A Birthday Surprise Gone Hilariously Wrong Thanks to an Airbnb Mix-Up

Maria had been planning a surprise 40th birthday party for her husband, Tom, for weeks. To keep him from suspecting anything, she told Tom she’d be out of town on his big day, and they would celebrate another time.

The night before his birthday, Maria packed her bags and pretended to head to the airport, but instead, she stayed at her friend Karen’s house. The next day, she secretly returned home to decorate and prepare for the surprise party.

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Karen asked, watching Maria pack her fake suitcase.

“Absolutely,” Maria smiled. “Tom thinks I’m visiting my sister.”

The next day, Maria got everything ready. Tom typically arrived home around 6 p.m., so she invited family and friends over at 5 p.m. to decorate the house. His brother Jim was the first to arrive, and soon after, Tom’s best friend Dave and his wife, Lisa, showed up.

The house looked perfect—blue and gold streamers hung everywhere, and a big “Happy 40th, Tom!” banner stretched across the living room. As the guests finished getting everything in place, Maria gathered everyone in the kitchen, turning off the lights so they could surprise Tom when he walked in.

At around 6 p.m., Maria heard the front door unlock. The guests readied themselves to shout “Surprise!” But instead of Tom’s familiar voice, a woman’s voice echoed through the house.

“Do you think he’ll like it?” the woman asked.

Maria’s heart skipped a beat. Who was this, and why was she in her house?

The lights flicked on, and instead of Tom, a young couple stood in the doorway, looking just as shocked as the guests hiding behind counters and furniture. The woman had a suitcase in hand, and the man held a set of keys.

“Who are you?” Maria asked, stepping forward.

“Who are we?” the woman exclaimed. “Who are you?”

Jim came out of hiding, scratching his head. “We’re here for a birthday party. Who are you?”

The man looked just as bewildered. “We rented this house on Airbnb. We’re supposed to stay here for a few days.”

Maria’s face turned red with confusion. “Airbnb? This is our house!”

It hit her—Tom must have listed their home on Airbnb when he thought she’d be out of town. The young couple, Jake and Emily, looked equally flustered.

“Oh my gosh, we’re so sorry. We had no idea. We’ll leave,” Emily stammered.

Maria shook her head, trying to ease the tension. “No, it’s fine. This is just one big misunderstanding.”

She quickly called Tom to ask what had happened, and his voice filled with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Maria. I didn’t realize you were throwing a party. I’ll be home soon.”

In the end, Jake and Emily stayed for the party, and everyone laughed about the unexpected turn of events. When Tom arrived, they toasted to a night of surprises and new friends.