My oldest daughter turns 16 in January. I have no idea what to do for her or what is considered "standard". In my native state in the Northeast it seems that Sweet Sixteen parties are a HUGE event -- usually a formal or semi-formal event, equivalent to a personal prom. I don't agree with that because the money is better spent on college education . . . thankfully, my daughter despises the idea of a Sweet Sixteen party. We still want to do something for her that makes the day special, but as a more intimate affair with a handful of her friends (probably all girls). Any suggestions?
My daughter wants a small party with friends and possibly a sleepover with just the girls. I think we will probably get her a special piece of jewelry to mark the occasion.
Just ask her what she'd like.
YMMV
LBC
For my 16th birthday. my mother had my friends throw me a surprise party at our house! She gave them a budget and they organized the whole thing.. I went out to dinner with my dad, stepmom and sister, when they brought me home, in the front yard were tons of friends and a pinata, hanging from the tree in the front yard.. they had food, sodas, great music.. I was totally surprised..
Our daughter, wanted to go camping with friends for the weekend.. We set it all up and we stayed in the trailer while they stayed in a tent.. Pretty funny seeing those city girls out there with all of their laptops fgowing in that tent..
I would second the vote for the spa day with friends - mani-pedis and mini-facials all around!
My daughter is 15, one of her friends just had the big "sweet 16" event you described (we were out of town - yeah!). So we were talking about it. She said she just wanted to go out to dinner with a few close friends (boys and girls) and then have a sleepover with girls only.
Ask her what she would like to do with a group of friends.....
A day at an amusement park
An overnight at a hotel with a pool
A spa or beauty day
Dinner out at a fancy restaurant
Attend an event, like a play or a concert
Or maybe she would just like a special day with mom, like a shopping spree and lunch out, followed by a sleepover with her friends.
My daughter went to an all-girls' high school, and the year she and her friends turned 16, it was one huge party after another, kind of like mini-weddings! She decided she didn't want a big party, but of course she still wanted to do something special with her friends - since we are close to NYC, we ended up taking her and her 2 best friends to see a Broadway show (Legally Blonde was the bit hit that year) - we couldn't afford to take a large group, so she met up with the rest of her friends afterwards for a nice dinner at her favorite Italian restaurant, followed by a sleepover. She still talks about it as being the best decision ever not to have a huge, wedding-style party. I also like the idea of a spa party, as some have suggested. One of the best sweet 16 parties my daughter went to was a surprise party sleepover at a local hotel - the birthday girl thought it was just a pool party until the girls started showing up with overnight bags! They stayed up late, did each other's nails, ordered room service, etc. My daughter still talks about that one, too!
My daughter is 17 and will turn 18 in June. I am a terrible one to ask!!! In preparation for her 16 birthday = mommy doesn't have to be the taxi any more. I got her a brand spanking new 2009 California Edition VW Jetta....it is beautiful. Dad and I both drive company cars and we not up for new ones we could buy for her. She knows she is very fortunate and thanks us every day (geez almost two years ago). She works hard at school, sports and work as well as around the house. It works out great!! Yes, she is an only child :)
My daughter turns 16 this month. We've been over and over what to do. She has had large parties with DJ, spread of food, fun, etc and she decided she did not want the Sweet 16 party this year.
As of now, we are still not quite decided but we may fly to Miami to celebrate on the beach.... we love the beach.
For certain, she is visiting the DMV and getting her driver license. She is also getting a car and she is very happy about that. She won't be allowed to go freely with the car just yet but it is hers. She's getting my 4 yr old, low mileage, great condition, safe sport Mercedes.
She is perfectly happy with this deal.
In the past, we have done the hotel sleepover, go to a sporting event, dinner, nice hotel, limo party, etc. Have fun!!
Spa Day with friends?
