130+ Sweet and Sentimental 40th Birthday Wishes

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Plus, ideas to celebrate your 40th birthday in style!
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Turning 40 is a momentous occasion that's exciting and introspective. If you know someone who’s entering this new decade, sending them a birthday wish is one of the best ways to make them feel loved and cherished. In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list of 40th birthday wishes you can copy and paste to celebrate their next chapter in life. Whether you’re celebrating your friend, partner, parent, or sibling, you’re sure to find the perfect 40th birthday wish below.

Best 40th Birthday Wishes & Quotes

  • Life begins at 40! Enjoy every moment!
  • Forty? You don’t look a day over fabulous!
  • 40 and better than ever—have the best birthday!
  • Welcome to the 40s club! The best is yet to come!
  • You’re not old, you’re classic! Happy 40th birthday!
  • May your 40th birthday shine as brightly as you do.
  • “You don't get older, you get better." —Shirley Bassey
Section 1 of 12:

Simple 40th Birthday Wishes

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  1. Sending a short and sweet message is one of the best ways to spread cheer, especially on a momentous occasion like a 40th birthday. Whether you’re writing a card , sending a quick text, or saying your wish in person, tell your loved one that you’re thinking of them and wish them well for the upcoming decade.
    • Cheers to 40 fabulous years!
    • Best birthday wishes for the big 4-0!
    • Here’s to 40 years of awesomeness!
    • Life begins at 40! Enjoy every moment!
    • Happy 40th birthday to an absolute legend!
    • You make 40 look amazing—happy birthday!
    • 40 and better than ever—have the best birthday!
    • Welcome to the 40s club! The best is yet to come!
    • May your 40th birthday shine as brightly as you do.
    • A toast to 40 amazing years and many more to come!
    • Wishing you blissful years ahead of your 40th birthday.
    • Remember, you’re not getting older, you’re just getting better!
    • Sending you all my love for this milestone birthday. Happy 40th!
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Section 2 of 12:

Funny 40th Birthday Wishes

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  1. Want to give the ultimate gift of laughter? Throw in a witty joke or one-liner about aging to make the other person smile. It’s the perfect way to lift their spirits, especially if they seem a little sad about entering a new decade. [1]
    • I hate to use the F-word, but…you’re 40 (gasp)!
    • You’re not old, you’re classic! Happy 40th birthday!
    • You’re not actually 40…you’re 25 with 15 years of experience. HBD!
    • Cheers to 40 years of wisdom…and forgetting where you put your keys!
    • Welcome to your 40s, the decade your back goes out more than you do!
    • You’re more fun than two 20 year olds—and a hell of a lot smarter! HBD!
    • Don’t lose hope yet because you’re not officially middle-aged. Happy 40th!
    • Forty, fine, and only 20 years away from the senior citizen discounts. HBD!
    • Congrats on turning 40! You’ve officially reached the “I’ll Google it” stage of life!
    • 40 is the new 30…except with better sleep and bedtime snacks. Happy birthday!
    • Don’t let your age get you down…because it might be difficult to get back up. Happy 40th!
    • You’re approximately fourteen thousand, six-hundred and ten days old. Turning 40 doesn’t sound so rough anymore, right?
    • You’re never too old to blow out candles on a birthday cake, but we might need to keep a fire extinguished handy this year. Happy 40th!
    • The best thing about turning 40 is that you’ve done all the dumb, cringe-worthy stuff before social media was around to document it. Enjoy your special day!
Section 3 of 12:

Sentimental 40th Birthday Wishes

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  1. If you want to make the other person feel moved, explain why they’re so special to you. Mention qualities you admire about them to make your wish more sincere, or get specific about how they’ve inspired you over the years. A sweet and personal message will make their 40th birthday even more memorable!
    • In the story of your life, 40 is the chapter where it all starts to make perfect sense. Happy birthday!
    • 40 years of love, laughter, and memories—what an incredible journey it’s been! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness with the ones you love!
    • Today, we celebrate not just your age but all the love, wisdom, and beautiful moments you’ve brought into the world. You’re a gift to everyone who knows you, and I’m so grateful to be part of your life.
    • Happy 40th to someone who makes life better for everyone around them. Your strength, kindness, and patience is truly inspiring, and I hope today and every day is just as wonderful as you are. You deserve it!
    • Celebrating 40 years of life is such a privilege. I hope you know how cherished you are by everyone around you. HBD!
    • If I were ever stranded in the middle of the night, you’d be the first person I call. Thank you for being someone I can always count on. Happy 40th!
    • I’ve cherished every moment we’ve shared over the last few years, and I can’t wait to make even more incredible memories together. Happy 40th birthday!
    • Happy 40th birthday. You have a gift for bringing out the best in people, and I’m so grateful to know you. Here’s to another year of good health and happiness!
    • 40 years of good times and great company. You’ve got so much to show for your time here on earth…and the best is yet to come! I hope every day is as happy and joyous as this one.
    • Happy 40th birthday to my greatest role model in life. You taught me the meaning of love, strength, and integrity, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for having my back through thick and thin…Words can’t describe how much it means to me. I love you!
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Section 4 of 12:

Sweet 40th Birthday Wishes for Her

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  1. Turning 40 is a major milestone that can spark various feelings, depending on the person. Some people are worried about aging, while others are looking forward to starting their next chapter in life. [2] Whatever the case may be, aim to make the birthday girl feel valued and supported, and let her know that she’s glowing and gorgeous!
    • Forty? You don’t look a day over fabulous!
    • Pop the prosecco…because you're 40! HBD!
    • Happy birthday—you’re forty, flirty, and fabulous!
    • Welcome to the fabulous 40s club, babe! You wear it well!
    • Happy 40th birthday to a woman who’s beautiful inside and out.
    • Happy 40th to the most beautiful soul. You make each year more exciting!
    • Wishing you a birthday filled with love, laughter, and lots of wine. You deserve it!
    • Happy 40th birthday to the queen of style! You’re proof that age is just a number!
    • Forty looks absolutely stunning on you! Can’t wait to celebrate your special day in style!
    • Forty, foxy, AND fierce? You’re a woman who only gets better with time! Happy birthday!
    • Happy 40th birthday to a truly one-of-a-kind woman! The world is a better place with your kindness, warmth, and empathy.
Section 5 of 12:

Lovely 40th Birthday Wishes for Him

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  1. Aging is a privilege that isn’t granted to everyone, so let the birthday boy know just how lucky you are to have him around. Mention specific traits you admire about him, and share gratitude for all the joy and happiness he’s brought into your life. To add a personal touch, share your favorite memories together or sprinkle some words of encouragement for their forties.
    • 40 is just the beginning of greatness. May the next 40 be even better, bud!
    • 40 looks good on you! Here’s to celebrating all the greatness you bring into the world.
    • Congrats on the big 4-0! Buckle up for some wildly tame celebrations and a 9 PM bedtime.
    • Happy 40th birthday to a sweet, smart, and standout guy. Hope your day is as wonderful as you are!
    • Congratulations on turning 40, my man! Only 10 more years until you can officially have your mid-life crisis.
    • Happy 40th to one of the most amazing men I know. You’ve accomplished so much, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Wishing you happiness and success in this new decade!
    • Happy 40th, man! Here’s to embracing all the joys, challenges, and adventures this milestone brings!
    • They say your 40s are the new 30s, but you don’t look or act a day over 30 either! Happy 40th, bud!
    • With four decades of experience under your belt, the next four are going to be a breeze. Happy birthday!
    • How are you 40?! That means you’re at the age where fixing cars and taking up woodworking are acceptable hobbies.
    • Welcome to 40—you’re just hitting your stride! Wishing you all the happiness and success you deserve in this exciting new chapter!
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Section 6 of 12:

40th Birthday Wishes for Your Friend

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  1. A lot can happen in a single year, let alone 40 years, so take the opportunity to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished. You could highlight specific moments throughout their life, or simply remind them that you’re rooting for them and they should be proud of making it this far!
    • Here’s to FORTY: Fun, Outstanding, Refreshing, Thrilling, and Youthful!
    • 40 years of life is definitely something to celebrate. Happy birthday, buddy!
    • Sending love to my favorite person on a very special day. Cheers to 40 years!
    • They say life is short, so smile while you still have teeth. Happy 40th birthday!
    • Happy 40th birthday, friend. Have a drink for me on your big day! Or two…or four!!
    • A true friend remembers your birthday but not your age. Happy birthday, best friend!
    • Here’s to 40! I hope your special day is filled with cake, wine, and all your favorite people.
    • Well, would you look at that—you’ve managed to hit another milestone. Happy 40th birthday!
    • Happy 40th to a charming, intelligent, and all-around amazing guy/girl. Takes one to know one!
    • May the candles on your cake remind you of the light you shine on everyone around you. Happy 40th!
    • Happy 40th birthday, best friend! Here’s to another year of laughing till we cry, making bad decisions, and traveling the world!
    • To my closest friend, my only regret is not meeting you sooner so I could have annoyed you longer. Happy, happy 40th birthday.
Section 7 of 12:

40th Birthday Wishes for Your Partner

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  1. Whether you’re celebrating your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend, it’s important to tell them that they make your heart flutter after all these years. Reflect on your favorite memories as a couple, and highlight what your partner brings to the table. It’s sure to reignite the spark in your relationship, make your partner feel moved, and get them excited for the future!
    • Happy 40th, babe. You’re officially old enough to be a DILF/MILF.
    • Happy 40th birthday, darling. Love, the best decision you ever made.
    • This is turning into a really long one night stand…Happy 40th birthday, baby.
    • Happy fortieth to the eighth Wonder of the World…my gorgeous wife/husband!
    • It’s your 40th birthday today, and you deserve the absolute world. I love you, sweetheart.
    • Like fine wine, you’re getting better with time. Happy 40th birthday to my silver fox/vixen!
    • Happy 40th birthday to my rock, my strength, my everything. Love you to the moon and back!
    • Happy 40th to my favorite person in the entire world! You make life so much sweeter, and I’m so excited to celebrate with you!
    • Cheers to 40 years of love, growth, and adventure. I’m unbelievably proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future brings!
    • Since the moment we met, I knew that we would be partners for life..and now, look at us! Here’s to another 40 years of being in love with my best friend!
    • To the love of my life, happy 40th birthday. This milestone is just another reason to admire your strength, kindness, and determination. Let’s make this year one to remember!
    • Happy 40th to my soulmate. Every year with you gets better, and I’m so grateful to celebrate this milestone with you. Here’s to the next chapter of our beautiful journey together!
    • Happy 40th birthday, my love! You’ve filled my heart with so much joy, and I’m so lucky to call you mine. Here’s to a year filled with love, laughter, and all your dreams coming true.
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Section 8 of 12:

40th Birthday Wishes for Your Sibling

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  1. Take a trip down memory lane and remind your sibling of all the fun, wild, and wonderful moments you’ve shared together. Most people reflect on their lives when entering a new decade, so bringing up fond memories is a great way to help them close out their 40s. By highlighting the best moments of their life so far, your sibling might feel more excited to start their next chapter! [3]
    • No matter how hard we fight, you’ll always be the best brother/sister in the world. Happy 40th!
    • Happy 40th to the sibling who’s always been my biggest supporter! I’m so grateful to have you in my life!
    • Happy 40th birthday to a brother/sister who’s smart, funny, charming…and reminds me a lot of myself! Love you!
    • At 40, you’ve got wisdom, style, and the perfect excuse to skip any heavy lifting. Happy birthday, brother/sister!
    • Getting older doesn’t have to be boring, and you certainly aren’t. Thanks for filling my life with 40 years of fun and excitement!
    • I know they say, “with age comes wisdom,” but you’re the prime example that being older doesn’t make you wiser. Happy 40th birthday, brother/sister!
    • Cheers to 40 amazing years, brother/sister! You’ve been my rock, my rival, and my best friend all in one…and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you so much!
    • Happy 40th birthday to my amazing sibling. You’ve brought so much joy into our lives, and we’re wishing you endless happiness and success in this new decade.
    • Happy 40th to my greatest friend, partner-in-crime, and supporter. You’re the best sibling I could have ever asked for, and I’m so excited to celebrate your special day!
    • From graduating high school to getting married and having kids, we’ve celebrated so many milestones together…and I’m so happy to celebrate another big moment with you. Wishing you the most wonderful 40th birthday!
Section 9 of 12:

40th Birthday Wishes for Your Parents

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  1. If your mom or dad is turning 40, remind them of all the wonderful things to come in the new decade. Aim to make them feel loved and supported, and craft a message that matches their personality. If your mom is a softie, for example, you could talk about the qualities you admire most about her. If your dad is a jokester, stick to a funny message about him “leveling up.”
    • Happy birthday, mom/dad! I promise you don’t look a day over 20!
    • Happy 40th to my hero! You’re the best—let’s make it a day to remember!
    • Happy 40th birthday, mom/dad. You have no clue how much I look up to you.
    • Health, happiness, and success—all my best wishes on your 40th birthday, mom/dad.
    • Happy 40th birthday! For mom’s/dad’s sake, I’m praying you don’t party too hard today.
    • Happy 40th birthday to the man/woman who brought the most amazing person (ME) into the world!
    • Happy 40th to the MVP of our family. We wish you the best birthday and a fabulous start to a new decade!
    • As you turn 40, please know you’re loved and valued by us all. We hope you get everything you wish for and more!
    • Are you really 40 or is that just the number of times you ask me for help each day? Happy, happy birthday mom/dad!
    • Sending you loads of birthday wishes and kisses, mom/dad. We’ll be keeping an eye out for the signs of a midlife crisis!
    • Happy 40th birthday, mom/dad! You’re officially a member of the old-person club, but you’re still the coolest parent on the block.
    • On your 40th birthday, I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me and how lucky I feel to have you in my life. Love you always!
    • Happy 40th birthday, mom/dad! I hope your day is full of wining and dining, opposed to the whining and dining you had to deal with when I was a kid.
    • Happy 40th to my hero, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. I’m so grateful for all the time we’ve spent together, and I’m so lucky to call you my mom/dad. Love you!
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Section 10 of 12:

40th Birthday Wishes for Your Child

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  1. One of the best feelings in the world is making your parents feel proud, so flip the script and share what you appreciate about your child. Highlight their best traits, your favorite memories together, or how much they’ve grown and inspired you over the past 40 years. Remember, it’s okay to be sappy when it comes to showing love!
    • Happy 40th birthday to my greatest creation!
    • Forty years of love, joy, and pride—happy birthday, my wonderful child!
    • Happy 40th! No matter how old you get, you’ll always be our little boy/girl.
    • Happy 40th birthday to my second favorite child. I mean, my favorite child!
    • Son/daughter, you are a truly remarkable child. I hope your 40s will be as amazing as you are!
    • Happy birthday! Maybe now that you’re 40, you’ll understand that we weren’t grumpy parents—we were just getting old.
    • Happy 40th birthday to the best gift I’ve ever received—my son/daughter! I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world…unless the price was right.
    • Happy 40th birthday to someone who caused many of the gray hairs on my head. It was certainly stressful to raise you at times, but I’m so proud of the person you’ve become today!
    • You’re made the past four decades so special, son/daughter. Here’s to making even more beautiful memories ahead.
    • Wishing you a fantastic 40th birthday! We’re so proud of you and everything you’ve achieved. Love you always!
    • Happy 40th to my amazing child. You’ve made my life so much brighter, and I’m wishing you endless love and happiness.
Section 11 of 12:

Birthday Quotes

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  1. Struggling to find the right sentiments? Get help from someone else to share your well wishes! Choose an author, celebrity, or any other public figure the other person admires, and use their words to share your love and affection. Whether you opt for something funny, heartwarming, or motivational, a quote is a great way to make them feel cared for .
    • “Life begins at 40.” —Walter Pitkin
    • “Youth has no age.” —Pablo Picasso
    • “You don't get older, you get better." —Shirley Bassey
    • “The first hundred years are the hardest.” — Wilson Mizner
    • “I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.” —Phyllis Diller
    • “Nice to be here? At my age, it’s nice to be anywhere.” —George Burns
    • “The older you get, the better you get. Unless you are a banana.” —Betty White
    • “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —Les Brown
    • “Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” — Lucy Larcom
    • “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake” —Bob Hope
    • "You know you’ve aged when you read events you lived in a history book." ―Will Ferrell
    • “Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” —Jack Benny
    • “We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” —Bernard Baruch
    • "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." ―Lucille Ball
    • “Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again. Make the most of it!” —Nicky Gumbel
    • “Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you have not committed.” —Anthony Powell
    • “Inside every older person is a younger person—wondering what the hell happened.” —Terry Pratchett
    • “The first forty years of life give us the text: the next thirty supply the commentary on it.” —Arthur Schopenhauer
    • “As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.” —Sir Norman Wisdom
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Section 12 of 12:

Best Ways to Celebrate a 40th Birthday

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  1. On your birthday, it’s all about you! Do things that align with your hobbies and interests, and don’t feel pressured to host a large gathering if it’s not your vibe. If you’re stumped on ideas, here are some great ways to celebrate your 40th birthday :
    • Host a themed party
    • Indulge in a spa day
    • Attend a comedy show
    • Go jogging or rock climbing
    • Have a picnic with loved ones
    • Organize a private chef experience

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      Tips

      • Professional event planner Stefanie Chu-Leong says to “consider what season you’re looking at” when it comes to hosting a party. If you want to throw a party in a forest, for example, you’ll need to set up heat lamps and blankets.
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      • If you’re planning a surprise birthday party, Chu-Leong says you need to choose a “second-in-command” for the birthday girl or boy, whether it’s “their spouse, best friend, brother, or sister.” They will be the only person who knows all the details and helps organize the party.
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      • A 40th birthday is also known as a “Ruby Jubilee.” Some people believe that turning 40 is spiritually significant because it marks the middle of life and represents personal transformation.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/humor
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/202006/birthdays
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/midlife-reimagined/202309/the-science-of-milestone-birthdays

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