When your kids are no longer interested in princesses, pirates and party packs, finding a way to celebrate their birthday becomes a whole new challenge. Your list of options grows ever-shorter, boiling down to whatever they consider cool – something that seems to change every time the sun rises.
Generational politics might have you dealing with a guest list that changes even faster. Not only that, but most teens will refuse an event that doesn’t allow them to express their newfound maturity and individuality. Let’s make the next few years a little easier by taking a look at 5 fun and affordable ways to celebrate your teen’s birthday.
Pool Party
Put your backyard natatorium to use by turning it into a fun-filled party venue. Equal parts simple and effective, swimming is the activity of choice. Throw in a few festive floats and hand out glitter sunscreen to earn additional cool parent points. When the latter is no longer necessary, a barbeque or pizza feast will bring the day to a satisfactory end.
Bonfire Birthday
Ask any teenager about the beach and they’ll probably agree that there’s no better place to take a break from technology and spend some quality time with friends. This party requires little more than some camping chairs and a bonfire. As an added bonus, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up the house. It’s also a great idea for winter.
Escape Room
Indulge in some irony by placing a group of teenagers in a situation where they have to work for their freedom. Despite being around for a good few years, escape rooms, such as can be found at https://www.paranoiaquest.com/atlanta/, remain a popular choice among teens who love a challenge. This is suitable for parties with low guest counts, as the venues are usually limited to around ten participants.
While rarely expensive to begin with, you can further reduce the cost of hosting an escape room party by asking everyone pitch in a small amount. Look for venues that offer different themes for your teen to choose from. For example, Puzzleworks Escape Rooms include a hospital, vault and office, with a new dungeon-themed room on the way.
Instagram Theme
Show off your social media savvy with a stylish Instagram party. Incorporate a photo booth by hanging up chevron fabric before adding a row of colorful tassel garlands. Budget-permitting, you can pick up a disposable camera to capture a few memories of the event. Don’t forget to print out some Instagram icons to decorate the cake with.
Karaoke Night
There may never come a time when we’ll actually understand what they listen to, but it’s safe to say that nobody loves their music more than teenagers. Let them explore the full range of their deepening voices by hosting a karaoke-themed party. Liven it up with a smoke machine, some spotlights and a disco ball. Don’t forget to provide a few props.
The easiest way to figure out what to do on your teen’s birthday is to simply ask them. If they’re unsure but still adamant on doing something, consider surprising them with one of the above options.
