Birthday Ideas for Turning 40
Forty is a milestone birthday. For many people, it's the definitive "adult" age, the first step toward middle or old age. It's a time to celebrate life and not just with any regular party. Since turning 40 is associated with being "over the hill," it's a perfect time to do something wacky and extravagant to commemorate the end of youth. Does this Spark an idea?
Surprise Birthday Party
Surprise birthday parties are good for any age, but they're especially appropriate for a milestone 40th birthday celebration. You can decorate with "Over the Hill"-themed items like balloons, party hats and banners. As the guest of honor enters, crown her with a 40 -hat, sash or flashing buttons. Lead her to a decorated chair that will serve as her throne.
The Cake
Aside from the guest of honor, the cake is the centerpiece of the party. New technology in cake decorating has really opened up the types of cakes available. Bakeries can print your photos onto edible cake toppers, so you can have a cake featuring photos of the 40 year-old through the ages. If you're sticking with an "Over the Hill" theme, you can create a cake in the shape of a mound or hill with green icing for grass and a figurine cresting the hill.
Gag Gifts
If you're really trying to play up the age theme, you can present the 40-year-old with gag gifts like walkers, canes, adult diapers and other items people need as they age. Is there an outfit she swore she'd never wear when she got old, like a house coat or track suit? Present her with that. Denture materials are also good symbols of aging, as are pain relievers like Ben Gay.
Announcements
Forty is an important birthday. Let people know by renting space on a billboard or on the sign of a business he regularly frequents. Place an ad in the paper with his picture, proclaiming he's now 40. Contact a party supply store to rent 40 of an item, like pink flamingos, to place on his front lawn when he wakes up. Gorilla grams will arrive at his home or workplace in full costume, announce the birthday and deliver your greeting with a song and dance.
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