Birthday Party Idea's for Tweens

Birthday parties are easy and fun to give when your baby is still young, but when they become a tween, throwing a birthday party becomes more complicated. Tweens, should really be called " between", due to the fact that their still holding on to their babyish side, while changing into a teen. A tweens likes and dislikes are very confusing. They might still like "My Little Pony" but, they definitely don't want their friends to know it. The best way to give a tween a birthday party is to stick with themes that are on mutual grounds. This means less no magic shows, or clowns. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the day, without causing embarrassment. Here are a few idea's to get you started.

MUSIC PARTY:

Everyone likes music, and it's a different pace from the everyday birthday party.

Invitations: You can find fun and funky invites at any party supply store, but why not get a little more creative. To make your own invites to your music themed birthday party simply buy blank Cd's and write the party information on the backs of them. You can find blank Cd's at any office supply or discount store, and they don't cost a fortune. Use a Sharpie marker to write the details of the event on the Cd. Your invites will be unique, eye catching, and fun!

Games: Your tween don't really need a lot of games, but you will need music. Make sure you play music they like, and loud like they like it. Has a area where they can dance if they want to.

Decorations: Got any left over blank Cd's? Hang them from the ceiling with fishing line. You can also decorate with balloons, but not to many. A balloon bouquet in the corner is fine, just don't get carried away.

Cake: What would a music party be without a record cake? To make one yourself simply bake a round cake and cover it with black icing once the cake has cooled. You can use food coloring to make black icing if your unable to find it in the stores. In the center of the cake make a circle using white icing. This will be where the label would normally be on a record. On that white icing write your "Happy Birthday" message.

Food: Keep the food simple! Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and soda are easy to make, and everyone enjoys them.

PARTY WITH A CAUSE:

If your tween loves animals, then here's an idea that will give you an excuse to throw them a animal themed party. A party with a cause is just that!
Invitations: You will need some animal print and friendly invitations. On the invitation ask everyone to bring one pet item to the party. They can bring a can of dog food, a water bowl, etc....anything a animal might need. Also explain that everything that is collected will be donated to the ASPCA. This is a win win party for everyone!

Games: Tweens are starting to outgrow playing games. However, you can toss in a few games like "doggie doggie where's your bone". To play this game you will need a large dog bone. One person hides the bone, and once it is hidden they say "doggie doggie where's your bone? Somebody's stole it from your home, guess who, it might be you, or it might be the man with the alligator shoe". Then every one scrambles to find the missing bone.

Decorations: Decorations for this event can be fun. You can use balloons, banners, and anything else you can think of. Your child will not be embarrassed, nor will their guest, because this party is for a good cause.

Cake: You can easily make a your own animal cake by baking one round cake, a cup cake, and a square cake. Once the cake is baked and cooled trim the top off the cupcake so that it will lye flat. Now place the cup cake in the center of the round cake. This will be your pets nose. Using two corners of the square cake cut two triangles for the ears. Finally, ice the cake in the color you wish, and add eyes and a mouth using candies or a gel icing pen. You can make a kitty, puppy, or pig this way. With the remaining square cake cut the other tow corners to match, leaving you with a diamond shape. Ice the diamond shape in yellow and write a theme message such as "Support The ASPCA".

Food: Keep the food fun and simple. You can use large dog bowls to hold chips if you like, then donate them to the ASPCA latter.

After the party: Why not take some of the kids with you to your local ASPCA or other animal shelter so that they can see just how much of a difference they made.

You know your tween better then anyone else does. These two party idea's are easy to do, and enjoyable, but your creativity means a lot to them. As long as you put 100% of your love into the effort, they will be thankful regardless of what theme you decide to go with.