Katie's Corner: Birthday parties for tweens Katie's Corner: Birthday parties for tweens (August 17, 2005)

By Katie Blankenberg

Sixth-grader, St. Raymond School

After 11 birthday celebrations, my mom and I were having trouble trying to figure out what to do for my 12th birthday party.

Some of my mom's suggestions were too babyish or too serious and grown-up. So I thought it would be a good idea to write an article that might help other tween girls in planning their next birthday party.

First off, try to find a theme that fits you and the people you invite. If you are thinking of inviting girls and boys, you may want to do a swim or dance party, or just order a jumping house and play some party games.

It can be hard finding something that no one else has done yet.

One year I went to a 1950s party, where we all wore poodle skirts and cat-eyed glasses while we ate at Johnny Rockets in Redwood City.

Another time I went to a spa sleepover party, where we all showed up in our pajamas. A friend, whose birthday is in October, had a Halloween themed party at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.

This year my mom and I finally agreed upon having a Tea Party at Lisa's Tea Treasure in Menlo Park. I am really looking forward to seeing all of my friends. We have decided to invite all of the girls in the class and even some of my most awesome teachers.

More great places to have a tween party are Color-Me-Mine in Menlo Park, or the Rainforest Cafe and Ripley's Believe It or Not -- both on Jefferson Street in San Francisco.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay has some great stuff for kids. The Ritz Kids program offers all sorts of fun stuff to do, like cooking classes, bonfires at the beach, etc.

OK, so now you have the theme. Next, the invitations, decorations and goody bags.

Some good places for getting decorations locally are Diddams and Party America. I also think that Peninsula Beauty Supply at Sequoia Station in Redwood City has some fun stuff for goodie bags.

Online some of my favorites Web sites are OrientalTrading.com, PlumParty.com and shindigz.com. Personally, I like creating my own invitations on the computer and I love shopping for the goody bags.

Whether you decide on a party at the Ritz Carlton or in you own backyard, remember the most thing is to have a great time with your friends and family.
Katie Blankenberg, 12, lives in Menlo Park.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.