Preteen Birthday Party Ideas - Birthday Ideas for Older Children

Are you planning a birthday party for your preteen? Planning a birthday party for older children can be as much fun as planning a party for toddlers or preschoolers. It just requires a little more thought. After all, preteens are a bit harder to impress than the little ones, and they're looking for activities that are a tad more grown up.

If you're headed towards your preteen's birthday, don't fret. Consider these preteen birthday party ideas to get you started on your party planning and a preteen-pleasing event.

Preteen Birthday Party Ideas

Find a Location for Your Preteen's Party

When you consider all of the preteen birthday party ideas available to you, you'll know that you don't have to throw the party at home. If cleaning the house, preparing the food, and then cleaning up after the party doesn't appeal to you, consider having the party at another location such as an ice rink, a bowling alley, a local park, the local mall, or even at an area museum. Many of these locations provide the party activities, as well as the invitations and sometimes, even the food. You may have to bring the cake, but with all the time you're saving yourself, that shouldn't be a problem.

Consider a Sleepover Party

If your child want to keep the party close to home, a sleepover party is probably going to be as easy to plan as any other. And for preteens, sleepovers are truly a right of passage. Your preteen might want to invite everyone she knows, but it's probably best to limit the number of guests in order to keep the party running smoothly. Be sure you offer plenty of activities to keep your guests busy and make sure one or two of them are quiet activities, such as watching a movie, telling ghost stories with the lights dimmed, or making a craft.

Check-in with the preteens periodically, but give them some time alone to bond and do what preteens do best -- hang out with their friends.

Pick a Birthday Theme

Your child's party doesn't have to have a theme, but if your tween has a particular passion or hobby, it could be fun to incorporate it into her party. Possible theme ideas for a preteen birthday party include:

Preteen Birthday Party Ideas: Themes for Girls

Luau Party

American Idol Party

Beading Party

Spa Party

Fashion Fun Party

Soc-Hop Party

Webkinz Party

Pool Party

Arts and Crafts Party

Preteen Birthday Party Ideas: Themes for Boys

Glow in the Dark Party

Sports-themed Party

Martial Arts Party

Beach Fun Party

Surfer Party

Olympics Party

Skateboard Party

NASCAR Party

Outdoor or Camping Party

Don't Forget the Goody Bags

Any listing of preteen birthday party ideas should always include the mention of goody bags. You don't have to call them goody bags, but preteens still expect them and why not? Goody bags are fun to buy for, fun to hand out, and fun to receive. Set a budget for the bags with your tween, and then shop together for the loot. You can coordinate items with the theme of your party, or collect a mix of items you think the tweens will enjoy. Be sure your child passes the bags out to his friends, and thanks them for coming to his party. That's his responsibility as the party host.