First period celebration ideas
Turning a milestone into a moment of positivity
Quick summary
- Your teen’s first period is an important milestone, and how it’s framed can shape their confidence moving forward
- Celebrations don’t need to be big – small, thoughtful gestures can help reduce stigma and build positivity
- From creating a period care package to marking the day with a meal out, you can choose how it’s done based on what your teen is most comfortable with
For many girls, the first period comes with a mix of emotions.
Surprise, curiosity, embarrassment, stress, shock, or excitement.
How parents respond can make a huge difference. And a small celebration can send the message: this is normal, natural, and nothing to hide.
A first period celebration doesn’t have to be about balloons or big parties (which genuinely might be your teen’s worst nightmare).
Instead, it could be about creating a positive memory and showing your teen that periods are something to be proud of, not ashamed of.
How to plan a first period celebration
Not every teen will want a big gesture – and that’s okay and normal.
Some may feel shy or just not want to make a big deal out of it, while others are proud and want to tell their friends.
The key is to follow their lead.
Ask them what they’d prefer, and remind them that however they feel is completely normal.
For teens who like privacy, even a simple note slipped under their door can mean the world.
This could even be a checklist of things they want from period products to snacks to PJs which you go out and grab for them.
It could also be a luna membership which you gift to them so they can learn more about periods and start tracking, and then forward them the confirmation email with their code to redeem their access.
For teens who are excited about this, let them tell you how they want to mark this occasion.
Simple first period celebration ideas
Every teen is different, so the “right” way to celebrate depends on their personality.
Here are a few simple ideas to inspire you:
- The period care package: creating a period kit for your teen's first period is practical and shows you care – along with the essentials, add in some of their favourite treats and books about periods
- A special outing: take your teen out for ice cream, getting their ears pierced if they’ve been begging for it, a meal, or a fun activity they enjoy to mark the milestone
- A symbolic gift: a small piece of jewelry, a cosy blanket, or a nice skincare set can help them feel supported
- Celebration at home: bake a cake together, watch a favourite movie or a ‘coming of age’ film, or plan a cosy night in
Are period parties a real thing?
Yes, they are! But of course they definitely aren’t for everyone.
Some people do argue that they can make a normal biological change seem like a bigger deal than it needs to be, creating more taboos around periods.
But other people love to do something special for them.
Period parties have become more popular in recent years, especially as families look for fun ways to break the stigma and celebrate this milestone.
Some parents throw small gatherings with cake, red-themed decorations, or thoughtful gifts.
Others keep it really simple – just a special dinner or a quiet night in together.
There are also some period party activities that can help you open up to each other and have fun at the same time:
- Customise period kits e.g. you could get a canvas bag and iron on patches
- Decorate “first period” cupcakes with frosting or sprinkles
- Play pin the pad on the undies (just like pin the tail on the donkey) but you learn about how they work together
- Create a period trivia game with fun (and educational!) questions about periods, puberty, or famous women in history
- Create self care kits
- Gift them the luna app if they really don’t want to talk about it, but need somewhere to turn
Not every teen will want a full-on party (and that’s okay), but knowing that period parties exist can open up the conversation.
Help change the narrative
For generations, periods were whispered about or hidden.
By celebrating in the right way for your teen (and definitely with their input), you’re helping break the cycle of shame and secrecy.
When your teen sees that you’re calm, supportive, and positive, they’re more likely to feel that way too.
If you are seeing signs that your daughter is about to start their period, have a think about what they might like to do to mark the occasion.
Whether it’s a care package, a luna app membership, a quiet dinner, or simply an open, supportive conversation, you’re showing them that their body is something to be respected and celebrated.
And remember, luna has tools, resources, and advice to guide both teens and parents through these milestones – helping your family feel informed, supported, and connected every step of the way.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic "Explaining period parties – and how they might help your child" | Accessed 03.09.25
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/parenting-what-is-a-period-party-and-why-they-could-be-good-for-your-child/Find out about trends when your teen does
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