I have 2 teens, and deciding on what type of birthday parties to give them is hard. I didn't want to give them a run of the mill type party either. So, what I have done, and what I am planning to do are: For my daughter who turned 14 in Feb was throw her a combination Mary Kay party and Tea Party. What teenage girl doesn't want to learn how to put makeup on. And with her going to high school next year. It was perfect. And her friends learned what they were doing wrong, and they loved the whole idea. Afterwards, my daughter asked my advice on what she should buy. Great for bonding during the teenage years. I did try to make it a mother/daughter event. But, only 1 mother was able to show up. For my son, who will be turning 16 in Nov. I am playing a party around driving a car.....I don't have all the details worked out yet. But, I hope to teach them responsibility in what it takes to be driving.  Then when my kids turn 18. I plan on doing something geared to them moving out on their own. The gifts would have something to do with the necessities of having their own place to live.......ex: service for 4, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, etc. I have told these ideas to friends and they love them.