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Original poster

Entertainer for 12 year old party?

73 replies

Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:13

Hello all,

I'm at loss what to do for DS's birthday. He has decided he wants to invite 5-8 friends to go Go-Karting. Most places are very expensive and booked up. So we've find a reasonable priced to karting venue but it's only for an hour. Therefore, the children will come back to the house to for cake and food.

But I don't know what to do to entertain 11-12 year olds. I find organising activities boring and would prefer to hire an entertainer of some sort. But is this childish? For DS 5th birthday, we did have an animal person come but obviously DS is passed that stage!

I was thinking of doing a disco theme in the house? Or is this too much? Or hire a bubble machine/smoke machine to liven up the place a bit.

Please let me know if any activity ideas or recommendations for an entertainer.

OP posts:
Snoopsnoggysnog · 10/11/2021 21:31

Definitely not a smoke machine.

What about karaoke…?

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 10/11/2021 21:32

If you want something a bit more 'party' atmosphere how about setting up an icecream sundae bar and letting them crack on and make the most monstrously awful concoctions they can. A group of boys will have fun trying to outdo each other on how much crap they can fit into a bowl and how weird a combo they can make.

A couple of flavours of ice cream, several different syrups, marshmallows, pretzels, M&MS, jelly sweets, fizzy rainbow strips, tangtastics (whatever you can find on offer)

jellybeanteaparty · 10/11/2021 21:32

Second the firepit and marshmallows I think that's the only smoke you should consider !

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12 year olds
WhoUsedMyName · 10/11/2021 21:32

Karaoke 🎤 for 12 year old boys than she may aswell have the smoke and bubble machine and maybe a disco ball too.

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:33

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

If you want something a bit more 'party' atmosphere how about setting up an icecream sundae bar and letting them crack on and make the most monstrously awful concoctions they can. A group of boys will have fun trying to outdo each other on how much crap they can fit into a bowl and how weird a combo they can make.

A couple of flavours of ice cream, several different syrups, marshmallows, pretzels, M&MS, jelly sweets, fizzy rainbow strips, tangtastics (whatever you can find on offer)

I have carpet in the house. I don't really want any mess on the floor ha!!! But great idea.
OP posts:
crumblebug · 10/11/2021 21:33

I think a smoke machine is a great idea and it will definitely give a fun lively party atmosphere to the place

Go for it! Stealing the idea for my 10 year olds next bday

WhoUsedMyName · 10/11/2021 21:35

@crumblebug but your 10 year old Is still in primary school. Couple of years makes a huge difference to being ripped at school

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:35

I don't think people fully understand my dilemma. DS's friends parents have beautiful houses. I just have a small flat. As his friends live quite far away, the parents will be dropping off their kids to the house and of course, they would come up and have a peek. I just wanted to do something to the flat to have that party vibe to it.

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 10/11/2021 21:37

I'd just take them to mcdonalds/pizza hut/kfc or similar after the karting and not the house.

FawnFrenchieMum · 10/11/2021 21:37

Having a smoke machine will not make your house look any better! (Must likely make it look worse).
If your really concerned about the house take them to Pizza Hut for a pizza rather then back home.

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:37

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

If you want something a bit more 'party' atmosphere how about setting up an icecream sundae bar and letting them crack on and make the most monstrously awful concoctions they can. A group of boys will have fun trying to outdo each other on how much crap they can fit into a bowl and how weird a combo they can make.

A couple of flavours of ice cream, several different syrups, marshmallows, pretzels, M&MS, jelly sweets, fizzy rainbow strips, tangtastics (whatever you can find on offer)

On second thoughts, this sounds like a good idea. Maybe I can put something on the floor to deter the mess...
OP posts:
WhoUsedMyName · 10/11/2021 21:38

Op please don't compare yours to there's. We are all in different situations yours is home to your ds if he is happy to have people over than he isn't worried what anyone is thinking he is happy just to host and enjoy x

Oneforthemoneytwo · 10/11/2021 21:38

What about a games bus if you’re happy to spend a bit. It comes to the house and has all the gaming games you could want. You then give them pizza and they go home

ImUninsultable · 10/11/2021 21:39

OP, I'm a single parent with 2 children living in a very small 2 bedroom bungalow. In a very middle class, well to do town. None of their friends share a room with a sibling. They all also have 2 parents in the same house. I get it. I really do.

But, this is something you need to really listen to,

No one actually gives a shit. Especially not the kids.

Take them for the fun at go karting and give them pizza and hot dogs and whatever else.

wtfisthatspiderdoing · 10/11/2021 21:39

Op you don't seem to be taking on what people are telling you. If you have a random smoke machine going off his friends will think it's weird and take the piss out of him forever. A smoke machine alone (without the DJ and disco to back it up) is just going to get him bullied for being weird.

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:39

@FawnFrenchieMum

Having a smoke machine will not make your house look any better! (Must likely make it look worse). If your really concerned about the house take them to Pizza Hut for a pizza rather then back home.
I have told this to DS but her really wants the children to come back to the flat as I don't invite many of his friends due to being embarrassed of my home.
OP posts:
Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:41

What about disco lights...

OP posts:
wtfisthatspiderdoing · 10/11/2021 21:41

You have no reason to be embarrassed of your home, because if your home was embarrassing, believe me, your 12 year old son would not be wanting to bring friends back there!

Kite22 · 10/11/2021 21:41

Seriously, please listen to everyone.
He is 12. He does NOT need you to do anything other than book the karting, get them there and back, and feed them.
Do not set him up to be ridiculed.

a) his friends parents won't be coming into your flat - they will let their 11 or 12 yr olds out of the car on the road.
b) even if they did come in, they would not be judging - they would be thanking you for taking their dc to karting and then feeding them
c) In the unlikely event anyone did make any judgements, putting a smoke machine in your flat isn't going to change your flat

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 10/11/2021 21:43

Ok so getting how you're feeling and the impression you want to make, how about setting up the living room as a 'boy cave'. Drag out any big soft thing you have: bean bags, big cushions anything they can drop onto to watch a film, shift any unnecessary furniture to the side or another room.

Set up a 'snack station' and put out any dvds/switch games/popcorn maker.

It will be clear that the room has been amended to meet the needs of the kids.

Bumpsadaisie · 10/11/2021 21:44

If he's 12 he will want to play Xbox with his friends and have coke and pizza in his room.

Or ditto and watch a movie.

I seriously doubt he'd welcome an entertainer!

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 10/11/2021 21:44

You sound like a lovely, thoughtful mum wanting to make your boys day special!

I agree - no entertainers or smoke machines, but definitely lots of junk food, fizzy drinks and pizza. I recon a movie and maybe get them to set up sleeping bags in the lounge....if they want to stay up all night let them.

Please don't compare your flat to the homes of others. There is no point, and frankly if people judge you on how big/nice your flat is are they really the type of people you whose opinions you care about? Just be confident, welcoming, provide the food/drinks and leave the boys to it - that will make you a cool mum!

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:45

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

Ok so getting how you're feeling and the impression you want to make, how about setting up the living room as a 'boy cave'. Drag out any big soft thing you have: bean bags, big cushions anything they can drop onto to watch a film, shift any unnecessary furniture to the side or another room.

Set up a 'snack station' and put out any dvds/switch games/popcorn maker.

It will be clear that the room has been amended to meet the needs of the kids.

Ah that sounds perfect!!!! I could get big massive cushions... but then where would I put these after. But that's a great idea.

I think I will set up an ice cream sundae station, where they all can choose what to add on to their icecream, pizza, movie and/or switch games.

OP posts:
Bumpsadaisie · 10/11/2021 21:46

@Nivealove

The only thing we have is a Nintendo switch (sigh). What about smoke machine/bubble machine to liven up the place?
God no! Your lad is 12!!

Enjoy - you just need to shell out for a cool activity (and go karts definitely get a tick there).

Being that your duty is to provide crap food and fizzy pop and stay the heck put off the way and don't show the lad up.

🤣

Original poster
Nivealove · 10/11/2021 21:48

Thanks everyone, I am embarrassed of my home and due to this, don't invite many DC's friends back to the house. DC's begged me to do a party in the home so this year I thought I shouldn't let my embarrassment ruin DS's childhood. It's difficult as his friends parents have beautiful homes and gardens, honestly. I just feel a bit out of place.

OP posts: