Party ideas

Birthday party ideas for turning 12

Eight ideas that suit the tween years, plus a four-step planning timeline you can count back from the big day.

Eight ways to celebrate

Laser tag or arcade party

Book a private session and finish with pizza and cake in the party room.

Sleepover with games

Keep the group small and plan board games, a movie and a late-night snack bar.

Cooking competition

Split into teams, hand out ingredients and let a judge pick the winning pizza or cupcakes.

Pool or water park day

Head out with a few friends and plan a picnic lunch and a cake stop afterward.

Tie-dye or craft party

Set up stations for tie-dye shirts, painted canvases or friendship bracelets.

Backyard sports day

Organize kickball, capture the flag or relay races and hand out silly medals.

Karaoke party

Set up a microphone and a playlist of favorite songs and let everyone take a turn.

Backyard campout

Pitch a tent, light a safe fire pit for s'mores and tell stories after dark.

6 weeks outAsk what kind of party they want, agree on a budget and a guest list, and book any venue.
3 weeks outSend invitations, confirm transportation and ask about allergies.
1 week outConfirm who is coming, order the cake and gather supplies for the activities.
The day ofSet up early, keep adults in the background and leave plenty of time for friends to just hang out.

Add the birthday to see the dates for each step.

A toast to borrow

Here's to growing up at your own speed, with great friends beside you. Happy birthday!

Card message

Happy birthday! Wishing you a day full of laughs with the people who make you smile.

Find gifts picked for the age and budget, or build the whole birthday in the planner.