40th birthday themes can make fun of a person growing older or celebrate the years that they've lived.
For many, a 40th birthday is a milestone. It is when a person crosses a threshold between young and old. There are a variety of themes to celebrate the occasion. While some make fun of the person turning older, others help reminisce on the fun of yesteryear. Does this Spark an idea?
Over the Hill
To remind a person turning 40 to not loose their marbles, give them a bag of the toy.
Have fun with getting older by hosting a party with an Over the Hill theme. Kick it off by sending invitations with such images as the grim reaper or invitations shaped like tombstones. For centerpieces, consider a cardboard coffin filled with dirt and hang a plaque that says "older than dirt." Or use a foam tombstone. For gifts, consider such gag gifts as glasses with thick lenses, whoopee cushions to kid the receiver that they're now an "old fart", a bag of marbles to remind them to not lose theirs, prune juice and a retirement magazine.
Hot Flashes
Dish up jalapenos and salsa when hosting a Hot Flashes party.
For a woman, make fun of aging by having a Hot Flashes soiree. Start with invitations that are covered with glittery red flames. Decorations can include red crepe paper, sparkly red tinsel and a profusion of candles. Examples of spicy food items are hot tamales, chips and a variety of salsas, jalapenos stuffed with cheese and hot buffalo wings. For gifts, start with a plastic fire helmet and fill it with a thermometer, a spray bottle, eye masks that can be refrigerated and a hand held fan or a fire extinguisher. If the weather allows, give the guests sparklers to play with outside.
Forever Young
Forgo the traditional birthday cake and serve cupcakes to remind the birthday boy or girl to stay forever young.
Instead of making fun of the act of getting old, throw a party that celebrates years that have passed. Send invitations in the shape of such childhood icons as fire trucks, ballet shoes or a school bus. Have them written with a childish script. Decorate the house with brightly colored crepe paper and scatter toys around such as jacks, marbles, Legos and dolls. During the party, play games like Twister, Candyland and Sorry. Rather than serving regular cake, dish up individual cupcakes with sprinkles. For gifts, give old-fashioned toys such as a Slinky, yo-yos, paddleball toys, silly putty and a Mr. Potato head.
This Is Your Life
Show a film that highlights events from the person's life.
Make the party about remembering the life of the birthday boy or girl. Send invitations that list important events that happened the year that the person was born. Look for posters of bands and movies that the birthday individual loved and hang them throughout the house. Put together a scrapbook of the person's life, leaving space in the back where guests can write sentiments or recount memories. If possible, play a film during the party that is a montage of the man or woman's life. Serve guests favorite candies of the person being celebrated. For a game, have guests bring index cards with clues about particular events to be read aloud to the man or woman of the hour. See if they can recall the date and location of the memory.
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