TV Inspired Ideas for Tween and Teen Parties

Today's tweenies and teens are a little harder to entertain these days. They do not get that impressed that easily and will turn up their noses that does not have a bit of pop-culture to it.

One format for a party that is quite easy to follow is the show Minute to Win It. This show consists of challenging games that you can create from every day household items that are in your pantry or garage. You can actually get over 100 games for free on the Minute to Win It website. You can print out the instructions for each challenge, give the kids the materials and then put them through playing the game just like they do on this popular show.

Yet another approach is to mimic the shows about cooking challenges that are on the air like Cupcake Wars, Chopped and Top Chef. This is complex to prepare becaue you need a lot of utensils and food on hand but the completion will be worth it. You consider the skill level suitable for the age of your guests and then try to create the appropriate food challenges.

For instance, when it comes to Cupcake Wars, you can have your kids compete for the best-decorated cupcake. All that takes is a table full of decorations and icing and sets of pre-made cupcakes. You can also do a similar party that has to do with decorating sundaes. All you need is whipped cream, nuts, cherries, bananas and the rest of the fixings. The best thing about these ideas for food challenges is that you do not have to turn on the stove; no child risks burning her!

With older children the oven or stove can come into play. A really great idea is to challenge kids to design the very best signature pizza pie. Simply lay out the ingredients and have the kids figure out the best flavor combinations.

You can also mimic a reality show like Survivor. You set up simple challenges and then have the kids divided into teams. You do not have to have them eat insects but you can have them eat a weirder food like an oyster. Other challenges could include jumping through hoops, breaking a piñata and agility course work.

Of course always mention that there is going to be a challenge and food on your party invitations. As a safety measure I also always ask if any child visiting is going to have issues with nut allergies, strawberry allergies or any other kind of allergy just to be on the safe side.

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Back to School Items to Be Had For Cheaper

If you are looking for a while to save money this fall then try cutting back on what you spend on school supplies. Your kid will always have some kind of advice for you on what they think you should buy but if you need to save money then you should do a bit of homework of your own before you start spending. In fact you will soon find that there are some things you do not need to buy.

For instance, many kids want a whole new set of pencils, crayons or markers when they still have perfectly good set left over from last year. Check their old schoolbags and the closets to see if they have a full set; items like this do not have to be replaced every school year.

When it comes to pens all you really need is a blue and black ink. Do not splurge on a full set of color pens as most teachers do not allow tests or essays to be written in red, green, pink or any other colors at all.

Other items that you may not need to replace are calculators, tape, scissors and pencil cases. Usually this stuff is in a desk or in last year's b ask-to-school backpack. If they must have a new pencil case keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to buy one. You can recycle another type of zippered pouch, like an old make up case and use it as a pencil case as well.

You probably don't have to buy your kid yet another novelty pencil sharpener. These sharpeners can be cute and colorful but no kid really needs one. This is because most classrooms are equipped with their own pencil sharpeners.

Your kid might also be asking for a new 'back-to-school' wardrobe. This is not a mandatory rule; it is a tradition invented by clothing stores. Be sure to search through their closets and see what still fits and what still can be worn. If your kid wants something new show them a way that they can wear the jacket or shirt so it looks new. This also treats them to be creative and thrifty when it comes to shopping for clothes when they are older.

The only time you need to buy your kid a new lunchbox is if they have somehow outgrown it. You do not want your kid to be carrying one that has graphics that can be too young for it.

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