give me a great theme for a 9 yo girl's birthday party

[AFewGoodWomen]

My DD turns 9 in a few weeks and she is too old for pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey. Last year we did a baking party which was fine but frantic (small kitchen, too many children!). This year I am racking my brains for a suitable theme...she does not want a cinema or DVD party, they are still too little for anything make-up related. She says she wants a home party, rather than going out to a craft place....

Any great ideas to share?

I did get someone in to do this - but it could be done yourself unfortunately not by me.

It was making soap, bubble bath, bath bomb, lip balm. They chose 2 things each to make. The organizer melted various things in the microwave and mixed various scents and colours together. Soaps were put into ice-cube trays (shaped like dogs or hearts or whatever) and took about 20 mins to set. Bubble bath was mixed and put in pretty little plastic bottles.

Half the fun was the girls passing round the various smells, colours, glitters and choosing their designs. What was made also served as party bags = bonus!

Apparently she does the above as Halloween parties, girly fairy parties, boys dinosaur parties - just varies the colours and designs available.

Buy plain white t shirts and fabric paint, and have them design their own t shirts. Maybe gets some beads and make necklaces, bracelets etc too.

Build a bear at home party?

What about a funfair party and hire a popcorn machine and candy floss maker. You could make up a coconut shy stall or something similar. Or circus skills would you hire someone into do a workshop? There is a guy round our way who does science parties. I'm sure you could do that too with a bit of research? Spy themed party? Invites in secret code, set them on a treasure hunt to solve the mystery. There is a company that does organised treasure hunts in certain locations across the country. I had considered the one local to us as it ends at the local ice cream parlour!

How about a spy party? Secret codes, invisible ink, disguises maybe?

I quite like the idea above for a soap making party.