Four decades isn’t just a big deal—it’s a HUGE deal! So, 40th birthday ideas for your husband should certainly follow suit. This milestone is your magical moment to dazzle him on his big day. From super-simple to simply sensational, these 40th birthday celebration ideas for him are sure to rise to the occasion.
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45 Top Ways to Wish Your Husband a Happy 40th Birthday
1. Send Him on a Birthday Road Trip
Plan out a 40th birthday road trip, just how he’d like it! Then join him on the highways or have him hit the road with his buddies. Map out the route, make accommodation arrangements, and set him up with some fantastic sightseeing and entertainment along the way. Don’t forget to send him off with a travel snack!
2. Inspirational Initial
Snag a giant letter of his first or last name from a craft store. Then round up your hubby’s family members and friends to write one word on it that describes him. Both of you will get warm fuzzies reading the short ‘n’ sweet compliments that pack a powerful punch. And his 40th birthday? Consider it made.
3. Diving with Great White Sharks
Invite him to go under the water to celebrate heading over the hill—accompanied by some of nature’s most intense creatures. Extreme? Yes. Forgettable? Not a chance! And that’s just the way his epic day should be. Is it a “sweet” way to say you love him, necessarily? Maybe not in the mushy sense, but certainly in terms of blowing his mind!
4. 40th Birthday Theme Party
This classic move simply has to be included—a list of 40th birthday celebration ideas just wouldn’t be complete without it. Not only is it fun (and maybe even delightfully cheesy, depending on the theme you choose), but it honestly is a meaningful way to surround him with the people who mean the most to him.
5. Box of 40 Coupons
This gift for him is a great way to customize ideas that fit his personality, as well as his hobbies and interests—especially if he’s the type to have lots of them. It also relieves you of the task of finding one large, significant 40th birthday gift for him. Include coupons ‘redeemable’ for activities like dinner out, massages, sport events, picnics, household chores, random acts of kindness, etc.
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6. 40 Hours to Choose His Own Adventures
Isn’t it great being a birthday honoree? It’s the one day of the year when life is all about you. Grant your special guy that glorious privilege, but take it a step further! A birthday as big as 40 deserves more than 24 hours of festivities. So try 40! And fill every last one of them embarking on any adventure he’s craving. Even if that entails a nap or two. Because YOLO and YOTFO*, right? Need some ideas? Click here to explore some of our favorite adventures!
*You Only Turn Forty Once
7. Fancy 40th Birthday Feast
As long as he’s game to dress up, this 40th birthday gift for your husband is a sure way to win your fella’s heart. Treat him to an evening of splurging on wining and dining at the most ‘it’ place in the city you can find. There won’t be a doubt in his mind how sweet you are on him when you spoil his stomach silly. Don’t feel like going out? Don’t miss out on these amazing personal chef packages!
8. Memory Book of 40 Moments
Scrapbookers, this one’s for you! Put that shoebox full of couple mementos from way-back-when to good use. As far as 40th birthday gifts for men go, this one may be as fun for you to make, as it is for him to receive. Present him with a timeless collection of favorite life happenings you’ve shared together: photos, ticket stubs, matchbooks, ribbons, coasters… bunches of sentiment, all rolled into one.
9. Tickets to a Premier Sporting Event
40th birthday party ideas for men mean busting out the big guns. A milestone like this calls for major sports tickets. Snag VIP or club level seats to his favorite professional sport or a grand event that typically is in high-demand like the Superbowl, NBA Playoffs, Kentucky Derby, etc.
10. Top-Notch Tech Gadget
If your husband is the type of man who loves to nerd out, keep his habit wired. Indulge him in the best 40th birthday gifts that keep him on the cutting edge of the latest and greatest technology. Go a step further and customize the gizmo by uploading photos or a surprise message of some sort.
11. Personalized 40th Birthday Wine Bottle
Lots of websites exist to assist in creating your own wine label. And since vino only gets better with age, this 40th birthday gift idea for a husband is a true treasure. Celebrate his ‘bettering’ progress with a design that honors the wonderful man he is as he embarks on his newest year!
12. Vinyl Record
When the name of his game is music, music and more music, there’s no doubt that this is a great birthday present for his song-buff side. Scope out some online or brick ‘n’ mortar stores to find his favorite tunes on vinyl. Or go the ultra-retro route, hunting down a vintage record that was released during his birth year. No record player? Your gift gets even better when that becomes part of the package he unwraps!
13. Romantic Room
LED tea lights lead the mood-lighting way. Use them to spell out “40” or “happy birthday.” String some elegant gold, silver and black balloons around the room. Pop a bottle of bubbly or wine, perhaps add some chocolate, and let the romantic night begin! It’s a safe bet he’ll be left feeling pretty good about himself. And much prouder of being the big 4-0.
14. 40 Flirty Post-It Notes
If you’re searching for cute 40th birthday ideas for your husband on a budget, this one is not to be missed! On each note, write something you adore about him. Then find a fun place to let them speak your sweet love to him. Adorn his car, desk or closet with these sticky sentiments, and you’re bound to make his heart mushy (times 40!).
15. Dinner Cruise
Take a 40th birthday celebration idea to the H2O for the evening. You can’t go wrong with the food, fun, dancing, cash bars, and scenery offered on outings like this. Feel like inviting family and friends along? The more the merrier, as the luxury yachts typically carry plenty of passengers!
16. Alphabet of Amore
This birthday gift for men goes unrivaled in the world of romance. Use each of the 26 letters of the alphabet to represents a corresponding place, moment or milestone that makes up your life together. Let you creative juices flow and digital magic prevail as you design a photo book to be professionally printed (with a site like Shutterfly). It will be tough to find a sweeter read ever to grace his bookshelf.
17. Cover Band
Every city has local talent looking for gigs. Why not rent a venue (or warn the neighbors that the backyard may get festive), to have a live band blast your hubby’s favorite jams?! Don’t forget to have them play a rendition of your song, too! It will be a birthday party idea for your husband that he won’t soon forget!
18. Indoor Picnic
This nice lil’ nugget is yet another ideal 40th birthday idea for your husband on a budget. Unplug entirely. No phones or TV allowed—but smooth, mood-setting tunes in the background are entirely acceptable. Add a blanket, as well as some strategically placed photos, candles, or love notes. “Pack” some fun eats to enjoy. You know the rest…
19. Golf Getaway
Is your main man a fan of fairways? Nothing puts the ‘happy’ in this new decade quite like kicking it off with one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas around! Your handsome golf guru will enjoy teeing up at one of the nation’s most renowned courses, complete with a relaxing resort stay.
20. Sappy Skywriting
This unique birthday idea isn’t just for the movies! And it is guaranteed he’ll remember it for a lifetime. Find a local company who specializes in this breathtaking aerial art. Get them to draw a heart or “HB2U” message in the sky. After he sees it, treat him to an airplane flying lesson or romantic helicopter tour for two.
21. Boat Rental
Lucky enough to live by a lake? Escape for an afternoon on the water. Nothing says “I love you” quite like sharing quality time together as a twosome on a private sailboat or gondola. Or go “the more the merrier” route, inviting friends to join on a casual pontoon outing (nautical 40th birthday theme gifts for men are highly encouraged). Load up with a cooler full of food and drink, and his big day is sorted.
22. World’s Sweetest 40th Birthday Card
Literally give your husband the sweetest birthday wishes on the planet. Use the names of favorite candies to inspire a mushy (and mouth-watering!) message commemorating his big day on a giant, homemade card. Write lines like “Hey there, SweetTart—hope this brings you lots of birthday Snickers, plus Good-N-Plenty b-day fun!…”
23. Plan a Staycation Day
Hands down, this is one of the easiest and best 40th birthday ideas for your husband. It’s simple, meaningful, and lends lots of special opportunities for you to say “happy birthday” however you see fit. Secretly clear a day off ahead of time with his boss. Then turn the alarm off for him, prep some breakfast in bed, schedule a couple’s massage, take in a movie, and enjoy any other number of cute ‘date’ ideas.
24. Mirror Message
“I hate waking up to love notes,” …said no one ever. Start his morning off with words that will make his day. Write him a cute birthday wish on the bathroom mirror with some sassy lipstick or a dry-erase marker …you know, whatever medium best suits your sentimental style and gets the point across.
25. Kisses in a Keepsake Jar
Ahhh, here we are… Another fabulous way to celebrate his 40th birthday on a budget. Give him all the b-day TLC he needs without breaking the bank! Fill a mason jar with 40 Hershey’s Kisses for his big day. Of course, you can still fill his day with the real deal, too—no chance he’ll complain about that.
26. Bucket List Bash!
40 is an awesome milestone. Why not use it to help your hubby achieve a bucket list wish he’s always had?! This 40th birthday gift for your husband is bound to be memorable, whether you foot the bill yourself, or invite friends and family to contribute. Either way, his larger-than-life dream(s) will become a dynamite reality! Click here to see some of our top bucket list recommendations.
27. “Sweet Dreams” Pillow Case
Send him off to dreamland in a most cheerful way! Compose a birthday wish on his pillow case, using a cheap cover and some permanent markers. Swap it out with his usual threads when he’s away, so he heads to bed and finds a fun surprise. He’ll never experience zzz’s more festive than these!
28. Pedal-Boating: Party of Two
Have a birthday on your hands that’s during warmer months? Head to a nearby lake or pond that offers pedal-boating. Lucky enough to get the rental company in on this 40th birthday idea for your special man? Have birthday balloons delivered beforehand, awaiting his arrival on the boat or at the check-in desk.
29. A Very Merry Vacation
One of the most incredible things about marriage is having someone with whom you can share great escapes and grand adventures. Whether he’s been your husband for 11 months or 11+ years, making new memories together is a priceless opportunity. 40th birthday celebrations for your main squeeze don’t get much better than a trip to paradise… be it a beach, a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, the sweet simplicity of camping, exploring a new city, and beyond.
30. Deliver Cupcakes to Your Husband's Work
It’s usually impossible for co-workers to refuse the enticing allure of adorably-decorated, sugar-infused baked goods. Even as grown adults. So set up a special delivery and surprise them all! For a cheesy (yet loving and laughable) touch, put cupcake toppers of his manly mug on them, giving the office a good chuckle. He won’t live it down. And he won’t forget the gesture either.
31. Mega-Sporty Moment
Go the extra mile, going even bigger than simply giving him tickets to a game. Make arrangements for a special birthday message to appear on the megatron or big screen at the event. Be it goofy or good ‘n’ sappy, this is certainly an extraordinary way to say “happy birthday” to him for the big 4-0.
32. Shadowbox Vintage Mementos
Found an old jersey or family keepsake he’s been toting around for years? You know it has sentimental value, so why not help him preserve it? A special 40th birthday idea for your husband like this is bound to turn into timeless décor he’ll cherish forever. Whether you enlist the help of a pro or create it yourself, this gem is sure to strike a special spot in his heart.
33. Engraved Glass or Tumbler
A gift for him like this is practical and personal, especially if he’s an adult beverage buff. Add a unique touch to it, denoting his awesome journey over the hill. Be it an inside joke, a memory, or a wish for the years ahead—it’ll be one he’ll read every time he wets his whistle.
34. Map of His Milestones
Invest in a nice paper or canvas map. Add your own ‘drop pins’ to it, marking locations of big, happy moments over his years and during your life together: where he grew up, went to college, met you, got his first job, became a father, and so on. Pin it silly, frame, then wrap up this stellar gift for your guy with l-o-v-e!
35. Geo-Coordinates Bottle Opener
Purchase a nice, stainless steel bottle opener (of either the cap and/or wine variety). Then track down the coordinates of where you two first met. (These days, Google or other user-friendly apps can easily help you identify this info.) Head to a jeweler or local engraving company to have the magic meeting-place numbers imprinted on the opener forever.
36. Name a Star After Him
This 40th birthday idea may admittedly be mushy and (therefore) not for everyone. But hey, it’s a gift idea that’s worth a mention because it’s unique and heartfelt. And let’s be honest, your other half is your rock, your Northern Star—making it quite appropriate. So why not go for a gift idea for him that’s literally out of this world?!
37. Plant a Tree in His Honor
This unusual birthday gift is great for men who are outdoorsy nature-lovers. Enjoy watching it grow for years to come, just like the sweet love you two share. For some extra-gifting flair, package it with a wood carving of some sort that includes both of your initials. A present for him like this is especially cool if you have kids together, who are also growing up alongside it.
38. Personalized Golf Balls
Bring some extra pizzazz to your gifting game, as well as his golf game. Whether he dabbles or does serious work on the fairways, this 40th birthday idea for your husband is a sure-fire way to win his seal of approval that you are, in fact, the best wife on the planet. (Though it’s doubtful he needs any convincing of that.)
39. Cinematic Stardom
If your main man is a movie enthusiast, surprise him in a couple of ways at the theater. Plan a night out to catch a new release. Unbeknownst to your hubby, you’ll have the theater rented, all of his friends and family seated when he walks in. Then a personalized wish (like “Happiest 40th birthday to my husband!”) pops up on the screen when the lights go down and the previews start to roll.
40. Personalized Puzzle
Put what’s on your heart into puzzle pieces! As far as romantic 40th birthday gift ideas for husbands go, this one may be the most clever of them all! Write a love note on the back of a store-bought puzzle. Or use snazzy website tools to design a masterpiece of your own, including a picture and/or sweet saying to commemorate his big day.
41. Send Your Husband on a 40th Birthday Scavenger Hunt
If you're all about gifts that are fun AND interactive, consider sending your #1 man on a scavenger hunt! The best part? You can make the hunt as easy or as tricky as you'd like! Take him on a photo scavenger hunt of your favorite places, send him on the hunt for 40 birthday part essentials, or embark on an app-led hunt!
42. Take a Glass Blowing Class
Make your husband's 40th birthday glow with a hands-on glass blowing class! You'll have the unique opportunity to make your own glass masterpiece while learning basic techniques. Watch in awe as you roll, sculpt, and transform a piece of molten glass into an enchanting piece of art!
43. Pilot for a Day
If your husband has always dreamed of being a pilot (or even if he hasn't), these Learn to Fly packages will take his 40th birthday to new heights. After a professional instructor handles the take off, he'll get to take the controls and experience the freedom of flight. Now that's a 40th birthday idea for the books!
44. Play in an Escape Room
For a 40th birthday idea that's playful, fun, and original, consider taking your husband to an escape room! Together, you'll have to find clues, solve riddles, and crack codes. Did we mention there's a time limit? You'll have just 60 minutes to escape…before it's too late!
45. Treat Him to Some TLC
After 40 incredible, adventurous, and sometimes exhausting years, your husband deserves some TLC. Surprise him with the most relaxing birthday ever and book him his very own spa day! From deep tissue massages to beer spa sessions, these spa packages will leave him feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the next 40 years!
After reading this list of 45 unique ideas for your husband's 40th, we hope you feel inspired to make his day extra special. No matter how you decide to celebrate, we are confident that this will be his best birthday yet. Take your celebrations to the next level and surprise him with one of these unique 40th Birthday Gifts!