Teenagers celebrate many milestones. They start high school and have a chance to attend proms and homecoming dances. Teens can get their driver’s license and assume more independence and may also start their first job.

The ultimate landmark for most teens involves high school graduation. Graduating marks their completion of 13 years of public school studies and represents a turning point. Many go on to attend college to prepare for their future careers. Since graduation’s such a significant event, it’s natural to want to throw a graduation party for your teen. Let’s consider some ideas to consider when planning your teen’s high school graduation party.

Celebrate their college acceptance.

Teens start preparing for graduation long before taking their final exams. Set your teen up with a college admissions counselor in their junior year and help them establish academic goals based on their career interests. College counsellors help students determine which colleges have the best postsecondary programs so they can identify their dream school. Their counselor reviews their transcripts and determines ways to strengthen their college applications. Teens can add extracurricular activities to their schedule, complete an internship that provides practical experience in their chosen career field, or take courses that highlight relevant skills.

High school students receive college acceptances in the final months of their senior year. Once your teen finalizes their plans, throw a graduation party based around their chosen college. Use the college’s colors to decorate and allow your teen to announce where they’re heading in the fall. This is an excellent way to celebrate their graduation and the beginning of their college journey.

Throw a retro kids’ party.

Throwing a kids’ party is an excellent option for fun-loving teens. Perhaps your teen had a favorite childhood party they remember fondly. Recreate that party for them with their teenage friends.

You could supplement a royal chair rental by hiring clowns, magicians, and costumed characters for the event. Invest in a dunk tank and give your teen a chance to dunk their friends. Rent a photo booth so they can capture fun photos with their closest friends. You can round out the festivities with carnival games, arcade games, and pony rides. You can even rent a mechanical bull if your teen loved western-themed parties as a kid. Retro parties are perfect for teens who enjoy lighthearted fun, and this is the perfect way to throw a unique party.

Host a low-key party.

Up to 40 percent of all people are introverts, and large social gatherings can be challenging for introverts. No matter how much you may want to host a massive party with dozens of peers or family members, you know your introverted teen will find that type of party exhausting. Instead, focus on a gathering they’ll enjoy. Invite their closest friends and rent them a cottage for the weekend, or book them a room at a resort where they can enjoy some preferred activities. Host a dinner and surprise your teen with the weekend getaway with their friends. Introverted teens will appreciate your efforts to celebrate their milestones in a way that makes them comfortable.

Schedule a bucket list activity.

Many people have a bucket list, a list of special activities or experiences they hope to have before they die. Even teenagers have bucket lists, and if you know your teen has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon or see the Grand Canyon, you can celebrate their graduation by helping them complete a bucket list item. This is another excellent option for introverted teens or teens who don’t want to compete with their friends’ large parties. Other great options include learning to surf, attending a Saturday Night Live taping, or seeing a performance on Broadway.

It’s natural to want to celebrate your teen’s graduation. Consider your teen’s personality and preferences to ensure you throw a party they’ll love.