Photo Ready
A birthday party theme well-suited for the Instagram generation, a photo-shoot party will be a hit with your teen and friends. Provide a cool photo backdrop, like this vibrant 81-square-foot mural from Anthropologie (or DIY one with your teen!), fun wigs and costumes, a few instant cameras, and your work is done.
Movie under the Stars
Bring the fun of a drive-in movie to your backyard with an al fresco movie screening. You don’t need much: A projector can be found on Amazon, and picnic blankets and snacks will do the trick. Stay with the old-school vibes with this vintage-inspired tabletop popcorn maker from Target.
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
This quintessential story-telling game (it's based on a Nickleodeon TV series; your kids will know it) makes for a great party theme. For this b-day party version, make whoever is “it,” starting with the birthday boy or girl, get decked out in glow sticks.
It’s All Fun and Games
- What Do You Meme, $30
Transform your home into a game emporium! Your living room becomes the card room, the den becomes the charades and trivia room, and the backyard is designated for the more destructive games, like Giant Jenga.
Blazing Bonfire
- Speculoos S’more Kit, $17.95
Nothing is cozier than sitting around a warm fire drinking hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows. And you can do it any time of year with the right accessories! For your teenager’s next birthday, invest in a fire pit and Marshmallow Twig Roasters. You’ll especially impress with this s’mores kit from California-based Little Belgians cookie company.
(Make Your Own) Pizza Party
- Pizza Neon Sign, $99
All signs point to pizza! Turn the teens into gourmet chefs with a pizza-making party. Provide an assortment of veggies, cheeses, meats, and sauce. Pro tip: Trader Joe’s is a great one-stop-shop for all accoutrements, including gluten-free cauliflower crust for anyone with allergies.
Garden Chic
- Maine Coast Croquet Set, $229
Gives the kids an excuse to dress their best for a classy spring garden party, with everything from lawn games to beautiful mocktails and dainty desserts.
Totally Groovy
Go retro with a mod-style shindig. Dust off the old record player (or go with this sleek updated Bluetooth version from Crosley, complete with built-in speakers) and set out the soda pop and Twister. This birthday is going to be swell!
Around the World
- Globe Mural, $80.09
The world is their oyster—and have the kids explore it from the comforts of home with a global-themed party. Before the big birthday, assign guests to groups by country. Then, on party day, decorate with food stations, décor, and games particular to each nation.
