Birthday Ideas for Men in Their 40s

• Plan a surprise party for someone's 40th birthday. Nisian Hughes/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  As men get older they may be less inclined to want to celebrate their birthdays, but having creative birthday ideas will make him more excited about it. Or you can surprise him and plan the party yourself. This is particularly good for the 40th birthday. Decide on a budget before planning the party because this can influence what you decide to do.

Surprise Party

• Plan a surprise party for him. Rent out a venue because it may be hard to plan the party if he lives in the same home as you. Some venues include ballrooms at hotels or a party room at a restaurant. If you have it at a restaurant you do not have to worry about preparing food either because they will do it. Invite his friends and family and be sure to stress that it is a surprise.

Boat Party

• Have the party on a boat. As a man gets older he is less inclined to have a wild and crazy party and have a more laid back, classy event. A party on a private yacht, or similar boat, creates a relaxing, conversational, and fun environment for a party. It is also a classy way to celebrate. Have it be a semi-formal event with cocktail servers walking around with appetizers and trays of champagne. You can hire a photographer as well so that you don't have to worry about taking lots of pictures yourself.

Decade-Theme Party

• Throw a party from the decade he was born in. After 40 years the styles and fashions of the decade will have gone out of style so plan to have a party with the decade as the theme. For example, if he was born in the '60s, have a party planned where everyone dresses up as hippies and the theme is Peace and Love. Make a playlist with songs from that decade.

Tribute Band

• Have a tribute band play at the party. It should be a tribute band of the man's favorite band or one of his favorites if the No. 1 favorite isn't available to play. Having this band play takes him back to his younger days when he would go see the band play. Also, all his friends will love seeing the band as well. Either rent out a venue or put a stage in your backyard if it is large enough.