What Did You Do for Your Hubby's 40Th B-day?

My husband's turning 40 in a couple of weeks. I got a bunch of tickets to a Bruins (hockey) game and I'm surprising him with a trip to the game with a bunch of his friends and we're going out to dinner at a local place afterward. Because everyone bought their own tickets (I checked for interest before I ordered) and everyone will buy their own drinks, etc, it's not a very expensive get together. It's different, and something that he loves too.

Hope this helps!

We attend a biannual camping get-together for rock climbers that my husband really looks forward to. I surprised him with a party there. It made it easy since most of his friends would already be coming to that. I had a cake made with a picture of him on the rocks belaying someone, and told everyone to bring gag "over the hill" gifts. He really appreciated it. Can you do something similar, based on your hubby's hobbies?

Been to two memorable parties...

One I threw for my DH. We went to a local casino. I worked with them to arrange a big bus, food tickets, etc. I asked guests to pay their own way since I was just out of college at the time - it was for his 30th. No one minded paying for themselves. They STILL talk about what a blast it was.

The other was a group party at PinStripes bowling alley. If you haven't been, it's an upscale place with very good food. Not cheap at all. Was for one of my husband's friends - his 40th. We had a nice private room for the meal and then all bowled. It was lots of fun.

I guess it depends on what type of person he is. My oldest brother had a big party with friends and family at his house. Kids were there during the day and then some of his friends stayed drinking later into the evening. My other brother decided to go to Disney with just his family b/c he wanted to acknowledge his birthday but didn't want to have too many people around b/c he was leery of turning the big 4-0. I guess you have to figure out if your husband would want something simple or a big to do. Good luck!

I invited his closest friends (about 20, 25 people? with wives) to dinner at a family style restaurant. It still wasn't cheap but it was really fun. It was a surprise and he said he he was suspicious but then I really tricked him. I told him it was my dad's best friend's retirement party and then it was the wrapping of a gift for the friend and signing of the card that made him think the dinner wasn't for him. He really loved it but that's the type he is. If your husband isn't super social, I'd try to plan a surprise night away for the 2 of you - pack his bag, call his boss and get him the next day off, find childcare, pick him up and the 2 of you take a night to yourselves.