Hosting a birthday party for a teenager can seem hard but it does not need to be so.
There are many awesome places you can host a party. And based on what I see many teens still like a cool theme party at home too.
In this post you’ll find several cool tips for teen birthday party
themes (and tips on choosing one)
venues
games
food
favors
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Birthday Party Ideas for Teenagers
We all love it when someone does something special for us and your teen is no exception. When he was younger it probably felt easier to make the birthday magical.
No worries, hosting a teenage birthday party is nothing to lose sleep over. With these “how to plan a teenage birthday party ideas” you’ll have a party planned in no time.
Yeah, it’s a good idea to have a budget :). Let your teen know what the budget is when you start planning the party.
Obviously, your budget depends on your financial situation. Some like to throw several thousand dollar parties mine would be around $100 – $500.
Whatever you decide stick to it.
Some teens might just want the money and no party or just a small get together with friends. Some prefer the party experience with friends over receiving a bigger gift. You know your teen and if in doubt, ask.
2. When to Host the Party
Evening parties are always fun and pretty much the only way to go if the party is during the week. Unless the party is in the summer or during the Christmas break.
A cool way to celebrate the birthday is by hosting a brunch whether you’ll do that at home, in a park or restaurant.
Teens have lots of energy so an all-day party is an idea too.
Many teens have a busy schedule. If you are inviting only a couple of people it is probably best to check with them what day would work.
3. How to Choose a Theme for Teen Party
Unless this is a surprise party it is a good idea to consult your teen and figure out the theme together.
Perhaps you could have a list of suggested themes to get the conversation started. I’ll give you several ideas in a moment.
Things to ask your teen when figuring out the party theme:
1. What’s your favorite
movie
book
color
hobby
activity
way to travel
food
vacation destination
season
You can build a theme around any of those things.
2. Do you want a “theme party” or do you prefer an activity?
Any activity can be considered a theme but let’s say your teen wants to go to an amusement park with a couple of friends, no theme is really necessary. Just a day to hang out with friends.
Cookie decorating class is a “cookie theme” but does not require any cookie decorations. Simple fun with friends at a class.
3. How many people are you thinking about inviting?
Knowing whether you are talking about 2 or 50 people can determine what kind of party you are hosting.
In a moment I’ll give you ideas for over 30 places you can host a teenage birthday party. Many of those function as a theme as well.
Of course, parties don’t require a theme but it makes it easier when it comes to decorations, food etc.
An activity with a few friends can be easier and cheaper than hosting a theme party.
4. Fun Places to Host a Teenage Birthday Party
Brainstorm with your teen where to host the party. A teen might feel like having a party at home is not too cool anymore. But you’d be surprised how many still like a simple fun party at home.
Sometimes the theme can limit the location and the other way around.
Here is a list of 33 places to consider some of these can function also as a theme.
Where to Have a Teenage Party:
home
backyard
park
art studio
coffee shop
hotel (ask the hotel about their rules for using a room and the pool for the guests)
museum
theater
spa
mall – food court
ice cream parlor
martial arts studio
amusement park
non-profit (some non-profits have a cafeteria or meeting space you can rent)
community center
club house
beach
movie theater party room
pool/aquatic center
restaurant
ranch
cottage/cabin
ski lodge
skating rink
YMCA
craft stores
sports event
bowling/entertainment center
church (gym/ministry center)
game stores
concert
carnival
dance studio
corn maze
5. Guests
The more the merrier… or is it…
Well, the guest list depends on multiple factors here are few:
how many teens are you able to keep under control
how much noise can you take
how many guests can you fit in the party area
how many guests can you host with your budget
who does your teen want to invite
who do you feel comfortable inviting
Making a guest list can be quite tough. The space and your budget set the limits.
There might be kids you don’t feel comfortable inviting yet you don’t want to make anyone feel left out. But you should never feel obligated to invite anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Ask a friend or a couple of the parents to come to the party and supervise with you all the awesome teens.
6. Invites
Send invitations 2-3 weeks before the party.
Good old-fashioned invitations by snail mail are always fun to receive. But whether you choose to text, email or send invites via social media be clear about who is invited and by what date they need to RSVP.
7. Teen Party Food
As you know teens love to eat. Present a variety of foods buffet style or prepare a specific food bar.
You can make any food match the party theme with theme fitting serving dishes, cupcake wrappers, and food toppers. It’s all about presentation!
Do guys want party favors? I’m curious. I don’t have any boys and my husband says that guys don’t care about party favors. But I doubt they would say no to a bag of popcorn or candy.
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