Birthday Ideas for 18th Bday
From LoveToKnow Party
Getting together some birthday ideas for 18th bday may be difficult. After all, most 18-year-olds are still living at home; they are not quite adults ready for their first college party but are beyond typical teen party activities.
Memorable 18th Birthday Bashes
Because the 18th birthday is such a milestone in a young person’s life, making it a memorable bash is something both the teen and parent will want to emphasize. Parents know the maturity level of their own children best, so they can help choose an appropriate party venue or activity. Letting the parental reins loosen at this time in a child’s life is important; opt for more adult-like activities that come with responsibilities for the soon-to-be 18-year old.
Concerts/Sports Game
A famous band or star that your child idolizes may be putting a concert on in a location near your home. Search for tickets through Ticketmaster using your location or by using the name of the performer. Purchase a ticket for your child and his/her closest friend or two.
Send your child to a local professional, college, or amateur sports games as part of their party. Whether she/he loves hockey, basketball, baseball or football, pick up a set of group tickets and head to the game.
Amusement Parks/Trips
Living in a city or within driving distance to a local amusement park can be perfect for an 18th birthday. An all-day event at a water park or theme park can be tons of fun for your child and his/her friends. Make sure anyone invited understands the costs involved (paying for tickets/food/souvenirs) and what you are providing.
If you are planning a trip that falls around the 18th birthday, have your child select a specific site he/she would like to visit. Alternately, your child could invite a friend along to spend time with during the trip.
Co-Ed Party
Allowing your child to host a co-ed party can be a perfect 18th birthday party idea, especially if you did not allow one for the sweet 16th party. This type of party could be a parental-approved co-ed slumber party, or a huge dance party at a rented banquet hall. Whatever the location, be sure the parents of invited kids understand it will be for both sexes. Make sure you do drop in for some supervising.
Economical Birthday Ideas for 18th Bday
Not everyone can afford to rent a hall or take kids to an amusement park for an 18th birthday party. But that does not mean you still cannot host a memorable party for your child. Ideas for a low-cost party include:
- Pool Party—Host a backyard barbeque and let the kids enjoy the sunny summer day. Have a CD player with the latest hits playing in the background.
- Luau Party—Get out the tiki torches and leis for this birthday bash. Have a limbo contest and make sure there is plenty of pineapple cake for everyone to enjoy.
- Toga/Roman Party—Even high school students of today love having toga parties. Have extra white sheets on hand to help those who come without costumes.
- Mock Cocktail Party—Perfect for the teen who desperately wants to be an adult! Make hors’ dourves and non-alcoholic versions of drinks like daiquiris.
Simply letting your teen go out to dinner and a movie separately from family can help make for a great birthday night. Celebrate the date separately with your teenager.
18th Birthday Party Tips
The big milestone birthday like the 18th requires special attention. Even if you cannot afford to host an extravagant party, you should make it memorable for your child. Follow these simple tips to expedite the planning:
- Only host a party you can afford. If your teen wants to do something expensive, explain to him/her that she/he will be expected to contribute to the party, if you choose to have it.
- Provide supervision, but be relaxed. While an 18-year old is still a teenager, you should be able to check in and out of the party (or call their cell phones); constant supervision may embarrass your teen.
- Think twice before throwing a themed party without consulting your child. Some teenagers feel they are too old for birthday party themes.
- Set rules for your child and his/her friends (like curfew time) and make sure they are understood.
Finding birthday ideas for 18th bday is as simple as asking your child what he/she wants to do. But coming up with a truly memorable bash can take a bit of planning. Let your child help and the birthday will be magnificent.
Comments
Missy, I am doing a "Diamonds and Ice" theme for my 18th! I'd suggest googling "My super sweet sixteen" and perhaps getting ideas from those over the top parties, and then scaling it down to fit your budget. Heck,I watched VH1's My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding and that's where I got MY theme from!! heh I'm doing a theme because not only do I absolutely LOVE themes, but everyone that I, PERSONALLY, hang out with LOVES themed parties!! Don't be afraid to do something like "Dinner and a Dance". Like perhaps have everyone meet at your home and have a limo pick you guys up, then host a dinner at a nice restaurant and have everyone get dressed up in formal prom gowns and tuxedos {so you can dress up in YOUR prom gown}and then have them come back after dinner in a limo to your home where a DJ will be playing music so you guys can dance. That'd be cool. I know that a party like that would really be fun for me, the partygoer. :) Or maybe have a "Midsummer Nights Dream" party, where people get dressed up in formal wear and dance the night away to the records spun {or CD's played heh} by a DJ at your home or a rec center. You could have decor of fresh flowers and clear lights with a big tent and tables and chairs...you could go over the top with it if you can afford. It all depends on the budget and how over the top you want this! Think about what you're interested in? Sports? Glamourous things like fashion and such? Do you enjoy movies? Ballet? A certain color? Just think about it. If you want, we can correspond and start giving each other more ideas!
-- Contributed by: Danielle "Bella" Romeo of Victoria TexasMissy, I had an amazin sweet sixteen. My dad found this planning packet online for a Murder Mystery Party. The party was for "Miss State Pageant" winners, so all my friends got to dress like beauty queens and pick their own states. We had a formal dinner, then spent the evening trying to figure out who killed Miss Texas. it was SOOOO MUCH FUN! and we all got to dress pretty. =) just an idea.
-- Contributed by: StevieA nice dinner can be a good choice for an elegant birthday celebration, Cess, whether you host a formal dinner party in your home or make a reservation at a classy restaurant. However, this could get expensive. You could cut down on the cost by just inviting a few close friends. If you have your heart set on a larger party, your birthday is perfectly suited for a pool party or luau.
-- Contributed by: Lorie WitkopThis page has been accessed 10,048 times. This page was last modified 23:06, 16 September 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
