Updated on: Feb 20, 2024
Are you trying to find cool birthday party ideas for boys and girls? Let us make it easy your search can end here! We have created a list of 42 of the best 13-Year-Old birthday party ideas to entertain your teen crowd.
Some fantastic ideas 13th birthday party ideas mold to any budget and can be personalized to fit your party plans!
13th Birthday Party Ideas: Decorations
1. Photo Backdrops
It is best to create a special place to take memorable pictures with a teen-themed backdrop with guests and activities occurring. Fun scenes like these remove the stress of worrying about a distracting background or poor lighting. Creating memories while occupying time between party activities - you can capture some fun photos if you add some props like oversized glasses and floppy hats.
2. Balloons and Streamers
These classic party decorations can help you create a unique and fun party environment. The variety of 13th birthday balloons and streamers allows for many striking combinations, no matter the colors or theme. Different types of balloons last for various lengths of time. There is a higher chance of longer-lasting balloons with helium latex and foil. Streamers are an excellent decoration choice with multiple ways to use them, from ceiling hanging to curtain-like effects.
3. Centerpieces
Table centerpieces will give your party tables personality and provide a focal point for your guests. Typically, these are themed or color-based but check here if you were looking for something 13th-based - they are created just for your teen and their special day!
4. Banners and Signs
These 13th birthday party decorations are fantastic because they are easily personalized for your teen. Signs are great for putting in the front yard to alert your guests that they have arrived at the party. Signs like these make a great addition because they can add some fun to your teen's celebration. Whether inside or out, banners can add flair to your event by highlighting the most important person. It will make their day!
Fabulous Favors for 13th Birthday Party Ideas
5. Cool Favor Bags
Most traditional favor bags are cheap throwaways. However, if you want to spice up your 13th birthday party, several great reusable options are available. Our favorite is the drawstring bags because they are great for stuffing with fun favors, but they are often reused, and it is a great memory to give your guests.
6. LED Favors
These fun party favors are fantastic if you are considering a black light party or even a nighttime event. They are a favorite of most teens because of the colorful fun they can have. With so many options for birthday party ideas for 13-Year-Old boys & girls - these are amongst the top preferred!
7. Stress Toys
Stress is something that affects us all, teens are no different, and it is vital to give them tools to help. Stress toys are a popular choice amongst all crowds, especially since they are great for relieving stress. The pop-it style (a favorite) is similar to popping bubble wrap without the noise or waste. These toys are the perfect party favor for your teen crowd and can go anywhere, making them excellent 13th birthday party ideas for boys and girls alike!
8. Puzzle Games
A superb option for your teen crowd! These brain teasers keep a mind fresh and provide skills and a quiet opportunity for interaction. Whether working together or solo-style puzzle games come in various options providing hours of fun for your teen gathering.
9. Tie-Dye Shirts
A simple party favor, but a crafty one! Tie-dye provides an activity for your guests to take part in. It is a fun activity for all crowds and a great gift as a memento of the fun, making it one of the best 13th birthday party ideas. Tie-dye kits make your job easier. All that is needed are the items to be tie-dyed.
10. Instant Photos With Crafty Frames
Capturing those fun moments with friends is the perfect gift for any teen crowd. With so many options for instant photos and crafty frames, these are the ideal party favor. Instant photos can happen anywhere, which is what makes them great. You don’t need the props or backdrop to capture these moments.
13th Birthday Party Ideas: Fun Foods
11. Taco/Nacho Bar
This painless idea makes your party life easy because there is no worry about serving everyone! Just ensure that you have food-friendly options for your crowd and let them do the work. There is plenty of taco bar serving sets for a party that will cover everything you need to make your job easier. Don’t forget the fun nacho options to add if you would like.
12. Make Your Own Pizza
Making your own pizza takes some stress away. With this option, utilize premade make-your-own pizza kits. Make it simple and prepare toppings or dough ahead of time. Ordering pizza pans is a tool you can use in the process. Plus, they can design pizza boxes for leftovers!
Perfect for 13-Year-Old boy birthday party ideas or for girls, something that can fit into other activities.
13. Breakfast Bar
Breakfast is a fantastic food option. It can vary from donuts to fun pancake art (add some food coloring for fun) to a variety of eggs, meats, sweets, and fruits. Including your teen crowd in cooking is a fun activity. Let them be creative (with supervision). Don’t forget to ensure that you have all the breakfast cooking supplies you need.
14. Finger Foods
Many finger foods are teen favorites. Various food options fit this category, from chicken tenders and mini sandwiches to fruits and veggies or kabobs. Finger Foods are fantastic for 13th birthday party ideas with easy setups and quick clean-ups. Served on platters or trays but don’t forget the tongs!
15. Desserts
With such a variety of types, from cookies to cakes, dessert is an easy food option. Making your dessert work simple is our plan. From serving options to dessert options, we like to keep it easy. It is also essential to know your teen crowd to prevent allergies and food restrictions. To get super creative, let your teens design their desserts by providing them with the tools they’ll need.
13th Birthday Party Ideas: Activities
There are so many different activities perfect for your teen party that our team had difficulty determining the best ones. After much discussion and debate, we decided to break this list into three categories - Home Options, Going Out Options, and Winter options for some of the best 13th birthday party ideas for boys in winter (for girls, too!).
Home Options
16. Balloon Dare
Materials needed: Scrap paper, balloons, something to write with, and someone who can tie balloons(Plus any other tools).
Use some scrap paper and work with your teen to write down appropriate dares for the teen crowd. Consequences and dares should not be something too embarrassing. Eating something unusual, or completing a particular task - like dancing to a funny song would be great ideas for dares and for consequences, something like the birthday teen using face paint or calling the birthday teen a unique nickname for the entire party (or game). Keep it exciting and entertaining but be careful not to offend or endanger someone.
17. Scavenger Hunt
Materials: Scavenger hunt lists of items that have to be found. You can group your teens in teams or individually.
With scavenger hunts, teams or individuals seek to find the most items from the clue list provided. With so much technology, there are apps out there that can help you create a digital scavenger hunt if you would like to do so. Scavenger Hunts can take some time, so be sure that your party has the time to spare for this fun activity.
18. Laser Tag
An excellent exercise for the teen crowd that is fun and provides a physical activity to help burn off some energy. Plus, it will require strategy and a chase - getting your teen crowd’s adrenaline flowing! Laser tag is an activity that you can do right from home or out! Great, no matter the season!
19. Piñatas
Materials: Piñata, Candy or other small items, blindfolds, something to hang the piñata with, and a stick.
This classic party favorite is perfect for the teen crowd. It provides a nostalgic activity that may take them back to an earlier memory (or maybe they’ve never hit a piñata). The piñata should be in an area free of other objects, where the teens can take swings. Our recommendation is to ensure your teen crowd has bags for items and single-file lines work best.
Going Out Options
21. Bowling
Another excellent activity for the teen crowd. It provides physical activity, helps build different skills, is fun for all groups, and can rent any equipment on-site! Bowling also promotes teamwork and a sense of camaraderie. You could also provide some funny bowling socks or bowling shirts to your crowd as a fantastic party favor. Perfect indoor event!
22. Arcade
This nostalgic throwback is ideal for your teen group (and even you!). Many arcades provide various games and other activities in the same facilities - things like bowling, bumper cars, and different carnival zones. In addition, many of these establishments also offer birthday packages and include food and other services to your crowd. An excellent party environment to provide some relaxation time to the adult attendees.
23. Movies
This classic birthday activity is fun for all gatherings. Depending on your crowd size, you may consider renting a private movie theater for your event. Your local theater may offer a package for the private rental of roughly around $300 (with a snack package). Movies are great for the teen crowd because there is always a new film that attracts the teen crowd.
24. Amusement or Water Park
This fantastic option is perfect for the teen crowd. With different packages to pick from, it is easy to find one that will meet the needs of your group. Various activities within these fabulous fun settings are included based on what you spend. This option requires more investigation to determine options based on location.
Winter Options
25. Bonfire/Pit Party
This fiery option can provide many fun activities and food options for your teen crowd. From fun games, great sing-a-longs, and charades to spooky ghost stories. Fun festivities can happen for hours. Add in some colorful flames to help set the mood!
26. Snowman Contest
Provide some dress-up options and other accessories to entice your teens to be creative. Even supplying tools for different shapes, colors and sizes spices up the activity and will create plenty of laughter! To ensure that your teen crowd can vote on the best snowmen, equip them with some writing supplies.
27. Skiing/Snowboarding
This activity will depend on the abilities of your teen crowd. It is not one for everyone. Guests will have to have some experience with these hobbies. However, this one will provide hours of fun for your group. Another fun option for a bit of a safer route would be something like tubing.
28. Ice Skating
An excellent option for all ages, no matter the skill level. Ice skating parties provide the opportunity to learn how to ice skate. This activity is a budget-friendly option as you can provide your own fun festivities alongside (games, favors, food, etc.).
13th Birthday Party Supplies
29. Table Cloths
There are several excellent options for your 13th birthday party table cloths. From 13th birthday themed to the solid color options, or even if you consider a more specific theme like space, horror, or video game options.
30. Plasticware
For the 13th birthday party you are hosting, various plasticware is required for food and beverage serving purposes. Many options fit your party needs, from neon and solid-colored to different 13th birthday-themed types. Even many reusable options are available, which are great for cutting down plastic waste.
31. Decorative Straws
What a fantastic way to add a little flair to the beverages served to your teen crew. There is a wide variety of decorative drinking straws. Decorative straws are a nifty party favor if you desire an add-on, with many unique options like taco party as a food theme or any reusable plastic decorative straws here.
32. Confetti
This incredible party supply can be used in many ways, making it a versatile choice. Displaying confetti on a table is the most common option, but it makes a great craft add-on. Fill some balloons, and glue them on candle votives or onto a lantern. If you want a 13th birthday confetti, check here. Another excellent (biodegradable) option is the confetti cannon.
33. Bathroom Sign
Great for identifying important information, especially when guests are over for special events. By hanging a bathroom sign, you remove the need for people to ask about location. Plus, it makes your guests feel more comfortable and at ease. Many funny bathroom signs may cause your guests to crack a smile.
34. Serving Sets
These are just as important as the plasticware you will use and make your serving process much more manageable. There are many fun serving sets that are perfect for your party needs, or if you are searching for something more traditional, check out these options.
Written By: Jessica Sanom