How to Throw the Ultimate Teen Party

Discover the 10 best tween and teen birthday party ideas that kids will adore, from spa pamper sessions and movie nights to gaming parties

Organising a birthday party for tweens and teens can be a bit trickier than when they were younger. At this age, they’re more likely to want to be involved in the planning and may even have a specific vision for their celebration. In this guide, we’ve curated 10 fun and creative party ideas that cater to your older kids’ unique interests. Whether your tween or teen is into self-care or gaming, we’ve got the perfect theme to make their party unforgettable. Fun times!

1. Spa Day

Popular with 11–14-year-olds, a relaxing spa birthday party allows kids to unwind and chat to their friends while enjoying some pampering. Set up pamper stations and decorate the room with pastel-colored tableware and snacks. Enlist an older sibling or friend to be a manicurist/facialist and to also serve drinks and snacks. Create a fun selfie station with Tik Tok-worthy backdrops like our Rainbow Twisty Fringe Backdrop or Pink Balloon & Streamer Garland so they can capture the memories.

Pastels are the obvious shade for a spa theme so go for lilacs, pinks and pale green partyware from our Beautiful Basics collection and add in a fabric birthday banner for a sweet and personal touch.

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2. Sports Party

If your teen or tween is sporty, a sports-themed birthday party is a fun way to celebrate. Our Sports Party collection, featuring football, soccer, tennis, baseball, bowling and basketball designs, is a winning choice. Set up DIY sports stations outdoors or create a fun indoor sports challenge with games like Keepy-Uppy with balloons. Mix and match this range with striped partyware and candy-colored candles.

Why not add in a sports-themed scavenger hunt? Hide clues around your space that lead to mini trophies, medals or sports-themed treats. Tailor the hunt to your theme – challenge guests to dribble a ball between cones before finding their next clue or solve riddles that point to hidden surprises.

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3. Gaming Party

Gaming parties are ideal for tech-savvy teens. Set up a cosy gaming area with plenty of consoles and comfy seating, giving guests the perfect space to play their favourite games together. Some companies even bring gaming vans equipped with multiple consoles, so everyone can play at once. Add a vibrant backdrop of colourful streamers and balloons to make the space feel extra special and don’t forget to schedule snack breaks served up on our Video Games Party collection.

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4. Movie Night

Movie nights are a timeless way to create a laid-back yet fun party vibe. Pick a couple of crowd-pleasers – Mean Girls (both the original and the 2024 musical version) and 90s comedy Clueless are always a good bet.

Make the movie space special with honeycomb decorations and balloon garlands, setting the scene for a cosy screening. A snack station with colourful plates and freshly baked cupcakes made with our cupcake kits adds an extra treat. For an extra-special twist, turn the night into a slumber party, giving your tween or teen the chance to stay up late, snack and watch their favorite films! Add warm blankets, fairy lights and matching pyjamas to make it even more magical.

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5. Arts Party

Whether your tween loves arts and crafts or building impressive Lego creations, a creative-themed party is sure to be a hit. Set up a DIY art station with paper tablecloth, paints, markers and stickers – giving guests the chance to design their own masterpieces to take home. Keep the energy up with easy-to-eat snacks like mini pizzas, crudités and popcorn – perfect for fueling creativity and fun!

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6. Retro Party

Go all-out retro with a 90s-inspired party! Think rainbow colours, smiley faces and fun patterns. Our Happy Icons and Roller-Skate collections are perfect for capturing the vibrant, fun spirit of the decade. For a nostalgic touch, screen 90s classics like Friends, ET or Stranger Things and curate a playlist packed with Britney Spears hits. Set up a retro photo station with a Fun Icon Garland and Enamel Wavy Hair Clips for extra flair. To bring the vibe outdoors, transform the garden with fresh flowers, candles and balloon arches.

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7. Rococo Revival Party

For a party that’s a little extra, go full Rococo! A trend that’s worked its way from catwalks and interiors and a trend we highlight in our top Party Trends for 2025 Think pastel perfection, swirling gold details and just the right amount of over-the-top elegance. Our Ladurée collection fits with this trend perfectly thanks to pretty plates, dreamy colors and Parisian charm. Set the scene with towering macaron stacks, delicate pastries and vintage teacups. Add some gilded touches, flowing ribbons, and candlelight for that Versailles-meets-sleepover feel.

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8. Sweet Sixteen Party

Celebrate their Sweet Sixteen in style with a party that shines! Go for a mix of glitzy decor, elegant table settings and just the right amount of sparkle. Think a modern fairy tale with sleek sophistication, twinkling lights, soft pastels, and statement pieces that make your teen feel like royalty. Add personalized touches, a dreamy dessert table, and a playlist packed with feel-good anthems for a night to remember!

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9. Camping Party

Create an unforgettable outdoor adventure with a camping-themed party that’s ideal in the warmer months. Set the scene with lanterns, picnic tables and cosy blankets for that rustic, under-the-stars vibe. A s’mores station is a nice touch, along with classic campfire snacks and maybe even some storytelling. Keep the fun going with games like capture the flag, scavenger hunts or flashlight tag. Whether it's a backyard campout or a full-on wilderness escape, this party is all about adventure!

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10. Western Party

Yeehaw! A Western-themed party is the perfect way to appeal to tweeny cowboys and cowgirls. Deck out your party space with cowboy hats, bandanas and western-inspired decor for that authentic ranch feel. Go all out and set up hay bales, wanted posters and a country music playlist to keep on theme. Don’t forget classic games like horseshoes or a lasso toss for a rip-roaring fun time!

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