If you’re planning a party, these 40th birthday party games for adults are a fun way to get everyone involved. Whether you’re hosting something small at home or a bigger celebration, these ideas are easy to set up and actually entertaining.
40th birthdays are a BIG reason to celebrate, and adult parties without party games are just meetings… right?
Grab the updated list of our favorite indoor, outdoor and fan-favorite board games for adult parties here…
Party games can be the highlight of any party! When someone turns 40, the party already has people chuckling because someone is OVER THE HILL.
40’s Trivia
This could be played MANY different ways, but here are a few to get you started!
Host a “trivia night” about:
- 1940’s trivia (Google facts about important and random things happening from 1940-1949 and quiz your guests!
- Trivia about the first 40 years of the birthday boy or girl’s life
- Questions regarding the number 40. (Athletes who wear the number 40, songs in the top 40, or read up on Facts about the Number 40 to pull your trivia questions!)
Winner of trivia night wins 40 of something! (40 lollipops, cookies, $40, or 40 of the birthday boy/girl’s favorite thing!)
40th Pinata
Grab a 40th pinata and fill it with adult party favors like:
- scratch-offs
- mini plastic liquor bottles
- dollar bills
- candy
- “over the hill” items like prune juice, stomach acid pills, denture cleaning products, bio-freeze, etc.
- favorite items of the birthday boy or girl
Guess the Year
This one is always fun, especially with a mix of ages in the room. Ask questions about things that happened in certain years, like songs, movies, or big events, and have everyone guess the year. It's a great way to bring back memories and get people talking.
How Well Do You Know Them?
Before the party, come up with a list of questions about the birthday person. Things like favorite food, first job, or funniest habit. Guests write down their answers and compare at the end. You'll be surprised who actually knows them best.
Most Likely To…
This is an easy one that gets laughs fast. Read out prompts like "most likely to fall asleep early" or "most likely to plan a last-minute trip," and have everyone vote on who fits best. It's simple but always entertaining.
Memory Cards
Set out small cards and have guests write down a favorite memory with the birthday person. They can be funny or meaningful. You can read a few out loud or let the guest of honor go through them later.
Name That Tune (Throwback Edition)
Play short clips of songs from their teens or early adult years and have guests guess the title or artist. This one always gets people singing along whether they mean to or not.
Would You Rather (Adult Version)
Ask "would you rather" questions that are a little more geared toward adults. Keep them light and fun, nothing too uncomfortable. It's a great way to get people interacting without a lot of setup.
Roast or Toast
Give guests the option to share a quick story, either something funny (roast) or something heartfelt (toast). This works really well once everyone is relaxed and settled in.
Two Truths and a Lie
Each person shares two true things about themselves and one lie. Everyone else tries to guess which one isn't true. It's simple and works with any group.
Scavenger Hunt
Put together a quick list of things for guests to find or do. It doesn't have to be complicated. You can keep it indoors or outdoors depending on your space.
Drink If…
This one is popular for adult parties. Say things like "drink if you've known them for more than 10 years" or "drink if you've ever traveled with them." Keep it light and optional.
Dice Challenge Game
Have a pair of dice and assign a simple action or challenge to each number. Roll the dice and follow whatever it lands on. It keeps things unpredictable and fun.
Photo Guess Game
Gather old photos of the birthday person and show them one at a time. Guests guess things like the year, location, or what was happening. This one always sparks stories.
Finish the Phrase
Start a common phrase, song lyric, or saying and have guests finish it. You can tailor it to things from their younger years for an extra nostalgic feel.
Pass the Prize
Like hot potato, but with a small prize. Play music and have guests pass an item around. When the music stops, whoever is holding it wins.
40 Questions Game
Come up with a list of fun or random questions related to turning 40. Guests can answer them about themselves or about the birthday person. It's a simple way to keep conversation going.
Favorite Things Party & Gift Exchange
Not necessarily a specific 40th birthday party game, but it’s a party game that guests will LOVE!
Feel free to incorporate “40” in the game though, to add more of a personalization touch for the guest of honor! For instance:
- Have each person bring one gift that includes “40” of something (40 pieces of gum/candy, hair barrettes, cigars, etc.)
- Each person can bring a $40 gift card to their favorite store/restaurant
See the Favorite Things parties I have thrown to get a better idea of how to do a Favorite Things Party Gift Exchange!
Dirty Cupid
Another gift exchange idea, but with a twist. Have you heard or played Dirty Santa? This is a whole new spin on the game! Find out more about the Dirty Cupid Gift Exchange!
Remember, there is a fantastic list of general adult birthday party games that you won’t want to miss!
FREE Party Planning Checklist
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