13 Creative 40th Birthday Ideas For Men

Hoping to uncover thoughtful and creative 40th birthday ideas for men? At Peerspace, we understand how amazing milestone birthdays are. A 40th birthday is a big deal, so we don’t blame you for wanting to do it right!

As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we at Peerspace also know how crucial the setting is for any gathering. And when the event is as epic as a 40th birthday, you’ll want to go all out and book a birthday party venue to celebrate the birthday boy that’s as cool and stylish as he is. We’ll share examples of such spaces ahead! Keep reading for our best creative 40th birthday ideas for men that will get you inspired as you start to plan.

1. Pick a cool theme and let it guide your party planning

The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing themes. But once you’ve decided on one, try to stick to it with your decor, and food, to give your party a more cohesive feel.

In terms of themes, Shelterness suggests options like “Las Vegas, rustic, moustache, [and] beer party,” while Event Up raises ideas like “masquerade balls, the roaring ‘20s, or a Hollywood red carpet night.”

2. Choose the perfect gift for his 40th birthday

This suggestion of a 40th birthday idea for men assumes that you aren’t the birthday guy himself but a friend or loved one who’s trying to plan a birthday for someone else. Picking the right birthday gift is a pretty important element of this special day.

In their article suggesting 40th birthday gift ideas, Byliner offers a few tips to ensure you choose wisely. One is to consider what the giftee typically buys for himself and pick the same category of gift. Another is to take into account what the birthday guy generally does with his free time, to better understand his priorities, and buy something that works well with those activities.

We would also add that you should consider gifting an experience rather than an object. Spending the day at a retro arcade rental space might be a way more memorable gift than a watch, for example.

3. Include some funny decor to delight the birthday guy

If there’s anything you learn when you spend four decades on Earth, it’s not to take yourself too seriously. Embody that spirit by selecting some of your decor based on it being funny rather than just being an attractive decoration.

Get more style inspiration with our birthday decoration ideas for adults resource page!

4. Take a camping trip to help him connect with nature

Some guys would prefer spending time in the great outdoors with a group of close friends over a regular party. If that’s the case, a special birthday camping trip is a wonderful choice.

Picture this: you’re all sitting around the campfire, stars twinkling overhead as you reminisce about favorite memories and discuss what you like about the birthday guy. Sounds great, right? Be sure to book the perfect cabin to procure a comfy camping venue near you.

Enjoy more camping activity suggestions and bookable camping venues with our camping party ideas article!

5. Go to a sports game and cheer on his favorite team

Another alternative to the standard birthday party for those who prefer to hang out with smaller groups of friends is a trip to a sports game to watch their favorite team. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or hockey, this will make for a fun and memorable day that might well be a big improvement over a regular party.

Make it even more special by booking a bar venue, like this sports lounge with a 16-foot media wall in Elkhart, IN. With a bar, high-top and lounge seating, several games playing at once, and personalized service, it’s the perfect spot for a sports lover and all of his friends.

6. Catch a great concert to create new memories

Did you hear that one of your favorite musicians is on tour and will be in your area around the time of your upcoming birthday? If so, here’s yet another 40th birthday idea for men who don’t want to have a party. Instead, rock out to music you love while welcoming the next decade of your life in style.

Do you have any friends who are musicians and want them to perform at your 40th birthday party for a more personal touch? Start by booking a performance venue through Peerspace so that you get a party pad that has the A/V equipment, stage, and ambiance to ensure a 40th birthday party-worthy experience.

7. Hit the lanes with a bowling party

If you’re the kind of person who wants your birthday celebration centered around an activity rather than unstructured socializing, consider a trip to the bowling alley! If you prefer to enjoy a bowling alley just to yourselves, check out Peerspace for options near you.

8. Reflect on the past while looking forward to the future

A 40th birthday is an ideal chance to reflect on the past four decades of your life and how you got to where you are now. Consider putting together a slideshow of old photos or having a loved one do so, making sure you include photos of yourself and your friends and your record of all the best memories you had together over the years.

9. Make it a karaoke night and sing your heart out

If you and your friends love to sing, head out to a local karaoke place or rent the A/V equipment to do karaoke at home and sing your heart out! Singing some of your old favorites is another way to reflect on your past as your birthday prompts you to look toward your future.

Want to get out of the house for a few hours? Then you can also rent this colorful and fun DTLA one-stop party venue in Los Angeles, CA that provides the equipment, has amazing party lighting, and is spacious enough for 100 guests. The host even offers helpful add-on services, like a bartender, balloons, a photographer, and more.

10. Throw a classic outdoor grill & pool party

One of our favorite 40th birthday ideas for men is simply having your party outdoors and doing some grilling and swimming. Just be sure to prepare non-meat options for the vegetarians in the group!

If you don’t have an outdoor space where you can have an outdoor grill party, then rent one. This coastal backyard with a pergola and a pool in Miami, FL has an amazing outdoor grill space. It also comes with a large swimming pool, a large-screen TV, comfy seating, and a sound system so you can blast your favorite tunes.

11. Get competitive with a paintball birthday party

Have you ever played paintball with friends? If not, age 40 might be the time to start! But if you have, you’ll know that it can get really intense and competitive – and can also be incredibly fun, to boot. So consider a paintball party for your birthday celebration, followed by a delicious dinner with a few rounds of drinks to restore the goodwill and party vibes!

12. Hire a photographer to capture every moment of your party

If you’re planning a real party, you’ll probably want to have photos of the big day for when you’re looking back on it in the future. And sure, smartphones have cameras, and anyone can technically take photos of your event. But if you want the photos to be good, then you’ll want to pay a little extra to hire a photographer.

Besides being able to use Peerspace to discover the perfect birthday photoshoot setting, you can also consult our resource pages to find a portrait photographer whose style you like!

13. Plan a gourmet tasting class with your partygoers

Make your 40th birthday extra memorable by adding an interactive component to the festivities. For example, if you’re a foodie, why not plan a gourmet tasting class, allowing you and your guests to savor different food and drinks? This is another one of those great 40th birthday ideas for men that Peerspace can help make easy!

40th birthday ideas for men: conclusion

No matter his personality—laid-back, adventurous, or all about luxury—there are countless ways to make his milestone birthday one he’ll never forget. From meaningful experiences to unforgettable gatherings, the right celebration should reflect who he is and what he loves most. Pair your plans with some thoughtful 40th birthday party ideas, and you’ll create a celebration that feels personal, memorable, and truly worthy of the big 4-0.

To pull off the perfect celebration, start by booking a dream 40th birthday private party venue on Peerspace. Then, utilize one or more of these suggestions to design a 40th like no other. Planning will be a piece of (birthday) cake!