13th Birthday party Ideas

[Joan]

My son will be 13 in February and I want to plan a big party at the beach. We can rent a cabin and invite people out there . Well, he is not sure he wants to do that, so I'm ok, whatever he wants....So, my question is, what kinds of teenage parties have you had?

[Susannah]

Well, let's see. For my daughter I've done the sleepover thing, the craft party, the go-to-a-movie-and-dinner thing, amusement park thing, the horseback riding thing. It's definitely harder--I think--when they get older.

My son will be 13 in November and he wants to have a sleep-over with a few of his close friends. I'll probably take them out to see a movie and then they can come home and play video games while gorging on pizza, popcorn and soda. :popcorn:

Or I'll take them to go bowling or the video arcade/pee-wee golf.

[Clare]

This is my favourite birthday party idea site

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/party_ideas.html

I'm not sure how much they have for teenagers, but it might give you some ideas!

[Brandi]

I had a roller skating party and we rented out the whole rink. I got to invite tons of friends!

[Joan]

Thanks for the responses! Here is a related question...Sean has asked if instead of a party (which will cost $200-$300) we could get him a nice gift. I really want to celebrate the beginning of his teens! we have a 1 year old who gets a lot of attention and I want to throw Sean a big party. So now, what do you think? We can't afford a big party AND an xbox or ipod. But we could nix the big party, have a family party and get him something big. I'm a little uncomfortable with the "negotiations". Comments input? BTW Sean is a parents DREAM!

[sunnyflower]

I teach 13 year olds and generally the boys want the gift vs the friend party. Or if they have a party it's with like 1 or 2 friends and they hang out, rent a movie, and play video games like they usually do. He will love whatever you do for him, but negotiations are big at this age. Maybe you can have him give you a few suggestions and together you decide.

What an exciting time and Sean looks like he loves and adores your 1 year old!!

~Kerrie

[Clare]

I'd nix the big party and get him the gift. If that's what he wants then he's going to appreciate it more than a party. And I don't think 13yr olds are all that comfortable with lots of attention :dunno: I think a small family party with an awesome gift would be the way to go :)

[Joan]

Thanks so much for your responses. It took a while, but i finally get it that the party isn't about me! We will have a nice family party and maybe take 1 or 2 of his friends out.