40th Birthday Wishes: Messages and Poems to Write in a 40th Birthday Card

When you know someone turning 40, you may want to write something extra special in the birthday card. Any milestone is a great time to write something funny, inspirational, or meaningful. That doesn't make it easy to decide what to write. Turning 40 can be a tough time for people, so a little humor may be your best option. Poems are also a fun way to express what you want to say. Ask yourself what type of message you want to use to wish the 40-year-old a happy birthday.

The following include some various ideas for what to write in a 40th birthday card. Use these to create your perfect message. You may need to edit or add to the message. Adding something personal about the person will make it more interesting.

Use these when you want to see eyes roll and hear a chuckle from the 40th birthday boy or girl.

1. 40 is not over the hill. It’s not even the top of the hill. It’s actually all uphill from here. If you don’t believe me, try running up an actual hill.
2. The problem with your age is getting the last candle lit before the first one drips wax all over the cake.
3. It has taken 40 years for you to mature to the point you are now. You have been aged to perfection.
4. At your age, you should have a perspective of gratitude. You are only half the age of an 80-year-old.
5. Hopefully you can think of 40 good reasons to be grateful on your birthday this year.
6. Congratulations on turning 20 with an extra 20 years of experience. Just don't expect to be paid for the experience.
7. I hope you have a wonderful 39^th birthday again. I hope it is as good for you as it was last year.
8. I hope you get some sunglasses for your birthday. You’ll need them when you get your face down that close to so many candles.
9. I’m wishing you a warm and bright 40^th birthday. I don’t think it could be any other way with that many candles on your cake.
10. At 40 you get to finally be taken seriously by your coworkers, who will probably not get your jokes anyway.
11. It’s a cruel irony that when you get to be two times the age of a 20-year-old, you only have half the metabolism.
12. You have a decade left until you are half a century old. Here are some other ways to think of your age: 40 years, 480 months, 3087 weeks, 14610 days, or 350650 hours. What are you planning on doing with the next 350650 hours of your life?
13. I’m wishing that all of your dreams you were hoping for before you turned 40 will come true before you turn 50. “Better late than never,” right?
14. Be an optimist when people tell you that you’re “middle aged.” At least you aren’t “end-aged.”

Inspiring people on their birthday is a great way to take advantage of the opportunity of reflection. People on milestone birthdays tend to reflect their life so far and look to the future. Use one of these sincere 40th birthday messages to inspire greatness in middle age.

1. 40 is a great age to do something meaningful with your life. Happy birthday!
2. Don't let your 40's be wasted the same way you wasted your 30's. Just kidding! Have another great decade of birthdays.
3. You're making a lot of people jealous today. Think of all the people who are in their 50's or older when you count your blessings. You have been blessed with 40 great years.
4. I'll be praying that God continues to guide and shape your life to more that you could imagine on your own. He will bless you in your 40's and beyond.
5. Don't be depressed on your 40th birthday. You have had the privilege of getting to live 40 years, but aren't in your fifties yet.

Here are a couple 40th birthday poems. You may want to also try writing your own poem to match the person who you are giving the card.

Funny 40th Birthday Poem

Now that you've turned 40
You're old enough to know
There are some things now
That will happen sorta slow

Losing weight will be hard
And your hair may be thin
But nothing has to keep you
From having a great big grin

Inspirational 40th Birthday Poem

40 is your perfect age to
Do anything you want to do
Creativity and common sense
Have been refined in you

You're mature in your wisdom
Your spirit is aged and bold
Humor is your shield of fire
And your heart is solid gold

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