going away/birthday party ideas?

I don't know about party ideas, but one thing that I would like if I was your daughter is a present to take w/me to be opened on my Bday. It could be a collage of pixs of her from childhood 'til now along w/family pixs. It would be something she can have w/her while she is away and look at when she is homesick. Maybe the idea is too cheesy, but I would like that. =)

If I think of someting later, I will let you know.

Angie (the one w/the husband w/German heritage)

How about a party with all her favorite foods from the United States, no matter how kooky the mix is. It's going to be a year before she gets her favorite foods. I'm only thinking this because when my son got his braces off we had a "crunch" party. All the things he couldn't eat while wearing braces. It was an odd mix, but we had so much fun. So, I was thinking all the foods she couldn't get while in Germany. Might be a lot of cooking for you, but enlist you family and friends to use your recipes or bring in the food like KFC if that's a favorite.

Regards, Lynne

Hi! I'm a party planner as well as a scrapbooker so maybe I can give you some ideas.

I think the most important thing for going away parties (especially for teens) is something for everyone at the party to sign. It could be a stuffed animal, a picture book, really anything that will take a permanent marker.

Another great going-away party idea is to give her an address book as a gift. Pass it around the party and have everyone add his/her address. Then you can give it to her in a gift basket with stamps, envelopes, matching stationary, pens etc.

For a party activity, make a trivia game to see who knows the most about Germany. We've also done a pin-the-tail variation for going away parties where we make a picture of the person's head and then the guests "pin" it to a map. Whoever gets closest to where the person is going wins!!

Hope this helps.

Jennifer