May 16, 2023
Sixteen is one of those birthdays that marks a significant milestone. It’s an onramp to new freedom and choices with the introduction of the driver’s license. For some, it is also the big transition into the dating world.
For all, though, it is a mental marker that this once-child is growing up and is close to being a young adult. We want to celebrate that and make it memorable.
My sister and I put our heads together and came up with this fun idea when her oldest turned sixteen. We’ve done some version of this ever since with all of our kids.
Sometimes friends, aunts, uncles, etc. help with these also. Everyone likes getting involved in the fun!
HERE ARE THE SIXTEEN IDEAS:
1. BREAKFAST IN BED
2. A SUPERMAN MUG WITH COFFEE GIFT CARD
Who doesn’t love a good Superman travel mug?
3. ARRIVING TO SCHOOL TO A DECORATED LOCKER
I love this locker disco ball for some birthday fun.
4. PACKS OF HIS FAVORITE GUM HIDDEN IN HIS BACKPACK
5. PIZZA DELIVERY AT LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA WITH FRIENDS
6. LICORICE BUCKETS FOR SOCCER PRACTICE
Licorice buckets delivered to soccer practice? That’s an easy way to become the fan favorite on the team!
7. A SERENADE OF FELIZ CUMPLEANOS IN SPANISH CLASS
A quick email to the teacher and the next thing he knew “Feliz Cumpleanos” was being sung by the whole class as he walked in.
8. POST IT NOTES OF AFFIRMATION LEFT ON HIS BATHROOM MIRROR
9. A VIDEO MESSAGE AND SONG FROM OUT OF TOWN FAMILY
10. CAR ESSENTIALS FROM HIS DAD
New drivers need some car supplies! Especially when there are keys inside to a new (to him) car to use.
11. PING PONG PADDLES AND PING PONGS
His mentor gave him some new ping pongs and paddles with a note attached because they always play together.
12. SIXTEEN LOTTERY TICKETS
His aunt and uncle got him lottery tickets to see if he’s hitting it big on his 16th!
13. HIS FAVORITE SNACK – DRIED MANGOS
14. GIFT CARDS ATTACHED TO HIS TOOTHBRUSH
15. A NEW BOOK
Sitting by his bedside was a new, popular fiction book because he loves to read.
16. SIXTEEN DOLLARS, SIXTEEN QUARTERS, SIXTEEN DIMES, SIXTEEN NICKELS, SIXTEEN PENNIES
His grandparents gave him a sixteen dollars and sixteen nickels, dimes, and quarters in a jar.
PIN THIS FOR LATER!
Thank you so much for posting this. I have two daughters. My oldest had a sweet 16 party with two of her friends. That didn’t work out for my soon to be sweet 16. I was wondering how to make it even. I think this Will do the trick. Thanks again!
I’m so glad Shannon! Let me know how it goes – she will be so blessed and LOVE IT!
This is just what I needed for my grandson who is turning 16..what a fantastic idea..Thanks for sharing..
What a fantastic Grandma you must be! Way to go Verna!!!
I think of my son the same way and was in tears by the time I finished your post! What a sweet mom you are. What a way to make him feel loved! I love this idea!
Thank you! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. Hope you can use the idea ๐
I love these ideas!!! My son is turning 16 in February and Iโm already planning on making it a BIG deal! So this has been great! He LOVES pizza and dried mangos as well!
Yes, Tina, mangoes and pizza is a sure-fire combination ๐ Hope you had a wonderful celebration!!!
Thank you my SOn turns 16 this year in May and I am planning it frm now already super excited.. BUt boys his age dont get excited abt much but I love making a Big Deal of their birthdays his a super special Son.
Oh I’m so glad Samantha! Good job – you are one special mama :).
What a wonderful surprise.. My son will be 16 at the end of this month, this will be a wonderful surprise for him. Thank you for sharing..
So fun Alice! Have a great time and tag me on Instagram or FB if you have pics!
I stumbled on your post on Pinterest. Our grandson turns 16 on Mar 18th
and this gives me a few ideas. I love the coins idea. Boys can be so hard
to buy for. Love your ideas….you sound like a fun family.
Thank you Carole! Yes agreed on the boys ๐ We’ve had so much fun with this!
My son turns 16 in September. I wanted to have a huge party for him…but in these times it will be unlikely. Thank you for these ideas. I still want to make his day important and make him feel special ๐
Hi Gina! Well done. I know it will be so special for him! Tag me on some of your pictures on Instagram so I can see what you are doing ๐
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