Pre-teens are at a fun age for birthday parties. They have started to develop their own interests and personalities but are still young enough to get excited about birthday parties. Planning a party for a pre-teen can be exciting but challenging. Follow these tips to plan a memorable event.
Choosing a Theme
Most pre-teens will have a preference for the party’s theme. Ask who their favourite music artist is or what their latest obsession may be. Superheroes, and YouTube stars are popular themes. If they seem overwhelmed with choices, suggest a general theme like a Minecraft party or a carnival. The most important thing is making sure the birthday boy or girl gets input.
Finding a Venue
Pre-teens you’re fostering with a foster family agency may prefer having the party outside of the home to make it feel more mature and special. Consider booking a room at a local community centre, renting a pavilion at a park, or reserving a lane at a bowling alley or skating rink. If you do host it at home, setting up a canopy in the garden can make it feel more like a special venue.
Food and Drink
Finger foods like pizza, chicken wings, and chips work well for pre-teen appetites. Have a balance of salty snacks and lighter items like fruit and veggie trays. Don’t forget the birthday cake! Ice cream sundaes are also popular at this age. Offer a variety of pop and juice boxes to drink. Having a self-serve drink station allows guests to refill their own cups.
Entertainment and Activities
Incorporate activities suited for your pre-teen’s interests. Outdoor games like relay races, egg and spoon races and water balloon tosses are great for active kids. For aspiring musicians or artists, set up a craft area for making friendship bracelets or painting. Have a karaoke machine for any aspiring pop stars. You can also plan a movie screening on a projector or screen.
Goody Bags
Goody bags are still appreciated by pre-teens. Fill them with small toys and treats like gift cards, chocolate, bubbles, Play-Doh, or art supplies. Personalise the bags by tying ribbons around them or attaching custom tags with the guest’s name. Goody bags make great party favours and give guests something fun to take home.
Send Digital Invitations
Hard copy invitations may be a thing of the past. Create a Facebook event and have your pre-teen personally invite friends online. You can also email digital invitations through sites like Punchbowl that allow you to track RSVPs. Include all key details like date, time, location, and what gifts are appropriate or not necessary.
Set a Budget
Hosting a party for groups of energetic pre-teens can get pricey. Set a realistic budget and stick to it for the venue, food, activities, and favours. Get your birthday boy or girl involved by giving them a set budget for selecting decorations or prizes. Being transparent about costs will help make the planning process easy.
Planning the perfect pre-teen birthday bash takes some work, but the memories made will last a lifetime. Keeping the guest of honour involved and sticking to a detailed plan will ensure the big day is special and stress-free.
