Let's Celebrate!

Planning a birthday party, celebrating your report card, or throwing a sleepover? Well, we have a few ideas for you. Many of us have the typical party: pizza, cake, ice cream, and a few games. But how about throwing a theme party? It's not only fun, but it's also creative. On a limited budget? Don't worry, we have cheap, yet awesome ideas for you!

Girl Power! Party

There's no party like a Girl Power! party. You can invite all of your friends over for an afternoon or make this a sleepover. Here are a few ideas:

• You can create invitations with the Girl Power! logo (check the 4Grownups section of the Web site www.girlpower.gov/AdultsWhoCare/customize/customize.htm to download this) or you can just say, "It's a Girl Power! party!"
• Encourage your guests to come dressed as their favorite women in history. Wouldn't it be neat to see how creative your friends can be?
• Rent movies starring your favorite female actresses.
• For a game, try playing "who am I?" Create a number of cards that describe a female singer, actress, or sports hero. For example: Her name rhymes with Bristina and she sings "Genie in a Bottle." Your answer, Christina Aguilera.
• What will you eat? How about creating a meal or snack. Use a recipe from any female chef or baker. This will add to your Girl Power! theme. Better yet, have mom create something special.
• Need party favors? Not a problem. You can give your guests our Girl Power! free products. Check them out at www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/ordering/catalog.htm. You will need to place this order at least 2-6 weeks before your party. Since you'll have a larger order, you will have to fax it to us at (301) 468-6433 or call us at 1-800-729-6686.

Relax, Rest, and Chill Party!

No, that doesn't mean you and your guests sit around and do nothing, that wouldn't be a party. This idea can be used as a relief after your final exams or as way to prep you for going back to school after a long break.

• Make your invitations the shape of a coupon. Have it read, "Time to Chill, you're invited to hang out with buds at my house."
• You can decorate the room with candles (be sure that you or an adult watches the candle, we wouldn't want anything to happen.) The candles give the room a peaceful feel.
• For music, how about the sounds of the ocean or a tropical rain forest in Brazil?
• Once your friends and family are over, you can pamper one another. That's right, take turns giving each other manicures, facials, or even try new hairstyles on each other. This is bound to be a lot of fun and a great way to bond.
• For party favors, how about candles or even a bottle of nail polish. Your guests will be sure to remember the party.

Around the World and Back!

This will be an interesting way to learn about other cultures while having fun.

• Make your invitations in the shape of a globe. You can create a saying like "You're invited to travel around the world in 2 hours…no passport required."
• Decorate the party area with your creations of paper globes, compasses, or even a few paper airplanes.
• Serve different food representing different parts of the world.

Latino Lollapalooza!

The Hispanic culture has always been an influence, but today it seems as if it's hotter than ever!

• Invite all your friends to your 'pollooza and use maracas as your invitations. This is simple, all you need is two paper cups, ice cream sticks, and magic markers. Take one paper cup and fill it with popcorn kernels or beans. Rest the cup on a table and place the other paper cup directly on top of the other with the bottom facing up (the two cups should look like a cone). Tape the cups together and make sure it's sturdy. Now you can decorate it using paint or magic markers; be sure to write, "You're invited to a Latino Lollapalooza." Finally, glue one ice cream stick to the side of one of the cups, be sure to leave enough room for holding the stick.
• Need activities for your party? How about watching your guests shaking their "bon bon" with Ricky Martin or just grooving to the music of Jennifer Lopez. You can even use the music for your own limbo contest. How low can you go?
• Have your friends create their own maraca. Set up a table where they can decorate their personal party favor.
• Another great party favor would be beads. You can either have your guests create their own, or you can create them as a token of your appreciation.