C.A.
Happy Birthday!! :)
I turned 40 this year and gave myself a party! I had games planned, but ended up not playing any because everyone mingled so well on their own. I asked people to bring munchies to share if they wanted to -- that helped them feel part of the party before they walked in. Then they kept asking each other how they knew me -- I invited everyone I knew from childhood to present day! Fun was had by all! :)
Okay, on to the game ideas ...
Pin the ___ on the ____. We all look pretty silly! :)
Some I have done: feather/hat (Robin Hood); horn/triceratops; eyepatch/pirate; tail/donkey. I typically find a picture of what I want and then draw it. It's okay if it looks silly! It's a silly game! :)
Scavenger hunt. Each guest gets a list as they come in. Guests need to find someone who homeschools, works at a gas station, has 3 kids, etc. It's okay if you have some spaces that end up being blank because the person fitting that description didn't show up, and it's okay to have more than one person fit a description -- it gets people talking!
Sword fights with pool noodles. Really! It doesn't hurt when the noodles are dry. :) Rules: if you get hit on the arm you can no longer use that arm; both arms - they can get creative (use feet?); if hit on leg - must stand on the other; both legs - sit; torso - you're out; head shots aren't allowed.
Have everyone write a little-known fact about themselves on a piece of paper. Put papers in bowl. Each person draw out a paper, then find who it really belongs to.
"Well, I never ..." Everyone is given a bag of candy, then sits in a circle. Go around the circle saying things you have never done. eg: I never jumped out of an airplane. Then everyone who HAS jumped out of an airplane has to give that person a piece of their candy. Have plenty of extra candy for those active, adventurous people who run out of candy!
That's all that is coming to mind right now. Feel free to conatct me if you have any questions or want other ideas -- I have a couple books on party games.
Have a fun birthday!!! :)