The 40th birthday is a milestone event that can be difficult for some people. To create a happy memory for the birthday boy, include the entire family in the planning and festivities. The children may enjoy having a hand in creating a special day for their parents. Brainstorm together to come up with an idea that will make this big birthday one that everyone will remember for years.
The kids will enjoy the secret meetings and trickery involved in planning a surprise party for a parent. Give the kids a chore to do to make the party a success, such as making decorations, calling guests and picking out the food for the top-secret event. The time leading up to the birthday celebration will be one your children will enjoy and remember throughout their lives.
For a 40th birthday party, instruct everyone, including the children, to write down 40 happy memories they have of the birthday boy. During the birthday party, each guest can recite the memories aloud for the rest of the guests. This activity is bound to move the birthday boy as he hears first-hand how much of an impact he has had on his family's life. If reciting the list in front of a room full of partygoers is too frightening for some guests, they can include the list with a birthday card.
Create a scrapbook of 40 photographs taken at different points in the celebrator's life. Get the whole family together to combine photographs and select the best ones for the scrapbook. Have all family members write comments in the scrapbook for a personal touch.
Plan a party with music and decorations from the birthday boy's childhood. You can encourage guests and family members to dress up for the occasion in the clothing from the era. Hang decorations with sayings from the era and posters of the popular bands and movies of the generation.
Take the family out for a day of adventure for a birthday celebration. Your stops and activities should be those things that the birthday boy will enjoy, such as museums, sporting events, the beach or a picnic in the park. Plan to spend the whole day doing activities with the whole family for a celebration everyone will enjoy.
