Thirteenth Birthday Party

[Bloss]

My daughter's 13th is in January.
She wanted to hire a waterplay swimming pool, but it was going to be very expensive, so we have said 'no'. We would like to keep the costs below or around £180 if possible.
She would like to invite about 15 friends.
Her friends are having murder mysteries, discos, swimming pool and beauty spas, but she doesn't wantto repeat these options.
My daughter or siblings have had pottery party, cinema, theatre, bowling, sleepover, nails & make-up, making own handbags, party games, dinners out...
Anyone out there got an original idea which won't break the bank, please?

[karenmac60]

Erm, how about you just say no and leave it at that. my daughter is 13 too and I've never heard of such pampering extravagance! For her 13th we visited friends and stayed overnight. Some kids just get too much these days and then everyone else has to outdo them - shocking!

[ummmm]

I kinda agree with the above.....She's 13. Sleep over at best..

[karenmac60]

Sorry if that sounds harsh - I don't mean it to sound like I'm criticising you, I really don't. But it just seems these days that it's some kind of abuse to say no to kids, and it's like a chain reaction. I remember when my daughter was at primary there was a spate of girls coming to school in limos if it was their birthdays and after one did it, they all wanted it. The amount of mothers who just went along with it cos they couldn't say no was ridiculous - but they were just turning their kids into spoiled little madams who expected everyone to give them what they wanted. But I probably over-reacted to your question - I blame PMT and a domestic with OH - sorry :)

[sophie_1003]

I'm not going to repeat what's been said above (but kind of agree) but anyway- are there any companies that do shopping parties, like a body shop party but with clothes and fashion accessories for teens? that would be pretty good and could combine it with home pampering (i.e. let the girls paint each others nails etc) and a sleepover

[Bloss]

Sort of wish I hadn't asked...
To put in perspective, we decided not to have a holiday this summer and said we would make up for it by having occasional family days out or by making the most of the special events during the year, such as my parents big anniversary, my daughter's 13th and my mother-in-law's 'big' birthday.
We have also suffered two family bereavements very recently and I just want to create some happy occasions and some nice memories.

[sophie_1003]

fair enough bloss, sorry if any offence was caused, really wasn't meant!

[sara3]

good for you Bloss. you don't have to spend a fortune, but I hope your daughter has a lovely birthday and a fun day to remember.

my daughter will be 16 in Jan.. I won't ask here for any advice!

[ummmm]

My 13 year old son would rather the cash in his hand..

[suzie1]

ice skating, they do a party pack at some skating rinks, take them go carting, they can do that they are not to young for it and its harmless fun and not expensive or take em to nandos and let them eat as much as they like bless, i have 8 more years and my girl will be thirteen to scary stuff

[suzie1]

dont give them cash please..there is all sorts out there ask them wat they want and go get it with them

[ummmm]

Lol Darren...Xmas is going to be easy this year. My 11 year old son also wants money...

[shiznit]

Me and the wife nearly split up over the amount of money she spent on our daughters 13th. I knew a little of what she had arranged, but more things kept coming out of the wood work as the day loomed. I thought her original idea, was a little extravagant, but agreed to it. We paid for her and 12 of her friends to go for a meal at Frankie and Benny's, as she loves it there, and they felt all grown up. They had a 3 course meal with virgin cocktails and it went down very well with all the girls. We went along, but a discreet distance, in case of emergencies, and to pick up the bill of course

[ummmm]

They share a room so I think I'm going to get them a new flat screen TV/DVD player to share. Then a few quid in a card.

[dothawkes31]

Hi, this is a new concept to me, why is a 13th birthday considered a special occasion? My 3 had an 18th , my generation had a 21st but when the voting age was reduced to 18 then they started having 18th. I don't understand why a 13th is special???? Is it another money earner we;ve inherited from the states?

[sherrardk]

Haven't got any party ideas but if you want to spend money on your daughter's birthday then do it - they are only young once and you want them to have as many brilliant childhood memories as possible.

[Bloss]

Thank you to all of you who had party ideas - we will continue to give it some thought.
I am slightly bemused by some of the responses.
I did not anticipate so many judgements on the way I prioritise my spending.
My husband and I do not spoil our children.
They have rules about behaviour, they do chores around the house, they sit down and complete their homework on the evening that it is set, they receive a small amount weekly for pocket money (if they behave and do as they are told).
I have often been complimented on their manners and behaviour - and not just by peolpe who know us, just from people we meet out and about.
Other than on birthdays and Christmas, if they want something, they have to save their money and buy it for themselves.
I like to create memories for family and friends and special occasions are a lovely way to do this. Sometimes these cost very little, sometimes we invest money in them. Since my daughter has a lot of very good friends since moving to high school last year, I would like her to have the opportunity to celebrate with them. My monetary limit does not have to be reached, but I can make that much available (given what I said about our holiday this year) if it would be effectively used to create the desired celebration.
Anyway, thanks again for the ideas.

[ummmm]

I understand where you are coming from Bloss but it did read as if you were trying to keep up with Jones'

[annie0000]

Not sure if they are old enough yet to appreciate a return to their "childhood" with a retro proper old fashioned kiddie party. Hire a bouncy castle (you can get ones suitable for adults) have jelly and ice-cream and party games - pin the tail on the donkey, musical statues, pass the parcel and finish with party bags and balloons. Or you could ask your local sports centre if the do something suitable - e.g. a climbing wall session or book a couple of courts and have a badminton or tennis tournament.