Choosing the right theme
A birthday party for a teenage girl can be much more than just the celebration itself. A cool party gives them the perfect opportunity to create memories with friends that will last a lifetime. To make this day unique, choosing the right theme and activities is key. Your party theme can be just as fabulous as your teen—just take these factors into account:
Personality of the birthday girl
Is she all about glam and #aesthetics or more into low-key vibes? Does she love sports or rock bands? Let the birthday girl’s passions and interests guide you. After all, no one wants to arrive at a glitter-filled bash for someone who’s more into gaming marathons.
Current trends among teenagers
Keeping up with the trends can make or break a party—especially when it comes to teenagers. If you’re not sure where to look for trends, start by scrolling through TikTok. Once you’ve seen what teens are up to these days, why not weave these into your theme to ensure it’s as "lit" as possible?
Budget constraints and venue limitations
If you’re a parent, you know that budget is key, but that doesn’t mean the party has to be lame! Whether you’re going all out or keeping it simple, there are tons of creative ways to make your teen’s birthday unforgettable without breaking the bank.
Top 40+ birthday themes for teenage girls
13-14 year old girl birthday party ideas
Enchanted garden
There’s something magical about transforming your backyard into a fantasy world. If the birthday girl is a fan of the whimsical, go for this party idea:Go for lush greenery, twinkling fairy lights, and mythical decorations like lanterns, mushrooms, or little fairies.
Some related activities could be a flower crown-making station, a fairy scavenger hunt, and an area with glitter, magic wands, and wings for guests to get into character.
Barbie meetup
This theme is all about pink, glam, and fun! Let everyone embrace their inner Barbie with a pink, girly bash filled with fashion, games, and lots of sparkles.You should include pink balloons, tablecloths, and garlands (of course). The sparklier and brighter the decorations, the better!
A fun addition can be a life-sized Barbie box for photos. Your guests can also do a fashion show with glam from a make-up artist for extra flair.
Beach bash
Are you planning a summer birthday? There’s no need for an expensive and inconvenient trip to the sea. You can bring the beach to your backyard with a beach-themed party.Seashell garlands, tiki torches and palm tree cutouts are great for the sea-side vibes.
Remind your guests to bring comfy clothes for a water balloon toss. You can also host a small sandcastle-building competition with prizes!
DIY arts and crafts party
Teenage girls are known to be creative and crafty. The best part is that you just need the supplies, and the guests will keep themselves entertained while letting their imaginations run wild.Go for colorful banners, craft tables full of art supplies, paint splatter backdrops, and DIY stations.
Depending on the birthday girl’s interests, you can set up stations for tie-dye t-shirts, canvas painting, clay modeling, etc.
Science party
Who says science can’t be fun? Turn your teen’s birthday party into a lab filled with thrilling experiments. Perfect for curious minds who love to explore!Serve drinks or snacks in test tubes and beakers. You can even make bubbling potions with colored water and dry ice (remember, it’s not edible)!
Give your guests protective goggles, gloves, and white robes to immerse them in the theme and try classic DIY experiments like slime-making or baking soda volcano eruptions.
Around the world
Give your teen and her friends a globe-trotting adventure by exploring different cultures and cuisines. Each station can represent a different country with themed activities and snacks!Include flags from different countries and banners related to each destination, with the country’s name and icons.
Set up a tasting of ethnic foods and organize a trivia game to learn more about those countries.
Glow-in-the-dark party
This party is all about neon, black lights, and glowing fun—perfect for kids who love to dance with friends.Start by turning off all lights. You can decorate with neon streamers, blacklights, glow sticks, and glow-in-the-dark balloons.
Set up a glow-in-the-dark face painting station with neon accessories your guests can take to the dancefloor.
Home cinema pajama party
If wild parties aren’t really your teen’s thing, this theme might be a better alternative. Snuggle up in your comfiest PJs and settle in for a cozy movie marathon.
Place some floor cushions, a projector screen and dim fairy lights for the perfect atmosphere.
Add a popcorn station with a flavor bar and just play the latest movie release on streaming.
Candyland
Which kid doesn’t like candy? Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult, a sugary sweet party always sounds like a great idea.
To make the theme pop, get candy-shaped balloons, giant lollipops, and rainbow streamers.
Keep your guests hunting for treats with a candy scavenger hunt and a "guess how many candies" jar game.
Pajama and pancakes
Start the day with a fun, random idea that teenagers will love: a delicious breakfast-themed party where pancakes are the star of the show!
Just set up a breakfast table with syrup bottles, bacon and scrambled eggs to pair. Instruct your guests to bring their best pajamas for extra fun.
Make a pancake decorating competition with awards for the funniest pancake, the yummiest and the ugliest. You can also lay out the fluffy pillows to make a fort.
Alice in Wonderland tea party
Alice in Wonderland never goes out of fashion. Step into this whimsical world with a topsy-turvy tea party filled with quirky decorations and magical vibes.
Here are some must-have theme decorations: mismatched teacups, playing card centerpieces, "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" signs, and a rabbit hole entrance.
You can’t have an Alice in Wonderland party without a Queen of Heart’s game of croquet! Another fun activity could be a tea cup relay race.
Circus extravaganza
Here’s a birthday theme you won’t see anywhere else. With colorful decor, fun games, and carnival snacks, a circus-themed party is certainly quite unique.
A red and white striped tent is perfect for this theme. Also, get circus animal cutouts and a popcorn machine.
Go for carnival games like a ring toss, balloon pop games, or a fish-bowl toss!
Japanese tea ceremony
Learning new traditions can be a great way to celebrate a teenager’s birthday party. This Japanese tea ceremony birthday party is all about peace, calm, and cultural appreciation.
Find Japanese paper lanterns, bonsai trees, and tatami mats to capture the theme.
Host a traditional tea ceremony demonstration and set up a station for origami folding.
Pirate adventure
Who says pirate birthdays are just for boys? This overseas adventure is filled with swashbuckling fun for everyone.
For decor, think of the classics: pirate flags, a treasure chest full of gold coins, maps, and fake skulls.
The best way to celebrate a pirate birthday is an old-fashioned treasure hunt! You can also set up accessories for your guests to get into character.
Disney princesses get-together
If your teenager is a Disney kid at heart, a princess-themed party is something they’ll always remember. Whether it’s Frozen, Cinderella, or Moana, this party is all about fairytale fun.
Find cute castle backdrops for pictures, Disney banners, and princess cutouts.
A royal dance party can set up the mood for the party, especially if you tell your guests to come dressed for the occasion.
Board game night
A board game party is the best to spend quality time with friends. Besides, they do the work of entertaining your guests for you!
Keep the decoration minimalistic, you want everyone focused on the games! Be sure to include a snack station for game breaks.
You can choose the birthday girl’s favorite games. Classics like Monopoly, Jenga, and Pictionary are good choices, but if you want to innovate with lesser-known titles, your board game night is going to be even more special!
15-16 year old birthday party themes
Hollywood red carpet
This party is all about feeling like a celebrity and is perfect for a birthday girl who loves the spotlight and wants a glamorous night to remember.
You can’t have a Hollywood-inspired party without a red carpet and gold decorations such as stars, balloons, and streamers. Movie posters also add to the vibe.
Give out “Best Dressed” awards and have a paparazzi-inspired photo booth for a night your guests will always remember.
Karaoke party
A karaoke birthday party will bring out the performers we all have inside. Maybe you’ll even discover some hidden teenage talent.
To make your karaoke night stand out, add a small DIY stage, a disco ball, and, of course, some microphones.
Besides singing their hearts out, your guests can also compete in lip-sync battle, and dance-offs.
Masquerade ball
A masquerade ball brings a touch of sophistication to any birthday party. This theme is great for a birthday girl who loves romantic historical novels.
For the decoration, use drapes, candles, and fresh flowers. The key is to keep it elegant and not too flashy.
Add a table for guests to make their own masks. Then, you can also give out prizes for the most creative ones.
Superhero extravaganza
Whether it's Marvel or DC, many teens are obsessed with superheroes. With this theme party, you and your guests can unleash your superpowers!
You can inspire the decor in the birthday girl’s favorite superhero with banners, logos, and action figure centerpieces.
A design-your-own hero competition can be a fun event where guests come up with their own costumes, names, and powers!
Fantasy fairytale
Fairytales are always a great idea to make for a whimsical birthday. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a princess for their special day?
Similarly to the enchanted garden theme, you can add a castle backdrop and fairy lights to make your venue a magical land.
A Princess tea-time can be a fun activity for your guests to get into character and have a fun time.
Gaming night
Not all girls love being princesses. Some prefer spending their birthday evening playing video games and competing with their friends.
Have different console options for all your gamer guests. Also take out the neon LED lights for the perfect atmosphere.
You can devise different competitions to see who scores the most points or who dies the most in different games.
Cosmic adventure
For curious teenagers who love astronomy and the mysteries of the universe, a party filled with stars, galaxies, and all things celestial seems like the ultimate plan.
Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets in the ceiling can make for a cute and affordable decoration. You can also go for a galaxy projector to take your party to the next level.
Set up telescopes or stargazing apps to let guests explore the night sky and learn about different constellations. You can also set up a DIY galaxy jar station.
Luau night
Does your birthday girl love the beach and Hawaii vibes? This laid-back celebration brings the fun and flavor of the islands to your backyard.
Bring out the tiki torches and tropical flower garlands to transport your guests to paradise.
Make different mocktails with tropical fruits. Don’t miss out on a limbo contest!
Medieval banquet
With Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones being more popular than ever, a medieval banquet lets your birthday girl and her guests step into a world of knights and dragons.
Set up a long banquet table with medieval decorations like candles, helmets, berry garlands, and small gold tea lights.
If you find inflatable swords and foam shields you can host a family-friendly jousting contest.
Under the sea
Dive into an oceanic adventure with mermaids, seashells, and all things underwater. Your teenager can become a mermaid for her special day with her friends.
Blue and teal streamers can become your ocean, find sea creature cutouts and use small white balloons as bubbles.
A crafting table with seashells, charms, and pearls can make up for a perfect themed activity.
Wild safari
The Lion King never goes out of style, and this safari-themed birthday brings all its adventure, wild animals, and fun together.
Decorate the venue with print banners, animal cutouts and jungle vines. Give your guests safari hats and binoculars for extra fun.
A scavenger hunt in the savannah can keep your teen guests entertained as they search for clues among the plants and animals.
Magic show
Give your teenage girl a party full of illusions, tricks, and a touch of magic with a show she’ll never forget.
Add star and card decorations as well as gold streamers and red and black balloons for that classic “magician” look.
You can always hire a professional, but it’s also a fun idea to have your guests prepare their best magic trick and perform.
Adventure campout
If your birthday girl is a fan of the great outdoors, an adventure campout party under the stars is perfect for camping, exploring and telling stories around the campfire.
Everything you’ll use for the camp can serve you as themed decor, like your tents, campfire, and sleeping bags.
The evening can be competed with s'mores-making and ghost stories around the campfire.
Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate with vibrant colors, sugar skulls, and Mexican traditions in this colorful Dia de los Muertos-themed party. Perfect for the birthday girl who embraces vibrant cultures and loves colorful, meaningful celebrations.
Get inspired by traditional decorations like sugar skulls, marigolds, and papel picado banners.
Set up a sugar-skull face painting station where guests can get into theme.
Roaring Twenties Speakeasy
For the girl who just read Gatsby and is obsessed with 1920s glamour, this birthday party is full of jazz, flappers, and secret entrances.
All things art-deco can help you set up the speakeasy vibe. Also, add vintage posters and dim lighting.
A vintage photo booth with accessories and a sepia filter can be the heart of the party and become viral among your guests.
17-18 year old party celebration ideas
Pool party
For older teens, a pool party is an all-time classic. With fun floaties and yummy beachside snacks, this laid-back party has it all.
Choose fun floaties that reflect your teen’s tastes. Don’t forget some blankets and sunshades for guests who don’t like going in the water.
Even a simple pool game like volleyball can make your party more fun and engaging.
Retro 70s/80s
If your teenager is always stealing your retro clothes and listening to Kate Bush in her room, she’ll love this theme birthday.
Old/broken vinyl records make for the perfect vintage decorations. A disco ball is also a fun addition.
Instruct your guests to come dressed for the occasion and organize a dance-off with retro hits.
Murder mystery
Some teens love puzzles and challenges. A murder mystery party offers hours of entertainment without so many screens.
Your decorations and props should depend on the type of murder mystery party you’re going for. Check out our tips for throwing a murder mystery party.
County fair
Bring the fun of the fair to your teenager’s birthday party with carnival games, snacks, and maybe some thrilling rides.
Colorful banners, balloons, and lots of string lights can truly make you feel like you're at a carnival.
You can rent a mechanical bull or other small fair rides. Other more affordable options are a cotton candy station or face painting.
Arabian nights
Some girls adore luxurious, exotic settings and enjoy rich colors and cultural themes. With this Arabian Nights-themed party, you can transport your guests to a magical oasis.
Decorate your venue with rich fabrics, rugs, lanterns and cushions. Go for diverse patterns and colors.
A henna tattoo station will give your teen guests something to talk about after the party is over.
Black and white party
An #aesthetic party is all a teenager wants. In this case, a black and white-themed party is a simple yet elegant choice.
Avoid all colors. Your decorations (balloons, centerpieces, tablecloths) should be exclusively black and white.
Bring the black and white to your food, too, with themed desserts.
Wild West
If you’re planning a party for a “horse girl,” you must throw her a Wild West birthday filled with cowboys, line dancing, and rodeo fun.
Have your guests enter the party through a saloon door. Decorate with hay bales, barrels and cowboy hats.
A line dancing lesson will bring everyone to the dance floor to have a good time.
Zen garden
Leave the stress of high school, exams and teenage drama aside with this relaxing and tranquil birthday party option.
Keep the decor to a minimum with bonsai trees, sand gardens and calming candles.
Have a guided meditation session or a relaxing tea ceremony.
Futuristic cyberpunk
For the birthday girl who loves sci-fi movies and neon aesthetics, this party delivers a celebration in a world of high-tech dystopia.
Think of the Fallout series or Blade Runner. Transform the space with glowing neon signs, LED strips, and dark, moody lighting to mimic their iconic cyberpunk cityscapes.
Set up a body painting station where guests can decorate themselves with glow-in-the-dark or LED paint, adding a personal touch to their cyberpunk costumes.
Rock n Roll nights
Ready for a night of pure rock and roll? Throw it back to the era of jukeboxes, poodle skirts, and leather jackets with a 50s Rock 'n Roll birthday party.
Go for a retro diner look. Set up a jukebox (you can find modern ones with a 50s look) to play classic rock and roll hits.
Have a dance competition where guests show off their best 50s dance moves, such as the Twist, the Jitterbug, and the Hand Jive.
Winter Wonderland
Even if it’s not snowing outside, you can turn your party into a winter wonderland everyone will remember.
The decorations should be elegant and, of course, winter related. Think of snowflake garlands and silver streamers.
A hot cocoa bar with toppings and flavors can keep your guests entertained while staying warm and cozy.
Hollywood Oscars Night
Get ready for an Oscars-themed birthday night filled with glam and glitter. It’s the ideal party for the birthday girl who dreams of walking the red carpet.
Don’t forget the red carpet entrance. Decorate the venue with gold statues and showcase the "Oscar" trophies for party games.
Have different events and host an award ceremony at the end. Don’t forget to tell your guests to bring their best outfits.
Lost in the jungle
For a party full of adventure, lush greenery, and potentially dangerous animals, go for this jungle-themed party and let your guests explore the wild.
The greener the decoration, the better. Go for lots of plants, jungle vines, and leafy backdrops.
You can set up a Jumanji-inspired activity with obstacle courses and prizes
Budgeting for your birthday theme
DIY vs. hiring professionals
Hiring professionals, like caterers or decorators, can ease the stress of party planning and ensure everything runs smoothly, but prices can quickly rack up. If you do it yourself, you can customize decorations, activities, and party favors to reflect the birthday girl’s unique style. Not to mention, it is also a budget-friendly option, perfect for parents who enjoy getting hands-on.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your time, budget, and how much hands-on involvement you want. Whichever route you take, the key is to keep it within your possibilities and make it fun for both the birthday girl and her guests.
Venue selection
Choosing the right venue is crucial for setting the tone of the party. If you're looking to save, hosting at home can work wonders! With the right decorations, your home or backyard can become the perfect venue for your teen’s theme party.
However, if the birthday girl wants something a bit more extravagant, consider renting an affordable venue that fits the theme—like an arcade, a beach house, or even a creative space like an art studio. Keep in mind the size of the guest list and activities planned when making your decision.
Food and drinks that suit your guests
Finger foods, snack stations, and themed drinks (non-alcoholic, of course!) can complement your party’s theme perfectly. Be sure to check the menu with the birthday girl to cater to her tastes.
Don’t forget to take your guests’ dietary restrictions into account! PartyClick’s RSVP system makes this easy by allowing them to share their preferences and allergies in advance, so you can ensure no one is left out of the fun (or the snacks!).
From planning to partying: step-by-step guide
Start by checking your calendar and setting up a date that works for the birthday girl and her friends.
Are you hosting the party at home or renting a venue? Remember that the location should fit the theme.
Get your invites out early! Use PartyClick’s customizable invitation templates to make sure they stand out.
Getting RSVPs early on will help you plan accordingly. PartyClick’s RSVP feature lets you keep track of who’s attending, making it simple to adjust any details to fit the guest count.
Find decorations that fit your theme and venue—whether they are DIY or professionally done, they can make or break your theme party.
Plan activities to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s games, a dance-off, or a photo booth, you’ll need something to entertain your high-energy teen guests.
Enjoy!
Bonus track: Original ideas for a memorable teenage girl party
Themed dress code
Keep your guests excited before the party even starts by encouraging them to dress up for the occasion. Promote the theme within the birthday party invitation and encourage attendees to dress in outfits that match it.
Themed dress codes not only build excitement for the event but also make it more interactive and Instagram-worthy from the start—a must-have feature for teenagers.
Food & drink ideas
Great food and drinks are a must for any party, and it’s even better when they fit the theme. You can serve mini sliders that can be customized to the theme or a charcuterie board loaded with fun, themed treats. Appetizers like "unicorn fruit kebabs" with rainbow-colored fruit or nacho cups can add a playful touch.
For drinks, serve a "mocktail punch" that you can adjust in color and flavor to match the party’s aesthetic, or opt for "glow-in-the-dark lemonade," a fun, eye-catching drink perfect for nighttime or glow-themed events.
Make your invitations fun!
Your invitations are the first chance to set the tone for your party, so make them count! A creative tag can make your invite stand out from the rest. Hosting a Hollywood-themed event? Try, “Step into the spotlight at [Name]’s red carpet celebration!” For a whimsical theme like Candyland, you could invite guests with, “Get ready for a sweet adventure at [Name]’s Candyland celebration!”
These catchy phrases get guests thrilled before they even arrive. If you’re stuck for more creative ideas, check out our guide on invitation wording ideas. Remember: invitations should spark excitement and anticipation for the big day!
“Thanks for coming” notes for your guests
After the laughs, fun, and games are done, sending personalized "thanks for coming" notes is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation to your guests. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a digital message, it’s a small detail that can leave a lasting impression. You can even include a fun photo from the event or a recap of a memorable moment shared.
Create a collaborative playlist
Music is the heartbeat of any great party, and creating a collaborative playlist is an awesome way to get everyone involved. Ask guests to add their favorite songs before the big day so you can craft the perfect playlist that keeps the energy high and ensures that everyone feels represented.
Having a playlist curated by your guests will keep the dance floor packed and the vibe just right. In the end, you’ll get a mix of pop hits, nostalgic throwbacks, and even viral TikTok tracks. You can also share the playlist after the party as a fun memory everyone can take home!
Customize it all!
o matter which theme you choose, you should customize every detail to reflect the birthday girl’s preferences and personality. From decorations and party favors to activities that match her interests, every element of the event should make the celebration more unique and memorable.
It’s the little touches—like her favorite music, colors, or snacks—that will elevate the party from standard to extraordinary. Customizing the experience ensures that the birthday girl feels special and that the event is a true reflection of her style, making it a party everyone will remember.
Collect party photos from all your guests
The fun doesn’t have to end when the party’s over! With PartyClick’s photo album feature, you can easily collect and share all the amazing moments captured by your guests, whether it’s group selfies, candid shots, or photos of the decorations.
Everyone can upload their favorite pictures from the night. Then, you can create a shared digital album that keeps the best moments accessible to everyone. It’s the perfect way to relive the fun and laughter long after the party lights have dimmed.
FAQs
What is the best theme for a party?
The best theme for a party is one that reflects the birthday girl’s unique personality and interests. It’s important to choose a theme that makes her feel special and excited to celebrate with her friends. Whether she’s into sports, fashion, music, or fantasy, the theme should be something that resonates with her passions.
How to pick a party theme?
When picking a party theme, the birthday girl’s favorite activities, interests, and style should be your starting point. Also, take into account current trends to keep her and her friends entertained. Instagram and Pinterest are great sources for trendy birthday party ideas.
How to throw a themed party?
Start with the basics: choose a theme, send out invites, plan activities, and get the decor in line with the vibe. Remember that your invitation will set the tone for the entire event. With PartyClick, you can easily create personalized invitations using a variety of customizable templates and designs.
How can I make my daughter's 13th birthday special?
Find out what she likes and incorporate that into her birthday party, such as her favorite colors, cake flavor, and music. You can go a step further by involving her in the planning to make sure she’ll love the event. A fun venue or special activities can make the party even more memorable.
What to do for your 14th birthday girl at home?
An at-home birthday party can also be entertaining with the right theme and activities. A costume party is an alternative that most teens would enjoy and can be thrown in almost any venue. If the birthday girl prefers a cozy evening instead, you can host a pajama party.
Kate Tyshchenko