40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (2024)

Way back in 1932, a guy named Walter Pitkin popularized the phrase “life begins at 40.” The meaning of that old saying is clear: people turning 40 have plenty of living left to do. Still, turning 40 – like the major milestones of 30 and 50 – will always be a big deal. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to celebrate someone who’s important to you.

Popular: Birthday Wishes For Yourself

So, what’s the best way to wish someone a Happy 40th Birthday? It all depends on your relationship with that person, and the tone you want to convey. To give you some ideas, we’ve put together this big list of sweet, clever, cute and funny 40th birthday wishes.

Sincere | Funny | For Her | For Him | Close Friend | Romantic Partner

Sincere

Here are some straightforward 40th birthday messages you can share with just about anyone hitting the four-decade mark.

  • Happy Birthday to someone who’s Talented, Terrific, Tremendous, and Top-notch! Welcome to your four T’s!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (1)
  • Your first 40 years were pretty damn great. Here’s hoping you get at least 40 more!
  • Congratulations on four decades of sheer awesomeness!
  • Lordy, Lordy, look who’s 40! Hope your big day is positively wonderful.
  • Congrats on turning the big 4-oh. You’ve accomplished so much in your life, and to think, you’re just getting started.

Related: 50th Birthday Wishes

  • You look good for 40. Scratch that, you look good, period. Happy Birthday!
  • Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see what you do with your next 40 years.
  • Forty is the new awesome. Happy Birthday!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (2)
  • Best wishes on your 40th birthday – a great milestone for a truly great person!
  • You have the energy of someone half your age and the wisdom of someone double your age. Happy 40th Birthday to a truly remarkable person.

Funny

Here are some funny 40th birthday wishes, many of them poking fun at the person’s age.

  • I’ll bet you were hoping no one would notice you were turning 40. Well, no such luck! Happy Birthday!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (3)
  • Happy 40th Birthday! How does it feel to be the world’s oldest kid?
  • Now you’re as sexy as two 20-year-olds. Happy 40th Birthday!
  • Happy 40th Birthday! Oh, and if you wake up feeling like crap tomorrow, it’s not a hangover – that’s just what it’s like being old.

Related: Unique Birthday Wishes For a Coworker

  • I would have planned a big 40th birthday party for you, but whodathunk you’d make it this far?
  • They say 40 is the new 30. However, it should be noted that they often lie.
  • Happy Birthday! And thank you so much for turning 40 before me!
  • I hate to call you the F word, but… you’re forty! Happy Birthday!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (4)
  • Happy 40th Birthday! And remember: You’re never too old to act like an idiot.
  • Don’t think of it as your 40th birthday. Think of it as the 20th anniversary of your 20th birthday. Happy Birthday Anniversary!
  • Hope you have a blast on your 40th birthday! Just don’t overdo it – at your age, partying too much can be dangerous.
  • Welcome to 40, an age when you’re still young at heart, but other body parts are starting to falter.

For Her

Here are some messages aimed at a woman turning 40.

  • Still fun, foxy, and fabulous at 40. Happy Birthday!
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  • Happy Birthday to one beautiful and youthful 40-year-old!
  • Happy Birthday, lady! No one would ever guess that you’re 40 years old, and with the proper bribe, I won’t tell them!
  • Happy 40th Birthday to a lady who will forever be beautiful, inside and out.

For Him

Here are some birthday wishes for a man turning 40.

  • You’ve always been a good-looking dude. Now you’re a good-looking older dude. Happy 40th Birthday!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (6)
  • Happy 40th Birthday! You are officially a Distinguished Gentleman.
  • Best wishes on your 40th birthday! I would make fun of you for being old, but I’m afraid you might toss your dentures at me and hit me with your cane!
  • Happy 40th Birthday! Welcome to your Viagra years!

Close Friend

Here are 40th birthday messages for someone who’s particularly close to you. If the birthday girl or boy is your best friend, you might also want to check out this article.

  • Best wishes on your 40th birthday. I’m so proud to have you as a friend… even if you are old.
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  • Happy 40th Birthday to a true troublemaker. Don’t you dare get old on me!
  • Happy Birthday to my favorite 40-year-old. Hope you’re planning to stick around for many more years, because I couldn’t possibly find another friend like you.
  • Happy 40th Birthday to someone who’s awesome at any age.
  • Happy Birthday to a special friend. If your next 40 years are half as good as the first, you will have had a pretty amazing life.

Romantic Partner

Finally, here are some 40th birthday wishes for a husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend.

  • Happy Birthday to the foxiest 40-year-old around!
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  • Happy 40th Birthday, baby! Your birthday spanking is going to be a real doozy!
  • Happy 40th Birthday to my amazing husband! I’m still head over heels for you, and I always will be.
  • Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, who is way too sexy to be 40 years old.
  • Happy 40th Birthday, sweetie! If we gotta grow old, let’s grow old together!
40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday (2024)

FAQs

40 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy 40th Birthday? ›

“Never stop dreaming, even as the years come and go.” “Look forward to all that this next decade has to hold.” “There is still so much life to be lived at the ripe age of 40.” “Strive to be a 40 year old that makes people go, 'I wanna be like that when I turn forty'.”

What is a good quote for turning 40? ›

“Never stop dreaming, even as the years come and go.” “Look forward to all that this next decade has to hold.” “There is still so much life to be lived at the ripe age of 40.” “Strive to be a 40 year old that makes people go, 'I wanna be like that when I turn forty'.”

What is the caption for the 40th birthday? ›

Cute 40th Birthday Instagram Captions

Here's to 40 years of incredible memories and cheers to 40 more 🍾🎉 Age is just a number, but my number happens to look fabulous on me! Fierce, fabulous, and forty! Embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of dreams 💖 Let the adventures begin.

What is the 40th birthday milestone called? ›

What makes a 40th birthday special? A quote from W. B. Pitkin states: “Life Begins at Forty.” The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

How do you write a unique birthday message? ›

101 Unique Birthday Wishes for a Friend
  1. “Happy birthday to the one who always lifts my spirits. ...
  2. “Wishing you a day filled with love, cake, joy, and all the other wonderful things you deserve. ...
  3. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to let you know how much I cherish our friendship.
Feb 5, 2024

What do you say for a milestone birthday? ›

Happy birthday to someone who is ten decades young.” “What an honour it is to celebrate a century of life with you. Happy 100th birthday, and may you continue to enjoy the journey of life.” “May all your wants and desires come true of what will be a birthday we all will never forget.

Why is turning 40 so special? ›

By 40, you've experienced much of what life has to offer. You know yourself and have become more confident in your own skin. You no longer worry about what others think and get on with living your life on your own terms. Turning 40 offers a new freedom to live your best life.

Why is age 40 special? ›

Turning 40 is a significant milestone in one's life, often associated with reflection, personal growth, and new beginnings. Beyond the sentimental aspects, the occasion also holds intriguing economic implications.

What is special about 40th birthday? ›

A 40th birthday marks a turning point in life. It's a moment when we reflect on how far we've come, and how much more we want to accomplish. And if, as the saying goes, life begins at 40, a 40th birthday party offers a great way to usher in this exciting new phase of life.

What is a quirky 40th birthday quote? ›

"Life begins on your 40th birthday, but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person three or four times." "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." "Every man over forty is a scoundrel." "Happy birthday!

Is 40 a milestone birthday? ›

As mentioned above 16,17, 18 and 21 are often considered milestone birthdays. After that, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays are significant. Some people may celebrate 65th 66th or 67th birthdays as milestone birthdays, due to this being associated with 'official' retirement ages.

How to write a 40th birthday speech? ›

Whether it's for a friend's 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th birthday, you can highlight your relationship with them and how you've been through thick and thin together. Speak about the best qualities of your amazing friend and provide a few examples or stories to support this.

What does the Bible say about turning 40? ›

In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc.

Is 40 the golden birthday? ›

Many people wonder exactly what age is the “golden year.” But there are actually multiple chances to celebrate. Your golden birthday is the year you turn the same age as your birthday – for example, turning 25 on the 25th, or 31 on the 31st. If you've ever wondered where the tradition comes from, you're not alone.

What color symbolizes 40th birthday? ›

There is no specific color that represents a 40th birthday. Unlike milestone birthdays such as the 50th or 60th, the 40th doesn't have a traditional or universally recognized color. However, some people associate the color black with a 40th birthday, as it represents sophistication, elegance, and maturity.

What is the best message for a 40th birthday woman? ›

Sweet 40th birthday messages for her
  • Wishing you the happiest of birthdays – welcome to your fabulous 40s!
  • Happy 40th birthday to a lady who is beautiful in every way, inside and out.
  • Forty? ...
  • Pop that prosecco, you're 40! ...
  • 40 looks good on you – wishing you many happy returns and a fab year ahead.
  • Hey, pretty lady!
Nov 29, 2021

What is the best thing to say on someone's birthday? ›

Wishing you a day filled with happiness and a year filled with joy. My dear friend, may your special day be full of beautiful, wonderful, and unforgettable memories! Happy birthday to you! Here's to another year of lasting joy and incredible friends.

Why is 40th birthday special? ›

By the time one reaches the age of 40, most people have accumulated a large amount of life experience, covering both professional and personal successes, and want to celebrate those! It's also a time when many people start to give their health, happiness, and financial security more attention and importance!

What is a good birthday saying? ›

Birthday Wishes For Friend:-
  • Wishing you a day filled with happiness and a year filled with joy.
  • May your birthday be as incredible as you are!
  • Another trip around the sun—time to celebrate!
  • Here's to another year of adventure, laughter, and amazing memories.
  • Sending you lots of love on your special day!
  • Happy birthday!
May 3, 2024

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