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Here come the teen years -- and it's time to get this party started!

There are so many reasons to celebrate -- what with teen slumber parties, Sweet 16 or Latin Sweet 15 Quinceanera parties, Jewish bar mitzvahs, Christian confirmation parties, 13th birthday bashes -- and not to mention all the details and planning that go into a high school prom!

Easy teen party planning

Whether it's a casual get-together, or an important milestone celebration, planning ahead makes any social event easier and more manageable.

This gives you time to set a budget, arrange the guest list, order invitations (or, more likely with teens, use Facebook or an e-vite site), and decide on party food and decorations.

For big occasions where an outside venue is more appropriate, add a few more weeks into the planning stage to shop around for affordable teen party locations in your area.

Be sure to ask about complete party packages that often include valuable "extras" ranging from providing the invitations -- to the party favors and thank you notes!

Choosing a teen party theme

Nowadays, many of the more popular locations also throw in complete party themes that teens particularly love such as Harry Potter parties along with tropical Hawaiian luaus, red carpet Hollywood night parties, nostalgic 80's parties, 70's disco night, or a sport theme party with team colors flying.

Choosing a theme for your teen party also has the added advantage of making it easier to decide on decorations, party games & activities, and party favors or goodie bags.

Teen party games, party favors and goodie bags

If you're still stuck for ideas, popular teen party games and activities usually include, of course, turning up the music and clearing room for a dance floor! The ever-popular limbo contest -- or the giggle-inducing "freeze" dance game (in which the music stops and so must the dancers) are fun activities for a dance party.

Charades, pop culture trivia questions, and the ever-popular scavenger hunt round out the choices of top teen party games and activities.

When the party's over, send guests home happy with swag bags filled with cosmetic samples or soaps, small journals, cheap sunglasses, gourmet jellybeans or chocolate kisses, tie-dyed T-shirts, microwave popcorn, CD music collections, or anything else that fits with your party theme.

Have fun!

More about teen party ideas around the Web:

Whether you're a teen or a parent, check out the best the Web has to offer for great ideas for parties .... just for teens. They include tips for teen birthday themes, trendy party food, invitations, music, games & activities, with more ideas for graduations, proms & Sweet 16 parties.

Teen Party Ideas - Teen party central with hundreds of visitor-submitted and rated ideas for dance & disco parties, sleep overs, Hawaiian luaus, Quinceanera parties and more.

Teen parties - Check out visitor-submitted ideas for themes including the Titanic, Limo Romp & fortune telling parties along with scavenger hunts and related party games & activities.

How to Host a Teen Party - Here's a teen-written guide with instructions for party food, music, and final clean-up.