Funny birthday wishes for 40-year-olds | Wonderbly Blog (2024)

Turning 40 is a universally recognised milestone that seems designed to give even the most self-assured adult a bit of a wobble. This is definitely middle age, people. But you don’t have to greet it with despondent cliches and jokes about things going south. You can wish your nearest and dearest a happy 40th by saying something both humorous and original. Here are some suggestions from us, for when you want to share some funny happy 40th birthday wishes.

For your husband/wife/ partner

We hate to say it, but there seems to be a distinct lack of decent fortieth greeting cards in the shops. Of course, you could make them a card (10/10 for effort) or go online and get one printed (we’d give that 5/10) OR you could deliberately choose one of those uninspiring cards and use its lacklustre appearance to make your greeting seem better by comparison.

Here’s an example to kick us off:

“Sorry, this is the nicest card I could find in the petrol station on my way here.”

Alternatively, you could use the opportunity to poke some gentle fun at your loved one. Something like this, maybe:

“You look a lot older than in our wedding photos, but don’t I look great?”

“I see that skincare advice I gave you at 30 has fallen on deaf ears.”

“Happy birthday, I love you, but please don’t get drunk because I can’t stand you hungover.”

Feel free to adapt any of these suggestions to suit your other half. Because who doesn’t want to be the butt of the joke on their birthday? They know you love them really.

Funny birthday wishes for 40-year-olds | Wonderbly Blog (1)

For your best friend

Your oldest pal, your forever friend, your silliest workmate: these are the kinds of people who should forgive you any rudeness in a birthday card because you’ve probably said far worse in person. So don’t hold back. You might, for example, want to make a direct reference to your respective ages and say something like:

“Look, at least you’ll always be younger than me,” or “Sorry not sorry I’m still younger than you.” (And if you’re writing the second of these two greeting options with a smirk on your face, hold that thought, sunshine: someone’s going to be writing you a 40th birthday card soon enough.)

If you are a similar age, you could soften the blow by also referring to your own advancing years. We’re sure a quick scan of your chequered past will reveal plenty of options along these lines, but here are a few to start you off:

“I think we’re too old to drink slippery nipples now (although it’s more fun when it’s socially unacceptable.)”

“Did you know we’ve been using emojis all wrong for at least 5 years? Yeah, I don’t care either.”

“Our fashion style is now so outdated we’ve nailed the 90s yearbook trend by accident.”

We also like the simple but to-the-point “Happy birthday, you geriatric millennial.”

For siblings or family members

Close family members may not appreciate sarcasm-slash-rudeness as much as those who have actively chosen to spend time with you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still inject a bit of humour. For example:

“Happy birthday [older sibling]. You may have lost every childhood argument, but you’re winning at this ageing business.”

If you’re feeling brave, you could use the occasion of their 40th to allude to a particularly memorable moment from your shared history. For example:

“Please will you give me back my Kurt Geiger shoes/ black leather belt/ Offspring CD now. I know you still have them/ it/ (yes I know nobody owns a CD player anymore but it’s the principle).”

Alternatively, a reference to a cultural milestone you both loved when you were growing up – a favourite book, movie or TV show – is a way of acknowledging your shared history, without being too soppy or personal. See:

“Remember that episode of Friends where Rachel got upset over Chandler’s choice of birthday card? Yeah, she was 30.”

Funny birthday wishes for 40-year-olds | Wonderbly Blog (2)

General 40th birthday wishes

Lastly, here are a couple of final suggestions for anyone else on your fortieth birthday list – work colleagues, in-laws, those people you only ever wish happy birthday to over social media.

“You don’t look a day over 39.”

“They say life begins at 40. That makes you a newborn, so you’re allowed to spend half the day sleeping and the other half screaming at people. (Jealous.)”

“Happy 40th! Here’s to the welcome slide into don’t-give-a-sh*ttery.”

Of course, you’d need to check how your recipient feels about curse words with the last one. So maybe don’t put it into a work email.

Wish them a happy 40th

Everyone loves a birthday, but 40+ hangovers are next-level – and that’s just the start. Help them survive this decade of ups and downs with our Survival Guide.

Create their guide

Funny birthday wishes for 40-year-olds | Wonderbly Blog (2024)

FAQs

What to write in a 40 year old birthday card funny? ›

Turn a 40th Birthday Quote into a Special Gift
  • Congrats on turning 20 for the second time. ...
  • Now you're twice as fun as a 20-year-old. ...
  • Let's drink some Red, Red Wine cuz UB40! ...
  • Being 40 means you did stupid before the internet. ...
  • Here's to 21 years with 19 years of experience.

What do you say for a 40 year old birthday? ›

You have accomplished so much these past 4 decades and so many more opportunities as headed your way.” “You're like a fine wine, you keep getting better with age.” “Never stop dreaming, even as the years come and go.” “Look forward to all that this next decade has to hold.”

What is the inspirational quote for 40th birthday? ›

Genuine and Emotional 40th Birthday Captions
  • Life really does begin at 40. ...
  • I can't believe I've been in this body for 40 years. ...
  • 40 and renewed.
  • Thankful, grateful, and 40!
  • Blossoming into 40.
  • 40 is the new 30. ...
  • Life is a book and I've heard that your forties are the chapters when it all starts making sense...
Feb 8, 2024

What do they say about turning 40? ›

Famous Quotes About Turning 40. "At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment." "What most persons consider as virtue, after the age of 40 is simply a loss of energy."

What is an inspirational quote for a 40 year old? ›

After 40 years, life is just beginning. Getting older is a privilege denied to many. Always believe something wonderful is about to happen. Age is just a number, keep living your best life no matter what.

What is a nice quote for turning 40 female? ›

I hope you have a wonderful day. Here's to turning 40, and to many more brilliant years to come. I hope every day is as happy and joyous as this one. 40 is the perfect age – you're old enough to recognise your mistakes, but still young enough to go out there and make some more.

Why is turning 40 so special? ›

Turning 40 often comes with a significant shift in priorities and values. This period allows for introspection and evaluation of past decades, providing a clearer picture of what truly matters. For many, this is a time to focus on personal growth, family, friendships, and passions.

Why is 40th birthday a big deal? ›

40th Birthday

Reaching the age of 40 marks a mid-point in life, prompting contemplation on achievements, goals, and aspirations.

How do you make someone feel special on their 40th birthday? ›

Surprise your loved one with a special trip over the weekend as a 40th birthday gift. Book a room in a spa hotel or choose a sports activity that you've always wanted to try together. Enjoy spending time together catching up, eating nice food, and making new memories.

What makes a 40th birthday special? ›

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.

How do you write a cool birthday message? ›

Cool Birthday Wishes for a Friend
  1. “To the coolest person I know, happy birthday! ...
  2. “It's your day to shine, my friend. ...
  3. “HBD to the one who sets the standard for awesomeness! ...
  4. “On your special day, may you feel as awesome and extraordinary as you make everyone else feel every day.
Feb 5, 2024

How do you write a fun birthday card? ›

Poke Fun.
  1. Happy birthday to someone who is totally hot. Maybe you should blow out all those candles!
  2. Happy Birthday, old friend!
  3. Happy 29th Birthday! ( only if they are much older than that)
  4. You're halfway to _______! Congrats!

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