In a lot of ways the thirteenth birthday marks the start of your daughter’s teenage years. She’s not yet old enough to start high school, but she doesn’t want to be treated like a little kid anymore–and she won’t be shy about letting you know, either. As you search for the best gift ideas for 13-year-old girls and think of ways to make this thirteenth birthday party one she’ll remember, try keeping her in the loop and asking her what she wants to do this year. One of the greatest gifts you can give your daughter is the freedom to make her own decisions. And if you need a little help, here’s a few “grown-up” party ideas that’ll make this milestone truly special.
- Host a High Tea Party
If your daughter has always liked dressing up, take it to the next level with a fancy high tea party. Invite your daughter’s friends and family members to wear their best dresses, shoes, and stockings and come to the venue for an afternoon of tea and conversation. You can hold the party at a local tea room or invite your guests to your house for homemade tea and sandwiches. You can even take it a step further by wearing elaborate dresses, hats, white gloves and black leather shoes just like they did in the old days.
- Go On a Camping Trip
A weekend camping trip is a perfect getaway to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. But you won’t be lying on a chair on a beach in the Bahamas. Instead, your adventurous daughter will be camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, building a bonfire, spending time outdoors, and bonding with the friends and family members who joined her on this special celebration. She’ll learn about self-reliance and might even start thinking about going on a solo camping trip. In a world of flashing smartphones, get back to nature and remind your daughter–and yourself–what’s important.
- Have a Movie Night
Your daughter’s not too old for sleepovers yet–but she’s getting there! Have one last celebration where her friends come over and enjoy a sleepover movie night, complete with sleeping bags and popcorn. Let your daughter choose her favorite movie and a selection of snacks. When they go back to school, your daughter and her friends will be raving about how cool that party was and how much fun they had.
- Take That Vacation You’ve Been Planning
You’ve been on vacations before, but now your daughter’s old enough to enjoy and appreciate trips, instead of feeling like she’s being dragged around by her parents. Let her decide where she wants to go. Maybe she’s dreamed of taking a trip to Cancun or wants to see the pyramids in Egypt. Or maybe it’s something more low-key, like a weekend in a big city that’s a few hours away. Whatever the case, this is the time to let your daughter have fun and make memories without having to deal with the financial burden of paying for trips on her own.
