How to Create Your Own Thirteenth Birthday Party Invitations

A 13th birthday party is a rite of passage. Gone are the clowns and bouncy houses and in are the early teenager movie-star crushes and favorite sports. There are plenty of generic party invitations out there, but if you are throwing a birthday party for a special 13 year old, create your own invitations to mark this occasion in style.

Things You'll Need

• Computer and color printer
• Blank invitation cards
• Desktop publishing program such as Print Shop Explosion or Microsoft Publisher

Instructions

1. Pick a theme. The celebrant has now officially made the transition from child to a more independent teen. Instead of going with a theme that reflects a movie or celebrity interest, simply stick with a big "13" and allow it to encompass a variety of interests such as sports, school and friends.

2. Open your desktop software program such as Print Shop Explosion or Microsoft Publisher. Select a blank template and then select the size of the blank invitation you purchased. Your options will include a half-fold or quarter-fold card. A half-fold card is easier to work with and gives you plenty of room to add graphics and be creative.

3. 

   Design the cover. Because you are going to make a card that celebrates all the things your 13 year old enjoys, start with a simple enlarged 13 in the center of the card front. Highlight the number, then change the font size and color using the icons or drop-down menu at the top of your design program.

4. 

   Add some graphics. Find images that reflect the interest of the birthday boy. You could scan and insert images of the guest of honor with friends, and doing things that they enjoy. This makes the invitation more fun and provides a keepsake for his friends. To insert graphics, go to the command that reads either "Insert" or "Graphics" at the top of your page, then locate your images and place. Scatter the images around on the card at different angles to create an exciting card front.

5. 

   Add the information. On the inside right side of the card, put all the party details for guests. Include the day, date, time, location as well as any other party specifics such as games or sports that might be played. Include an RSVP phone number or email for guests to respond.

6. Print it. Place your blank invitation cards in your printer and print off the cards as indicated in your software or package directions. You'll print the front page first, then you'll need to rotate and flip the paper to print the inside. Practice on a piece of regular printing paper first before loading the card stock.

7. Address envelopes and send or have your child take the invitations to school to hand out to his friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide with your child how many preteens he will invite and get the phone numbers of all the attendees' parents in case of emergencies.

References

• Making Greeting Cards

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• 13th birthday party ideas