Turning 40 is the new 30. It feels good to be turning four-zero, and you’ve accomplished so much in your life. With COVID-19 still looming large and the confusion over how to celebrate this milestone bringing you right back into your 20s, it seems like everything is going in circles. There’s a lot to think about when planning your 40th birthday. But don’t worry, we’ve come up with 40th birthday ideas for you! Whether in person or virtually.
1. HOST A GAME NIGHT
You played Settlers of Catan once and now you can’t stop. Make an entire night of it by inviting your other board gamer friends or asking them if they want to join for some online gaming fun.
2. PLAN A POTLUCK
Make the process of cooking and cleaning up incredibly easy on yourself by asking everyone to chip in. You provide location, ambiance, and time; they bring food.
3. PLAN A PIZZA PARTY WITH A SOMMELIER
Head over to your favorite pizza joint and hire a sommelier from the wine shop, five-star restaurant, or Facebook Wine Snobs. then invite some friends over for an alfresco dinner party with drinks.
4. BOOK A PRIVATE ROOM AT YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT
You’ll find the food to be consistently delicious, with great service and prices that won’t break your bank account. You and your partner or family go there at least once a week, so why not give them the business on your birthday? If they know about all of those late-night meals for weeks then chances are good that their gift will be something special.
5. HIRE A PRIVATE CHEF
You may not be a cooking fan, or you want to keep your guest list small. Why not hire someone who knows how to make an amazing dinner? If this is the case then it’s possible for less money than one might think. Plus isn’t thinking about eating such fantastic food made by professionals really worth something in itself?.
6. RENT OUT A ROLLER-SKATING RINK
Who says you can’t have a good time on the ice? Get all alone with your friends or family and enjoy some serious skating. The best way to make it a hit is by dressing up. Whether you go with the ’70s theme, 80’s style, or something else entirely—costumes are always fun.
7. VOLUNTEER FOR SOMETHING YOU CARE ABOUT
You can make a difference in the world by asking your loved ones to take part in helping a cause that’s close to your heart. You could volunteer at soup kitchens, build playgrounds for communities that need them, or tutor children. Nowadays, you can even volunteer virtually.
8. GO CAMPING
Why not take a few of your favorite people with you on this 40th birthday adventure? If they already have experience, simply reserve the grounds and tell everyone else to bring along their gear. There’s nothing wrong with a little comfort when camping. If you are new, look into options that have sleeping arrangements and grills already set up, or find glamping sites near your location so all the inconveniences can be left behind.
9. RENT A HOUSE A COUPLE OF HOURS AWAY
With the cost of hosting an international soiree rising, it might be hard to think about inviting 16 friends and their children. But there are plenty cheaper ways you can have your dream escape. You could end up at a beautiful beach house, scenic mountain abode, or near the winery. You can find a beautiful, cheap place to stay near any destination that you want.
10. TAKE A POTTERY CLASS
You’ve always had a hankering to take the wheel. It seemed like such an exciting thing, and you know that it can be hard sometimes-but no reason why someone couldn’t get their hands dirty. You can find pottery studios near you that offer group lessons. When you’re looking for pottery studios near you, make sure to consider if they offer group lessons. The smaller the party size is the more one-on-one time with an instructor will be possible.
11. HOST A SMALL DINNER PARTY
Hosting a small dinner party at home is an intimate 40th birthday alternative. You can keep things simple with some big batch recipes or put on your chef’s hat and make soufflés for the guests to enjoy, but let them bring their own wine if you’re doing all of the cooking.
12. ROAST YOUR OWN COFFEE
Wouldn’t it be great to take a coffee roasting class and learn the secrets behind your favorite drink? You’ll get all sorts of interesting information about how this special beverage is made.
13. MAKE SOURDOUGH
The world is changing and so are our preferences. As we get older, the finer things in life start to matter more—like a beautifully baked loaf of sourdough bread for example. But if you missed out on this craze early on during the pandemic? Don’t fret. Can’t beat the smell of fresh bread in your house, or break off a piece to enjoy with breakfast. If you’re looking for an interesting way to keep up skills then signup right now.
14. CATCH A MOVIE
Home movies nights are all the rage these days. You don’t even need to go out for a movie; instead, why not have some friends over and host your own home-theater screening? It’s so much fun.
15. ORDER IN FROM YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT
There’s no need to drive anywhere, especially when you can have your favorite restaurant delivered. Create a buffet in the comfort of home and enjoy friends over for an easy but yummy night.
16. TOUR A BREWERY
Visiting a local brewer is an experience like no other. You’ll get to see the sausage being made but without all those pesky bloodstains. And you can enjoy it while sipping some delicious beer.
17. GO WINE TASTING
Nothing beats sipping on the juice of gods at a winery or vineyard, and many are still offering tastings. You can’t just show up at a winery unannounced. Make an appointment before you go. If all else fails – try virtual tasting options.
18. GO BOWLING
Divide your party into teams and make it a competition to see who can score the highest. Ask for bumpers or extra beer, so everyone has an equal chance at having fun.
19. KARAOKE YOUR HEART OUT
Reserve a room for your next party. Order some pitchers of beer and have the song that always gets everyone on their feet ready!
20. TAKE A VIRTUAL DANCE CLASS
There’s never been a better time to get up and dance. You may have an aching back, flat feet, or other limitations that prevent you from wearing stilettos but don’t let anyone tell you that dancing is too old for you. Signup on a virtual class so all those joints will be moving with some fierce footwork.
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