Budget birthday ideas for DD13

[jstbcuz]

I posted this on the Budget board and didnt get much response, so thought maybe you guys would be able to help.

Ok I need ideas on what to do for DD who will be 13. Last year we were in DIsney for our other DDs bday (just happened to fall while we were there........didnt go for that purpose), so feel like we need to do something "more than ordinary" for her bday too.

I thought about going to Great Wolf Lodge, and letting each of the girls take a friend. Just priced it out and for one night for the 7 of us, it would cost $510. Not sure I can justify that for one night. I think it would be lots of fun, but oh my.........when I think of how far that would get me somewhere else.

I'd love to hear your ideas. Make it something that Dad, mom, big sis, Lil bro (3 years) and friends would like. I cant wait to hear what you come up with. I know you will be able to help.

We live in a small town, and have to drive 1-1 1/2 hours to get anywhere to do something like GWL..........we have no spas, movies, or anything in our town. Population around 3000.
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[poohfriend77]

I grew up in a small town with nothing to do, and I just had slumber parties every year. How about letting her invite a few friends to spend the night, get junk food and rent some movies. Maybe her big sis and a friend could give "makeovers" or manicures. Get a karaoke machine and have an "American Idol" contest or something.

I know this leaves out your DH and DS, but at 13 she may appreciate a fun night with her friends, then just a dinner out with the family to celebrate. Why not just ask her what she wants to do? She may not be comparing her day to sister's Disney birthday as much as you are. Sometimes I think we moms worry more about "keeping things even" than the kids do.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I have an almost 15yo DD & the 13th b-day is a big deal. I think even bigger than turning 16. 1st - Ask her what she'ld like to do for her birthday. And DH & DB really don't have to be too involved. This is a very important GIRLS time (mom included).

You could always bring WDW to her. Ask her where her favorite place was to eat & what she had that she loved. Then go on allears.net & get the recipes & make them & decorate the dining room like the resturaunt. Have one of the fairy godmailers mail her autographed post cards from her favorite characters. Then, let her have a slumber party.

What we did for DD's 13th. DD picked a Hollywood Glamour Movie Star theme. We sent out really cute invites (printed ourselves) that said have your people call my people, etc. We bought tons of stuff from Party City (you can find them online or another party supplier) that was in the theme of Hollywood. Everything was gold/silver/ black & stars & movie reels all over everything. We also bought bright pink boas (bachelor party section) & sunglasses. And a red carpet (made out of paper or vinyl. I bought a kit from the bachelor party section that had window clings & a big door magnet. I changed the wording a bit. He have a Ford Explorer that holds 6 girls. Inside the truck, we strung all the streamers, confetti, & christmas lights (battery pack or converter for lighter) & put up all the window clings. We told all of her friends that we were having a slumber party. I would pick them up & be in their PJs. I called parents ahead of time & asked them to sneak in the girls swimsuits & that we were headed out of town & when we would be home. At each house, we rolled out the red carpet & had boas & sunglasses for each girl. Then we headed to the movie theatre/mall area (about an hour from us). I dropped the girls off the furtherst from the movies, so they had to walk through the mall in the pjs, sunglasses, boas, (oops I forgot the pimp hats we bought at the $ store) & pimp hats. This was DDs idea. They went shopping & basically just had a great time embarrasing themselves. In the mean time, I ran over to a hotel (located about a minute away & checked in & got the room decorated (outside door w/ a big gold star, etc) & cake brought in. The hotel has an indoor pool. Then DD called when they were ready to eat. I met them at the burger joint in the mall (stopping 1st to get movie tickets) & ate dinner w/ them. Then over to the movies we went. After the movies we went to the hotel & swam & stayed the night. The best part was that none of the girls except DD knew what was going on. Each thing was a surprise. The girls all said it was the best party ever & DD still thanks me for having it for her. Sorry it was so long. It just was so much fun to do for all of them.