Walter Pitkin, a US author and professor, said that life begins at 40. And I believe many people in their forties would agree.
The forties are the time when one can reflect on the past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future.
Here are the best happy 40th birthday wishes I could find online to welcome newly arrived 40-year-olds into the great middle age.
So, if you’re struggling to come up with a sweet 40th birthday quote or thoughtful happy 40th birthday message to write on a happy birthday card, you’re now covered!
With just a few well-chosen words, you can make your loved ones feel special for reaching this milestone birthday.
And below you’ll find the best birthday ideas and special birthday sayings to achieve that!
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Top 20 Happy 40th Birthday Wishes
1. “Even though you are forty, being young is a state of mind. Free yourself of tomorrow’s worries by loving today for all it offers you. Happy birthday.”
2. “Let the fun and festivities begin! It’s your 40th birthday, and you’ve earned the party of the century! It’s time to take a breath and look back at all your fabulous accomplishments. Here’s to another 40 years of shooting for and hitting the stars!”
3. “Happy 40th birthday to someone who’s awesome at any age.”
4. “Today is your big day, so make sure it’s filled with everything YOU want to do. If anyone deserves a day all about them, it’s someone as incredible as YOU!”
5. “Today is the big day! May you spend it celebrating with good friends and great food, making fantastic memories! Happy 40th birthday!”
6. “Congratulations on your 40th birthday! You always live life to the fullest, and I hope that your birthday is a spectacular day that you’ll look back on fondly for many years to come. Sending all my love and good wishes.”
7. “Happy 40th birthday! The sky is the limit for the next 40! It’s a wonderful milestone to be able to celebrate with friends and family alike, enjoy it!”
8. “Lordy, Lordy, look who’s 40! Hope your big day is positively wonderful.”
9. “You make everyone around you say, “that’s how I want to be when I’m forty,” and that’s no easy feat. Have a beautiful day and a happy 40th birthday. You deserve it.”
10. “I have never seen somebody make every day count like you can. On this day, I hope it really counts as one of the most memorable ones! Have a happy birthday!”
11. “No one would ever guess that you’re 40 years old, and with the right incentive, I won’t tell! Happy birthday.”
12. “Happy birthday to one of the most loyal, genuine, and caring people I know. You have been terrific for the last 40 years, and my wish for you is that you become even more terrific for 40 more, here’s to you!”
13. “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.”
14. “An intelligent, admirable, and compassionate person like you understands that a 40th birthday means endless opportunities and infinite chances for even more growth. I hope this year and every year to come are full of amazing, unforgettable experiences. Happy birthday!”
15. “Happy, happy, happy 40th birthday to the most amazing person I know! May your day be filled with laughter, warmth, and so much love.”
16. “Best wishes on your 40th birthday! A new chapter of your life begins today, and I sincerely hope that it treats you well. You deserve the greatest things that life has to offer a wonderful person like you.”
17. “Every so often, someone enters our lives and shows us what true love and compassion look like. Happy 40th birthday to someone who has taught me so much.”
18. “Happy 40th to the person who will always picks up the phone when someone needs help, advice, or just a caring voice. You are truly an extraordinary treasure.”
19. “On your 40th birthday, it’s time to take a breath and congratulate yourself for all your accomplishments. Let’s celebrate you today and every day. Happy birthday!”
20. “You complete me in the most lovely ways. Thanks for simply being you, and I wish you nothing but the best as you hit the four-decade mark.”
Thoughtful 40th Birthday Wishes For Men
1. “You’ve always been a good-looking dude. Now you’re a good-looking older dude. Happy 40th birthday!”
2. “I wish you the happiest of 40th birthdays! A remarkable and inspiring guy like you deserves to be celebrated. I am grateful to be able to celebrate with you today.”
3. “Happy 40th birthday! You are officially a Distinguished Gentleman.”
4. “Today is your time to celebrate! I am so fortunate to know a man as amazing, caring, and giving as you. Happy 40th birthday.”
5. “Happy birthday! I can’t wait to see what you do with your next 40 years.”
6. “Today, as you turn 40, we celebrate a man who has made the world a better place. May your day be filled with beautiful memories that last a lifetime. Wishing you a very happy birthday.”
7. “Forty is the new awesome. Happy birthday!”
8. “Congrats on turning the big 4-oh. You’ve accomplished so much in your life, and to think, you’re just getting started.”
9. “Hope this day gives you time to unwind and finally relax. It’s about time we all remind you just how cherished and loved you are. Thank you for being in my life.”
10. “Sometimes we run so fast toward our goals that we forget to enjoy the ride. It’s time to sit back and take in the scenery. Happy 40th birthday!”
11. “Best wishes on your 40th birthday – a great milestone for a true gentleman!”
12. “A beautiful soul like yours deserves recognition every day, but for this special day, I wanted to say just how grateful I am to be filled with your love and care.”
13. “Here’s to maturing like fine wine. Happy 40th birthday!”
14. “The best years are still ahead of you. So, make the most of today. Happy 40th birthday.”
15. “The fabulous 40s are upon you, grab some wine and enjoy the ride! Happy Birthday!”
Sweet 40th Birthday Wishes For Women
1. “No woman is as accomplished, caring, selfless, and warm-hearted as you. On this special day, I hope you feel half of what you send out to the world every day.”
2. “Best wishes to the most magnificent woman in my life. I hope this message brings that stunning smile to your face.”
3. “40 is fine when you look 29. Happy birthday to a gracious lady!”
4. “Today is a fantastic occasion for a fantastic woman. Your presence in my life has always been prized immensely, and I hope that, moving forward, we continue strengthening our bond. Sending you the warmest of wishes on your 40th birthday!”
5. “40?! YOU?! I demand a recount! Happy birthday!”
6. “Happy 40th Birthday to a lady who will forever be beautiful, inside and out.”
7. “Your forties are a time to stop and smell the roses. May your path be lined with flowers in bloom all year long. Happy 40th birthday!”
8. “Happy 40th birthday to the most remarkable, gorgeous woman I know.”
9. “You are at the threshold of the most beautiful years. The years when you reap the rewards for all your hard work and settle into a life designed just for you. Happy 40th birthday!”
10. “I hope you approach your birthday with all the sass, all the class, and lots of wine in your glass. Happy 40th Birthday!”
11. “Happy 40th birthday to the prettiest and most loving woman I know. Today being your special day, my wish for you is that all your dreams come to pass. Have a happy birthday filled with sweet surprises.”
12. “Still fun, foxy, and fabulous at 40. Happy birthday!”
13. “Happy birthday! And remember, you’re not 40 …you’re 18 with 22 years of experience.”
14. “Sending you a hundred wishes so that you get everything you could hope for this birthday. Happy 40th birthday!”
15. “Someone truly impressive is turning 40! Happy birthday to the strongest woman I know. Let the champagne flow, and the good times begin.”
See also: 90 Happy Birthday To A Strong Woman Wishes And Quotes
Happy Birthday Wishes For Your 40-Year-Old Friend
1. “We’ll be friends ’til we’re old and senile… and then we’ll be new friends! Happy birthday to a special person who I’m happy to call my bestie!”
See also: 300 Heart Touching Birthday Wishes For Special Person
2. “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.”
3. “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.”
4. “This year, I wish for even more time together with the greatest person I know. Happy 40th birthday to you, bestie!”
5. “Four decades of being your wonderful self. Happy birthday, buddy!”
6. “Time is precious, so I’ll keep this short: Happy 40th birthday to the coolest man I know!”
7. “For years, we’ve been each other’s go-to person. I hope that never changes. Love you, and wishing you all the best on this incredible day.”
8. “To my dear friend, every moment with you has been a time filled with fun and love. I wish you always know just how happy you make me and everyone else around you. I love you, and have a wonderful day.”
9. “Your energy and vivacity would make even the most agile of teenagers jealous! Never change, keep being the most fun and reliable friend you have always been! Happy 40th birthday!”
10. “They say too much of everything is bad, but I beg to differ with that statement since too much of you, my sweet friend, is heavenly. Have a lovely 40th birthday.”
11. “To my best friend and soulmate, you’re the greatest blessing one could have. I wish for our friendship to continue to grow strong.”
12. “Happy 40th birthday to a dear friend. I hope that today marks another decade filled with happiness, joy, and laughter. You truly deserve the best, and I feel very lucky to call you a friend.”
13. “Here’s to another 40 years! I have really treasured our friendship all these years. I hope you have a fun birthday with unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.”
14. “Happy birthday to an incredible friend on your 40th. If your next 40 years can live up to your first 40, then you will live a truly spectacular life! Here’s to making more memories together!”
15. “I hope that your 40th birthday is positively wonderful, just like you. I am so proud to have you as one of my closest friends. You possess wisdom beyond your years. Happy birthday!”
See also: 180 Heart Touching Birthday Wishes For Friend You Adore
Happy 40th Birthday Son
1. “You bring happiness to everyone around you, and I am so proud to be your mother. I hope your 40th birthday is as happy as you make me.”
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2. “I hope you always head in the direction of success, my son, and whether it be in life or love, I hope that all your dreams and ambitions come true. Happy 40th birthday!”
3. “I have such sweet memories of you as a child, but I have faith that your future will hold even sweeter ones. I hope your 40th birthday cake is half as sweet as you are. Happy birthday, son!”
4. “My joy in having you as my son is something that can’t be measured. It can only be felt through lots of hugs, kisses, and adoration. I’m so happy I was blessed with a son as astounding as you. Happy birthday, my son!”
5. “I don’t know where the time has gone, but it seems like only yesterday you were born. You have grown into an amazing man, and I am so proud of you. I wish you a wonderful 40th birthday.”
6. “If I look back at everything I’ve done in life, you’re easily the best thing I’ve ever created. It’s honestly a miracle that I was able to have a son as delightful and genuine as you. Happy birthday!”
7. “Dear son, always look to the future and keep moving forward. Stay in the present and savor each moment. You will be just fine. May God Bless you, son! Happy 40th birthday to you.”
8. “You are the most selfless person that I know. For as long as I have known you, you have always put other people’s happiness first. On your 40th birthday, I pray that you will follow your heart and do the things that you have always wanted to do. I love you so much, dear son.”
9. “Forty is the age when you will finally realize why your mom and dad loved afternoon naps and why they were so cranky all the time. Happy 40th birthday!”
10. “For your birthday, I hope that you will always have love and happiness in your life. Happy 40th birthday, son. Thank you for letting me enjoy parenthood!”
11. “Happy 40th birthday, my sweet son! You have brought me more joy than I ever could have imagined. I am so proud of the man you have become, and I know that the best is yet to come.”
12. “My dear son, as you turn 40 today, I want you to know that you are still my everything. You were my world when you were born 40 years ago, and you are still my world today. I love you more than words can say.”
13. “No matter how old you get, know that you will always be my baby boy. You may not like it, but sometimes that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Happy birthday to my darling birthday boy, who turns 40 today.”
14. “No matter what direction you take in life, I will always send you the best of wishes. I hope that this year your birthday is filled with everything you could possibly want. Happy 40th birthday, son!”
15. “When you were born, I couldn’t even fathom how much you’d come to mean to me. You are my everything. May your special day be filled with untold splendor. Happy 40th birthday!”
See also: 120 Best And Most Inspiring Birthday Prayers To My Son
Happy 40th Birthday Daughter
1. “Knowing that you are endowed with exceptionally great talents makes me so exulted and happy to be your mom. Wishing you a glorious celebration for your 40th birthday!”
See also: 150 Emotional Birthday Wishes For Daughter From Mom
2. “I hope you know that you will never be too old to come home and be pampered like a princess. Too embarrassed, yes, but never too old! May your 40th birthday be filled with lots of indulging in goodies this year.”
3. “May this birthday be just the beginning of a happy, healthy, and prosperous journey through life for you, my dearest daughter. Wishing you all the best on your 40th birthday!”
4. “Dear daughter, wishing you boundless joy and endless happiness on your 40th birthday celebration!”
5. “May this birthday make you proud of all the things you have achieved and excited for all that you will achieve. May all your dreams and desires manifest in the most beautiful fashion. Happy 40th birthday!”
6. “To my amazing, one-of-a-kind daughter – happy 40th birthday! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am so grateful for every moment we spend together. I love you from the bottom of my heart.”
7. “You are the reason why my world is overwhelmed with so much love, happiness, and joy. I hope your birthday inspires you just the way your presence inspires me.”
8. “I’m just very proud to see that everything that you wanted to achieve, you have achieved. When I look at you, I can see peace, love, and joy in your eyes. I thank the Lord that you have made all your dreams come true. Have a happy 40th birthday!”
9. “I couldn’t be any prouder to have a daughter who is smart, brilliant, beautiful, lovely, and kind as you are. May the Lord’s blessing be huge in your life as you celebrate this momentous event.”
10. “I want to take the opportunity of your birthday to thank you very much for making it easy for me to adore you the way I do. You are such a special daughter, and I wish you joy and success in all that you do.”
11. “You are such a positive, charming, and absolutely adorable daughter. I am so proud that I get to call you my daughter because no other person could ever hope to compare to you. Happy 40th birthday to my perfect girl!”
12. “I will always be thankful for your birthday because this is the day that you came into this world. Have the most amazing 40th birthday!”
13. “Daughter, you have grown into such an amazing woman. You must have gotten that from me! Thank you for making it so easy to be proud of you. Happy 40th birthday, my angel!”
14. “Daughter, time seems to have flown by. Just the other day, you could barely stand, and now I get to watch you run the world! May your birthday be just as spectacular as you are. Happy 40th birthday!”
15. “Dear daughter, looking forward to so many great accomplishments in your life as you celebrate a new age today!”
See also: 150 Emotional Birthday Prayers To My Daughter For Good Luck
Birthday Wishes For Brother Turning 40
1. “You were the coolest 30-year-old I know, and now you will be the coolest 40-year-old ever. Stay groovy, brother. Happy 40th birthday!”
2. “Even though you’re older than you were yesterday, you are still younger than you’ll be tomorrow — happy 40th birthday, my dear brother. Make every day count!”
3. “Bro, you’re not getting old. You are just getting better — forty years worth of better. That’s pretty amazing. Happy bday!”
4. “Happy fortieth birthday to my brother and my best friend. May God bless you with all His blessings and care.”
5. “If there is one thing that’s great about turning 40, it’s this: you can blame anything and everything on having a midlife crisis. Congrats, bro, and happy birthday.”
6. “Happy birthday, dearest brother. May this day bring all the happiness and joy in your life. May God give you every possible reason to smile and be happy always! Many happy returns of the day.”
7. “I am forever grateful to have a brother like you. Happy 40th birthday to the best brother in this whole world!”
8. “Having a brother like you is a blessing from the heavens. Happy 40th birthday, dearest. Wishing you the sweetest things in life.”
9. “May the fact that you have multiple years to obtain what you desire embolden you! May your 40th birthday light a fire within you that can never be quenched!””
10. “I have always found your shoulder to lean on whenever I needed it. Happy Birthday to the loveliest brother!”
11. “My love for you cannot be described in words. May God’s blessings shower you always. Happy birthday to the most caring brother. I love you!”
12. “Thank you for taking care of me with such unconditional love. Many many happy returns of the day, brother!”
13. “Turning forty is not as bad as they say — it means you are awesome, cool, smart, and hip, times forty! What could be bad about that? Happy 40th, bro!”
14. “It’s a great blessing to have such a loving and caring brother like you. I love you and wish you the happiest birthday!”
15. “When I need a good friend, I get you. You are shielded in all my troubles. Thanks for being such a caring brother. I love you so much and wish you a joyful day.”
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Special Happy Birthday Sister Wishes
1. “Happy Birthday to a person whose effervescence extends beyond your 40th! The liveliness of your demeanor is a perfect example of eternal youth! Love you, sis!”
2. “To my dearest sister, may your 40th birthday be filled with all the joy and happiness that you deserve. You are such a special person.”
3. “I don’t know what I would do without you, sis. You’re my best friend and confidante. I hope you know how much you mean to me. I pray to God for your protection. Happy 40th birthday!”
4. “Forty is fun, fabulous, and absolutely fantastic. It’s your time in the sun. Have fun this fortieth, sister. Indulge your sense of humor, and have a great birthday!”
5. “I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. You’re strong, independent, and always true to yourself. Never change yourself, sis. I love you just the way you are. Happy 40th birthday!”
6. “Can you believe it? You have made it through 40 years of hardships and challenges. Only a strong woman could have made it this far with a smile on her face. Happy birthday, sis.”
7. “You’re not just my sister, you’re my hero. You’ve always been an inspiration to me. I hope I can be half the woman you are. Happy 40th birthday!”
8. “Life is a book, and your forties are the chapters when it all starts making sense — happy 40th birthday, sister.”
9. “I know this next year will be even better than the last. You’re always moving forward and taking life by the horns. Thank you sister for everything you’ve done for me. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you do next. Happy 40th birthday!”
10. “Age matters little when you make every day shine a little brighter. That’s what you’re good at doing. Happy 40th birthday to the world’s best sister.”
11. “You’re one of the most amazing people I know. You always see the best in people, even when they don’t deserve it. I hope your 40th year is filled with nothing but love and happiness.”
12. “Turning 40 is the start of a new phase in your life, sister. You will bring a fresh approach to all you do, indicating that the best is yet to come.”
13. “You’re an amazing sister, and I’m so proud to be related to you. I hope your 40th birthday is as incredible as you are.”
14. “On your 40th Birthday, may you honor the youthful quality you possess of viewing life with enthusiasm and initiative! Enjoy your forties, birthday girl!”
15. “Dear sister, let your 40th birthday consists of the vivacity that is within you! Let the sincerity and aspirations of this day persevere!”
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40th Birthday Card Wishes
1. “Talented, Terrific, Tremendous, and Top-Notch for 40 years. Here’s wishing you a Happy birthday!”
2. “Wishing you an extremely happy 40th birthday! I hope you have a life of abundance and happiness this year. May all your obstacles transform into learning opportunities before your very eyes!”
3. “Sending you warm wishes on your 40th birthday. I want you to have a fantastic day that is made up of fun, laughter, and good times. You are an inspiration to all who know you.”
4. “You have been the same awesome person for four decades. Here’s wishing us four more!”
5. “Some people are an inspiration to everyone around them with their love and compassion. Happy 40th birthday to a special person who inspires me every day.”
6. “Happy 40th birthday! You are an outstanding person, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. You make every single day that much brighter.”
7. “Happy 40th birthday! It is such a blessing to have you in my life. May your day be filled with wonderful moments and long-lasting memories.”
8. “Congratulations on the big 4-0! This is such an incredible milestone, and I hope that your day is as amazing as you are. Wishing you all the best on your birthday.”
9. “Congratulations on four decades of sheer awesomeness!”
10. “May your glass be full of wine, and may your heart be full of laughter as you celebrate your important milestone. Happy 40th birthday.”
11. “All of your life has been leading to this spectacular milestone, and now that it’s here, it’s time to celebrate! Happy 40th.”
12. “I wish to congratulate you on your 40th birthday! Here’s to 4 decades of amazing, fun-filled memories and good times. I know that there will be many more to come with you by my side.”
13. “You’re blessed to see another year. Let’s celebrate 40 phenomenal years of YOU! Happy birthday to someone who fills every day with sunshine.”
14. “Wishing you an extremely happy 40th birthday! I hope that life continues to treat you well and that all of your hopes, dreams, and goals come to fruition. All the best!”
15. “Here’s to another year around the sun! Happy 40th birthday to someone whose personality is out of this world and whose spirit shines as bright as a star.”
Funny 40th Birthday Wishes
1. “You know, they say that age is really all in the mind. The key is to prevent it from trickling down into your body. Happy birthday!”
2. “The secret to staying young is make-up… make up an age, then stick with it!”
3. “Don’t think of it as turning 40. We’re here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of your 4th birthday.”
4. “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!”
5. “I hate to remind you of your old age, but… you’re forty! Happy birthday old man!”
6. “It’s OK to light the 40 candles on your birthday cake now; I’ve already alerted the fire department.”
7. “Don’t let aging get you down… it’s too hard to get back up again! Happy birthday, 40-year-old!”
8. “I believe you forgot my birthday gift last year, so now I’m returning the favor. Happy 40th, my dearest!”
9. “I’ll bet you were hoping no one would notice you were turning 40. Well, no such luck! Happy birthday!”
10. “You’ve reached that golden age where your train of thought usually leaves the station without you. Happy 40th!”
11. “I would have planned a big 40th birthday party for you, but who would’ve thought that you’d make it this far?”
12. “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.”
13. “Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that people who have the most live the longest! Happy 40th birthday!”
14. “Hope you have a blast on your 40th birthday! Just don’t overdo it – at your age, partying too much can be dangerous.”
15. “A wise man once said, ‘Forget about your past, you cannot change it’. I’d like to add, ‘Forget about your present, I didn’t get you one’. Happy 40th!”
16. “Welcome to 40, an age when you’re still young at heart, but other body parts are starting to falter.”
17. “Now you’re as se*y as two 20-year-olds. Happy 40th birthday!”
18. “Middle age… when “happy hour” is a nap! Happy 40th!”
19. “As Helen Hayes says, age is not important unless you’re a cheese. Here’s a cheesy birthday wish for you, though.”
20. “A decade more, and you’ve got half a century of accumulated knowledge and wisdom… that no one needs anyway! Happy birthday!”
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Final Words
Thank you for reading my extensive list of happy 40th birthday wishes.
I believe you’re now all set to share an inspiring yet equally sweet, or perhaps funny 40th birthday wish with your dear celebrant.
Until next time!
Read next: 170 Happy 50th Birthday Wishes For Hitting The Golden 50s
