Party ideas

Birthday party ideas for turning 17

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

Eight ways to celebrate

Karaoke or open mic night

Book a karaoke room or host a talent show at home with friends.

Dinner out with a few friends

Let them pick the restaurant and treat the group to dinner and dessert.

Let them plan it

Hand over a budget and a date and let the birthday teen design the day.

Group outing

Plan bowling, mini golf or an arcade trip, then head out for cake or a favorite snack.

Bonfire and s'mores

Gather friends around a backyard fire pit with music, blankets and plenty of marshmallows.

Concert or game tickets

Get tickets to a favorite band or team and make the night out the whole present.

Movie marathon sleepover

Pick a series, stock up on snacks and let friends crash in the living room.

Pizza and game night

Set up video games, board games or a tournament with a prize for the winner.

6 weeks outAsk what they want and set a budget together. Teens have strong opinions, so start with their ideas.
3 weeks outLet them send the invites, a group chat works fine, and book anything that needs a reservation.
1 week outConfirm the headcount, order their favorite dessert and agree on the plan for the night.
The day ofStay in the background, make sure the food is ready and keep the focus on friends.

Add the birthday to see the dates for each step.

A toast to borrow

Here's to the person you're becoming and everything still ahead. Happy birthday!

Card message

Happy birthday! I'm proud of who you are and excited for what comes next.

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