13th Birthday Ideas

[PrincessKsMom]

We're having a birthday party for our DD who will be 13. For this party we are inviting both girls and boys. Any idea of a theme, or where I can find 13th birthday plates or decorations? Also, I need ideas for games or things we could do to keep them occupied. My DD suggested cards (gin, poker, etc.), but I'm sure there must be something else age-appropriate and of interest to both sexes. Please, no suggestions of spin the bottle, 7 minutes in heaven, etc. We are NOT having that kind of party.

 

[SLK1]

My friend is planning her daughter's bat mitzvah and the theme is Monopoly, which is her daughter's favorite game. Maybe something along that line? You could also try Familyfun.com. They have TONS of ideas for birthdays for every age.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

we went to a choc fondue party...*sweet 13* they called it,LOL, it was fun, girl/boy and delish too!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Fabulous ideas! Thanks for sharing them.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. they dunked marshmallows,pineapple rings, pretzel rods, pound cake squares,bananna hunks, twinkies.......etc yummmmmmmmmmmmo

 

[SLK1]

I think I might throw MYSELF the fondue party...forget the kids!!!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I remember 13th birthday parties my friend had were always "dance" parties. Lots of music, lots of food. Maybe get a DJ who does all the fun games and has props (blow up instruments, hats, costumes, etc.)?

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We had thought about a DJ but I guess I forgot to mention the most important part -- that we're really trying to do this as inexpensively as possible. The price now is $7 per person, unlimited pizza, antipasto and soda. The price with a DJ would have been $20 per person, with a minimum of 30 people. We're going to bring Ipods and CDs and use that for music. I also thought the DJ was a waste of money because it will only be DD and her classmates, and at this stage (thank goodness) the boys don't really dance. I'm so not used to doing a boy/girl party and I only have a daughter, so I'm not sure what boys are into at this stage. Party and inexpensive just don't go together!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

we went to a choc fondue party...*sweet 13* they called it,LOL, it was fun, girl/boy and delish too!!

This might be a little too far outside of our budget, but it gave me the idea to do a small candy buffet table!

 

[love3kids]

When my girl turned 13 last year we went totally a different route. Her and I did an overnight stay at the Short hills hilton hotel shopped had dinner it was perfect for us. Then we did a family party and gave her tickets to hairspray on broadway! I give you alot of credit to bring the boys into the mix you are better than me!!!! But you have great ideas!! Good music good food fun atmosphere you can not go wrong.Keep the party short maybe 2hours or so you do not want them getting bored! You want them to leave saying GREAT PARTY!!!!!!!! Have fun!! Cause 14 is right around the corner!!lol love 3 kids P.S. you can not go wrong with a candy bar they love that. I do not think they like alot of things right now.They are still finding their way.I think at this age they are stillalittle awkward.Any way have a great time!!!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

When my girl turned 13 last year we went totally a different route. Her and I did an overnight stay at the Short hills hilton hotel shopped had dinner it was perfect for us. Then we did a family party and gave her tickets to hairspray on broadway! I give you alot of credit to bring the boys into the mix you are better than me!!!! But you have great ideas!! Good music good food fun atmosphere you can not go wrong.Keep the party short maybe 2hours or so you do not want them getting bored! You want them to leave saying GREAT PARTY!!!!!!!! Have fun!! Cause 14 is right around the corner!!lol love 3 kids P.S. you can not go wrong with a candy bar they love that. I do not think they like alot of things right now.They are still finding their way.I think at this age they are stillalittle awkward.Any way have a great time!!!!

This really is a last minute idea. Me, my mom and DD went to Disney this past August. While there we did the dolphin swim at Discovery Cove. That was supposed to be her birthday present, along with all the trinkets we bought while at Disney, but now I'd like to do something for her birthday. You're right about an awkward stage though. It will be quite an evening for us all, I'm sure. FWIW, the party is 3 hours (7-10 p.m.) so I'm hoping they'll just be happy listening to music and "hanging out".

 

[mjkacmom]

When my girl turned 13 last year we went totally a different route. Her and I did an overnight stay at the Short hills hilton hotel shopped had dinner it was perfect for us. Then we did a family party and gave her tickets to hairspray on broadway! I give you alot of credit to bring the boys into the mix you are better than me!!!! But you have great ideas!! Good music good food fun atmosphere you can not go wrong.Keep the party short maybe 2hours or so you do not want them getting bored! You want them to leave saying GREAT PARTY!!!!!!!! Have fun!! Cause 14 is right around the corner!!lol love 3 kids P.S. you can not go wrong with a candy bar they love that. I do not think they like alot of things right now.They are still finding their way.I think at this age they are stillalittle awkward.Any way have a great time!!!!

I love this idea! I wonder if dd12 would like something like this, maybe some spa time, and I know she would LOVE their Sunday brunch (skinny, but a great, great eater, especially seafood - we always joke how buffets lose money on her).

 

[jenlynn0808]

I still have a few years to the dreaded 13 (DD10 ALMOST 11 as she likes to remind me~like I'd forget ). Thankfully!!!

Any how, awhile back I found a thread on the disboards all about candy buffets. It had some great (and inexpensive) ideas from what to use on teh buffet to how to display it, along with some pictures of buffets other dissers had done.

If you are still looking for a theme, did you consider a laua (sp?). You could have leis (oriental trader/partycity). Or depending when you are having this, New Year's Eve (you could stock up on the supplies during the day after sales). Or a 50's or 80's theme party. Could have them dress as someone famous (and then turn that into a guessing game).

HTH

 

[monkey68]

Since I think most kids these days have ipods or mp3 players, you can have each kid bring in their iPod, and have them DJ for half an hour with their favorite songs. Not really a theme, but might be fun for the kids.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

You guys ROCK! So many good ideas and suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! SCORE!!!!!!

I went to Rite-Aid today to drop off some prescriptions and they had Halloween candy on sale -- 75% off!

Here's what I got for $20!!!!

2 bags of Nerds (27 count each)
3 bags of SweetTarts variety pack (12 oz each)
2 bags of Airheads (75 count each)
3 bags Laffy Taffy (40 count each)
1 bag Wonka class favorites (bottle caps, spree, gobstoppers) (2.5 lb.)
1 box Fun Dip (50 pouches)
1 bag Tootsie Pops minis (135 pops)
5 bags Blow Pops (12 each bag)

DID I MENTION I GOT ALL OF THIS FOR ONLY $20!!!??????

Can you tell how excited I am?

I also went to the Dollar Store and got all kinds of clear plastic boxes to put the candy in and a few bigger bowls for chips, pretzels, etc.

I think I might have gotten a little too much candy. Did I also mention there's only 30 kids invited to this party!? Can't wait for the party so I can take pictures and post them for everyone to see.