Adult supervision at teen parties keeps drugs and alcohol out of the equation.
With reality shows glamorizing expensive parties for teens, it's easy to feel that a big budget is prerequisite for any good party. Fortunately, it's hardly the case and there are plenty of ways to throw a get-together teens will love without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, many cheap party ideas encourage creativity and bonding with friends in a way expensive food and favors can't equal.
Food Fun
Food and parties go hand in hand, so turn chowing down into an affordable activity for teens. Purchase mini-pizza crusts or make some using a commercially prepared mix and assemble a selection of toppings, like cheese, pepperoni and olives. Have teens assemble their own pizzas and pop them in the oven. For an Asian twist, purchase white rice, crab sticks, seaweed sheets and veggies like carrots and cucumbers. Lay everything out and slice the vegetables into thin sticks so guests can roll their own sushi.
Movie Marathon and Games
Movies, a perennial party favorite, provide teens with hours of fun at little cost. Host a movie marathon party with a special theme, like comedy, horror or action, or rent an entire series of movies, like the first Star Wars trilogy. Serve soda, popcorn, pretzels and other snacks to keep everyone well fed. Add to the fun by asking movie trivia questions or playing charades to act out film titles and award small prizes to the winners.
Beach Fun
Turn your teen's next party into a beach bash and let nature provide the entertainment. Have kids meet at a local beach for sunbathing, swimming, collecting shells and whatever else they like to do at the seaside. Pack along a barbecue and encourage guests to bring items like burgers, buns and potato chips in exchange for supplying soda, plates and cutlery. Purchase a few water toys, like an inflatable beach ball and a couple of inflatable loungers for fun and relaxation.
Pampering
Even teens need a little pampering from time to time, so turn a party into a spa event. Best suited for girls, a spa party can be done on a modest budget by purchasing face masks, scrubs, nail files and other grooming items at wholesale or discount stores. Fill plastic bowls with bath salts and hot water for a relaxing foot soak and slice up a cucumber for an organic eye treatment. Serve fresh fruit and herbal tea to complete a night of rejuvenation.
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