’ and ’40 sucks’, but I do like the way they’ve given this 40 Rocks theme a more stylish and sophisticated look with the guitar motif.
Check it out here, along with some other red and black designs, available here. Like all the other designs, this can be customized for any age.
![Personalized [age] Rocks birthday party supplies](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24f-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks birthday party supplies](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24e-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks birthday party supplies](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24c-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks birthday party supplies](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24d-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks birthday rosette](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24g-768x512.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks cupcake toppers](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24h-768x512.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks cupcake toppers](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24i-768x512.jpg)
You can also request this theme in different colors, such as the examples below.
![Personalized [age] Rocks party decorations](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24a-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks party cups](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24b-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks party cups](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24j-300x300.jpg)
![Personalized [age] Rocks cupcake toppers](https://party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/wp-content/uploads/men24k-300x300.jpg)
the idea
Rhythm and brews
This Rhythm and Brews design is a cute idea for a lover of music and beer, and I particularly like the unusual color palette. Again, it can be customized for any age. Check it out here.
Update: This design doesn’t seem to be featured in their store anymore, but you can just message them and request a custom listing for whichever items you want in this design.
the idea
BBQ
This design is perfect if you’re just doing something casual to celebrate—like a BBQ—but you still want to tie everything together to make it feel more special than an everyday cook-out. Like all the other examples, it can be customized for any age. Check it out here.
Update: This design doesn’t seem to be featured in their store anymore, but you can just message them and request a custom listing for whichever items you want in this design.
the idea
GOLF PAR-TEE
For golf lovers of any age, the same designer also has this cute collection available. Check it out here.
the idea
STRAIGHT OUTTA MY Thirties / The 70’s
If the birthday boy has a sense of humor, this is another unusual party theme, which you can customize as either ‘Straight Outta My Thirties‘ or ‘Straight Outta The 70’s‘.
This design can be applied to a range of different products to kit out your party. To do this, click on one of the products that features the design, such as this T shirt here, scroll down to ‘Transfer this design onto another product’ and click on ‘View All Products’.
Once the design has been applied to your chosen product, you might then need to use the blue ‘customize’ button to change text or resize the design to the best fit for the product.
Note that I moved the text nearer to the top of the tapestry to allow space to position a table in front without it obscuring the design.
I’d suggest adding it to a ‘tapestry’, shown below, to use as a backdrop to a dessert / buffet table, which will create a focal point for your decorations. I’d recommend hanging a metallic silver foil curtain, available here, behind to fill an entire wall.
Complete the look with a fitted table cover, available here, for a clean, modern feel and a few bunches of helium balloons either side and you won’t really need many more decorations. You can buy them by color here, along with balloon weights and helium tanks, or check out some of the three-color balloon bouquets available here that include transparent confetti balloons (just browse individual seller’s stores for your desired color bouquet).
Alternatively, if you’re on a tighter budget, you can create a smaller backdrop by applying the design to a ‘banner’ like the 3ft x 5ft one below.
Remember: If you use a tapestry as a backdrop for a dessert / buffet table to create a focal point for your decorations, it can also double as a photo booth backdrop later on in the evening. Just move the table out of the way once people are done eating and there’s enough blank space under the design for people to gather for photos; which will make a nice background/heading for all the shots.
You can also roll-out the same design across all your other party supplies, such as paper plates, beer and wine bottle labels, and paper napkins. Just follow the instructions above for transferring the design to other products.
It’s these simple little touches that tie everything together that will give your party a slick, professional feel—and it’s the kind of attention to detail that guests notice.
In addition to party supplies, you can also add the design to some fun 40th birthday gifts, from guest books and T shirts, to baseball caps and mugs. While not part of the same collection, you can also get these Straight Outta balloon sets for any year, available here, which would also work well with this theme.
in this section
02 more 40th BIRTHDAY IDEAS for men
While this page deals with 40th birthday party themes for men, you can also check out my main page of 40th birthday party ideas here (for men and women!) which contains lots of creative ideas—including party themes, countdown ideas, invitations, food & drink, decorations, gifts, and ways to include memories, surprises, and thoughtful ideas to make them feel special on the day.
Decoration ideas on the main 40th birthday party page include custom photo fan faces of the birthday boy or girl, custom pinatas, photo garland banners, and life size cut outs.
Food and drink ideas on the main page include custom photo cupcake toppers, custom photo M&M’s, custom cookies, and personalized beer and wine labels.
in this section
03 GROUP ACTIVITies ideas
Turning 40 is a big deal. Some men embrace it, while others would prefer to ignore it. And not every man wants a traditional 40th birthday party celebration with a party at home.
So pause for a minute and consider which category the man in question falls into—then plan the type of 40th birthday celebration accordingly. If he’s feeling sensitive about turning 40, the last thing you want to do is plan a huge surprise party with lots of family and friends.
Instead, he might prefer to get a smaller group of 5-10 friends together for some sort of group activity. Just going out for dinner doesn’t feel special enough for a 40th birthday, so make it something out of the ordinary or a bit adventurous.
When I’m buying someone a birthday gift, I try to choose something that they wouldn’t ordinarily buy for themselves—so that it feels more like a treat or indulgence. I suggest taking the same approach when choosing a group activity to celebrate their birthday. Plan something you think they’ll enjoy, but is not something they do often (or have ever done before!). This will create unique memories associated with their 40th birthday.
So check out some of the more creative and unusual group activities and experiences below that lend themselves to a 40th birthday celebration for men.
(I also have a similar page of 40th birthday ideas for women here).
the idea
fun & Games
For fun-loving big kids (aren’t most men?!), there are lots of theatrical and immersive group experiences, games, and challenges which would make for a truly unique and memorable 40th birthday activity.
‘Doing stuff’ together as a part of a group—rather than just standing around drinking and making small talk—always raises everyone’s spirits. It allows people to bond with each other over a shared experience and generally ensures that they all ‘let go’ and get stuck in.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the fun & games category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
food & drink
So many 40th birthday celebrations just fall back on the same old boring idea of booking a table a fancy restaurant for a group dinner. Snore!
Instead, if the birthday boy is a foodie, get a group of friends together to try something a little more creative—something you wouldn’t just do any night of the week. Believe me, you’re guests will thank you. No one gets that excited by yet another big birthday dinner (at that restaurant you just went to last week).
Plus, a lot of these experiences allow for more socializing, so your guests are not just stuck at a dinner table chatting to the same two people all evening!
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the food & drink category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
OUTDOOR & ADRENALINE
These outdoor and adrenaline activities are a great way to indulge in something completely different. No one is going to roll their eyes and think ‘urgh, not again’ with one of these group activities.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the outdoor & adrenaline category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
tOURS
Tours are a great way to keep a group entertained; as you move from stop to stop, everyone is constantly stimulated by new things to see, taste, or learn about.
Often, these tours operate in your own town, but they’re the type of activities that local residents just never get around to trying—so a birthday celebration is a great excuse.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the tours category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
LEARN & DISCOVERY
The learn & discovering category is all about trying something that you’ve never done before—and probably wouldn’t have if someone hadn’t organised it for you!
Some of these are pretty ‘out there’ unique experiences (train to be an action hero!), while others offer an introduction to a hobby or activity the birthday boy might have expressed an interest in—but never actually gotten around to doing. So make it happen for them!
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the learn & discovery category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
drive
Men love to drive stuff. It’s that simple. Especially if it goes really fast and/or they can’t afford to buy one themselves. And if it fulfils a secret fantasy and lets them pretend to be someone else for a day (race car driver / stunt man / spy) then even better.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the drive category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
fly
For non-boy racers, the fly category offers a more gentle experience for groups to see and explore, plus they’re often combined with other things such as wine tastings, jeep tours, and dining.
If you are holding a more traditional group dinner at a restaurant, why not start off by taking everyone for champagne in a hot air balloon or helicopter beforehand—it’s any easy way to make the occasion more special and memorable.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the fly category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
the idea
water
Fortunately, water activities range from the extreme and immersive (cage diving with great white sharks) to the more leisurely and relaxed (lobster and beer sail), so there’s something for pretty much everyone.
Some of the 40th birthday ideas for men in the water category, that are suitable for groups, include:
Unfortunately, not all activities are available in every city, but to check availability in your area and to book places, click on the link above, then change the city / state in search box at the top to enter your chosen area.
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more 40th birthday party ideas
Hit the ‘Read More’ button below to check out my main page of 40th birthday party ideas.
