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5 Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens

tween birthday party

The tween years signify newfound independence and budding maturity. When your child hits double digits, it can be a tough age to plan a party for, especially these days with all of the Covid-19 restrictions. This may add to the complications of party planning and you may be wondering what you can do for your tween’s birthday. You may want to stick to a party at your home and keep the gathering small. Depending on your comfort level and your state’s safety requirements consider having your attendees wear masks or stick to outdoor activities that make social distancing easier. Whatever you decide, here are 5 unique birthday party ideas to celebrate your tween’s special day, which are all easily doable during these strange times.

1. Makeover Party

I don’t know any tween girls who don’t get into their mother’s make-up every now and then. If you have a tween daughter, consider throwing a makeover party to satisfy that curiosity. All her friends will enjoy it too. Set up different stations for hair, nails, and makeup. You may want to hire a technician or enlist the help of a fellow parent to help. You can pick up an easy DIY nail art kit like DOLO for creating instant marble nail art the tweens will love. 

2. Young Gentlemen

Girls are girls, but how about raising a boy to be a gentleman? Think of how much some playful bow ties, fake mustaches, beards, and glasses, along with alcohol-free champagne can help you set your boy on the path of manners, etiquette, and style. 

3. Dance Party

Dance parties are a great idea for co-ed parties that you can easily do at home. Move the furniture around, switch out your light bulbs for colored ones, and put on a fun playlist for a simple party idea that's sure to be loads of fun. Create a refreshment bar stocked with a bowl of fruit punch and yummy snacks for when your teeny boppers need to catch their breath. Don’t forget to show them the classics like the electric slide or the macarena. 

4. Craft Party

For the artsy tween, a craft party is sure to be a hit and the creative options are endless. Depending on your kiddo's interests, you could opt for jewelry making, painting, tie-dying, or anything else you'd be inclined to host. Stop by your local craft store and get inspired.  

5. Cupcake Party

Put on your chef hats and host a cupcake decorating party. To minimize the stress and the mess, pre-make the cupcakes and set up decorating stations with sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter instead. Have a contest for who creates the prettiest cupcake masterpiece. Make sure to check with the parents to see if any kids have allergies, but sticking to vegan, nut-free cupcakes is usually a safe bet. 

6. Scavenger Hunt Party

Scavenger hunts are a great party idea because they get the kids moving and it’s very interactive, making it a great way to break the ice with new friends. Divide the party-goers into teams and make it “cool” and age-appropriate by handing out lists of clues and have the kids snap photos of the items with their phones. Consider a fun theme that your tweens will be interested in.