I have spent the past 6 months organising an epic 40th birthday party for my partner - he will be totally speechless and I am so excited and so nervous!! Thanks to the internet and great friends it is finally all coming together with some guests coming from abroad! (It's in a hotel, this is relevant later)

The party is in three weeks and this is my problem, his birthday is in two. For his 'real' birthday we are having a fun day with the family and then two of us with his mum and stepdad going for dinner. This is a Sunday. Nothing can happen on that Saturday (the day before) as I am out of the country. The party is the following weekend.

What I am needing help with is how to make his real birthday really special so he doesn't feel disappointed at the end of it (he's not particularly happy about approaching the big four-oh...) I don't know if we will go out or stay in the house in the day (this is part of the problem, it's winter and cold maybe even snowy) and I have got him a bunch of presents and will tell him about the hotel stay the Saturday after... but I can't help feeling I want to do something else, without letting on I have invited everyone he knows to a massive party!

Also, (my last point) I have gone to my absolute limits on money for the big party and presents, so I can't do anything as big as the party, but I want it to be special... any advice is welcome!!! Thanks!!

I would say to downplay the actual birthday a little. That'll make the party that much more special.

But, why not start his actual BD with breakfast in bed? And I would go ahead and give him your presents then, not at the party. It's fine to not have a present for him at the party, just tell everyone you already gave him your presents. You've got the family day and dinner covered, get a cake, have them sing to him at the restaurant. I would be happy with all that for a birthday.

kk~

thanks kandykane

Maybe I am stressing out for no reason!