Ideas for Son's 16Th Birthday?

How about asking him what he'd like to do? You can let him know money is tight and that a small budget would have to exist. At that age, just hanging out is something kids like to do- no matter what the occassion. An idea would be to go to a park (unless you have some good space in your yard) and let them have sports equipment and they will do the rest. Keep in mind too that many people that have birthday's near holidays don't like to do anything related to that holiday for their birthday.
I'm curious as to why you are already anticipating that kid's can't or won't come? What about expecting that they will show up. If his friend's have busy schedules, consider picking a couple dates and see which one would be most convenient for the most amount of kids and go with that date. You would be amazed how people can make things work to attend a friend's birthday.
It's possible that your son may not even want anything major and would prefer just a couple friends.
Sit back and relax- this whole thing could end up being quite easy.
Happy Birthday to your son.
R.

I would go the Halloween route.You can pick up decorations cheap.

If you are worried about how many may show up, then take him and 2-3 of his buddies on a Birthday Bash. Go out to eat, take them bowling or to the movies, and then let them sleep over. We did this for one of my teens and it was a hit. He enjoyed having 2 of his best friends over to enjoy his Birthday Bash.

Hope this helps!!!

I know my neighbor let her daughter have a party at the house with a big bonfire out in their backyard. She invited a lot of people and they had food and music. They are going to do it again this year. I think they said she invited about 50 people but of course all didn't show but there were still plenty of kids there.

On our sons 18th birthday, my husband planned a get-together for him by inviting men that had been in our sons life for the last 18 years - men who had influenced his life, pastor, youth leader, friends, grand-dad, uncle,etc. He ask each man to speak to our son about his choices, his future, etc. and to bring a small gift that would have meaning to our son. Some gave him a pocket knife, a book, etc. The men alone celebrated, I fixed a cake and drinks and then left with our younger son and daughter. I think it was a evening he will always remember.

For our daughter's 16th, we had a surprise party. I enlisted some of her friends to help. They did the inviting and helped with keeping it a secret. Also, with them being involved it insured that at least they would show up and they had an idea of how many others were coming. I know boys would be a little harder to get to help you, but he may have friends that are girls that you could ask. I had one helping at school and one at church and they seemed glad to help and we had a great turn out. Even though it was in January, we had it outside. We had a bonfire with hotdogs and marshmallows to roast, deli pizza from Walmart that I would cook and put out hot as they ate them up, cake, candy, chips and canned sodas in coolers.I just put everything out on the deck and let them help themselves. My husband did the bonfire, but we kinda stayed on the edge of the party and let them visit and stuff as teenagers don't much like parents in the middle of everthing. But we were able to keep a good eye on things and they were all really good kids. Everything went real well. They came in some and played guitar hero, etc. but stayed outside for the most part. Everyone seemd to have a good time. Best wishes!

Hi N.,
How about taking him and a friend to Six Flags? I think they've started staying open during the evenings for their Fright Fest event thru Halloween. I'm pretty sure you can get discount tix or coupons at places like Publix.

I think it's such a hard age! Maybe you could ask him if he would like to have a few friends over on his birthday -not make it like a huge party where he'll be embarrassed if people can't come -and either get some pizzas or a huge sub sandwich or grill some burgers and/or brats or hot dogs (you can price it out if money's tight and see which would be the cheapest). You can ask him what he'd rather do, and maybe have a family birthday cake with him or get a big birthday cookie when his friends are over. Guys his age usually LOVE gorey horror flicks, so since it's that time of year anyway, it might be fun for him to have a "fright fest" movie night with a few friends. I know all kids are NOT alike, but I do know that most male kids his age want to act very nonchalant and cool about everything like birthdays, but they do want to do a little something!