First Birthday Party Tips

Each time as the one year mark approached for my kiddos I was filled with excitement, I finally got to plan a birthday party! Now we all know a one year olds birthday party is more for the adults and less for the tiny child who has no clue what we are celebrating but ONE is a big milestone and definitely work celebrating.

Here are some tips we love to help keep the first birthday celebration simple, affordable and memorable...

BE CREATIVE

It can be challenging at one to know what your child likes or dislikes outside of food and being held but many time parents are starting to see their little personalities come through and that can translate nicely into a birthday party theme. For my son's first birthday we had an "On the Move" theme because he liked all things that moved. He constantly played with cars, trucks, tractors and squealed with excited when he saw moving vehicles outside. When kids are turning one they are easy, they don't have an opinion on colors, themes or characters so be creative!

THINK ABOUT TIMING

Choose the best party time based on your child's nap schedule. If your little ones generally goes down for an afternoon nap at 2:00pm don't schedule the party at that time. You will have a cranky, whiny one year old and frustrated emotions. Instead start the party at 10:00am or do a dinner party instead. Set your little one up for success, they will be the center of attention and you want them as happy as can be!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

There is no need to decorate your entire house or garage or backyard, instead chose one spot and focus your attention there. Perhaps you plan to have a food/treat table then set up your decorations there or you plan to host most of the party in your living room or screened in porch, just decorate in that one room. By doing this you not only keep the party planning more simple but you are making a bigger impact with all your cute decorations. Party guests can see your full theme, colors and any personalized decorations all at once instead of feeling like they are on a scattered scavenger hunt around the house.

PARTY GAME FOR GUESTS

I love to have a party game or activity at all of our party and each birthday box we deliver includes one as well. It provides entertainment and fun for the birthday child and party guests. At a one year olds birthday however think more about the guests you have coming, what are their ages, gender, and how many kids will be in attendance. For the most part a one year old is not going to participate in many games or activities so instead gear your entertainment to your guests. If you have several older cousins coming perhaps a themed scavenger hunt or a piñata would be a good choice. Let's say you have five little preschoolers all attending perhaps a hands-on activity like play-doh or water beads would be the right party game. The options are endless but think more about your guests.

DON'T FORGET DESSERT

Many one year olds have not been exposed to lots of sugar or sweets so don't feel the need to get a giant cake for them. Instead have a small smash cake or cupcake for the birthday child that they can explore, touch and taste. If you child has an allergy or you are wanting to keep it sugar free this also allows you to control what they will be eating at their celebration. We found this delicious looking smash cake with yogurt frosting and this one only sweetened with fruit. Now for the adults and older kiddos at the party don't forget the dessert! You can have traditional birthday cake or have something less traditional like cheesecake or pie. A party without cake though is just a meeting and no one wants a meeting for their first birthday!

GIVE BACK

Instead of having your one year old overloaded with new, loud, light up toys ask party guests to make a donation to one of your favorite charities. The list of amazing charities and organizations is endless and they all could use some help so encourage friends and family to make a donation in honor of your child. That way the party stays focused on things that are important and you are not left with twenty new toys that all require batteries and take up space. Of course you can Pledge Your Child's Birthday to Box of Balloons, that is always our favorite option!

These are just a few of our favorite First Birthday Party tips and tricks. You can find many more over at Mommy Poppins, Today's Parent and Red Tricycle. Remember each birthday should be happy and every child celebrated so have fun planning, celebrating and make a wish!