Celebrate a Fortieth Birthday

Turning 40 can be an intimidating birthday for a lot of people. Many may experience feelings of depression, sadness, or stress as they reflect over their life thus far.[1] While these feelings are normal and understandable, there are dozens of reasons to be excited about this age and the years ahead. You're older, wiser and more comfortable in your own skin so honor the occasion appropriately, and find a way to mark the milestone with a fabulous celebration!

Steps

Having a Party

  1. Throw yourself a shindig. You know exactly what you want, and more importantly, what you don’t want for your 40th birthday. By throwing a party for yourself you maintain control of the situation. You can determine the guest list, the food, décor, location and everything in between.
    • Pick a theme. This will practically guarantee fun. If you’re a 60s baby, choose a disco themed event and have everyone dress up in their favorite throwback bell bottoms. Create a playlist of the best music from the era and boogie the night away.[2]
    • A casino night would make a memorable party too. Ask everyone to wear their best black and white attire and hand out fake cash at their door for betting. Hire a couple of card dealers to make it even more authentic and don't forget the prizes.
    • Don’t get so lost in playing the host that you forget to have fun. Remember, this is your celebration so enjoy!
  2. Include the family. No need to exclude them from all the fun. Involve the spouse and even the kids when considering ideas. Perhaps they already had some thoughts in mind, but if not, think of ways everyone can be part of the big day.
    • Head to a beautiful park and have the event catered by the best restaurant in town. This way, kids can go wild while the adults visit and reminisce.
    • Split the party into two parts by having a festive lunch and cake with the kids during the day and heading out during the evening with close friends.
  3. Use a party planner. Take the stress away by hiring a professional. Someone who does this full-time will come with an abundance of knowledge, tips and tricks to create the atmosphere you want. They will also ensure the night goes off without a hitch, freeing you up to mingle with friends and family.
    • Be as specific as possible to ensure you have the event of your dreams.
    • Don’t forget about the budget. These things can sometimes get out of hand. If you are watching your pennies, make this clear to the planner and review all contracts and receipts prior to the day.
  4. Ask a friend to help. Who knows you better than your BFF? Chances are they are already planning something perfect. Let them know what you had in mind and ask them to coordinate the logistics. They’ll be honored you entrusted them with such a momentous occasion.
    • Have them book a fancy limo to scoop you up along with your friends to make the day feel even more special.
    • Book a party bus and find the coolest places in town to go.
    • When asking a friend to plan a party, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t want to overburden them with arranging an event fit for the queen. Instead, have a backyard affair or a small gathering at your favorite restaurant.
    • Keep in mind throughout the planning process that they are your friend, not hired help. Treat them as such to ensure your friendship lasts long after the party is done.
  5. Choose a staycation. This is a great option if you’re on a tight budget for your birthday. By practically vacationing in your own backyard, you can fall in love with your city all over again.[3]
    • Land a coveted reservation at that trendy, new restaurant everyone has been raving about.
    • Have a cultural getaway by visiting all the local museums and theatres.
    • This is a fantastic way to celebrate with the whole family too.
    • Consider treating yourself to a night or two at a chic, boutique hotel. You’ll forget you’re just down the road from your home.

Taking a Trip

  1. Leave the country. Many get to 40 and realize they never got a stamp in their passport. Whether it be to Rome or London, Tokyo or Buenos Aires, now is the time to go! You may already have a place in mind but if not, do some research. Peruse traveling blogs and ask lots of friends and co-workers for suggestions.
    • Figure out if there will be any special festivals or holidays happening around birthday time at the desired destination. When you arrive, it will feel like the whole country is celebrating with you.
    • If you’re nervous about venturing into the unknown, take a couple of friends with you. Who would turn down a vacation to an exotic spot?
  2. Hop on a cruise ship. Cruises are one of the easiest ways to travel and are a ton of fun. Find the company that offers the accommodations you’re looking for. Consider adult-only or child-friendly ships, for example, depending on preference. Cruises are great as they can be short 3-day excursions or a couple of weeks long. Plus, they’re like a city on water complete with casinos, shopping, clubs and multiple dining options.
    • With this choice, you can visit more than one city and get more bang for your buck.
    • Not sure what to take on board? Ask lots of questions before booking a ticket.
  3. Take in a concert. Research where your favorite band will be playing and meet them on the road. You could even follow them for a few days and relive your groupie days.
    • Dig out the old t-shirt you've kept in the garage for just this occasion.
  4. Book a fishing trip. What a relaxing way to spend your birthday. Imagine hanging out on a gorgeous boat in the middle of the ocean all day with those you care about most and reeling in dinner.
    • After fishing, camp under the stars and cook the day's catch on the grill.
  5. Indulge in the extraordinary. You only turn 40 once so go all out if that’s your personality. Find something that will get your blood pumping and really make you feel alive. Head to the jungles or Africa for a safari and get up close and personal with an elephant. Feel the need for speed? Head up to the top of the stratosphere in Vegas and bungee jump! The pictures will be hilarious and the experience unforgettable.

Venturing Outside the Box

  1. Get a tattoo. Mark the milestone with permanent ink. Whether your first or 15th, what a great way to remember this time in your life. Choose something that truly fits your personality and be creative.
    • Find something you like but personalize it to make it special and unique.[4]
    • Ask the artist to design a one-of-a-kind piece. This could involve lots of time, but you want to be absolutely happy with it…forever.
  2. Change your look. If you have had the same haircut since junior year in college or the same pair of glasses, switch it up a bit. Making a small tweak like this will give you an added boost of energy you didn’t know you were missing.
    • Don’t get carried away and reinvent who you are (unless you want to). A small change will do the trick.
  3. Give yourself a present. Rather than waiting on others to spoil you, treat yourself to a phenomenal gift. It’s your birthday and you deserve to have exactly what you want.
    • Think outside the box too. Maybe all you want for your birthday is to finally finish writing that novel you started 10 years ago. Dig it out, dust it off and get to work.
    • This doesn’t have to be extravagant to be special. Instead, adopt a pet from the local shelter or splurge on a killer pair of heels or golf clubs you’ve had your eye on.
  4. Volunteer. As a mature adult who is closing in on 40, you understand the benefits of giving back to the community. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and create experiences you might have missed out on.[5]
    • There are dozens of organizations out there that can use your help and skills. Find something that fits your personality and schedule.
    • Volunteering doesn’t have to be a boring chore so do something fun. All work and no play will make for a dull birthday.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/midlife-misery-is-there-happiness-after-the-40s/
  2. ↑ http://www.presentationmagazine.com/40th-birthday-party-ideas-16271.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveodland/2012/05/31/16-things-to-do-on-a-staycation/#e16fea17ff86
  4. ↑ https://www.pinterest.com/chiquandra/40th-birthday-tattoo-ideas/
  5. ↑ http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/benefits-of-volunteering.html
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