Turning 16, the Cheap Way

Some countries celebrate a girl's coming of age at 13, and some, like Mexico, celebrate at 15. But to most Americans a girl becomes a woman at the age of 16. This is why it's called Sweet Sixteen. When your baby girl crosses over into adulthood you should make every effort to make it a memorable experience for her. After all, she will only be 16 once and she will remember it forever.

If you are trying to provide a great party but you are on a tight budget, it can be a little difficult. She may want all the fancy things her friends had so she can be just as popular. But in reality the material things don't really matter, it's the thought that goes into the planning and catering to her specific interests that truly make it a great celebration.

One way of doing this is to have a party with a children's theme. This is her crossover into adulthood so give her one last chance to be a child. Dig out all of her favorite games from her childhood, Chutes & Ladders, Checkers, Apples & Cherries and even Go Fish. Serve Mac & Cheese, PB & Jelly sandwiches, Chicken Nuggets and French Fries. Maybe even get a Pinata in the form of her favorite cartoon character and fill it with the candy she loved as a child.

If your daughter is into sports, you can arrange a sport themed party. Tell guests to wear old sports uniforms and plan on getting dirty. Everyone can join in a game of softball, basketball, kickball or even football. The menu can consist of burgers, hotdogs, nachos and soda, just like being at the game.

Another great idea is to plan a spa night for your daughter's friends and their moms. Gather all of the necessary items such as facial cleansers, make-up, nail polish and maybe even some crazy hair colors. Everyone can wear their PJ's so they are comfy and they can get a complete spa treatment and makeover. Cucumber slices for their eyes, avocado puree for their face and a milk bath for their feet. Be sure to stock up on all types of goodies like ice cream, chocolate and soda. You could even fill some bags with make-up and nail polish for guests to take home with them.

Right now most teen girls are into Twilight. If your daughter is in love with Edward, you could arrange a party around a vampire theme. Everyone comes dressed in black, you have black decorations, dim lighting and a graveyard cake. To make the cake simply bake two 9 x 13 cakes. Leave one in the pan but cut the other in a tombstone shape. Cover with gray or black frosting and use a sturdy piece of cardboard to prop it up at the end of the cake in the pan. Decorate to look like a graveyard by using candy bones and colored coconut for grass. You can even crumble some Oreos to look like dirt for a fresh grave.

However you decide to celebrate your daughter's Sweet Sixteen, be sure it is the best day of her life, and remember that it is all about her.