It’s finally here — the birthday you’ve been waiting for since you started high school. Sixteen can come with a lot of new privileges. Maybe your parents have finally agreed to stop calling you their “little baby” and start treating you like an adult. Or maybe you’re so ready to borrow the car and cruise with your friends. Whatever changes lie ahead of you, a 16th birthday is a great reason to throw a big bash!

But your sweet 16 can also come with a lot of pressure to throw the perfect party — especially if your friends had over-the-top 16th birthday parties. Just remember that it’s more important for your celebration to be perfectly you than perfect.

A themed party is a great way to express your personality and create an event to remember — whether you host it at a fancy party venue or in your own backyard. Plus, once you pick a party theme, everything from your party decorations to your birthday invitations will fall into place.

We’ve rounded up our favorite sweet 16 themes to make your party planning easier. We’ve got ideas for every personality and every budget so you can pick your favorite and start planning.
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A backyard picnic is an adventure waiting just outside your backdoor. And with a little bit of preparation (and these backyard picnic ideas), picnicking in your own backyard can be just as fun as picnicking in a park or at the beach. In fact, it can be even better because if you forget anything — guess what! — you only have to walk to the kitchen to get it.

Backyard picnics are also a great way to stay social and safe during the pandemic. The outdoor setting means germs will spread less and guests can spread out more. We’ve rounded up our favorite backyard picnic ideas from planning to decorating to picking out your picnic menu. Your backyard will be gingham-clad and ready to go in no time.
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If there’s one term we’d like to erase from our vocabulary, it’s the “new normal.” The coronavirus has brought a lot of new elements into our lives — new surges, new lockdowns, new social distancing guidelines — but there’s nothing normal about living through a pandemic.

In fact, COVID-19 has made a lot of normal life events — from grabbing coffee with a friend to celebrating the birth of a new baby — increasingly abnormal. And yet, we persevere, finding new ways to celebrate with social distancing events. 

Hosting a social distancing event isn’t just about revelry. It’s about spreading joy (not germs), spending time with our loved ones and our community, and helping to raise spirits when we all need it most. 

With this guide, you can plan a safe, socially distanced event. We’ve put together tips for protecting your guests and for hosting three different kinds of events, ranked from safe to safest. 
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Getting to your V-Day gift shopping a little late this year? Don’t panic, there are still plenty of great last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts. Here’s our handpicked gift guide featuring Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone on your list, from your soulmate to your bestie. 
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If you’re a party animal with an urge to host a jungle theme party, we’re with you. Visions of palm fronds, exotic birds, and tropical flowers dance across our imaginations, inspiring party ideas for a host of different events.

Whether you’re planning a jungle-inspired or safari-themed birthday party, baby shower, graduation, or other fun event, this guide will help you set the scene. You’ll also get some digital invitation inspiration that will have your guests going wild with excitement.
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Whether you’re looking for a way to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level or want safe ways to gather with friends and family during the coronavirus pandemic, an outdoor movie night is a great idea. Use this handy guide for affordable and fun tips on how to host an outdoor movie night and get ready for a crowd-pleasing evening.
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The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live — from where and how we work to how we celebrate milestones that don’t wait just because the world has been turned upside down. For our kids, the coronavirus pandemic has made it hard or even impossible to enjoy sports and time in the classroom with friends. So when a birthday rolls around, it can be hard to figure out the best way to celebrate.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative to giving in to the birthday blues. While we have to celebrate a little differently right now, there are quarantine birthday ideas for kids that still maximize fun and make the day special and memorable. Discover creative ways to make the birthday boy or birthday girl feel extra special in the midst of a difficult time.
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The holidays are coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts for loved ones. But before you jump into trying to find the perfect gift, consider sending Christmas gift cards this year. Not only are they convenient, but they can also be personalized. Use this guide to learn the best practices for sending Christmas gift cards, plus get some top tips on how to create a lovely experience for your recipients. 
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Can’t get together in person to play your favorite games? Take the experience online instead! Explore these ideas for hosting a virtual game night and discover fun themed game night ideas to inspire your upcoming “get-together.” 
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Your rehearsal dinner should be a relaxing moment after the bustle of wedding planning and before the busy-ness of your big day. It’s where you bring your wedding party and family together to enjoy each other’s company before the main event. Plan a dining experience your guests will love with this collection of our best rehearsal dinner ideas. 
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